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Network Automation and Programmability Notes for CCNA

The document provides an overview of network automation and programmability, highlighting their definitions, benefits, and key concepts such as automation tools, APIs, and Infrastructure as Code. It discusses the significance of network programmability, including Software-Defined Networking and model-driven programmability, as well as automation in Cisco environments. Additionally, it covers common use cases, best practices, and challenges associated with network automation and programmability.

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15 views

Network Automation and Programmability Notes for CCNA

The document provides an overview of network automation and programmability, highlighting their definitions, benefits, and key concepts such as automation tools, APIs, and Infrastructure as Code. It discusses the significance of network programmability, including Software-Defined Networking and model-driven programmability, as well as automation in Cisco environments. Additionally, it covers common use cases, best practices, and challenges associated with network automation and programmability.

Uploaded by

Høussàéîn Bèn Méssâõûd
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Network Automation and Programmability Notes for CCNA

Introduction to Network Automation

●​ Definition: Network automation involves using software tools and scripts to


configure, manage, and operate network devices and infrastructure without
manual intervention.​

●​ Benefits:​

○​ Reduces manual errors​

○​ Increases operational efficiency​

○​ Improves scalability​

○​ Enhances consistency in configuration​

Key Concepts of Network Automation

1.​ Automation Tools:​

○​ Ansible: Agentless tool for configuration management and


automation.​

○​ Python: Popular programming language for scripting automation


tasks.​

○​ Puppet and Chef: Tools for managing network and server


configurations.​

2.​ APIs (Application Programming Interfaces):​

○​ Allow communication between different software components.​

○​ Types of APIs used in networking:​


■​ RESTful APIs​

■​ NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol)​

■​ gRPC​

3.​ Infrastructure as Code (IaC):​

○​ Concept of managing network infrastructure using code rather than


manual configuration.​

○​ Examples: Ansible playbooks, Terraform scripts.​

Introduction to Network Programmability

●​ Definition: Network programmability refers to using software programming


to control and manage network behavior dynamically.​

●​ Significance:​

○​ Provides flexibility to adjust network resources based on business


needs.​

○​ Supports automation of repetitive tasks.​

Key Components of Network Programmability

1.​ SDN (Software-Defined Networking):​

○​ Separates control plane (decision-making) from data plane


(forwarding).​

○​ Centralized control using SDN controllers like OpenDaylight or Cisco


APIC.​

2.​ Protocols for Programmability:​


○​ OpenFlow: Protocol for SDN communication.​

○​ NETCONF/RESTCONF: For device configuration.​

3.​ Model-Driven Programmability:​

○​ Uses YANG models to describe the network configuration.​

○​ Tools: Cisco NSO (Network Services Orchestrator).​

4.​ Telemetry and Monitoring:​

○​ Use real-time data to monitor network health.​

○​ Examples: Cisco Streaming Telemetry, SNMP.​

Automation in Cisco Environments

1.​ Cisco DNA Center:​

○​ Centralized management and automation platform.​

○​ Features: Intent-based networking, real-time telemetry, network


assurance.​

2.​ Cisco DevNet:​

○​ Developer platform with APIs, SDKs, and tools for network


automation and programmability.​

3.​ Cisco EEM (Embedded Event Manager):​

○​ Enables automated responses to network events.​

4.​ Cisco NETCONF/YANG:​


○​ Allows programmatic configuration of network devices.​

Key Python Libraries for Networking

●​ Netmiko: Simplifies SSH connections to network devices.​

●​ NAPALM: Abstraction library for managing network devices.​

●​ Paramiko: SSH library for remote connections.​

●​ Requests: For making REST API calls.​

Common Use Cases of Network Automation

1.​ Configuration Management: Automating device configurations to ensure


consistency.​

2.​ Network Monitoring: Real-time alerts and data collection.​

3.​ Troubleshooting: Automated diagnostics to identify and resolve issues.​

4.​ Device Upgrades: Streamlined software upgrades across multiple


devices.​

Best Practices for Network Automation

●​ Start small with automation tasks and gradually scale up.​

●​ Maintain version control for automation scripts (e.g., using Git).​

●​ Test scripts in a lab environment before applying to production.​

●​ Document all automation workflows.​

Challenges in Automation and Programmability


●​ Complexity: Requires understanding of both networking and programming.​

●​ Security Risks: Automating access to devices can pose risks if not


handled securely.​

●​ Tool Selection: Choosing the right tool for specific tasks.​

Conclusion

Network automation and programmability are integral to modern networking,


enabling efficiency, flexibility, and scalability. CCNA-certified professionals should
familiarize themselves with tools, protocols, and concepts to stay relevant in the
evolving industry.

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