Learn the concepts that are required for automating our network.

Fundamentals of DevOps

This module starts with automating network reconnaissance. We'll accomplish this by gathering important information from network devices while building a library of dynamic on-demand utilities and generating living documentation. Starting small, the module exhibits the simplicity and elegance of network automation.
We'll then learn how to automate larger changes that require a high number of repetitive steps. These changes will be executed serially in a specific orchestrated order, making them perfect for an automated solution. After becoming comfortable with these new tools, we’ll be able to fully transform any network configuration management into an automated, intent-based, self-documenting system.
In the end, we'll learn how to migrate to a continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline, thereby fully automating the network.

Automate Your Network

## Summary
The solution to many of the challenges faced by modern enterprises is network automation. Networks have outgrown the original scale intended for the management plane. Enterprise networks are now made up of hundreds or possibly thousands of physical and virtual devices. This is why they can no longer be managed by larger groups of human operators. The resources required simply cannot keep pace with the demands of the new technologies being deployed. 

Adopting network automation is an inevitability. The question is whether the technology is available, mature, stable, and production-ready for the enterprise. As outlined in the next chapter, [How to Automate the Network](https://www.educative.io/courses/automate-your-network/how-to-prepare-the-network), the tools are available, easy to adopt and come with mature and well-defined processes. 


# Summary
The solution to many of the challenges faced by modern enterprises is network automation. Networks have outgrown the original scale intended for the management plane. Enterprise networks are now made up of hundreds or possibly thousands of physical and virtual devices. This is why they can no longer be managed by larger groups of human operators. The resources required simply cannot keep pace with the demands of the new technologies being deployed. 

Adopting network automation is an inevitability. The question is whether the technology is available, mature, stable, and production-ready for the enterprise. As outlined in the next chapter, [How to Automate the Network](https://www.educative.io/courses/automate-your-network/how-to-prepare-the-network), the tools are available, easy to adopt and come with mature and well-defined processes. 


Let's take a look at a quick summary of what you covered in the chapter.

What Is Network Automation?

Why Automate the Network?

How to Automate the Network

Where to Start with Network Automation

Repository Structure

Network Reconnaissance

Tactical Playbooks

Data Models and Dynamic Templates

Dynamic Intent-Based Documentation

Configuration Management

Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery

Conclusion

Summary

Summary