Ansible

Overview

The Linux Group started using Ansible when an Automation Initiative was started at work. They initially used it to automate a Server Build process for new Linux hosts. After a time, it was extended to the Windows Server Build process.

We are now looking at it to allow the Networking team to automate the upgrade processes on some of the network devices that are not supported by DNA-C.

While we are at it, my manager wants me to look at how Ansible can be used to replace BigFix since HCL has been playing games with our Licenses and it looks like we might be moving off BigFix in the near future.

Tutorials

• How to Install and Configure Ansible on Ubuntu 16-04
• Anisble Windows Playbooks

Documentation

• DevGuide.Duke.edu
• DevGuide - NooB Guide written by James Madill

Modules

General

• https://docs.ansible.com/ansible/latest/collections/ansible/windows/win_copy_module.html

Networking

• Cisco iOS Config Module
• YouTube Playlist - Ansible Learning For Network Engineers : Network Automation tutorial with Cisco Examples
• Ansible Playbooks for Cisco Network Automation!
• Ansible Playbook Example to Backup Cisco Router or Switch Config
• Cisco and Ansible
• Get started with Ansible and Cisco (DEVELOPER.CISCO.COM)
• Colin McCarthy Ansible Playbooks for Cisco iOS

Windows

• Connecting to a Windows host

PowerShell

• GOOGLE - Run PowerShell Script through Ansible

Tools

• YAMLLint - YAML Validator