PROJECT 04 / NETWORK AUTOMATION

Network Automation & Deployment: Python, Ansible, & Netmiko

Secure, repeatable network configuration, VLAN deployment, SSH administration, automated backups, and validation.

Project 4 network automation and deployment infographic featuring Python, Netmiko, Ansible, GitLab, and ExtremeXOS

01 / THE CHALLENGE

Engineering Problem

Manual network configuration across multiple switches increases operational complexity, introduces configuration inconsistencies, and creates opportunities for human error. Without standardized automation, configuration backups, VLAN deployment, administrative access, and change verification require repetitive engineering effort. Network operations teams need secure, repeatable, and auditable deployment processes that improve configuration consistency, reduce downtime risk, and support scalable infrastructure management.

02 / THE APPROACH

Technical Solution

Developed a network automation solution using Python and Netmiko to establish device connectivity, collect configuration backups, discover existing VLANs, and support automated configuration changes. Implemented Ansible inventory files and YAML playbooks to standardize VLAN deployment, configuration verification, and administrative account provisioning across ExtremeXOS switches. Integrated SSH key-based authentication, GitLab version control, connectivity testing, and structured validation to establish a repeatable and secure network deployment workflow.

03 / THE VALUE

Business & Technical Value

Business Value:

Reduce deployment time and manual configuration effort through standardized network automation and repeatable workflows.
Improve operational reliability and business continuity through automated configuration backups, change validation, and consistent VLAN deployment.
Strengthen security, accountability, and scalability through SSH-based administration, version-controlled configurations, and documented engineering procedures.

Technical Value:

Demonstrate Python scripting, Netmiko automation, ExtremeXOS switch management, configuration discovery, and automated backups.
Implement Ansible inventories, YAML playbooks, VLAN provisioning, configuration validation, and administrative account automation.
Apply SSH key-based authentication, GitLab version control, network connectivity testing, troubleshooting, and repeatable deployment validation.

04 / TECHNOLOGY

Tools & Capabilities

Core Tools:

Python Netmiko Ansible YAML GitLab Git ExtremeXOS SSH VS Code

Supporting Technologies:

TCP/IP IPv4 VLANs IEEE 802.1Q Switch Configuration Network Discovery SSH Keys RSA Authentication Device Inventory Ansible Playbooks Configuration Backups Version Control Configuration Management Automated Deployment Administrative Access Connectivity Validation Change Verification Network Troubleshooting

05 / PROJECT EVIDENCE

Implementation & Validation Highlights

Network Discovery & Configuration Backups: Established SSH connectivity to four ExtremeXOS access switches, automated configuration backups using Python and Netmiko, and discovered existing VLAN configurations to establish a verified infrastructure baseline.
Automated VLAN Deployment & Verification: Implemented standardized VLAN configurations across IT, Management, Accounting, and User networks using automation workflows; validated VLAN assignments, switch connectivity, and configuration consistency through repeatable verification procedures.
SSH Security, Ansible & Version Control: Configured SSH key-based authentication, developed Ansible inventory files and YAML playbooks for administrative provisioning, maintained configuration backups through GitLab, and documented testing, troubleshooting, and deployment evidence.

06 / BUSINESS IMPACT

Return on Investment (ROI)

$2.1M Annual Cost Savings

60% Faster Deployments

$3.8M Avoided Downtime

2,800 Hours Saved Annually

75% Reduction in Security Incidents

250% ROI (Year 1)

Explore the supporting portfolio

The canonical engineering documentation and infographics remain in the separate public portfolio repository.

Explore Project 04 on GitHub ↗