Roger Perkin
Network Automation Architect
Master the many network automation technologies from myself, Roger Perkin CCIE #50038
There are so many Network Automation Tools to learn, Ansible, Python, Git, Gitlab, Github, API’s, Nornir and so many more.
The biggest challenge for most network engineers is knowing how to get started.
Enrol in one of my easy to follow courses and I will guide you into this incredible and exciting world of network automation.
Hi, I’m Roger
Network Automation addict by day and guitarist by night!
I have been in the network automation space for over 10 years and have worked across many different industries with multiple Cisco Gold Partners, currently working as a Network DevOps Engineer and constantly learning new technologies.
Join me on my journey and check out some of my free resources below.
Also available as an event speaker
Can you guess which is my guitar?
Ansible is one of the easiest ways to get started with network automation.
Python is the most popular language for network automation and is becoming an essential skill for network engineers to learn.
Git is very popular with network engineers to version control their code, configurations and playbooks.
Ansible Inventory
Ansible Roles
Ansible vs Python
What is Ansible
Ansible Vault Tutorial
Ansible Palo Alto
Getting started with AWX
Ansible Playbook Example
Ansible Tutorial for Beginners
Ansible Network Automation Course
Check out my YouTube Ansible Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLplGU0K93TA6k5L6VX9mYnwgPK5MYe_9c
Cloud
With more networking moving to the cloud a solid understanding of all cloud options is essential for any network engineer today
Cisco SDA
Version Control
If this is all new to you, then you might want to start here – What is Network Automation?
| Network Automation Tools | Description |
| Ansible | Open source tool, owned by Red Hat, one of the most popular network automation tools in use in 2024 |
| Python | Python is a programming language that is used for network automation, it is the most popular programming language alongside Golang coming a popular second |
| Terraform | Initially a cloud management tool but gaining massive popularity in the network space with the addition of more and more collections |
| Git | Version Control needs to be at the heart of any automation activities and Git is the most popular tool in use today. |
Latest Content
AWX Workflows
AWX Workflows Tutorial …
Which language is best for network automation?
Which language is best for network automation is one of the most common questions I get asked. Python is the best language for network automation because of its simplicity, extensive libraries, …
Getting Started with AWX: 10 Key Questions Answered
Whether you’re exploring AWX for the first time or already using it in production, getting started with AWX is the hardest part and asking the right questions can help you get more value out of …
Jinja2 Templating Tutorial
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Python Package Manger
UV the ultimate Python Package Manager What is UV? UV is a Python package manager and installer written in Rust, it has been designed to be faster and more efficient than pip and other package …
What is the difference between Ansible AWX workflow template and job template?
AWX Workflow Template An Ansible AWX Workflow Template allows you to chain multiple Job Templates (and even other Workflow Templates) together in a defined sequence or conditional structure. It is …
How Businesses Can Future-Proof Their IT Infrastructure for Growth
IT professionals face the dual challenge of maintaining robust operational systems while simultaneously preparing for future growth in the modern world. Future-proofing your IT infrastructure isn’t …
Nuphy Air 75 v2
Nuphy Air 75 v2 – Tips and Tricks This is the Nuphy Air 75 v2 and the following tips and tricks will get you started with all the amazing features this keyboard has. Nuphy Air 75 v2 Bluetooth …
Pynetbox
Pynetbox is a Python library that serves as an API client for NetBox, an open-source IP address management (IPAM) and data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) tool. This library allows …
How to Install Infrahub
Infrahub is a new source of truth from Opsmill, that allows you to create your own Schema. This means you are in control of the data model, which gives network engineers unlimited options for how …
Getting Started with NetBox
Once you have installed NetBox – you can check my post here – How to Install Netbox you are faced with an empty NetBox and you want to start adding devices but there is a bit of a …
NetBox API
The NetBox API is powered by the Django REST Framework and provides an easy way to access NetBox to read, create, modify or delete an object programmatically. NetBox API documentation The NetBox API …
Netbox Custom Scripts
Netbox Custom Scripts are just Python scripts that you can run inside of Netbox to perform tasks like creating a new site. They allow you do access the Netbox data model directly but the code is …
Cisco YANG Suite
What is the Cisco YANG Suite? Cisco YANG Suite is used to construct and test YANG based APIs over NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC and gNMI on Cisco IOS XE, IOS XR, and NX-OS platforms. Cisco’s YANG …
JNCIA DevOps
JNCIA DevOps Certification The JNCIA-DevOps (Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate – Automation and DevOps) is an associate-level certification in Juniper Networks’ Certification …
How to monitor Ubuntu Server for Disk and CPU usage
Monitoring CPU Usage 1. Top Command The top command provides a real-time view of system resource usage, including CPU usage. 2. htop (Interactive Version of top) htop is a more user-friendly, …
Juniper Cheat Sheet
Configuration and Show Commands for Juniper Basic Junos Router Show Commands & Configurations Here are 10 essential Junos commands and configurations to help you get started with your Junos …
Network Automation Resources
Network Automation Resources Learning Network Automation Network Automation Tools Network Automation Platform
Docker Tips and Tricks
How to remove all Docker Containers? To remove all Docker containers from your server run the command Note: The “-f” option will force the removal of a running container How to run docker …
7 Helpful Git Commands
A best practice way to run some more complex git commands is using an alias. To create a Git Alias use the command For more Git Tutorials check out my other page
What is the difference between Nokia SR Linux and Nokia SR OS?
The terms Nokia SR Linux and Nokia SR OS refer to different software products used in Nokia’s networking equipment, but they serve distinct purposes and are used in different contexts. …
How to bring up vJunos Router in Containerlab
Containerlab is a brilliant way to bring up network testing labs, and Juniper have released free vJunos images that you can use. In this post I am going to download the vJunos image and load it into …
Infrahub Schema
Infrahub Schema Tutorial In the world of Network Automation, Infrahub is leading the way with a new source of truth. Infrahub Schema allows you taking all the best bits of source of truths that have …
How to Install Netbox on Ubuntu
Install Netbox Docker Installing Netbox is a very quick and easy process and you should be up and running in under 10 minutes! Whilst there are many ways to install Netbox for this tutorial I am going …
What is Infrahub & Opsmill?
Introduction to Infrahub About 7 years ago Damien Garros started to think about how to solve some of the fundamental challenges organisations had with developing and maintaining infrastructure …
Get Started with Cisco Modelling Labs for Free
Is Cisco Modelling Labs Free? Cisco have just announced a free tier to their Cisco Modelling Labs platform. This is huge for network engineers, the only way to previously access CML was with the $199 …
What is NetBox?
NetBox is an infrastructure resource modeling (IRM) application designed to empower network automation. NetBox is the leading solution for modeling and documenting modern networks. Netbox is a …
Master Python Dependency Management Like a Pro using UV
Why Managing Python Dependencies is Crucial for Your Projects Top Dependency Management Tools for Managing Python Dependencies Why UV is the only tool I will use from now on! How to manage Python …
AWX API
Ansible AWX API Examples for Network Engineers What is an API request? An API request is how one program or system (in this case, Ansible AWX) communicates with another program or system …
Automating Network Configurations with Ansible and NETCONF on Nokia Routers
Introduction to Network Automation with Ansible Why Use Ansible for Network Automation? For network engineers looking to start with automation, Ansible provides a low barrier to entry while offering …
Nautobot vs Netbox
How Nautobot differs from Netbox Nautobot and NetBox are both open-source network infrastructure management tools, but they differ in several key ways: Origins and Development Architecture and Design …
Nornir vs Ansible
Nornir vs Ansible The main difference between Nornir and Ansible is that Nornir is a pure Python framework where everything you do is written in Python whilst Ansible which is also a Python based …
Ansible Templates
What are Ansible Templates? Ansible templates are a powerful feature that allow you to dynamically generate configuration files or other text-based content on remote systems using templates, …
What is Network Observability?
Network Observability is the ability to gain insights into the internal workings of a network by analyzing its external outputs. Network observability is the ability to answer any question about …
How to download from GitHub
Here are the steps to download files or repositories from GitHub: How To Download a Single File from GitHub To Download an Entire Repository To Clone a Repository (Using Git) Cloning a repository …
Is GitHub still Free?
Is GitHub still Free? GitHub offers free and paid plans, depending on your use case you can use GitHub for free. GitHub offers personal and enterprise accounts. If you want to use GitHub for free you …
Network Automation Conference
Network Automation Conferences 2025 Top of the list is AutoCon3 – this time it’s going to be in Prague, run by the Network Automation Forum it promises to the best yet! Tickets available …
Network Automation Use Cases
10 Common Network Automation Use Cases One of the biggest challenges with network automation is where to start, here are my top 10 network automation use cases to get you started, these will all fit …
Network Automation Lab, how to build a lab network in GCP
EVE-NG Network Automation Lab In this post I will show you how to build an EVE-NG network automation lab in Google Cloud Platform. For this demo I will be using Cisco images but the process is the …
Using Git for Network Configuration Management
Do Network Engineers use Git? Yes, network engineers do use Git, and its usage in the field of network engineering has grown significantly in recent years. Git, a version control system originally …
NetBox Plugins
Installing and Configuring a NetBox Plugin Extending the Navigation Menu Working with the NetBox REST API
What is an API?
What is an API in simple terms? API Example What is an API and how does it work? What is an API key? What is REST API? What is an API request? Other types of API
What is Cisco vPC?
A Cisco Virtual Port Channel (vPC) is an etherchannel formed of links that are physically connected to two different Cisco Nexus 7000 or 9000 Series devices to appear as a single port channel by a …
Ansible Automation Platform Installation Guide
Ansible Automation Platform Installation Requirements
Ansible Automation Platform vs AWX
What is the difference between AWX and the Ansible Automation Platform? What is included in the Ansible Automation Platform? Ansible Automation Platform includes: Ansible Automation Platform vs AWX …
What is Cisco Catalyst Center?
What is the difference between Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst Center? The Cisco DNA Center solution has been renamed, and now is called Catalyst Center. Same product, new name. The Cisco Catalyst …
What is GitHub?
What is GitHub? What is GitHub? What is GitHub? GitHub is a company offering cloud-based Git repository services. GitHub is a code hosting platform providing version control and collaboration. As of …
AWX
Ansible AWX Ansible AWX Tutorial Ansible AWX is the open-source version of Ansible Tower, which is now Ansible Automation Controller which is part of the Ansible Automation Platform. Both AWX and …
Want to Learn with me?
Get started in the world of Network Automation with my
courses on Ansible, Nornir & Git
CCIE #50038
I became CCIE #50038 (Routing & Switching) in August 2015 and now work as a Network Automation Architect
Devnet Certified
My most recent certification is the Cisco Certified Devnet Associate.
Proud to be a member of the class of 2020!
YouTube
I produce videos on YouTube covering all topics of Network Automation
Network Automation Courses
If you are looking for premium network automation training courses in Ansible, Python, Nornir (and coming soon Git) I have authored a few courses which will accelerate your learning. Buy as a single courses or as a single bundle.
Looking for the Best Python Course for Network Engineers? look no further!
Working as a Network Automation Consultant I am using all these technologies every day so you can be assured I am up to date with all the latest advancements in network automation. If you are looking for an automation consultant please get in touch using the Contact Page
Ansible Course
My Ansible training is 100% hands on video labs taking you from installing Ansible all the way to running your first production playbooks.
Master Ansible today and be up and running in a few hours with my Ansible Training
Hi, I’m Roger Perkin, I am CCIE #50038 and have been designing and building enterprise networks for over 20 years. Check out my GitHub site – rogerperkin.github.io
I provide free and paid learning in all areas of Network Automation. Ansible, Python, Git, Nornir and more. Coming soon is my Network Automation Bootcamp which will get you to master network automation concepts.
Currently working as a Network Automation consultant, previously a Network Automation Engineer
Check out all my Work from Home tips! and my Self Build Garden Office
My favourite Laptop stand – Roost Laptop Stand – How to clean laptop screen
Random Fact: When I am not automating networks I work as a Close up Magician a Magician Hampshire so if you are looking for some dinner party entertainment ideas or a London Magician – please get touch!
Or check out my Hampshire Newborn Photographer Eden Grace
Check out this page if you are having issues with Bose QC35 and bluetooth to Windows 10
How to connect Bose headphones to laptop
Videos
I also have a YouTube channel where I publish videos on Network Automation, Subscribe to be notified when I upload a new video
