Rapid provisioning of network devices using automated configuration

Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: receiving a selection of a configuration template and a second network node to serve a first network node, the configuration template including at least one template field; receiving at least one value for the at least one template field of the configuration template; configuring the first network node according to the configuration template and the at least one value; receiving, in the network management system, configured device information from the first network node; using the configured device information to identify at least one configuration operation to perform on the second network node to provide connectivity to the first network node; generating at least one configuration module for performing the at least one configuration operation; and applying the at least one configuration module to the second network node.