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Cover of Practical Network Automation

Practical Network Automation

By: Abhishek Ratan

Publisher: Unknown
Published: 2017-11-16
Language: Unknown
Format: BOOK
Pages: 266
ISBN: 9781788299466

About This Book

Get More from your Network with Automation tools to increase its effectiveness.About This Book* Get started with network automation (and different automation tasks) with relevant use cases* Apply software design principles such as Continuous Integration and DevOps to your network toolkit* Guides you through some best practices in automationWho This Book Is ForIf you are a network engineer looking for an extensive guide to help you automate and manage your network efficiently, then this book is for you. What You Will Learn* Get the detailed analysis of Network automation* Trigger automations through available data factors* Improve data center robustness and security through specific access and data digging* Get an Access to APIs from Excel for dynamic reporting* Set up a communication with SSH-based devices using netmiko* Make full use of practical use cases and best practices to get accustomed with the various aspects of network automationIn DetailNetwork automation is the use of IT controls to supervise and carry out every-day network management functions. It plays a key role in network virtualization technologies and network functions.The book starts by providing an introduction to network automation, SDN, and its applications, which include integrating DevOps tools to automate the network efficiently. It then guides you through different network automation tasks and covers various data digging and reporting methodologies such as IPv6 migration, DC relocations, and interface parsing, all the while retaining security and improving data center robustness. The book then moves on to the use of Python and the management of SSH keys for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, all followed by practical use cases. The book also covers the importance of Ansible for network automation including best practices in automation, ways to test automated networks using different tools, and other important techniques.By the end of the book, you will be well acquainted with the various aspects of network automation.Style and approachA clear, concise, and straightforward book that will enable you to automate networks and improve performance.

AI Overview

The book "Practical Network Automation" by Abhishek Ratan is a comprehensive guide to network automation, focusing on leveraging the power of Python and Ansible to optimize network management. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. Introduction to Network Automation:

    • The book begins by introducing the concept of network automation, its importance, and how it can improve network efficiency and reliability. It covers the traditional model of engineer and support operations and how automation can bridge the gap for better efficiency and reliability.

  2. Python for Network Engineers:

    • Chapter 2 delves into Python as a scripting language, providing samples to explain its usage in accessing network devices and data parsing from device outputs. It covers basic programming concepts, programming language choices for automation, and an introduction to the REST framework.

  3. Ansible for Network Automation:

    • The book emphasizes the importance of Ansible in network automation, including best practices in automation and ways to test automated networks using different tools. It covers topics such as roles, variable options, and managing passwords using Ansible Vault.

  4. Data Mining and Reporting:

    • Chapter 3 focuses on accessing and mining data from network devices. It covers device configurations, multi-vendor environments, IP configurations/interface parsing, device OS upgrades, IPv4 to IPv6 conversion, site rollouts, and office/DC relocations. This chapter is crucial for understanding how to extract and analyze network data.

  5. Web Framework for Automation Triggers:

    • Chapter 4 discusses creating web-based scripts and frameworks for automation triggers. It explains why web-based scripts are useful and provides a step-by-step guide on creating a web-based pre and post check tool for validations. This chapter helps in integrating web technologies with network automation.

  6. SDN Concepts in Network Automation:

    • The book covers SDN (Software-Defined Networking) concepts and their application in network automation. It discusses managing cloud platforms, programmable network devices, and controller-based network fabrics. This section is essential for understanding the role of SDN in modern network automation.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a gradual learning journey for network engineers and administrators. It starts with fundamental concepts and gradually moves to more advanced topics, ensuring that readers understand the practical applications of network automation.

  1. Fundamental Concepts:

    • The first chapter introduces the reader to the basics of network automation, including what it is, why it is needed, and its applications. It also covers basic programming concepts and the REST framework.

  2. Python and Ansible Integration:

    • The subsequent chapters delve into the integration of Python and Ansible for network automation. This includes learning Python scripts, using Ansible for device management, and managing SSH keys for machine-to-machine communication.

  3. Data Mining and Reporting:

    • The book then moves on to data mining and reporting, which is critical for network management. It covers various scenarios like device configurations, multi-vendor environments, and data parsing.

  4. Web Frameworks and SDN:

    • The final sections of the book cover web frameworks for automation triggers and SDN concepts in network automation. These sections help readers understand how to integrate web technologies and SDN principles into their network automation strategies.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book's structure and content suggest it would be well-received by network professionals looking to automate their network management processes. The book's comprehensive approach to covering both Python and Ansible, along with its practical use cases, makes it a valuable resource for those seeking to optimize their network operations.

Conclusion

"Practical Network Automation" by Abhishek Ratan is a thorough guide that equips readers with the skills necessary to automate their network management processes efficiently. By covering both Python and Ansible, as well as advanced topics like SDN and web frameworks, this book provides a holistic approach to network automation, making it an essential resource for any network professional looking to streamline their operations.