Network Configuration Automation with Infrahub and Nornir

Abstract:
This document outlines the design and implementation of an automated system for VLAN management as part of the project “Network Configuration Automation with Infrahub and Nornir”. The solution leverages Infrahub as a single source of truth, providing a unified platform for managing network infrastructure data. Nornir, a Python-based automation framework, handles configuration deployment with dry-run validation to detect potential misconfigurations:
- Infrahub serves as the central repository for network infrastructure data, providing version control and collaboration through GitLab.
- Python Transformers: convert Infrahub data into a Pydantic model representing YANG models.
- NETCONF XML Exporter generates valid NETCONF payloads.
- Nornir automates the deployment of NETCONF configurations, offering flexibility and scalability.
- Conditional Runner enforces concurrency limits and controlled task execution, enhancing automation stability.

Key Features:
- Dry-Run Validation: Identifies misconfigurations preemptively.
- Reconciliation Mechanism: Detects configuration drifts for remediation.
- Centralized Management: Streamlines oversight of network configurations.

Benefits:
Automating VLAN configuration reduces human intervention, minimizes errors, and enhances network reliability. Validation and centralized management improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability.

Conclusion:
The “Network Configuration Automation with Infrahub and Nornir” project automates VLAN management by enforcing validation and centralizing oversight, modernizing network management for greater efficiency and scalability.