Network services automation: an efficient service provider IP network management system

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, service providers face challenges in efficiently delivering data services due to manual processes i.e., service provisioning, cybersecurity compliance, and network inventory. To address this, the research focused on automating service provider IP network infrastructure processes by integrating technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency. The study begins by examining the complexities of current service provider infrastructure systems, highlighting the limitations and constraints of existing network manual processes and automation software. Manual processes lead to prolonged service configuration times, errors prone network configuration, poor network insights, increased operational costs, etc. The developed solution constitutes an automated network system for service provider IP core network infrastructure. The system leverages Agile software methodology, and network automation using Python, and Django web framework. The core values and principles of Agile methodology, such as early and continuous delivery, working with smaller tasks that can be completed quickly, and welcoming changing requirements, were integrated into the system design. The network management system developed in this research offers a comprehensive suite of tools for optimizing and automating service provider network infrastructure operations. Key features include the integration of Python and Django for robust web-based management system, leveraging libraries like Netmiko aimed at managing vendor-agnostic network environment. The system supports network cybersecurity compliance, reporting, inventory management, real-time network insights, network performance, intuitive topology dashboard and service provisioning. Additionally, it utilizes Celery for asynchronous task execution, enabling background processing of network compliance and device configuration updates. This combination of technologies enhances operational efficiency, reduces manual errors, and improves network reliability, contributing significantly to the scholarly discourse on network optimization and offering practical solutions for industry practitioners

Keywords: Service Provider, Network Automation.