What Network as Code and Infrastructure as Code Mean for Network Engineers

Network as Code (NaC) emerged as an extension of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), applying similar principles, such as version control and automated testing, to physical network infrastructure. While IaC has achieved widespread adoption and recognition as a standard framework within cloud management and DevOps, NaC has struggled to establish a distinct identity or clear boundaries separate from IaC, NetDevOps, or broader network automation practices. The concept of NaC began circulating informally around 2016 and was highlighted in talks like those by Cisco engineer Julio Gomez, who positioned it alongside IaC within the NetDevOps context. Despite some industry discussions and vendor promotions, NaC remains less commonly known or used among engineers, lacking the universal recognition that IaC enjoys in cloud and DevOps environments.