Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Abstract
Managing network automation at scale requires more than just writing playbooks—it demands a thoughtful architecture that promotes reusability, maintainability, and seamless integration across different execution environments. This presentation explores a production-ready Ansible framework designed to support diverse network operations while maintaining consistency and reducing operational overhead.
We'll examine how to structure an Ansible repository using modular task files that can be shared across multiple playbooks, eliminating code duplication while maintaining playbook-specific functionality. The session will cover the implementation of dynamic inventory systems that automatically discover and categorize network devices, reducing manual inventory management and improving accuracy across large-scale deployments.
Key topics include:
- Designing reusable task file architectures for multi-playbook environments
- Implementing dynamic inventory with external data sources and Python integration
- Leveraging variable hierarchies and external scripts to enhance playbook flexibility
- Building comprehensive testing strategies for complex automation workflows
- Managing dual deployment strategies: traditional Ansible execution and AWX/Tower integration
- Building CI/CD pipelines that maintain synchronization between development and production automation platforms
- Strategies for API-driven automation platform updates and workflow triggers
Attendees will gain practical insights into building automation frameworks that scale beyond individual playbooks to support enterprise network operations. The presentation focuses on architectural patterns and operational strategies rather than specific code implementations, making it valuable for network engineers, automation architects, and operations teams looking to mature their automation practices.
This session is ideal for intermediate to advanced practitioners who have basic Ansible experience and are ready to tackle the challenges of production-scale network automation deployment.
Joseph Nicholson:
Joseph Nicholson is a Network Operations Engineer with NTT DATA. He has over 25 years of experience operating networks for Service Providers. His current focus is on automation of Network Operations processes. He also enjoys spending time hiking in mountains and traveling across the world. He can be contacted through LinkedIn.
nanog.org/events/nanog-96/content/5521
Abstract
Managing network automation at scale requires more than just writing playbooks—it demands a thoughtful architecture that promotes reusability, maintainability, and seamless integration across different execution environments. This presentation explores a production-ready Ansible framework designed to support diverse network operations while maintaining consistency and reducing operational overhead.
We'll examine how to structure an Ansible repository using modular task files that can be shared across multiple playbooks, eliminating code duplication while maintaining playbook-specific functionality. The session will cover the implementation of dynamic inventory systems that automatically discover and categorize network devices, reducing manual inventory management and improving accuracy across large-scale deployments.
Key topics include:
- Designing reusable task file architectures for multi-playbook environments
- Implementing dynamic inventory with external data sources and Python integration
- Leveraging variable hierarchies and external scripts to enhance playbook flexibility
- Building comprehensive testing strategies for complex automation workflows
- Managing dual deployment strategies: traditional Ansible execution and AWX/Tower integration
- Building CI/CD pipelines that maintain synchronization between development and production automation platforms
- Strategies for API-driven automation platform updates and workflow triggers
Attendees will gain practical insights into building automation frameworks that scale beyond individual playbooks to support enterprise network operations. The presentation focuses on architectural patterns and operational strategies rather than specific code implementations, making it valuable for network engineers, automation architects, and operations teams looking to mature their automation practices.
This session is ideal for intermediate to advanced practitioners who have basic Ansible experience and are ready to tackle the challenges of production-scale network automation deployment.
Joseph Nicholson:
Joseph Nicholson is a Network Operations Engineer with NTT DATA. He has over 25 years of experience operating networks for Service Providers. His current focus is on automation of Network Operations processes. He also enjoys spending time hiking in mountains and traveling across the world. He can be contacted through LinkedIn.
nanog.org/events/nanog-96/content/5521
