Yasin Engin Network Automation
Network Automation Labs - SDN Lab Automation
A repeatable lab environment for turning network intent into automated configuration and validation workflows.
Problem
Network labs often become one-off experiments that are hard to rebuild. This project focuses on making topology creation, configuration, telemetry checks, and documentation repeatable enough for learning, debugging, and sharing.
Architecture
The lab separates topology definition, desired configuration, playbook execution, and validation. Containerlab brings up the network, Ansible applies intent, and gNMI/YANG-oriented checks verify that the resulting device state matches the expected design.
Technologies
- Nokia SR Linux and Containerlab for realistic virtual topologies.
- Ansible for idempotent configuration workflows.
- gNMI, YANG, and NETCONF concepts for model-driven network operations.
- Python and shell tooling for repeatable lab support scripts.
What I Built
- Topology-driven network lab structure for quick rebuilds.
- Automation playbooks that can be run repeatedly without manual cleanup.
- Validation checkpoints to compare actual device state against intent.
- Documentation pattern for turning labs into reusable study material.
Screenshots / Diagrams
GitHub Repository
Open Network Automation Labs on GitHub
What I Learned
- Good lab automation starts with clean inventory and topology modeling.
- Validation is a first-class step, not an optional afterthought.
- Network automation work becomes much easier to explain when every run can be reproduced.
Future Improvements
- Add CI checks that lint topology files and validate playbook syntax.
- Create a catalog of BGP, EVPN/VXLAN, and telemetry scenarios.
- Add before/after state snapshots for each lab run.