Networking is the use of hardware—like network interface cards, ethernet cables, and switches—as well as software—such as those that create software-defined networking (SDN), software-defined wide area networks (SD-WANs), and network functions virtualization (NFV)—to transport data between endpoints known as nodes.
Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with reduced human assistance. IT automation is the use of software to create repeatable instructions and processes to replace or reduce human interaction with IT systems. Automation software works within the confines of those instructions, tools, and frameworks to carry out the tasks with little to no human intervention.
Network automation is the process of automating the configuring, managing, testing, deploying, and operating of physical and virtual devices within a network. With everyday network tasks and functions automated and repetitive processes controlled and managed automatically, network service availability improves.
