WGU D417 – Network Automation and Deployment (BGN4) Task 1 and 2 Study Guide | 2026 with complete solutions.

WGU D417 – Network Automation and Deployment (BGN4) Task 1 and 2 Study
Guide | 2026 with complete solutions.
Task 1: Automation Proposal and Implementation Plan


A. Problem Description
Modern network environments require frequent configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Performing these tasks manually introduces several challenges:

 Human error during configuration changes
 Time-consuming repetitive tasks
 Inconsistent device configurations across the network
 Limited scalability when managing multiple devices

In the current environment, network administrators manually configure routers and switches
using CLI commands. This process is inefficient and increases the risk of misconfigurations,
leading to downtime and security vulnerabilities.




B. Proposed Automation Solution
To address these issues, I propose implementing network automation using Python and
Ansible.

Selected Tools:

 Python – scripting and API interaction
 Ansible – configuration management and automation
 YAML – defining automation playbooks

Solution Overview:

The solution will automate:

 Device configuration deployment
 Backup of configurations
 Network device updates
 Monitoring and reporting

Ansible will be used as the primary automation engine because it is agentless and uses SSH,
making it ideal for network environments.

,C. Environment and Requirements
Hardware Requirements:

 Network devices (routers/switches – Cisco or similar)
 Automation server (Linux-based recommended)

Software Requirements:

 Python 3.x
 Ansible
 SSH enabled on network devices
 Git (optional for version control)

Network Requirements:

 IP connectivity between automation server and devices
 Proper authentication (SSH credentials or keys)




D. Implementation Plan
Step 1: Environment Setup

 Install Python and Ansible on the automation server
 Verify connectivity to network devices using SSH

Step 2: Inventory Configuration

Create an Ansible inventory file listing all network devices.

Example:

[routers]
192.168.1.1
192.168.1.2

[switches]
192.168.1.10
192.168.1.11

Step 3: Create Automation Playbooks

,Develop YAML playbooks for:

 Configuration deployment
 Backup automation
 System updates

Step 4: Testing

 Run playbooks in a test environment
 Validate configurations
 Ensure no service disruptions

Step 5: Deployment

 Execute playbooks in production
 Monitor results and logs

Step 6: Documentation

 Document scripts, configurations, and procedures




E. Sample Automation Script
Ansible Playbook Example (Configuration Deployment)
---
- name: Configure Network Devices
hosts: routers
gather_facts: no
connection: network_cli

tasks:
- name: Configure hostname
ios_config:
lines:
- hostname Router-Automated



Python Script Example (Backup Configuration)
from netmiko import ConnectHandler

device = {
"device_type": "cisco_ios",
"host": "192.168.1.1",
"username": "admin",

, "password": "password",
}

connection = ConnectHandler(**device)
output = connection.send_command("show running-config")

with open("backup_config.txt", "w") as file:
file.write(output)

connection.disconnect()



F. Security Considerations
 Use SSH keys instead of passwords
 Store credentials securely (e.g., environment variables or vaults)
 Limit access to automation systems
 Implement logging and auditing
 Regularly update automation tools




G. Benefits of the Solution
 Increased efficiency and reduced manual effort
 Consistent configurations across devices
 Faster deployment of network changes
 Reduced human error
 Improved scalability




H. Risks and Mitigation
Risk Mitigation
Misconfigured automation scripts Test in staging environment
Unauthorized access Use secure authentication
Automation failure Maintain backups and rollback plans



I. Validation and Testing
 Verify configurations after deployment
 Use test cases for each automation task
 Monitor logs for errors