Ansible YAML Playbook Generator
Instantly generate baseline Playbooks for network configuration backups.
Playbook Parameters
How It Works
Ansible Playbooks provide a repeatable way to automate configuration and operational tasks across network devices. This generator creates a baseline configuration-backup Playbook based on the target inventory group and selected network operating system.
Automation Applications
Configuration Backups
Generate a ready-to-adapt Playbook for backing up running configurations from network devices.
Repeatable Backups
Standardize configuration backup procedures across groups of switches and other network infrastructure.
Network Operations
Use generated YAML as a baseline for building larger Ansible automation workflows for enterprise networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this generate a complete Ansible project?
No. The generator creates a baseline Playbook focused on network configuration backups. Inventory files, variables, credentials and additional tasks should be configured separately.
Which network operating systems are supported?
The generator provides options for Cisco IOS, Cisco NX-OS and Arista EOS.
Prepare and check your backup playbook
- Enter an existing inventory host or group, such as
core_switches, and select its network OS. - Generate and save the YAML in your Ansible project. Configure the inventory connection, network OS and authentication separately.
- Install the matching collection:
cisco.ios,cisco.nxosorarista.eos. - Check that the Ansible execution environment can write to
/backup/networks/, or change that path in the YAML. - Run
ansible-playbook -i inventory backup.yml --syntax-check, then test with one authorized device before expanding the inventory scope.
The output requests a configuration backup. It does not generate firmware-upgrade tasks, compliance rules, an inventory file or credentials. Syntax checking alone does not test connectivity or prove a successful backup; inspect the resulting file after a test run.
Which module should appear?
Cisco IOS uses cisco.ios.ios_config, NX-OS uses cisco.nxos.nxos_config, and Arista EOS uses arista.eos.eos_config.
Reference: Ansible network backup examples.
Example: back up a lab EOS switch
Enter an existing inventory group such as lab_eos and choose Arista EOS. The output should contain hosts: "lab_eos", arista.eos.eos_config and backup: yes. The generated path refers to the Ansible execution environment, not a directory on the switch.
Before execution, confirm the inventory matches only the intended lab device and that its connection settings match EOS. After a successful run, inspect the backup file, timestamp and device identity. A successful syntax check alone is not evidence that the configuration was retrieved.
Diagnosing common failures
If the module cannot be resolved, check the installed collection in the same execution environment used by the playbook. If no hosts match, compare the generated host pattern with your inventory groups. If saving fails, check the backup directory and permissions. Protect configuration backups because they may contain sensitive network details.
Module reference: Arista EOS configuration backup options. Report a correction.