MN521 - Network Automation

Credit points: 20 credit points

Workload: 60 hours

Prerequisite: MN511 Enterprise and Cloud Networks

Co-requisite: N/A

Aims & objectives

This is a core unit out of a total of 12 units in the Master of Networking (MNet). This unit addresses the MNet course learning outcomes and complements other courses in a related field by developing students’ specialised knowledge in network architecture, design and implementation strategies. For further course information refer to: http://www.mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/master-networking. This unit is part of the AQF level 9 (MNet) course.
This unit will take you on a journey that will help you exploit the latest version's advanced features to help you increase efficiency and accomplish complex orchestrations. This unit will help you understand how Ansible, an open-source software tool works at a fundamental level and will also teach you to leverage its advanced capabilities. This unit provides students with knowledge about encrypt Ansible content and decrypt data at runtime. It contains ideal resource to help you master the advanced features and capabilities required to tackle complex automation challenges. it will walk you through workflows, use cases, orchestrations, troubleshooting, and Ansible extensions. Lastly, you will examine and debug Ansible operations, helping you to understand and resolve issues. This Unit includes the following topics: 

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of how Ansible works under the hood.    
  • Fully automate Ansible playbook executions with encrypted data.    
  • Access and manipulate variable data within play books.    
  • Use blocks to perform failure recovery or cleanup.    
  • Explore the Playbook debugger and the Ansible Console.    
  • Troubleshoot unexpected behaviour effectively.    
  • Work with cloud infrastructure providers and container systems.    
  • Develop custom modules, plugins, and dynamic inventory sources.
     

Learning outcomes

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

  • Comprehend network automation framework and leverage its advanced capabilities;
  • Apply encryption to network content and decrypt data at runtime environment;
  • Analyse the advanced features and capabilities required to tackle complex automation challenges;
  • Apply workflows, use cases, troubleshooting, and automation extensions;
  • Examine and debug automation operations and resolve issues. 

Weekly topics

This unit will cover the content below:

Week # Lecture Topics Laboratory Topics
1 Lecture 1 Introduction to Network Automation Laboratory 1 System Setup and Understanding Network Automation
2 Lecture 2 Introduction to Bash and Python Scripting for Network Automation Laboratory 2 Automation Using Linux Bash / Network Automation Application
3 Lecture 3 Introduction to Network Automation APIs Laboratory 3 Automation Using Python / Network Automation Application
4 Lecture 4 Introduction to Source Control (Git) Laboratory 4 Automation Using Netconf / Case Study Presentation
5 Lecture 5 Introduction to Automation Tools - Ansible Laboratory 5 Automation using RestConf / Network Automation Application
6 Lecture 6 Introduction to Infrastructure Management - Terraform Laboratory 6 Introduction to Git / Network Automation Application
7 Lecture 7 Network DevOps and CI/CD Laboratory 7 Automation using Ansible / Network Automation Application
8 Lecture 8 Network Automation Architecture Laboratory 8 Automation using Ansible / Case Study Presentation
9 Lecture 9 Network Security Automation Laboratory 9 Automation using Ansible / Network Automation Application
10 Lecture 10 Software Defined Networking (SDN) Laboratory 10 Automation using Ansible / Network Automation Application
11 Lecture 11 Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Laboratory 11 Assignment -2 Demo / Network Automation Application
12 Lecture 12 Network Automation Review/Revision Laboratory 12 Assignment-2 Demo / Case Study Presentation

Assessment

Assessment Task Due Date A B Learning Outcomes Assessed
Assessment 1 Individual -Formative Week 3 10%   a
Assessment 2 - In-class test (On Campus, Face to Face) Week 5 10%   a-b
Assessment 3 - Group Week 11 20%   c-e
Assessment 4 - Class Participation and Contribution Week 2-11 10%   a-e
Final Examination (3 hours)     50% a-e
TOTALS   40% 60%  

Task Type: Type A: unsupervised, Type B: supervised

Contribution and participation (10%)
This unit has class participation as an assessment. The assessment task and marking rubric will follow the Guidelines on Assessing Class Participation (https://www.mit.edu.au/about-us/governance/institute-rules- policies-and-plans/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/Guidelines_on_Assessing_Class_Participation). Further details will be provided in the assessment specification on the type of assessment tasks and the marking rubrics.

Textbook and reference materials

Note: Students are required to purchase the prescribed textbook and have it available each week in class.

Textbook:

  • M. Oswalt, C. Adell, S. S. Lowe, and J. Edelman, Network Programmability and Automation (2nd Edition), O’Reilly Publication, 2023. 

References:

  • C. Topke, Network Programming and Automation Essentials, Packt Publication, 2023.
  • I. Pinto, Network Automation Made Easy, Cisco Press, 2021.
  • K. Abuelenain, J. Doyle, A. Karneliuk, and V. Jain, Network Programmability and Automation Fundamentals, Cisco Press, 2021.
  • J. Liberty and J. Galloway, Git for Programmers: Master Git for effective implementation of version control for your programming projects, Packt Publication, 2021.
  • J. Loeliger, M. McCullough, Version Control with Git (2nd Edition), O'Reilly Media, Inc, 2021.

Adopted Reference Style: IEEE
 

Graduate attributes

MIT is committed to ensure the course is current, practical and relevant so that graduates are “work ready” and equipped for life-long learning. In order to accomplish this, the MIT Graduate Attributes identify the required knowledge, skills and attributes that prepare students for the industry.
The level to which Graduate Attributes covered in this unit are as follows:

Ability to communicate Independent and lifelong learning Ethics Analytical and problem solving Cultural and global awareness Team work Specialist knowledge of a field of study

Legend

Levels of attainment Extent covered
The attribute is covered by theory and practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students always play an active role, e.g. workshops, lab submissions, assignments, demonstrations, tests, examinations.
The attribute is covered by theory or practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students mostly play an active role, e.g. discussions, reading, intepreting documents, tests, examinations.
The attribute is discussed in theory or practice; it is addressed by assessed activities in which the students may play an active role, e.g. lectures and discussions, reading, interpretation, workshops, presentations.
The attribute is presented as a side issue in theory or practice; it is not specifically assessed, but it is addressed by activities such as lectures or tutorials.
The attribute is not considered, there is no theory or practice or activities associated with this attribute.