Development of a Web-Based Network Device Configuration Automation Application Using Python

Abstract

In today's digital era, the demand for networks and internet services continues to rise, resulting in increasingly dynamic and complex computer networks. With rapidly evolving network conditions and a growing number of connected devices, there is a critical need for automation solutions to mitigate manual configuration errors and streamline time efficiency. This research focuses on developing a web-based network device configuration automation application, named ANCO (Automated Network Configuration), using Python and the Django framework, with the Paramiko library providing SSH-based (Secure Shell) command execution to Cisco and Mikrotik devices. The application aims to reduce manual configuration errors and enhance efficiency in managing multi-vendor network devices. Employing the four phases of the Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology-requirements planning, system design, construction, and implementation-accelerates the development process. The application facilitates dynamic routing OSPF configuration, VLAN addition, command-line-based configuration, configuration verification, manual and scheduled backup, and activity logging. Testing using the black-box method confirms that all functional features operate successfully, while an efficiency analysis on three Cisco and three Mikrotik routers demonstrates significant time savings, up to 97% compared to manual configurations, along with more consistent configuration times, while offering an intuitive interface for streamlined device and configuration management.