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In the era of digital IT enabled by cloud computing and fuelled by artificial intelligence and machine learning, networks which are the core backbone of the digital IT landscape are also not untouched.
New networking technologies such as Software Defined Networking (SDN), Client Based Network (CBN) and Network Virtualization (NV) have taken over traditional networking.
Network automation tools enable management, deployment, configure, operate and troubleshoot any physical or virtual network devices. As the number of devices are increasing and the digital IT landscape is spreading across physical boundaries, use of multi-cloud environments, hybrid clouds manually managing and operating networks is not feasible and wherein automation comes handy.
In this article we will learn more in detail about 10 top network automation tools, their key features and compare them.
What are Network Automation Tools?
Increased penetration of network devices, expansion of networks from one building to across geographies, mix of physical and virtual network devices requires a more advanced management of them using automation tools to achieve efficiency, speed and agility.
Network automation is achieved in three ways:
- Script based – automation is done using scripting languages and programming
- Software based – automation is done using software
- Intent based – automation is done using artificial intelligence and machine learning
Top 10 Network Automation Tools
Netmiko
It is an open source, python library based on Paramiko SSH library tool which is available free for its users. It automates and simplifies logging into network devices via SSH and executes commands. It is available in GitHub for download.
Features
- SSH connection for network devices
- CLI based interface
- Execution of configuration commands
- Extensive library for supported vendors
NAPALM
It is a network automation and programmability abstraction layer with a multi-vendor based on python library and connects to network devices via a unified API. This cross platform, open source and support different network OS such as Cisco IOS, Cisco IOS – XR, Juniper JunOS.
Features
- Can connect to multiple or single devices
- Automatic execution of commands such as merge, replace or manage configurations
- Discarding and rollback configurations
- Retrieve and auditing
- Collaborates with automation platform such as Ansible, Salt etc
- Cross platform installation is supported
Ansible
Ansible is a Redhat automation tool available on Linux, MacOS, Windows and UNIX. It is a centralized platform for provisioning of network devices, their management in automatic manner using scripts. It is available as an open source and paid version called Ansible tower.
Features
- Free and script based, CLI for configuring automation workflows
- GUI based console in paid version to deploy playbooks for automation
VMware NSX
It has a virtualized network function to move networks from hardware (Physical) to software (Virtual). All your router, switches and firewalls could run on a single physical box and all network components could reside as VNFs.
Features
- Automation of networking and security for micro services and container architecture
- Integration supported with PCF, PKS, Redhat Openshift and Kubernetes
- Automated compliance checks are available
- Cloud applications and micro service automation capability
- Provides capability to streamline security operations, segmentation, policy compliance etc.
Solar Winds Network Automation Manager (SNAM)
SNAM is ideal for monitoring and managing complex and big networks. It can monitor availability, identify faults and performance. Users can create standard configuration, scheduling of automated backups, and disperse it to the same make and model of devices in the network.
Features
- Automated backups, automated change monitoring, automation of changes, configuration auditing etc are supported
- Insight into network fault, availability, bandwidth, performance metrics
- Automatic subnet discovery and IP scans
NetBrain
NetBrain automates documentation and configuration, advanced troubleshooting, and enhancement of network security. This tool automates service tickets related to network issues to cut down MTTR.
Features
- Identification, segregation of network issues, dropped packets etc
- 24&7 real time monitoring and auto ticketing
- Easy to install and quick issue resolution
Apstra OS
It is a Juniper tool which enables automation of network lifecycle and provides support of various vendor equipment. It has single unbiased data in the network meant for troubleshooting effectively and quickly. It supports robust insights and predictive analytics for overall management of network performance and health.
Features
- Creates repeatable blueprints for consistency, reliability and quicker deployments
- Intuitive interface, multi-vendor support
- Improved authentication, access control and advanced threat prevention for each point of connection
TrueSight
TrueSight automation from BMC is fast and supports features such as vulnerability management, lower costs, robust security and complete control over network configurations.
Features
- Reduction is risk of human errors and few network problems
- Automated provisioning and configuration of network devices
- Reduction in non-compliance and security vulnerabilities
- Flexible as it automatically identifies and resolve network issues
SaltStack
It is used for automating network operations and configuration for large networks and supports multiple OS such as MacOS, Windows, Linux etc.
Features
- Deployment times are reduced with automated configuration and management
- Network management for all size of networks
- Single interface to manage complete network
Chef
It is an automation framework which can deploy, configure and manage complete IT infrastructure. It is meant for data centers, cloud environments. Its Infrastructure as a code (IaC) approach meant for quicken deployments in complex networks.
Features
- Accelerate delivery of software with flexibility
- Accelerate cloud adoption
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
You can learn more about her on her linkedin profile – Rashmi Bhardwaj
