DevNet Associate (DEVASC) v1.0Infrastructure and AutomationEasy
A network automation engineer is designing a solution to deploy standardized network configurations to hundreds of devices in a highly dynamic environment. The solution must support idempotent operations, allow for templating of configuration files, and offer a simple, agentless approach for execution. Which tool is most appropriate for this scenario?
- AAnsible
- BSaltStack
- CPuppet
- DChef
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Ansible
Ansible is known for its agentless architecture, using SSH or API to connect to devices. It supports idempotent operations through its modules and uses Jinja2 for powerful templating, making it ideal for standardizing configurations across many devices in a dynamic environment.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. SaltStack uses a master-minion (agent-based) architecture, which contradicts the 'agentless' requirement.
- C. Puppet requires agents on managed nodes, which goes against the 'agentless' requirement.
- D. Chef also requires agents (clients) on managed nodes, not fitting the 'agentless' criteria.
Ansible Key Features
Ansible is an open-source automation engine that automates software provisioning, configuration management, and application deployment. It is known for its simplicity, agentless architecture, and use of YAML for playbooks.
- Agentless (uses SSH/API)
- Idempotent operations
- YAML-based playbooks
- Jinja2 templating for configurations
- Modular and extensible
Memory trick: Ansible: Agentless, No Stress, Just Playbooks.