📘 CCNA 200-301 v1.1
6.1 Explain how automation impacts network management
What Is Network Automation?
Network automation means using software tools, scripts, or controllers to automatically configure, manage, test, and operate network devices — such as routers, switches, and firewalls — instead of doing it manually through the CLI (Command Line Interface).
Without automation
A network engineer logs in to each device (for example, via SSH or console) and types configuration commands one by one.
With automation
A program or central controller sends those configurations to all devices automatically, using code or APIs.
🧠 Why Automation Matters in Network Management
Network automation changes how networks are managed, monitored, and configured.
It brings speed, accuracy, and consistency — things that are difficult to achieve manually in large networks.
Automation affects four key areas of network management:
- Configuration management
- Monitoring and troubleshooting
- Scalability and efficiency
- Reliability and consistency
Let’s go through each.
1️⃣ Configuration Management
Automation tools can push configurations to many devices at once.
- You don’t have to log into each router or switch separately.
- A configuration script or automation tool (like Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or Python scripts) can apply the same configuration everywhere.
Impact:
- Speeds up deployment of new devices or services.
- Reduces human typing errors.
- Makes configuration changes consistent across all devices.
Example (IT context):
A network engineer wants to update the SNMP community string on 100 switches.
Instead of doing it manually, a Python script uses an API or SSH to push the new SNMP configuration to all 100 devices within minutes.
2️⃣ Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Automation helps gather real-time status and performance data from all devices.
- It can automatically check device health, interface status, or CPU/memory usage.
- It can alert the admin if a problem is detected.
- Tools like Cisco DNA Center, SolarWinds, or Python scripts can automatically collect and analyze logs.
Impact:
- Faster problem detection and resolution.
- Less manual checking.
- Predictive maintenance (detecting issues before they affect users).
Example:
An automation tool checks all routers every 5 minutes and alerts the network team if any interface is down or if latency increases.
3️⃣ Scalability and Efficiency
When networks grow (more devices, more users, more cloud connections), manual configuration becomes impossible.
Automation allows networks to scale efficiently.
Impact:
- Easily add or remove devices.
- Roll out network-wide changes faster.
- Reduce workload for engineers.
Example:
If a company adds 50 new branch routers, the automation system can automatically configure and register them with correct IP addresses, VLANs, and security policies.
4️⃣ Reliability and Consistency
Humans make mistakes — scripts do not (as long as they’re written correctly).
Automation ensures consistent configurations and reduces errors caused by manual work.
Impact:
- Devices follow the same configuration templates.
- Reduces configuration drift (when devices slowly become inconsistent).
- Easier to audit and verify network policies.
🔄 The Role of APIs in Automation
API (Application Programming Interface) is how automation tools communicate with network devices.
Instead of sending CLI commands, automation tools use APIs to talk to the device’s control software (like Cisco IOS XE, NX-OS, or DNA Center).
Two key API types:
- REST APIs — Common and based on HTTP (using GET, POST, PUT, DELETE requests).
Example: A REST API can retrieve the interface list from a router. - NETCONF/YANG — XML-based protocols for configuring and monitoring devices.
These are often used for structured and programmable network management.
Impact:
- APIs allow direct communication between automation systems and devices.
- They are machine-readable and faster than CLI scripts.
🧩 Model-Driven Configuration and Data
Automation depends on data models that describe how device configurations and status information are structured.
- YANG – Defines the model (the structure of configuration data).
- NETCONF/RESTCONF – The protocols that use these models to get or set data.
In simple terms:
Instead of treating configuration as plain text commands, automation tools treat it as structured data — making it easy to read, modify, and verify by machines.
🧰 Tools Used in Network Automation (CCNA-level overview)
While CCNA doesn’t expect you to configure these tools, you must know what they do:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cisco DNA Center | Cisco’s centralized automation and management platform; provides policy-based configuration and assurance. |
| Ansible | Open-source tool that automates network device configuration using playbooks (YAML files). |
| Python | Programming language commonly used for writing automation scripts that use APIs or SSH to control devices. |
| RESTCONF & NETCONF | Protocols for retrieving and changing device configurations using structured data. |
| Cisco Meraki Dashboard API | Cloud-based network management automation using REST APIs. |
🧩 Network Programmability and SDN (Software-Defined Networking)
Automation is a part of SDN (Software-Defined Networking) — a concept where network control is centralized and programmable.
- Traditional networks:
Control plane (decision making) and data plane (packet forwarding) are both on each device. - SDN networks:
Control plane is centralized in a controller (like Cisco DNA Center or Cisco SD-WAN vSmart), and the controller programs the devices automatically.
Impact of automation through SDN:
- Centralized control and policy enforcement.
- Fast deployment of network services.
- Simplified management of large networks.
⚙️ How Automation Changes the Network Engineer’s Job
Automation doesn’t remove the need for engineers — it changes what they do.
Engineers now focus on:
- Designing automation workflows.
- Writing or understanding Python scripts.
- Using APIs and controllers to manage networks.
- Verifying automation outputs rather than manually configuring devices.
🧾 Summary – Key Points for the CCNA Exam
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Network Automation | Using software or scripts to automatically configure and manage devices. |
| Benefits | Faster configuration, fewer errors, better consistency, scalable management. |
| APIs | Interfaces (like REST, NETCONF) that allow automation tools to communicate with network devices. |
| Model-driven configuration | Uses structured data models (YANG) for predictable automation. |
| Tools | Cisco DNA Center, Ansible, Python scripts, RESTCONF/NETCONF, Meraki Dashboard API. |
| SDN Relationship | Automation is a major part of SDN’s centralized control and programmability. |
✅ Exam Tip (CCNA 200-301):
Be able to explain:
- What automation is and why it’s used.
- The advantages of automation in managing large networks.
- The basic function of APIs, model-driven architectures, and SDN controllers.
