What is NSoT?

A Network Source of Truth (NSoT) provides a clear, centralized view of the intended state of your entire network. It defines how your network should operate, providing a baseline to measure observed network behavior for validation and compliance. With accurate data on configurations, inventory, and policies, you can streamline management and improve network performance, ensuring that the network operates as designed. Simplify and Strengthen Your Network with a NSoT
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Centralized Data Management

Access all critical network information in one authoritative source.

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Cross-Network Consistency

Ensure operations align with intended configurations and policies.

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Efficient Automation

Simplify automation with a unified platform for data, workflows, and logic.

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Reliable Data Handling

Reduce manual tasks and human error with accurate data handling.

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Why NSoT Matters Today

With the rise of hybrid and multi-cloud environments, networks are becoming more complex. Traditional tools like spreadsheets, ad hoc scripting, and vendor-specific tooling can’t keep up.

A centralized NSoT provides a single source of data, ensuring consistency and enabling automation.

That’s why many organizations are adopting NSoT as a key part of their network automation strategy.

Network management has long relied on manual processes like spreadsheets and basic scripting, which have significant drawbacks:

  • Human Error: Manual entry is prone to mistakes.
  • Slow Updates: Changes take time to implement, leading to outdated device configurations.
  • Inconsistencies: Lack of synchronization can disrupt network operations.

Without a unified source of truth, network engineers face several challenges:

  • Wasted Time: Tracking discrepancies between documentation and reality.
  • Configuration Drift: Changes may not be accurately recorded.
  • Increased Downtime: Outdated or incorrect configurations can lead to network failures.

Legacy network automation solutions faced significant challenges due to an unreliable Network Source of Truth (NSoT). This resulted in:

  • Fragmented Data: Information was scattered across different systems and vendors.
  • Inconsistent Automation: Various tools struggled to access the same data or work together effectively.
  • Incomplete Efforts: Without a NSoT, automation initiatives were often incomplete.

Automation can make changes, but ensuring those changes are accurate or tied to the right workflow steps requires a robust NSoT.
Without it, automation falls short.

NSoT is key to unlocking reliable, end-to-end automation success.

Build a Stronger Network Foundation

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The New Network Automation Landscape

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  • Networks are increasingly dynamic and distributed, incorporating hybrid cloud environments and multi-vendor systems.
  • Managing this complexity requires a centralized solution for effective automation of network data.
  • A clear, unified Network Source of Truth is essential for automating modern network environments.

  • Network automation depends on real-time data to maintain accurate configurations and ensure proper network operation.
  • An NSoT offers centralized control and real-time updates to facilitate smooth automation workflows.
  • Reliable data access minimizes errors and enhances overall network efficiency.

  • Centralizing network data through an NSoT ensures accuracy and consistency across the entire network.
  • This centralization helps reduce configuration drift, which can lead to network issues.
  • Improved data accuracy enhances overall network security and compliance efforts.

How Do I Get Started with Network Automation?

Discover the fundamentals of network automation and learn why adopting a Network Source of Truth (NSoT) is crucial for success. We’ll explore the key benefits, potential challenges, and how an NSoT forms the foundation for scalable, efficient automation.

The Framework for Network Automation

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Consequences of Ignoring NSoT-Driven Automation

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The Cost of Configuration Drift and Downtime

Without NSoT, networks are vulnerable to configuration drift, where the network’s actual state no longer matches its intended state. This leads to increased downtime as engineers spend time manually fixing issues and ensuring devices are correctly configured. Read More
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Security and Compliance Risks

NSoT helps reduce security vulnerabilities and compliance risks by automating policy enforcement and ensuring all devices follow set guidelines. This minimizes security vulnerabilities and helps organizations avoid costly compliance failures. Read More

Hear Directly From Our Founder, Jason Edelman: How a Reliable Network Source of Truth (NSoT) is the Key to Network Automation
Discover how a trusted NSoT enhances automation, minimizes errors, and optimizes network management.

Read the Full Article

Advantages of Modern Network Management with NSoT

Centralizing Automation
Centralization, Consistency, and Automation
Modern network management starts with centralizing all network data to ensure consistency across devices, vendors, and environments. By using NSoT as a single source of truth, organizations can automate key tasks like provisioning and configuration, leading to more efficient and reliable network management.
Integrations
Integrations for Seamless Workflows
An effective NSoT seamlessly integrates with other tools, including orchestration systems and monitoring solutions. These integrations enable smooth, end-to-end automation, ensuring that workflows— from provisioning to real-time compliance checks—are efficient and uninterrupted.

Aligning NSoT Capabilities with Key Network Functions

Automating Configuration and Compliance

NSoT streamlines automated configuration management and compliance checks ensuring timely data about the network’s current state. This enables automatic remediation of configuration issues, minimizing downtime and ensuring that all devices meet corporate policies.

Supporting Multi-Vendor Environments

Managing a multi-vendor network can be complex, but NSoT simplifies this process by offering a unified view of all devices, regardless of the vendor. This centralization empowers organizations to automate configuration and policy enforcement across diverse environments.

NSoT Blog Posts

Network Management Fundamentals – Getting Started with SoT & Nautobot

Looking to learn how you can get started with Nautobot? You’ve come to the right place. During our monthly webinars in 2023, Tim Schreyack, Director of Sales Engineering at Network to Code, and Jeremy…

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Network Automation Platforms – Key Insights for Network Leaders on How to Scale Network Automation

The network is the lifeblood of any organization, carrying the critical data that fuels operations. But managing complex networks manually can be a time-consuming and error-prone process. This is where network automation…

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NSoT Case Studies

Read our case studies to see real-world examples of how businesses have successfully integrated NSoT into
their network management workflows.

Global Banking Giant

Global Banking Giant

Global Banking Giant Leverages Nautobot to Accelerate Time to Value

In large enterprises, effective network automation is crucial for streamlining operations and transforming network services at scale. Discover how Nautobot revolutionized a Global Banking Giant with 60 million customers in this compelling case study.

Read More

DoD Joint Communications Unit (JCU)

Leveraging Nautobot for Network Source of Truth and Automation Needs

When deploying networks in active military operations, every second counts, and errors are simply not an option. Explore how the JCU used automation to improve the speed and flexibility of network deployments through standardization and configuration compliance.

Read More

 Integrate NSoT into Your Network Management Workflows with Network to Code

  • Easily integrate an NSoT
  • Streamline operations across all devices and environments.
  • Centralize data and automate processes for improved efficiency and accuracy.
  • Achieve reliable, smooth workflows with Network to Code.

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Ready to Transform Your Network Management?
See how Network to Code’s NSoT solutions can transform network automation and begin your journey toward more efficient and reliable network management.

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