Network Automation / NetDevOps & change testing
NetDevOps.A green job is not proof of a working network.
A pipeline should do more than execute commands successfully. It should show what changed and whether the network still meets agreed expectations. We connect code review, technical checks and operational approval.
Scope of service
What you receive.
This service fits teams with initial scripts or playbooks but no shared quality controls. It also supports migrations where before-and-after evidence is repeatedly collected by hand. We start with actual network functions: neighbours, reachability, interface state or a defined application path. Those expectations drive the test catalogue, rather than an arbitrary number of passing checks.
A traceable change path
Branches, reviews, approval and execution are linked. A production run identifies reviewed code and a particular device group; automatic merging does not replace operational authorisation.
Several layers of testing
Syntax, data rules and configuration previews are checked before execution. pyATS/Genie or suitable alternative checks capture selected operational states before and after a change.
Meaningful acceptance evidence
Defined expectations, permitted differences and missing observations are visible. Timestamps, targets and test results make findings reproducible without exposing secrets in retained artifacts.
A procedure for failed checks
We distinguish configuration faults, unreachable devices and errors in the test itself. Stop rules, escalation and rerunning checks are practised with your team.
The delivery path
Three controlled steps.
- 01
Define expectations
Select a change and identify affected functions. Assign business acceptance and technical observation to the appropriate owners.
- 02
Build checks and counterexamples
Use both a valid scenario and a deliberately divergent one to verify that the pipeline detects a difference. Inspect artifacts for clarity and sensitive information.
- 03
Use it in a maintenance window
Capture the baseline, apply the approved change and assess results together. Feed findings back into tests and the runbook.
What we agree before starting
A test can assess only what its data source and assertions cover. Parser support is verified per platform. No pipeline proves every application works or independently authorises a production change; explicit approval and relevant application tests remain necessary.
Documented Configlane lab · failed acceptance
When configuration succeeds but the service does not.
CHG-0029 in the Next-Gen SP Core lab remained failed: the virtual XR routers accepted subinterfaces, tag rewrite and pseudowire configuration, but the xconnect never became operational.
Expectation
A VPWS/E-Line service on VLAN 200 was expected to carry the agreed CE path. Acceptance checked service state and reachability from the endpoints.
Observation
No CE probe succeeded. A successful configuration task could not override this finding; the validator was not weakened.
Decision
The platform limitation became a documented upgrade gate. The outcome remains failed service verification, not a successful rollout.
Good to know
Your questions. Clear answers.
Does our team have to become software developers?
No. We start with manageable reviews, readable tests and repeatable procedures. The necessary actions are documented and practised against your own use case.
Can a pipeline test without production access?
Yes. Syntax, data and many rendered configurations can be checked offline. Evidence about live device behaviour requires an appropriate environment and authorised access.
What happens when a result is inconclusive?
Missing evidence does not count as success. The run gets a distinguishable status and a next action. A person decides whether to continue or recover against the agreed criteria.
Let’s discuss your requirements
A few details are enough to begin.
You do not need a finished design. We establish the need, boundaries and a dependable next step.
Discuss change validationHelpful for the first conversation
- Existing Git and CI environment
- A representative change and acceptance criteria
- Available pilot devices or lab
- Artifact retention policy and reviewers
Please do not submit passwords, API keys or confidential network plans through the form.
Explore the technical detail
From versioned configuration to a verified changeTechnical background: Cisco DevNet: pyATS & GenieSource reviewed on . Product capabilities and prerequisites vary by version; the service scope is agreed for each project.