Understanding Key Differences in Infrastructure and Network Automation Tools

As a network Engineer, we need to know some of the Major Architectural and Conceptual Differences Between Tools.

When it comes to automation tools for networks and infrastructure, they aren't all built the same way.
Here are some important differences you should know — explained in a way that’s easy to understand:

1. Building vs. Setting Up Infrastructure

• Infrastructure provisioning is like building the house — setting up walls, roofs, windows, and doors (things like servers, network connections, and databases).

• Configuration management is like setting up the inside of the house — adding beds, lights, and furniture (installing and configuring the right software).

Provisioning happens on Day 0 (building), and configuration happens on Day 1 (setting things up properly).

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2. Agent-Based vs. Agentless Tools

• Agent-based tools need a little helper (software) installed on each device to manage it.

• Agentless tools don’t need any helper installed; they connect directly.

In networking, agentless tools are often better because many devices don’t allow installing extra software.

3. Centralized vs. Decentralized Control

• Centralized = one big "boss" server tells all devices what to do.

• Decentralized = devices manage themselves or work with each other without a central boss.

4. Special Language vs. Common Language

• Some tools use their own special language (DSL), and you have to learn it to use the tool.

• Other tools use common formats like YAML, making it easier because many people already know it.

5. Declarative vs. Imperative Approaches

• Declarative = you say what you want ("I want a red living room") and the system figures out how to do it.

• Imperative = you tell it step-by-step ("First paint the wall red, then bring in a big sofa").

6. Extending Tools with Programming

• Many tools let you add extra features using common languages like Python or Go — kind of like upgrading your house with smart gadgets.

7. Push, Pull, and Event-Driven Actions

• Push model = you send instructions to the devices.

• Pull model = devices ask for new instructions themselves.

• Event-driven = devices act when something specific happens (like turning on lights when someone rings the doorbell).

8. Mutable vs. Immutable Infrastructure

• Mutable = you change things in the house while living in it (like repainting while living there).

• Immutable = if you want changes, you build a brand-new house and move in.

9. Managing the "State" of Infrastructure

• Some tools don’t remember what was changed — you have to check manually.

• Other tools keep track of everything they built and know when something needs to be rebuilt or fixed.

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Anurudh

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