In this module we are covering a technology which is changing very rapidly as a general list we will look at the following topics:



Security and Version Control

Ansible

Puppet

Chef

Software Defined Networking (SDN)

OpenFlow

Cloud Infrastructure Scripting

Terraform

PowerShell/BASH

Python Libraries such as Netmiko

VMWare

Templating for Rapid Deployment

DRS

DPM

HA/FT

Network Automation for wired and wireless solutions

University Networking and Infrastructure Labs

Virtual Image and hardware to be used

Amazon Web Server Learner Lab Environment

Cisco Network Academy Environment

Juniper Network Academy Environment

Networking hardware, wired and wireless

We will have practical sessions which will relate to the theory sessions which we have given. This will give to the student a build up level of confidence in this widely used technology. We will make use of the facilities which we have in the networking and computing labs, where we can virtualise the environments.

Practical Case Study - We will look at a practical assignment which will be carried out evaluating the needs for a simulated corporate environment and to present a documented solution. This will allow the student to demonstrate the practical skills required in automating environments (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3).

Written Class Test - In this there will be a 1-hour class test, which will allow the student to demonstrate the theoretical knowledge which will underpin the practical work (Learning Outcomes 1 and 4).

We will have a 1 hour lecture each week where we will look at the theory to help the student to understand the wider context of the various tools which are available. This session will be followed by a session in the networking/computing labs where the various tools can be trialled and evaluated. This is a chance for the student to enhance their knowledge and to consolidate the understanding in a safe controlled environment.

UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS AND CONSEQUENCES FOR AUTOMATION WITHIN A CORPORATE ENVIRONMENT

Knowledge and understanding, Learning

IMPLEMENT AUTOMATION TECHNIQUES FOR A VARIETY OF PROBLEM DOMAINS

Application, Problem Solving

CRITICALLY EVALUATE DIFFERENT AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS FOR DIFFERENT CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTS

Enquiry, Problem Solving

UNDERSTAND AND DISCUSS VERSIONING AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES

Learning, Enquiry, Communication

Blackboard

Cisco Network Academy

VMWare Environment

AWS Academy

Networking Lab

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.


Patel, . et. al. (2022), Infrastructure Automation with Terraform: Automate and Orchestrate your Infrastructure with Terraform Across AWS and Microsoft Azure (English Edition), BPB Publications

Pinto, 2022, Network Automation Made Easy, Cisco Press

Hassan, 2019, Python Scripting for Network Engineers, Independent Books

Okasha, 2020, Network Automation Cookbook, Packt Publishing

Brikman, 2022, Terraform - Up and Running: Writing Infrastructure as Code, O'Reilly

We will provide a number of online resources which the student can use to find additional information

Computing has now become an essential element of any corporate environment. As the technology is increasingly rolled out it is changing to the point where it is difficult to manually carry out changes to the environment. This module will look at various strategies and tools which can be used to automate this procedure within computing. Any changes which are made now need to meet the same requirements as continuous integration and development which we see in software such as Repeatable, Rollback, Reliable and Predictable. Using automation tools, we are reducing the likelihood of downtime and the associate loss of income. We will look at various tools, from ones which automate and monitor, computing, networking, infrastructure, and cloud environments.