Is Ansible Good for Network Automation?
Brendan Choi, Erwin Medina · Apress eBooks · 2023
This chapter offers a brief overview of the current trends in the networking industry and the reasons why Ansible has become a popular tool for enterprise IT configuration and orchestration. The authors introduce Ansible, explaining its workings at a high level and its relevance to working IT engineers, operations managers, as well as to business stakeholders from a commercial stance. The chapter also lays out a comprehensive study plan that will guide readers through the technologies and help them improve their skills. Moreover, the chapter delves into the basic hardware and software required to embark on an Ansible automation journey. It provides information on the minimum PC/laptop requirements needed to build a fully working Ansible/Linux/network automation lab on a single laptop, along with a recommended software set for installing virtual devices such as Linux servers, routers, switches, and firewalls. By the end of this chapter, readers will have a solid understanding of why Ansible is important to the information and communication technology (ICT) industry, what they need to know to become proficient in it, and what resources they require to build their own Ansible lab. This chapter will serve as the foundation for the subsequent chapters in the book, allowing readers to develop their skills and knowledge in a structured and organized manner.