Top 10 Ansible Modules for EC2 Automation

Automation is a key component in modern IT infrastructure management, and Ansible has emerged as a powerful tool for automating tasks, especially in cloud environments like Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this article, we will explore the top 10 Ansible modules that facilitate EC2 automation. Whether you're provisioning, configuring, or managing EC2 instances, these modules will streamline your workflow and enhance efficiency.

1. ec2_instance – Launching EC2 Instances

One of the fundamental Ansible modules for EC2 automation is ec2_instance. This module allows you to effortlessly launch new EC2 instances, specifying key parameters such as instance type, security groups, and AMI.

- name: Launch EC2 instance
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Launch an EC2 instance
      ec2_instance:
        key_name: my-key
        instance_type: t2.micro
        image_id: ami-0c55b159cbfafe1f0
        security_groups:
          - my-security-group

2. ec2_key – Managing Key Pairs

The ec2_key module is invaluable for managing key pairs associated with EC2 instances. You can create, delete, or import key pairs seamlessly using Ansible.

- name: Create EC2 key pair
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Create an EC2 key pair
      ec2_key:
        name: my-key
        state: present

3. ec2_ami – Managing Amazon Machine Images

To handle Amazon Machine Images (AMIs), the ec2_ami module proves handy. This module facilitates tasks such as AMI creation, deletion, and copying.

- name: Create EC2 AMI
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Create an EC2 AMI
      ec2_ami:
        instance_id: i-0123456789abcdef0
        name: my-ami
        state: present

4. ec2_vol – Managing EBS Volumes

For Elastic Block Store (EBS) volume management, the ec2_vol module is the go-to choice. It enables tasks like volume creation, attachment, and deletion.

- name: Create EC2 EBS volume
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Create an EC2 EBS volume
      ec2_vol:
        size: 10
        instance: i-0123456789abcdef0
        state: present

5. ec2_group – Managing Security Groups

Security is paramount in cloud environments, and the ec2_group module simplifies security group management. You can create, modify, or delete security groups effortlessly.

- name: Create EC2 Security Group
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Create an EC2 Security Group
      ec2_group:
        name: my-security-group
        description: My Security Group
        state: present

6. ec2_elb – Managing Elastic Load Balancers

Elastic Load Balancers (ELBs) play a crucial role in distributing traffic. The ec2_elb module allows you to automate ELB creation, configuration, and deletion.

- name: Create EC2 Elastic Load Balancer
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Create an EC2 Elastic Load Balancer
      ec2_elb:
        name: my-elb
        state: present

7. ec2_asg – Managing Auto Scaling Groups

Auto Scaling Groups (ASGs) ensure optimal resource utilization. With the ec2_asg module, you can automate the creation, scaling, and deletion of ASGs.

- name: Create EC2 Auto Scaling Group
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Create an EC2 Auto Scaling Group
      ec2_asg:
        name: my-asg
        min_size: 2
        max_size: 5
        desired_capacity: 3

8. ec2_vpc – Managing Virtual Private Clouds

Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) provide network isolation, and the ec2_vpc module streamlines VPC management tasks like creation and deletion.

- name: Create EC2 VPC
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Create an EC2 VPC
      ec2_vpc:
        cidr_block: 10.0.0.0/16
        state: present

9. ec2_subnet – Managing Subnets

Subnets are essential for network segmentation, and the ec2_subnet module facilitates their creation, modification, and deletion.

- name: Create EC2 Subnet
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Create an EC2 Subnet
      ec2_subnet:
        vpc_id: vpc-0123456789abcdef0
        cidr: 10.0.0.0/24
        state: present

10. ec2_snapshot – Managing EBS Snapshots

Elastic Block Store (EBS) snapshots are vital for data backup. The ec2_snapshot module allows you to automate snapshot creation, deletion, and restoration.

- name: Create EBS Snapshot
  hosts: localhost
  tasks:
    - name: Create an EBS Snapshot
      ec2_snapshot:
        volume_id: vol-0123456789abcdef0
        state: present