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Getting Started with Network Automation

Network automation is transforming how we manage and operate networks. Whether you're a beginner or looking to level up your skills, this post will help you get started with the basics, tools, and best practices for automating your network.

What is Possible with Network Automation?

  • Automate repetitive tasks: Backups, configuration changes, compliance checks, and more.
  • Multi-vendor support: Manage Cisco, Arista, Juniper, and many other devices from a single tool.
  • Faster deployments: Roll out new devices or services in minutes, not hours.
  • Consistent changes: Apply the same configuration everywhere, every time.
  • Self-documenting networks: Automatically generate inventory and configuration reports.

Do I Need to Be a Coder?

Absolutely not!

You do not need to be a programmer to start with network automation. Many tools are designed for network engineers, not software developers. You can: - Use simple, human-readable YAML files (no programming required) - Leverage ready-to-use modules for most network vendors - Start with copy-paste examples and adapt them to your environment

Why Start with Ansible?

  • No coding skills required: Ansible playbooks are written in YAML, which is easy to read and write.
  • Huge module library: There are modules for Cisco, Arista, Juniper, and many more.
  • Agentless: No software to install on your network devices—Ansible uses SSH or API connections.
  • Community support: Tons of examples, documentation, and help available online.
  • Learn more: See Ansible: Introduction & Getting Started

How to Start

  1. Install Ansible: 
    pip install ansible
# or
sudo apt install ansible
  2. Create an inventory file: 
    [routers]
r1 ansible_host=192.0.2.1 ansible_user=admin ansible_password=yourpass ansible_network_os=ios
  3. Write your first playbook: 
    ---
- name: Get version from Cisco router
  hosts: routers
  gather_facts: no
  connection: network_cli
  tasks:
    - name: Show version
      ios_command:
        commands:
          - show version
      register: version_output
    - debug:
        var: version_output.stdout_lines
  4. Run the playbook: 
    ansible-playbook -i inventory.ini playbook.yml

Going Further: Advanced Inventory and Variables

As your automation grows, you’ll want to manage many devices and settings efficiently. Ansible makes this easy with:

Inventory Files

  • Organize devices by groups (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls)
  • Use YAML (inventory.yml) or INI (inventory.ini) formats

group_vars and host_vars

  • Store variables for groups or individual devices in group_vars/ and host_vars/ directories
  • Example: group_vars/routers.yml for all routers, host_vars/r1.yml for a specific device

Example directory structure: 

project/
  inventory.yml
  group_vars/
    routers.yml
  host_vars/
    r1.yml
  playbook.yml

Example group_vars/routers.yml: 

ansible_user: admin
ansible_password: yourpass
ansible_network_os: ios

Example host_vars/r1.yml: 

ansible_host: 192.0.2.1

This approach makes your automation scalable, maintainable, and easy to update as your network grows.

Next Steps

Remember: The best way to learn is to start small, experiment, and build confidence. Network automation is for everyone!