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Introduction
Anuta Networks ATOM AVA is set to revolutionize the way networks are managed through automation. In this blog, we’ll delve deep into the core components of ATOM AVA, the problems it solves, the benefits it offers, and why it’s a smart choice for the future of any network infrastructure deployment. Before we dive in, you can also check out our introductory blog on ATOM AVA, where we provide an overview of this game-changing capability.
ATOM AVA consists of four key components: Co-Pilot, Doc Assistant, Operator Assistant, and Guided Troubleshooting. Understanding the capabilities of these components is essential as they collectively simplify network management and automation, making it more efficient and error-free.
1. AVA Co-Pilot
AVA Workflow Co-Pilot simplifies BPMN generation and accelerates workflow development through a natural language interface and automation. It minimizes manual scripting, speeds up workflow creation, reduces coding errors, and allows network engineers to focus on higher-level tasks.
Key Use Cases
(i) Develop Health Check Automation
AVA Co-Pilot’s automation capabilities transform the way networks are monitored and maintained. This powerful feature streamlines automating tasks like health checks that are traditionally labor-intensive and error-prone. Let’s explore how Co-Pilot can automate health checks step-by-step.
1. Accessing AVA Co-Pilot: To access AVA Co-Pilot, log in to the ATOM platform. AVA Co-Pilot should be accessible from the main dashboard or menu. Once you’re in the AVA Co-Pilot environment, you’ll find a user-friendly interface where you can create workflows.
2. Creating workflows:
a. Defining User Input: AVA Co-Pilot allows you to specify user input. For example, you can set parameters like device names, IP addresses, or keywords for health checks. Define these parameters using the input form provided by AVA Co-Pilot. Start by entering the workflow name “Health Check Automation” and a simple workflow description, such as “Run device inventory, BGP Prechecks, Execute CLI commands, etc.”. Check the box “Generate Workflow using Co-Pilot.”
b. Workflow Blocks: Once you have entered the workflow description, AVA Co-Pilot will automatically create a workflow using predefined workflow blocks. These blocks represent specific actions or checks, such as “Run Device Inventory,” “BGP Pre-checks,” and “Send Email Notification.”
c. Review and Modify: You can now configure and modify the workflow generated by AVA Co-Pilot. Before finalizing the workflow, review the sequence of blocks and the input parameters. You can make any necessary modifications using AVA Co-Pilot’s intuitive interface.
3. Executing the Workflow: Once you are satisfied with your health check automation workflow, you can execute it. AVA Co-Pilot will initiate the workflow and perform the actions specified.
4. Tracking the Workflow Progress: To monitor the progress of the workflow, stay within the AVA Co-Pilot environment. AVA Co-Pilot offers a tracking dashboard where you can review the status of each block in the workflow.
Benefits
- Improved Network Reliability
- Reduced Downtime
- Efficiency Gains
(ii) Run Compliance Checks On-Demand
Network compliance is a non-negotiable aspect of network management, ensuring configurations adhere to predefined standards and policies. Traditionally, compliance checks involve time-consuming manual efforts and a considerable scope for error.
This is where Co-Pilot shines. It performs compliance checks on demand, guaranteeing that network configurations adhere to predefined standards and policies. This feature promotes improved network compliance and security, ensuring any network operates per industry best practices.
You must follow similar steps as depicted in the above use case.
1. Defining User Input: Start by entering the workflow name as “Compliance_checks_on_Demand” and a simple workflow description as shown below, such as “Run Compliance rule, Validate and monitor.” Check the box “Generate Workflow using Co-Pilot.”
2. Review and Modify: Before finalizing the workflow, review the sequence of blocks and the input parameters.
3. Executing the Workflow: Once you are satisfied with your workflow, you can execute it. AVA Co-Pilot will initiate the workflow and perform the actions you specified.
4. Tracking the Workflow Progress: AVA Co-Pilot will offer a tracking dashboard where you can review the status of each block in the workflow.
Benefits
- Enhanced Network Compliance
- Efficiency
- Consistency
- Improved Security
(iii) Active Assurance Test and ServiceNow Integration
Network performance and service quality are paramount in today’s digitally connected world. To ensure top-tier performance, active assurance tests are essential. However, executing these tests manually and integrating the results into your service management platform can be labor-intensive and prone to delays. You can create workflows using Co-Pilot to automate active assurance tests and seamlessly integrate with ServiceNow. Real-time monitoring and issue resolution are at your fingertips, enhancing network performance and service quality. Say goodbye to network disruptions with Co-Pilot’s active assurance capabilities.
Benefits
- Efficiency
- Real-time Integration
- Improved Network Performance
- Service Quality
2. AVA Doc Assistant
This ATOM AVA component provides instant access to a knowledge base, offering concise and comprehensive answers to network-related questions. It simplifies onboarding, reduces information overload, and improves productivity by ensuring team members quickly access accurate information.
Key Use Cases
(i) Integration with Active Directory
Seamless integration with Active Directory is a top priority for organizations seeking efficient network management solutions. Active Directory, a widely used user and resource management system, is a crucial element of many network environments. AVA Doc Assistant understands the importance of this integration and provides a straightforward path to achieve it. Let’s explore how AVA Doc Assistant streamlines the integration process with Active Directory, highlighting its ease of use and benefits to organizations.
1. Express Your Intent: Express your intent using natural language queries, such as “How can I integrate with Active Directory?” AVA Doc Assistant interprets your intent, understands your integration requirements and makes optimal recommendations.
2. Receive Clear Guidance: Receive clear and concise step-by-step instructions and explanations in response to your query. Eliminate ambiguity and ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the integration process.
3. Follow Instructions: Follow the provided instructions from AVA Doc Assistant that is designed for simplicity and accuracy. Execute the integration steps confidently, guided by the assistant’s clear instructions.
4. Execute Integration: Execute the integration based on the guidance provided by AVA Doc Assistant, and benefit from a streamlined and error-free integration process.
(ii) Create an SNMP Trap
SNMP traps play a crucial role in network monitoring and management. With AVA’s assistance, you can efficiently create and configure SNMP traps. Express your intent using natural language queries such as “How to create SNMP Trap?” AVA Doc Assistant interprets your intent and understands the underlying requirements. It is designed to provide clear and concise step-by-step instructions and explanations in response to your query. You can easily follow the provided instructions from the AVA Doc Assistant and execute the steps confidently. You can also start creating the SNMP trap from the AVA execution window directly by clicking on the “Open SNMP trap form.” This capability enhances time efficiency for network operators.
Benefits
- Efficiency
- Accuracy
- Reduced Information Overload
- Improved Productivity
3. AVA Operator Assistant
ATOM AVA’s Operator Assistant automates routine operational tasks and workflows based on natural language prompts. It enhances efficiency, reduces the risk of human errors, and ensures operational consistency. It also streamlines task execution and frees up network engineers for more strategic activities.
Key Use Cases
(i) Running an existing OS Upgrade Workflow from the Assistant
Network administrators often face the challenge of keeping network devices up-to-date with the latest operating system (OS) upgrades. This process can be time-consuming, prone to errors, and may lead to inconsistent device versions. However, with Operator Assistant in ATOM AVA, the execution of OS upgrade workflows becomes a streamlined and efficient task. This use case explores how Operator Assistant simplifies the OS upgrade process, ensuring network devices remain secure and up-to-date while eliminating manual efforts.
1. Express your Intent: Use natural language commands to describe your intent to the Operator Assistant. For example, you can say, “Please help me run the Cisco Image upgrade workflow.”
2. Start Workflow: The Operator Assistant will automatically choose the image upgrade workflow from the workflow library and prompt the start of a workflow from the window as shown below.
3. User Inputs form: Once the workflow is initiated, it will prompt the user inputs form with some basic information like Device IP, Server IP, Image name, User name, Password, etc.
4. Track and Monitor: After filling out the form, each workflow block gets executed, and you can track and monitor the workflow status with the Operator Assistant itself.
Benefits:
- Efficiency
- Accuracy
- Consistency
- Reduced Downtime
- Documentation
(ii) Schedule a Workflow from the Assistant
Routine tasks are a mundane part of daily operations. However, manually executing these tasks can be time-consuming and may only sometimes align with optimal resource timing and planning. To address this challenge, the Operator Assistant in ATOM AVA introduces a powerful feature: scheduling workflows directly through natural language commands. This use case explores how scheduling workflows enhances task automation, ensuring that routine tasks are executed at the right time without requiring manual intervention.
1. Identify Task and Schedule: Use natural language commands to describe your intent to the Operator Assistant. For example, you can say, “Schedule a workflow,” then choose the desired workflow from the workflow catalog window or directly mention the workflow instance you want to execute.
2. Schedule info: Provide the details related to the workflow schedule, such as Starts at, Ends on, Interval Type, Description, Instance name, Operator name, and Email for notification.
3. Execution: ATOM AVA automates the scheduling process. It creates a schedule for the specified task, ensuring it is executed at the designated time without manual intervention.
Benefits:
- Efficiency
- Consistency
- Optimal Timing
- Reduced Workload
- Documentation
4. AVA Guided Troubleshooting
ATOM AVA’s Guided Troubleshooting component aids in root cause analysis by tapping into a knowledge base of network issues and interactive impact analysis. It speeds up issue resolution, minimizes downtime, and optimizes resource allocation by guiding users through the troubleshooting process.
(i) Agent is Not Communicating with the Server – Troubleshoot Steps
Troubleshooting network issues, especially when communication between agents and servers breaks down, can be daunting. It often involves identifying complex root causes and implementing solutions swiftly to minimize downtime. ATOM AVA’s Guided Troubleshooting component is designed to simplify this process. In this section, we’ll showcase how Guided Troubleshooting streamlines the troubleshooting of agent-server communication issues, highlighting the efficiency and time-saving benefits it brings to IT teams.
1. Identify the Issue: Use natural language commands to describe your intent. For example, you can say, “Agent abc is Not Communicating with the Server – Troubleshoot Steps.”
2. Guidance: Guided Troubleshooting automates troubleshooting by accessing its extensive knowledge base. It offers step-by-step guidance on isolating and resolving issues, saving valuable time.
(ii) Maintaining Network Compliance and Security
Maintaining compliance with predefined standards and policies is paramount for ensuring security and reliability. However, identifying and resolving compliance failures can be complex and time-consuming. ATOM AVA’s Guided Troubleshooting component simplifies this process. Let’s explore how Guided Troubleshooting assists in identifying and resolving compliance failures within the network, showcasing the benefits it delivers regarding network compliance and security.
1. Compliance issue: Use natural language commands to describe the compliance issue to Guided Troubleshooting.
2. Violations Analysis: ATOM AVA will process intent and help extract details about the compliance issue, including affected devices, specific standards, or policies.
3. Implement Remediation: Guided Troubleshooting also automates the troubleshooting process by accessing its extensive knowledge base. It provides a guided workflow to identify and resolve compliance violations efficiently.
Benefits:
- Efficiency
- Consistency
- Security
- Documentation
- Expert Guidance
Conclusion
ATOM AVA represents a significant leap forward in network management and automation. In this blog, we have articulated how ATOM AVA addresses real-world network challenges by exploring its core components – Co-Pilot, Doc Assistant, Operator Assistant, and Guided Troubleshooting.
Co-Pilot empowers the ability to automate complex processes, ensuring improved network reliability and reduced downtime. It’s an indispensable tool for network professionals, offering many benefits like enhanced compliance, increased efficiency, and heightened security.
Doc Assistant simplifies access to essential knowledge, enabling smoother integration with systems like Active Directory and efficient SNMP trap creation. Its emphasis on efficiency and productivity equips teams with the necessary information to operate at their best.
Operator Assistant is the bridge between human intent and network automation. Whether running OS upgrades or scheduling workflows, it ensures task accuracy, consistency, and reduced downtime, freeing up valuable time for engineers.
Finally, Guided Troubleshooting proves invaluable in diagnosing network issues and maintaining compliance. By speeding up issue resolution, reducing downtime, and offering expert guidance, it strengthens network security and reliability.
ATOM AVA isn’t just a set of tools; it’s a vision of a future where network management is more efficient, error-free, and user-friendly. It’s a smart choice for organizations that value performance, compliance, and streamlined network operations. As the digital landscape evolves, ATOM AVA ensures your network infrastructure evolves with it, empowering you to overcome challenges and stay ahead of the curve. So, take the leap forward in network automation and unlock ATOM AVA’s power to redefine how you manage and automate your network. Your network’s future starts here.
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Additional Contributors: Sumit Shukla
