It will be a slightly shorter article this time, where we will discuss the different stages a device configuration goes through and what needs to be considered, especially if your company has started its own network automation project. And of course, how Cisco NSO can assist at every stage of the lifecycle.
It is very easy to get started with network automation, but it can quickly escalate in complexity beyond both control and what the team or group that initially started automating the delivery of a service can handle. To establish a shared understanding of the different stages of network equipment and its services, we can use the model below. With the help of Cisco NSO and the right support from an experienced automation team or IT consultants specializing in networking, you can manage this growing complexity in a structured way.
The most important point, however, is that it becomes more difficult and complex the further we move from left to right. The advantage of this is that it is easy in the beginning; simple network automation tools and small changes in company processes can make a big difference. The disadvantage, however, is that even though it is easy at first, it gets harder, and the simple automation tools and small process changes are unlikely to be sufficient in the long run. Cisco NSO can help address this increasing complexity.
The reason it is easy at the start is that it is only about adding configuration; the configuration does not need to be updated or removed until the first service requires modification or decommissioning. A common mistake in network automation projects is that instead of conducting a small pilot project with the full lifecycle of services and equipment in mind, organizations opt for a small and simple project focusing only on the most basic functions. This often results in projects that take a long time and fail to deliver the full potential of Cisco NSO and similar network automation solutions.
Why does this happen? The situation described above illustrates this well: if the entire lifecycle of network automationis not part of the goal from day one, you often end up in the so-called "rethinking valley." Here, it feels like progress is being made, but for every new problem that arises—such as needing to update a service's configuration—you not only have to add this functionality but also remove and redo much of the code and design that initially created it.
If we have only planned for the time it takes to add a function and not for the time required to rip out and rewrite code that was built on incorrect assumptions, the automation project often derails. This is a common issue for many IT consultants and network consultants working with Cisco NSO and other network automation solutions.
This is why it is crucial to start with a small pilot project, an MVP, but one that has the full lifecycle as its goal. We should not avoid difficult or uncomfortable problems just because they are easier to ignore for now—because they won’t solve themselves. Instead, they risk hindering future progress in network automation.
Cisco NSO hasn’t been mentioned yet—so how can Cisco NSO help? Simple: Cisco NSO, with its features and FASTMAP algorithm, is specifically designed to handle this complexity. As a developer or Cisco NSO consultant, you only need to implement the simple case—how a service is added to the network. Thanks to FASTMAP, Cisco NSO can then determine what needs to happen if the service is updated or removed.
For those planning or considering a network automation project—first and foremost, you should absolutely do it—but go in with open eyes and have a plan that covers the entire lifecycle of your services.
Need help getting started?
Whether you need assistance with analysis, implementation, or long-term support, our experienced Cisco NSO consultants can guide you through every step of the process. With the right support, you can maximize the benefits of network automation, reduce costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of your network.
Contact us today to learn how we can help your business succeed with Cisco NSO!
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