Top 10 Network Automation Tools in 2026
Top 10 Network Automation Tools in 2026
As we move into 2026, network automation remains essential for modern infrastructure. It helps businesses scale their operations, improve reliability, and enhance cybersecurity. With tools ranging from intent-based networking to policy-driven orchestration and multi-cloud integration, these leading network automation tools enable organizations to streamline configuration, ensure compliance, and respond to incidents much more easily within complex environments.
Here’s a look at the top 10 network automation tools to keep an eye on this year, detailing their connections to network security, cloud computing security services, and the overall security landscape.
1. Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Nexus Dashboard
What makes it great: Cisco offers a robust automation stack that focuses on intent-based networking and closed-loop automation, applicable in both campus and data center settings. The DNA Center helps automate policies and configurations for enterprise networks, while the Nexus Dashboard is responsible for orchestrating data center fabrics and ensuring seamless multi-cloud connectivity.
How it relates to security: Cisco integrates network security through various means, including policy enforcement and integrations with tools like Secure Network Analytics and identity services. This supports zero-trust principles, ensuring effective network security monitoring.
Cisco states, “DNS Center delivers end-to-end enterprise network automation and assurance.” However, advanced features and cross-domain integrations might differ based on the licensing tiers, so it’s important to check specific 2026 features.
2. Juniper Apstra
What makes it great: Apstra excels in intent-based networking, allowing for design, validation, and ongoing assurance within data center networks while supporting various vendors.
How it relates to security: The tool’s policies and telemetry are pivotal for enforcing segmentation, crucial for both compliance automation and overall cloud computing security.
“Apstra delivers intent-based networking for data center fabrics with continuous validation.” However, security integrations are reliant on ecosystem connectors, and the list for 2026 may not be fully complete.
3. Arista Cloud Vision
What makes it great: Arista centralizes network state and automates configuration using EOS/NetDL. This is further enhanced by providing detailed telemetry for both data center and campus networks.
How it relates to security: The integration of Arista's Macro-Segmentation Service helps in enforcing dynamic security policies, particularly important for securing east-west traffic and web applications.
According to Arista, “CloudVision provides network-wide automation and telemetry for Arista EOS-based networks.” It’s also worth noting that while multi-cloud and third-party device automation is advancing, it may require additional adapters, and 2026 specifics may still be a work in progress.
4. VMware NSX Federation and NSX-T Automation
What makes it great: VMware’s NSX streamlines software-defined networking and security, especially in virtualized and container environments that are vital for web application microservices.
How it relates to security: With features like a distributed firewall, micro-segmentation, and automated service insertion, NSX aligns closely with zero-trust principles and enhances cloud computing security.
VMware states, “NSX delivers network virtualization with micro-segmentation and distributed security.” Keep an eye out for possible product name changes in 2026 due to company shifts; confirming the latest branding is advisable.
5. Huawei iMaster NCE
What makes it great: Huawei’s iMaster offers AI-driven automation across various domains, including campus, data center, and WAN networks.
How it relates to security: The iMaster includes integrated security policies and telemetry, which help maintain compliance and enable automated responses within cybersecurity frameworks.
They assert, “iMaster NCE provides autonomous driving network capabilities across multiple domains.” However, note that availability can be region-specific due to regulatory factors, and feature set might differ in 2026.
6. Nokia SR Linux and Network Services Platform (NSP)
What makes it great: The NSP is designed for automating multi-vendor IP and MPLS networks, while SR Linux offers modern, programmable interfaces for network operating systems.
How it relates to security: These tools automate service provisioning and telemetry necessary for Security Operations Center workflows, supporting better detection and response to network security incidents in both carriers and larger companies.
Quote: Nokia describes NSP as a “multi-domain network automation and assurance platform for IP, optical, and data center networks.” Remember, specific security modules often depend on partner integrations; always check 2026 capabilities for updates.
As network technology continues to evolve, these tools will play a pivotal role in how organizations manage and secure their networks. Keeping an eye on these developments can help you stay ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of network automation.
7. Ansible Network Automation (Red Hat Ansible)
Why it’s top-tier: Ansible’s agentless, YAML-based automation with network modules supports a wide range of vendors (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Palo Alto, F5, etc.), making it a staple for infrastructure-as-code.
Security linkage: Playbooks enforce configuration baselines, compliance checks (e.g., CIS), and integrate with security companies’ devices (firewalls, WAFs), benefiting web application security and network security controls.
“Ansible network modules enable automation across major networking vendors”
Caveat: Requires robust CI/CD and testing to avoid configuration drift; 2026 module additions may be incomplete.
8. Terraform with Network Providers
Why it’s top-tier: Terraform codifies network infrastructure across cloud and on-prem (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP networking, SD-WAN/branch providers), central to cloud computing security services and multi-cloud governance.
Security linkage: Policy-as-code integrates with Sentinel and third-party scanners to ensure secure configurations (e.g., routing, security groups), aligning with cyber security and compliance.
“Terraform enables infrastructure as code across cloud and on-prem providers”
Caveat: State management and provider maturity impact reliability; 2026 provider landscape may have changed.
9. F5 BIG-IP and NGINX Controller Automation
Why it’s top-tier: F5 automates L4–L7 services—load balancing, WAF, API gateways—critical to web application delivery. Automation via AS3/Declarative APIs and NGINX Controller simplifies complex policy deployments.
Security linkage: Integrated WAF, bot defense, and DDoS services automate protection for web application traffic, bridging app and network security under cyber security programs.
“AS3 provides declarative automation for BIG-IP application services”
“NGINX Controller offers centralized management and automation for NGINX deployments”
Caveat: Transition to distributed architectures requires careful version alignment; 2026 feature sets may be incomplete.
10. Palo Alto Networks Prisma SD-WAN and Panorama Automation
Why it’s top-tier: Prisma SD-WAN automates WAN policies and application-aware routing; Panorama centralizes firewall policy automation across distributed environments.
Security linkage: Strong network security posture with automated policy deployment, threat prevention, and integration with cloud security services supports zero-trust across branch and cloud edges.
“Panorama provides centralized management and automation for Palo Alto Networks firewalls”
“Prisma SD-WAN delivers application-aware routing and cloud-delivered configuration”
