Network Automation can take a variety of forms. You can have your network devices perform various tasks without requiring a human to manually enter commands. The latest methodologies endorse GUI-based software that eliminates the need for programming, making automation easier to implement and more effective. However, successful automation requires network devices to have an API, which is often lacking in older systems. Automation tools launch repetitive searches and tests and help network administrators eliminate human error. They also help administrators manage their networks more efficiently, as they can automatically alert them to errors, high resource usage, and performance issues. The tools can also help administrators perform service-level agreements faster, as they can automatically analyze and monitor network performance.
One of the most important benefits of network automation is its ability to reduce operational costs. With a streamlined network, there are fewer human errors and fewer defects, which ultimately increases the efficiency of network operations. Automation also allows more time and resources to be allocated to other activities, such as software development and deployment. Automation can also help networks become more secure, flexible, and manageable. Finding the best network automation tools will make sense if your organization is concerned with these. They can reduce operational costs and increase time to revenue. These benefits are derived from network automation reducing labor time, reducing human error, and improving network resiliency. It can also prioritize investment by reducing network downtime. In fact, it has been estimated that network automation will save organizations between USD 200,000 and USD 600 million per year.
There are several different network automation tools. These range from script-driven to software-based, commercial to open-source. These tools can help you secure and maintain your network and will allow you to focus on other matters. These tools are great for various tasks, but a few things should be considered before investing in one.
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Script-driven
Most major network outages occur due to human error – mistakes in network configuration settings, missed steps, and processes performed out of order. Script-driven network automation tools allow network administrators to automate routine tasks and reduce the risk of human error. These tools enable network administrators to accelerate their workflows without compromising the quality of their work. Before deploying automation tools on your network, it is essential to test them. It would help if you tried them in a test environment or emulator for the best results. It would be best if you run them one by one to guarantee that they are quick to implement and do not inconvenience users. A good network automation tool should also be secure.
Software-based
Network automation tools can provide an overview of your entire network and automate many tasks. For example, an IP Fabric platform automates the creation of a Low-Level Network Design Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of your network. This report can include topology visualization, network statistics, and complete information. A network automation tool also helps you manage network devices. Using templates, you can make changes to settings and passwords, configure SNMP, and more. These changes can be scheduled and automated, and you can receive email notifications of any changes. Some tools also allow you to perform backups of all of your devices. Automating network tasks with software can save time and effort for network administrators. Automation can be used for local area networks, wide area networks, data center networks, cloud networks, and wireless networks. There are many different types of automation, and choosing the right tool is essential in maintaining your network. To find the right software for your organization, do a thorough inventory of your network devices, identify processes that can be automated, and research available automation tools.
Open-source
Automating a network is a great way to improve efficiency and reduce human error. Open-source network automation tools allow administrators to automate many tasks. Network automation software supports monitoring tools and alerts users when errors, high resource usage, or performance problems are detected. Automating a network can also help organizations test service-level agreements more efficiently. Open-source network automation tools are widely available. Although some open-source network automation tools may need experienced network engineers, they are typically more flexible than paid alternatives. There are also vendors with branded network automation tools.
Commercial
Commercial network automation tools allow network administrators to automate time-consuming and mundane network tasks. They can perform device discovery and configuration management, device testing, and network mapping. These tools can also provide reporting and insight into network activity. These tools can make network administration easier, reduce human error, and increase network speed and efficiency. The first step to automating your network is to choose the right tools for your needs. Whether you have a formal automation practice or are just starting a small-scale lab project, you need an excellent toolkit to turn high-level strategic goals into operational procedures. There are three main types of automation tools: infrastructure-as-code, software-defined platform, and purpose-built.