A virtual network image system (VNIS) maintaining virtual counterparts for each of the entities in a real-world, physical wireless local area network (WLAN) to which the VNIS corresponds. The virtual counterparts operate in accordance with a communication protocol that corresponds to that of the WLAN and under the control of a VNIS manager component. The VNIS manager component predicts and optimizes operating configurations associated with the virtual counterparts, based on “what-if” analyses, to provide automation of various services relating to the operation of the physical WLAN.