Configuration Management with Netmiko
Ansible looks good on paper, but in practice it’s a headache. YAML sprawl, dependency chains, clunky overhead — all just to push configs that Netmiko handles cleanly with a few lines of Python. That’s why I build my own playbook-style frameworks on top of Netmiko. They’re lean, reliable, and tailored to the exact environment I’m working in.
My Approach
Playbook-Style Execution – I structure automation like “my own Ansible,” using JSON or YAML to define tasks, targets, and results — but without the drag.
Error Handling & Validation – Every push runs pre-checks and post-checks, logging details so nothing slips through unnoticed.
Rollback Safety – I capture diffs before changes; if something fails, I roll back instantly.
Multi-Device Scaling – Device groups are handled in parallel, with concurrency tuned for safe rollout speeds.
Why Netmiko > Ansible
Direct CLI Control – Netmiko talks to devices natively. No middle layers slowing it down.
Customizable Frameworks – I shape the automation to the network, not the other way around.
No Bloat – Simple, fast, and easy to extend.
Why It Matters
Configuration management should be lean and dependable, not a mess of overbuilt tooling. By wrapping Netmiko in my own frameworks, I get the best of both worlds: playbook-driven repeatability without Ansible’s baggage.
