What is Network Automation and Orchestration?

What is Network Automation?

Network Automation refers to the process of using software and tools to automatically manage and control computer networks, without requiring manual intervention. In simple terms, it’s like setting up a robot to handle tasks that would normally be done by a human.

In a traditional network, network administrators have to manually configure each device (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.), troubleshoot issues, update software, and handle other tasks. With network automation, all these tasks can be performed automatically, based on predefined rules or schedules.

Why is Network Automation Important?

1. Saves Time: It speeds up network management by automating repetitive tasks like device configuration, software updates, and monitoring.

2. Reduces Errors: Manual tasks can lead to mistakes, especially when dealing with large networks. Automation helps to avoid human errors.
3. Improves Efficiency: It allows network administrators to focus on higher-level tasks while the system takes care of the routine work.

4. Scalability: As networks grow larger and more complex, it becomes harder to manage everything manually. Automation makes it easier to handle large networks efficiently.

Examples of Network Automation:

• Configuring devices: Instead of configuring each router or switch one by one, network automation tools can automatically configure devices according to a set template or policy.

• Network Monitoring: Automation can be used to monitor network performance and alert administrators if there’s a problem (like a drop in bandwidth or a failing device), without requiring them to manually check everything.

• Software updates: Automation tools can update devices across the network to ensure they are running the latest security patches and software versions.

What is Network Orchestration?

Network Orchestration is a bit like a “conductor” in an orchestra. It involves coordinating and automating the interactions between different network components (routers, switches, firewalls, virtual machines, and more) to ensure everything works together smoothly.

Think of it as organizing the flow of data and tasks across different parts of a network, so they perform as a unified system. Orchestration is often used to integrate and manage multiple networks and systems in an automated way.

Why is Network Orchestration Important?

1. Simplifies Complex Networks: Networks today can be very complex, with a mix of physical devices, cloud services, and virtual systems. Orchestration helps to make sure everything works together smoothly.

2. Improves Service Delivery: By automating the coordination of network resources, orchestration helps deliver services faster and more efficiently, without requiring human intervention for every step.

3. Increases Flexibility: With orchestration, network administrators can create new services or modify existing ones without having to manually configure each device individually. It allows for more dynamic, flexible management of the network.

Examples of Network Orchestration:

• Cloud Network Management: Orchestration tools can be used to automatically manage the flow of data and resources between cloud data centers and physical networks.

• Provisioning Services: When you need to launch a new service (like adding a new application or server), orchestration tools automatically set up all the required resources and network configurations for that service.

• Service Chaining: This involves linking different network services together (like security, monitoring, and load balancing) in an automated way. For example, when data passes through a network, orchestration can ensure that it is securely encrypted and monitored by different services in the correct order.

The Difference Between Automation and Orchestration

• Automation focuses on automating individual tasks (e.g., configuring a router, applying a software update, monitoring performance).

• Orchestration focuses on automating and coordinating the interactions between multiple tasks and systems (e.g., ensuring that the right devices, services, and resources work together in a seamless manner to support business needs).

How Automation and Orchestration Work Together

These two concepts often work hand-in-hand:

• Automation takes care of the individual tasks (like configuring a network device or updating software).
• Orchestration makes sure those tasks happen in the right sequence and coordinated way to ensure the entire network functions smoothly.

For example, if a new virtual machine (VM) needs to be added to a network, automation might configure the VM, while orchestration ensures the network resources (like IP addresses, bandwidth, and security rules) are set up in the correct order, so the VM works properly.

Benefits of Network Automation and Orchestration

1. Faster Deployment: Automation and orchestration allow services and devices to be deployed much faster.

2. Cost Savings: By reducing manual effort and the likelihood of human error, organizations can lower operational costs and improve productivity.
3. Better Control: Automation and orchestration give administrators better control over complex network tasks, improving network performance and reliability.

4. Improved Security: Automated updates, patches, and configurations help keep the network more secure by ensuring devices and software are always up-to-date and properly configured.

Real-World Examples:

1. Telecommunications: Telecom companies use network automation and orchestration to manage their vast infrastructure, provide on-demand services to customers, and improve network efficiency. For example, when a customer requests additional bandwidth, automation can provision the resources, and orchestration ensures the correct routing and configuration.

2. Data Centers: In data centers, automation and orchestration help manage resources across physical and virtual networks. For example, when a new virtual server needs to be created, orchestration will ensure that it is allocated the correct resources (CPU, storage, etc.), and automation will configure the network settings and security policies.

3. Cloud Networks: Cloud service providers (like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure) use automation and orchestration to manage their infrastructure, provision resources, and scale services as needed, based on demand.

Conclusion

To summarize:

• Network Automation is about automating individual tasks like configuration, monitoring, and updates to make network management faster and more efficient.
• Network Orchestration is about coordinating multiple tasks and systems, ensuring they work together smoothly and automatically to deliver services or manage resources across a network.

Together, they help businesses manage their networks more effectively, improve performance, reduce errors, and save time, all while keeping everything running smoothly and securely.