# Best Network Automation Tools - Page 4

  *By [Tian Lin](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/tian-lin)*

   Network automation tools automate the process of managing, configuring, testing, deploying, and operating physical and virtual devices within a network. They increase productivity by preventing human errors and reducing operating expenses associated with manual network management. IT teams use network automation tools for secure and cost-efficient execution of complex tasks, including network configuration management, network resource provisioning or capacity planning, network device mapping, drift detection, network audits, and OS upgrades.

While network automation tools address various issues, they must not be mistaken for either software-defined networking (SDN) or software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN). SDN optimizes network resources, which helps in making a network more flexible and easier to manage. When this approach is applied to wide-area networks, the technology is known as [SD-WAN](https://www.g2.com/categories/sd-wan).

To qualify for inclusion in the Network Automation Tools category, a product must:

- Automate device configuration maintenance and provide regular backups that are encrypted and safely stored
- Improve compliance by automating the process of determining if a network device meets the organization’s compliance and regulation standards
- Facilitate performance monitoring by allowing IT to read and analyze network performance data on vendor hardware to provide configuration recommendations
- Optimize the performance of security infrastructure
- Reduce human error





## Category Overview

**Total Products under this Category:** 51


## Trust & Credibility Stats

**Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:**

- 30 Analysts and Data Experts
- 2,500+ Authentic Reviews
- 51+ Products
- Unbiased Rankings

G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category.


## Best Network Automation Tools At A Glance

- **Leader:** [Forward Enterprise](https://www.g2.com/products/forward-enterprise/reviews)
- **Highest Performer:** [SolarWinds Kiwi CatTools](https://www.g2.com/products/solarwinds-kiwi-cattools/reviews)
- **Easiest to Use:** [Forward Enterprise](https://www.g2.com/products/forward-enterprise/reviews)
- **Top Trending:** [ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager](https://www.g2.com/products/manageengine-network-configuration-manager/reviews)
- **Best Free Software:** [Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-ansible-automation-platform/reviews)


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**Sponsored**

### BackBox

More than 500 enterprises worldwide trust BackBox as their network cyber resilience platform. BackBox includes support for network devices from over 180 vendors, thousands of pre-built automations, and a no-code way to create new ones. BackBox empowers teams with the confidence to automate critical network processes, maintain business continuity during disruptions, and recover swiftly. From backups and OS updates to configuration compliance and vulnerability management, BackBox ensures that automations deliver consistent, reliable outcomes.



[Visit company website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1478&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1478&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1478&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=57110&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1478&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fnetwork-automation-tools%3Fpage%3D3&secure%5Btoken%5D=62df318f46d2453a2cc70b18baec1252830059c58448b04542087b5e95f8b8cf&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fbackbox.com%2Fnetwork-automation%2F%3Futm_source%3Dg2%26utm_medium%3Dppc&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url)

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## Parent Category

[IT Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/it-management)



## Related Categories

- [Network Monitoring Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/network-monitoring)
- [Configuration Management Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/configuration-management)
- [Network Management Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/network-management-tools)