Explore network automation with Ansible

by configuring network infrastructure fast, reliably, and repeatedly, all while creating a lab utilizing open and available network operating systems and tools

Key Features

Design, build, and automate network devices and cloud networking resources using Ansible

Orchestrate workflows with AWX and integrate Nautobot as a Source of Truth

Start with Event-Driven Ansible and manage Terraform workflows seamlessly

Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Network Automation Cookbook, now in its second edition, is your essential guide to building robust network automation workflows across modern hybrid infrastructures. Building on the foundation laid in the first edition, this version dives deeper into Ansible's role in automating network infrastructure, expanding coverage to include modern use cases across enterprise and cloud networks.

The book introduces Ansible's core concepts, such as playbooks, inventories, variables, loops, and templates, and progresses to advanced topics such as parallelism, fact caching, custom filters, and modular design. You will automate real-world scenarios using Nokia SR, Cisco IOS, Juniper, and Arista devices in a fully reproducible virtual lab. The chapters also help you explore cloud automation for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, and integrate validation tools such as PyATS, Batfish, and Nautobot. New chapters cover event-driven automation, AWX for workflow execution, and Terraform integration. By using hands-on labs and fully reproducible recipes, you can practice real-world scenarios and reinforce your skills.

By the end of this book, you’ll be well-equipped with the tools and workflows to automate infrastructure efficiently with Ansible.

What you will learn

Build Ansible playbooks, roles, and inventories from scratch

Automate Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and F5 network devices

Deploy cloud networks on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud

Validate networks with Batfish, PyATS, and NAPALM

Use AWX for workflow automation and job scheduling

Integrate NetBox or Nautobot as dynamic inventory sources

Run all recipes in containerized, hardware-free labs

Apply event-driven automation using Ansible Rulebooks

Who this book is for

This second edition will help network engineers, DevOps pros, cloud architects, automation engineers, and NREs understand Ansible’s role in network automation and how it integrates with tools like Terraform and event-driven architectures. The book requires basic networking knowledge and familiarity with YAML to maximize learning.