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Introduction to Apstra Freeform

SUMMARY This topic introduces you to the following basic constructs Apstra Freeform uses: Tags, Device Contexts, Property Sets, and Config Templates. We'll also create a simple Freeform blueprint, and explore how to use Freeform with a number of advanced case studies.

Introduction

Juniper Apstra is a powerful automation and operations solution that manages the entire data center switching fabric’s life cycle. This life cycle consists of the design, deployment, and operational phases of a network's life span. Apstra's Intent-Based Networking (IBN) approach helps network architects and operators automate data center network design, build, deployment, and validation. This is accomplished by translating high-level business requirements (called "intent") into an operational data center network.

The IBN approach provides a framework for managing complex networks using reference designs and stateful orchestration. The Apstra architecture and reference designs provide significant benefits, solving some of the most difficult data center networking issues:

  • Helps operators deal with change reliably. This is possible through real-time query-able intent and operational context
  • Simplifies all aspects of the network service life cycle, including Day 0, 1, and 2 operations, reducing the likelihood of human error
  • Reduces operational risk through stateful orchestration, which leverages precondition validations, post-condition validations, automated configuration rendering, and automated expectations validation

Apstra lets you focus on scale and functionality while the system manages the low-level device configuration and operation. Designers input specifications via the Apstra user interface, where they are applied to the reference design and retained in a graph database. The specifications serve as the intended functionality of the network and are the Single Source of Truth (SSOT) for network expectations. Apstra provides operational assurance by performing a continuous comparison of this model to the current state of all aspects of the network.