Network devops Page

Network DevOps

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Network DevOps refers to the integration of DevOps principles into the management and operation of networks. Traditionally, networking has been a separate discipline from software development, with network administrators handling the configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of network devices manually. However, with the rise of software-defined networking (SDN) and network automation, the boundaries between development and operations in networking have blurred. Network DevOps applies the same automation, continuous integration, and continuous deployment (CI/CD) principles used in software development to the world of networking, aiming to improve efficiency, agility, and reliability in network management. The related RFC is RFC 7426, which defines the architecture for SDN systems.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software-defined_networking
https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc7426

The primary goal of Network DevOps is to automate the deployment and configuration of network infrastructure using tools and practices that originated in software development. In a Network DevOps environment, tasks such as configuring routers, switches, and firewalls can be automated through code, enabling network teams to manage their infrastructure in a more consistent and scalable manner. This shift toward automation reduces the risk of human error, speeds up deployment times, and allows for more frequent updates to the network. Ansible, Terraform, and SaltStack are examples of tools that are commonly used in Network DevOps to automate network configuration. The related RFC is RFC 8520, which discusses automation and security in networking environments.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansible_(software)
https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc8520

Network DevOps also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between network engineers, developers, and operations teams. In the traditional networking model, network teams often worked in silos, separated from the software developers and operations personnel. With Network DevOps, these teams work together, using shared tools and processes to manage the entire lifecycle of the network, from development to deployment to ongoing maintenance. This collaborative approach ensures that the network is designed and operated in a way that aligns with the needs of the applications and services running on it. The related RFC is RFC 7494, which outlines principles for collaboration and integration in network systems.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DevOps
https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc7494

One of the key benefits of adopting Network DevOps is the ability to implement CI/CD pipelines for network changes. Just as developers use CI/CD to automate the testing and deployment of code changes, network teams can use CI/CD to automate the validation and deployment of network configurations. This ensures that changes are tested in a controlled environment before they are applied to production, reducing the risk of outages or misconfigurations. CI/CD pipelines in Network DevOps typically include automated testing frameworks that verify the correctness of network configurations, as well as tools for monitoring the impact of changes in real-time. The related RFC is RFC 8174, which defines key terms in automated systems and their application in networking.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CI/CD
https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc8174

Another important aspect of Network DevOps is the use of version control for network configurations. Just as software developers use version control systems like Git to track changes to code, network engineers can use version control to track changes to network configurations. This allows for better auditing and accountability, as all changes to the network are recorded and can be easily rolled back if necessary. By treating network configurations as code, Network DevOps introduces a level of rigor and repeatability that is often lacking in traditional network management. The related RFC is RFC 7484, which discusses the use of version control in managing network systems.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Version_control
https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc7484

Network DevOps also enhances network observability and monitoring. In a traditional network environment, monitoring is often reactive, with network teams responding to issues after they occur. Network DevOps introduces proactive monitoring and telemetry, allowing teams to gather real-time insights into the performance of the network and detect issues before they impact users. Tools like Prometheus and Grafana can be integrated into Network DevOps workflows to provide dashboards and alerts that help teams maintain the health and performance of the network. The related RFC is RFC 9124, which outlines the framework for network telemetry.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus_(software)
https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc9124

Security is a key consideration in Network DevOps. By automating network configuration and management, teams can implement security policies more consistently across the entire network. Network DevOps allows for the automated deployment of security rules, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, ensuring that the network is protected from threats without relying on manual intervention. Moreover, by integrating security into the CI/CD pipeline, teams can automatically test and validate security configurations before they are deployed. This approach, known as DevSecOps, ensures that security is a fundamental part of the network management process. The related RFC is RFC 8456, which discusses security considerations in automated networks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DevSecOps
https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc8456

One of the challenges of Network DevOps is the need for a cultural shift within organizations. Traditional network teams may be resistant to adopting new tools and processes, especially those that involve automation and collaboration with developers. To successfully implement Network DevOps, organizations must invest in training and upskilling their network teams, ensuring that they are comfortable using tools like Ansible, Git, and Terraform. In addition, organizations must foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, encouraging teams to experiment with new approaches and learn from their experiences. The related RFC is RFC 7012, which covers the importance of collaboration and cultural change in network systems.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DevOps
https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc7012

Conclusion

The title of this RFC is "Network DevOps." Network DevOps represents a significant shift in how networks are managed and operated, applying automation, collaboration, and continuous integration practices to the traditionally manual world of network management. By automating configuration, enhancing collaboration, and implementing CI/CD pipelines, Network DevOps helps organizations achieve more reliable, scalable, and secure network operations. While it requires a cultural shift and investment in new tools, the benefits of improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and better security make Network DevOps an essential practice for modern network teams.