The Python Automation Framework – Ansible Basics

The previous two chapters incrementally introduced different ways to interact with network devices. In Chapter 2, Low-Level Network Device Interactions, we discussed Pexpect and Paramiko libraries, which manage an interactive session to control the interactions. In Chapter 3, APIs and Intent-Driven Networking, we started to think of our network in terms of API and intent. We looked at various APIs that contain a well-defined command structure and provide a structured way of getting feedback from the device. As we moved from Chapter 2, Low-Level Network Device Interactions, to Chapter 3, APIs and Intent-Driven Networking, we began to think about our intent for the network and gradually expressed our network in terms of code.

In this chapter, let's expand upon the idea of translating our intention into network requirements. If you have worked on network designs, chances are the most challenging part of the process is not...