Clustered Network Configuration Automation

Context / Problem

At Blue Networks GmbH, there was a challenge to make the configuration of Nokia GPON networks more efficient and less error-prone. Manual configuration was time-consuming and did not scale with the growing number of subscriber connections. The goal was to bridge the gap between CRM systems and the network infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Concept and implementation of an automation architecture.
• Development of Ansible Playbooks for configuring network components.
• Utilization of AWX (Ansible Tower Upstream) for job orchestration and management.
• Integration of interfaces between CRM databases and network elements.
• Ensuring high availability and scalability of the automation solution.

Tech Stack

• Automation: Ansible, AWX
• Programming: Python, Bash
• Infrastructure: Linux, Git
• Network: Nokia GPON, TCP/IP

Outcome

• Significant reduction in manual configuration time per connection.
• Minimization of configuration errors through standardized templates.
• Successful deployment of a scalable solution capable of keeping pace with company growth.

Lessons Learned / Next Steps

Implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles in classic network environments requires not just technical solutions but also a cultural shift. Future extensions could include Event-Driven Automation (EDA) to react to network events in real-time.