Traditional network operations cannot keep pace with this evolving landscape. Manual configuration, periodic audits, reactive troubleshooting, and similar processes do not align with how enterprise networks operate today. Change is always occurring, and change brings risk.
That’s why Python has become a tool in support of network automation and compliance. Python is not a trend, but it solves real-world operational challenges and governance issues for enterprise networks every day.
This article describes how Python has become integral to the operation of modern network environments, how it supports scalable automation and compliance, and how network engineers in enterprises are increasingly expected to leverage code in a manner similar to working with hardware.
Why is automation of network operations no longer optional?
Due to the high volume of change that is being introduced to network environments, the chance of human error increases. As well, the repetitive nature of many of the network engineering tasks generates wasted engineering resources in network automation as per Netpicker.
Establishing proof of evidence for compliance based on a continuously changing network brings its own challenges.
Automation, by defining intent in the form of code, offers a means to reduce the opportunity for variance between task performance and performance reliability.
By automating tasks performed within an enterprise, the tasks will be executed in the same manner each time an individual or organization performs that task; therefore, the performance of the task will be consistent and reliable each time.
Why is Python the preferred choice for network automation?
Python’s popularity within network automation has not occurred randomly; its popularity matches the requirements and work-styles of network engineers as per Netpicker.
- First, Python is user-friendly and easy to read—network engineers can comprehend scripts without needing extensive experience in software development.
- Secondly, Python is home to a well-established group of different types of networking libraries.
- Examples of the many available libraries include NAPALM, Netmiko, Paramiko, and Requests, which allow for simplified access to the devices and configuration information as well as simple API interactions with those devices.
- Third, Python’s ability to integrate with modern tools has made it compatible with numerous tools within IT, such as version control systems, CI pipelines, and automated frameworks used by most IT teams.
- Fourthly, Python has many software developers and an ever-growing user base.
These factors point to Python being an optimal option for network automation on a team- and environment-wide scale.
How Python is used for network configuration and change management?
Configuration management is one of the primary uses of Python in network automation.
Instead of having to apply each change to each device individually, network engineers can use Python scripts to propagate standardized configuration across multiple environments consistently.
For example, using Python scripts, an engineer can compare the running configuration of a device against a known-good standard configuration and display any deviations.
Using Python scripts as a means of automated configuration management allows for a complete auditable history of all change requests, all change approvals, and all changes made to a device’s configuration as per Netpicker.
From a compliance standpoint, using automated configuration management provides a means to trace every change to a device’s configuration back to the source of the request for the change.
By automating the management of configuration changes for networks, we’ve turned what was once a risky event into a controlled, repeatable process as per Netpicker.
What skills do network engineers need to be successful in the age of Python?
- Network engineers will start off using Python by first learning its syntax, but this is just the first stage of their education about programming.
- In addition to knowing how to write scripts, network engineers need to know about APIs, data structures and other fundamental programming constructs. These three areas will contribute to better quality scripts with greater maintainability in the future.
- Successfully implement Python automation solutions in their respective organizations
- Network engineers should also possess a strong and solid foundation of network engineering principles, as automation will not replace the network engineer’s technical expertise; rather, it elevates the value of the network engineer’s expertise.
- Simply put, Network Engineers with strong technical skills and Python Automation will lead the way in the future of managing networks effectively.
How can businesses measure the benefits of automated operations?
The effect of Python-driven automation can easily be measured through various metrics.
- Many companies are reporting fewer changes made by their employees, accelerated time to deploy new products, and improved compliance levels. There is also a greater sense of calm with respect to audit preparation in network automation.
- In addition to this tangible return on investment, the quality of work is often higher as well because engineers are now able to spend more time performing value-added activities as opposed to having to focus on repetitive tasks.
- For the leadership within organizations, these measures translate to less risk exposure and an improved alignment between the IT function and overall organizational objectives.
What is the future of Python in network automation and compliance?
As the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and analytics continues to grow, the use of Python in network automation will continue to expand.
The evolution of higher-level platforms built on Python will allow for even greater customization but at the same time will utilize Python to drive intelligent automation through the analysis of network data.
As compliance expectations move toward continuity within organizations, the demand for automation will continue to grow as well. To know more, contact us at Netpicker!