Network Automation Platforms are software systems that automate and orchestrate the configuration, deployment, and management of network infrastructure. Unlike network automation tools which are software applications that automate specific tasks.
Free Network Automation Platforms
1. Nautobot
Nautobot is an open-source Network Source of Truth (NSoT) and Automation Platform. It provides a flexible data model to represent device inventory, IP addresses, interconnections, topology, and configuration/state, and uses an intent-based model to capture desired network state. Robust REST and GraphQL APIs and the Nautobot App Ecosystem (e.g., Golden Config, Device Lifecycle Management, SSoT) integrate with external systems to orchestrate zero-touch provisioning (ZTP), day-2 operations, and remediation—maintaining compliance and preventing configuration/policy drift. Designed for complex, multi-vendor environments, Nautobot streamlines provisioning, reduces manual effort, and increases operational consistency. By serving as a centralized, authoritative source for devices and intended state, Nautobot replaces manual network management with automated, programmatic workflows that support modern, data-driven operations.
Nautobot is Open Source and also as licensed supported version for enterprise, if you want a free network automation platform Nautobot is pretty incredible.
I’ve been using Nautobot for over 2 years now every day and it keeps getting better.
Commercial Network Automation Platforms
1. Itential
Itential Automation Platform is a software designed to support network automation and orchestration across diverse environments, including cloud, virtual, and physical infrastructure.
The software enables integration with various IT systems and network technologies through prebuilt adapters and APIs, allowing users to design, execute, and manage network workflows and automation tasks. It facilitates configuration management, policy enforcement, compliance checks, and monitoring by providing a central interface for automating routine and complex network operations.
The platform addresses challenges related to reducing manual intervention, minimizing configuration errors, and accelerating service delivery across enterprise and service provider networks.
For more info check out https://www.itential.com
For the complete list check out the Gartner Report
Network Automation Platforms vs Network Automation Tools
If network automation platforms are the broad software systems that automate and orchestrate network operations, then network automation tools are the specific applications, frameworks, or utilities used to perform those automation tasks.
Definition
Network automation tools are software applications that automate specific networking tasks such as device configuration, provisioning, monitoring, testing, compliance checking, and troubleshooting across network infrastructure.
They are often used within, or alongside, larger network automation platforms.
Examples of Network Automation Tools
Configuration Management & Provisioning
- Ansible
- SaltStack
- Puppet
- Chef
These tools automate device configuration and ensure consistent network settings across multiple devices.
Automation Frameworks & Libraries
- Python
- Netmiko
- NAPALM
- PyATS
These allow engineers to create custom automation scripts and workflows.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Terraform
- OpenTofu
Used to provision and manage network and cloud infrastructure through code.
Network Testing & Validation
- Batfish
- Cisco pyATS
- Robot Framework
Used to verify network configurations and validate changes before deployment.
API & Workflow Automation
- Postman
- Python Requests
- Apache Airflow
Used to interact with network device APIs and orchestrate automated workflows.
Relationship Between Platforms and Tools
| Network Automation Platform | Network Automation Tool |
|---|---|
| Provides end-to-end orchestration and management | Performs specific automation tasks |
| Often includes multiple tools and workflows | Usually focuses on a particular function |
| Example: Cisco NSO, Itential, Juniper Apstra | Example: Ansible, Netmiko, Terraform |
Simple Distinction
- Platform = the complete automation ecosystem.
- Tool = the individual utility that carries out an automation task.
For example, Cisco NSO is a network automation platform, while Ansible and Netmiko are network automation tools that can be used independently or integrated into a platform.
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