Just Claim It: Simplifying Network Automation with NetBox Operator

This conference talk explores how Swisscom developed the open-source NetBox Operator to bridge network management and Kubernetes environments as part of their cloud-native transformation. Learn how this tool enables GitOps practices for IP address management by leveraging the Kubernetes API and implementing a "claim" model similar to the PersistentVolume Controller. Discover how the operator processes high-level intent to reserve network resources in NetBox, simplifying automation of MetalLB IP Address Pools for zero-touch ingress networking configuration. The presenters demonstrate practical applications and advanced features like sticky IP assignments that allow engineers to focus on higher-level tasks while enhancing scalability and agility across infrastructures, including 5G core deployments.