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Demonstrate another use case of Ansible Automation Controller workflow for F5 BIG-IP.
For this exercise, we will create a workflow for server patch management, first to disable the pool members, patch the nodes, and then enable the nodes. In parallel, we also attach an iRule to virtual server, to respond to the users when servers are under maintenance.
Similar to the previous lab, we need to create the following templates by following Lab 4.1:
| NAME | Playbook |
|---|---|
| Disable node | disable_node.yml |
| Enable node | enable_node.yml |
| Patch server | patch_server.yml |
| Attach iRule | attach_irule.yml |
| Detach iRule | detach_irule.yml |
|
Again, we use the same template parameters as Lab 4.1 for each of the above templates, except for Patch server. This template will use credential Workshop Credential, and all other templates will be using BIGIP
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| NAME | |
| JOB TYPE | Run |
| INVENTORY | Workshop Inventory |
| PROJECT | Workshop Project |
| PLAYBOOK | |
| CREDENTIALS |
|
Here is one example templates configured:
-
Click on the Templates link on the left menu.
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Click on the
button. Select the Workflow Template. -
Fill out the form as follows:
Parameter Value NAME Node maintenance workflow ORGANIZATION Default INVENTORY Workshop Inventory |
-
Click on the Save button
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When you click the SAVE button, the WORKFLOW VISUALIZER should automatically open. If not click on the blue WORKFLOW VISUALIZER button.
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By default only a green START button will appear. Click on the START button.
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The ADD A NODE window will appear on the right.
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Select the Disable node Job Template. Use the drop down box to select run. Select Always from left navigator menu option called Run type.
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Click the Save button.
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Click on the START button, again. The ADD A NODE will appear again.
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Select the Attach iRule job template. Select Always from left navigator menu option called Run type.
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Click the Save button.
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Hover over the Disable node node and click the + symbol. The ADD A NODE will appear again.
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Select the Patch server job template. Select On Success from left navigator menu option called Run type.
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Click the Save button.
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Hover over the Patch server node and click the + symbol. The ADD A NODE will appear again.
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Select the Enable node job template. Select On Success from left navigator menu option called Run type.
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Click the Save button.
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Hover over the Enable node node and click the + symbol. The ADD A NODE will appear again.
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Select the Detach iRule job template. Select On Success from left navigator menu option called Run type.
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Click the Save button.
Lastly, we create a convergence link, which allows the jobs running in parallel to converge. In another word, when both jobs finish, Detach iRule node will trigger.
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Hover over the
Attach iRule to virtual servernode and click the chain symbol. -
Now, click on the existing
Detach iRule. An ADD LINK window will appear. For the RUN parameter choose Always.
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Click the SAVE button again to save the workflow.
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Return to the Templates window
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Click the launch button to launch the Node maintenance workflow template.
At any time during the workflow job you can select an individual job template by clicking on the node to see the status.
-
With the iRule attached to virtual server, users will receive a maintenance page during the server maintenance:
You have
- Created a workflow template that disables pool members, upgrade web servers, and add servers back to the pool
- Attached iRule to virtual server, and user will get maintenance page during server patch
- Launched the workflow template and explored the VISUALIZER
You have completed lab exercise 4.3
Click here to return to the Ansible Network Automation Workshop