Exploring Cisco NSO: From Simple Start to Managing Complexity

Updated: July 7, 2025

This time, it's a slightly shorter article where we will discuss the different stages that equipment configuration goes through and what you need to consider, especially if your company has started its own network automation project. And of course, how Cisco NSO can help at each step of the lifecycle.

It's very easy to get started with network automation, but it can quickly escalate in complexity beyond both control and what the team or group that started automating service delivery can handle. To ensure we have a reasonably common understanding of the different stages for network equipment and its services, we can use the model below. With the help of Cisco NSO and the right support from an experienced automation team or IT consultants specializing in networking, you can manage this growing complexity in a structured way.

The most important point, however, is that it becomes more difficult and complicated the further we move from left to right. The advantage of this is that it's easy in the beginning; simple network automation tools and small changes in company processes can make a big difference. The disadvantage, however, is that even though it's easy in the beginning, it gets harder, and the simple automation tools and small changes in company processes probably won't be enough all the way. Cisco NSO can help meet this increasing complexity.

The reason it's easy at the start is that it's just about adding configuration; the configuration doesn't need to be updated or removed until the first service needs to be changed or a service is decommissioned. A common mistake in automation projects for network automation is that instead of implementing a small pilot project with the entire service and equipment lifecycle as the goal, one undertakes a small and simple project with only the most basic functionalities as the goal. This often leads to projects that take a long time and do not deliver the full potential of Cisco NSO and similar network automation solutions.

Ref: https://xkcd.com/1319/

Why does this happen? The situation described above illustrates this well: if the entire network automation lifecycle is not part of the goal from day one, you often end up in the so-called "rethinking valley." There, it feels like progress is being made, but for every new problem that arises – for example, that a service's configuration needs to be updated – you not only need to add this functionality but also remove and redo much of the code and design that created it.

If we have only planned for the time it takes to add a feature and not for the time required to tear out and rewrite code, which is based on assumptions that turn out to be incorrect, the automation project often derails. This is a common problem for many IT consultants and network consultants working with Cisco NSO and other network automation solutions.

Therefore, it is important to start with a small pilot project, a so-called MVP, but that this MVP has the entire lifecycle as its goal. We should not avoid difficult or uncomfortable problems just because they are easier to ignore right now, as they will not solve themselves; instead, they risk hindering future progress in network automation.

Cisco NSO has not yet been mentioned, so how can Cisco NSO help? Simply: Cisco NSO, with its features and FASTMAP algorithm, is specifically designed to handle this complexity. As a developer or Cisco NSO consultant, you only need to implement the simple case, i.e., how a service is added to the network. Through FASTMAP, Cisco NSO can then calculate what is required if the service is updated or removed. For those planning or considering their own automation project – first and foremost, of course you should – but go into it with open eyes and have a plan that covers the entire lifecycle of your services.

Do you need help getting started?

Whether you need help with analysis, implementation, or long-term support, our experienced Cisco NSO consultants can guide you through every step of the process. With the right support, you can maximize the benefits of network automation, reduce costs, and improve the overall efficiency of your network. Contact us today to find out how we can help your company succeed with Cisco NSO!

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