Practical Network Automation

Leverage the power of Python, Ansible and other network automation tools to make your network robust and more secure Key FeaturesGet introduced to the concept of network automation with relevant use casesApply Continuous Integration and DevOps to improve your network performanceImplement effective automation using tools such as Python, Ansible, and moreBook Description Network automation is the use of IT controls to supervise and carry out everyday network management functions. It plays a key role in network virtualization technologies and network functions. The book starts by providing an introduction to network automation, and its applications, which include integrating DevOps tools to automate the network efficiently. It then guides you through different network automation tasks and covers various data digging and performing tasks such as ensuring golden state configurations using templates, interface parsing. This book also focuses on Intelligent Operations using Artificial Intelligence and troubleshooting using chatbots and voice commands. The book then moves on to the use of Python and the management of SSH keys for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, all followed by practical use cases. The book also covers the importance of Ansible for network automation, including best practices in automation; ways to test automated networks using tools such as Puppet, SaltStack, and Chef; and other important techniques. Through practical use-cases and examples, this book will acquaint you with the various aspects of network automation. It will give you the solid foundation you need to automate your own network without any hassle. What you will learnGet started with the fundamental concepts of network automationPerform intelligent data mining and remediation based on triggersUnderstand how AIOps works in operationsTrigger automation through data factorsImprove your data center's robustness and security through data diggingGet access infrastructure through API Framework for chatbot and voice interactive troubleshootingsSet up communication with SSH-based devices using NetmikoWho this book is for If you are a network engineer or a DevOps professional looking for an extensive guide to help you automate and manage your network efficiently, then this book is for you. No prior experience with network automation is required to get started, however you will need some exposure to Python programming to get the most out of this book.

Get More from your Network with Automation tools to increase its effectiveness. About This Book Get started with network automation (and different automation tasks) with relevant use cases Apply software design principles such as Continuous Integration and DevOps to your network toolkit Guides you through some best practices in automation Who This Book Is For If you are a network engineer looking for an extensive guide to help you automate and manage your network efficiently, then this book is for you. What You Will Learn Get the detailed analysis of Network automation Trigger automations through available data factors Improve data center robustness and security through specific access and data digging Get an Access to APIs from Excel for dynamic reporting Set up a communication with SSH-based devices using netmiko Make full use of practical use cases and best practices to get accustomed with the various aspects of network automation In Detail Network automation is the use of IT controls to supervise and carry out every-day network management functions. It plays a key role in network virtualization technologies and network functions. The book starts by providing an introduction to network automation, SDN, and its applications, which include integrating DevOps tools to automate the network efficiently. It then guides you through different network automation tasks and covers various data digging and reporting methodologies such as IPv6 migration, DC relocations, and interface parsing, all the while retaining security and improving data center robustness. The book then moves on to the use of Python and the management of SSH keys for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, all followed by practical use cases. The book also covers the importance of Ansible for network automation including best practices in automation, ways to test automated networks using different tools, and other important techniques. By the end of the book, you will be well acquainted with the various aspects of network automation. Style and approach A clear, concise, and straightforward book that will enable you to automate networks and improve performance.

In the past automation of the power network was a very specialized area but recently due to deregulation and privatization the area has become of a great importance because companies require more information and communication to minimize costs, reduce workforce and minimize errors in order to make a profit. * Covers engineering requirements and business implications of this cutting-edge and ever-evolving field * Provides a unique insight into a fast-emerging and growing market that has become and will continue to evolve into one of leading communication technologies * Written in a practical manner to help readers handle the transformation from the old analog environment to the modern digital communications-based one

Like sysadmins before them, network engineers are finding that they cannot do their work manually anymore. As the field faces new protocols, technologies, delivery models, and a pressing need for businesses to be more agile and flexible, network automation is becoming essential. This practical guide shows network engineers how to use a range of technologies and tools—including Linux, Python, JSON, and XML—to automate their systems through code. Network programming and automation will help you simplify tasks involved in configuring, managing, and operating network equipment, topologies, services, and connectivity. Through the course of the book, you’ll learn the basic skills and tools you need to make this critical transition. This book covers: Python programming basics: data types, conditionals, loops, functions, classes, and modules Linux fundamentals to provide the foundation you need on your network automation journey Data formats and models: JSON, XML, YAML, and YANG for networking Jinja templating and its applicability for creating network device configurations The role of application programming interfaces (APIs) in network automation Source control with Git to manage code changes during the automation process How Ansible, Salt, and StackStorm open source automation tools can be used to automate network devices Key tools and technologies required for a Continuous Integration (CI) pipeline in network operations

Learn and implement network automation within the Enterprise network using Python 3. This introductory book will be your guide to building an integrated virtual networking lab to begin your Network Automation journey and master the basics of Python Network Automation. The book features a review of the practical Python network automation scripting skills and tips learned from the production network, so you can safely test and practice in a lab environment first, various Python modules such as paramiko and netmiko, pandas, re, and much more. You'll also develop essential skills such as Python scripting, regular expressions, Linux and Windows administration, VMware virtualization, and Cisco networking from the comfort of your laptop/PC with no actual networking hardware. Finally, you will learn to write a fully automated and working Cisco IOS XE upgrade application using Python. Introduction to Python Network Automation uses a canonical order, where you begin at the bottom and by the time you have completed this book, you will at least reach the intermediate level of Python coding for enterprise networking automation using native Python tools. What You'll Learn Build a proper GNS3-based networking lab for Python network automation needs. Write the basics of Python codes in both the Windows and Linux environments. Control network devices using telnet, SSH, and SNMP protocols using Python codes. Understand virtualization and how to use VMware workstation Examine virtualization and how to use VMware Workstation Pro Develop a working Cisco IOS upgrade application Who This Book Is For IT Engineers and developers, network managers and students, who would like to learn network automation using Python.

Practical strategies and techniques for automating network infrastructure As networks grow ever more complex, network professionals are seeking to automate processes for configuration, management, testing, deployment, and operation. Using automation, they aim to lower expenses, improve productivity, reduce human error, shorten time to market, and improve agility. In this guide, expert practitioner Ivo Pinto presents all the concepts and techniques you'll need to move your entire physical and virtual infrastructure towards greater automation and maximize the value it delivers. Writing for experienced professionals, the author reviews today's leading use cases for automation, compares leading tools, and presents a deep dive into using the open source Ansible engine to automate common tasks. You'll find everything you need: from practical code snippets to real-world case studies to a complete methodology for planning strategy. This guide is for everyone seeking to improve network operations and productivity, including system, network, storage, and virtualization administrators, network and security engineers, and many other technical professionals and managers. You can apply its vendor-neutral concepts throughout your entire environment—from servers to the cloud, switches to security. Explore modern use cases for network automation, and compare today's most widely used automation tools Capture essential data for use in network automation, using standard formats such as JSON, XML, and YAML Get more value from the data your network can provide Install Ansible and master its building blocks, including plays, tasks, modules, variables, conditionals, loops, and roles Perform common networking tasks with Ansible playbooks: manage files, devices, VMs, cloud constructs, APIs, and more See how Ansible can be used to automate even the largest global network architectures Discover how NetDevOps can transform your approach to automation--and create a new NetDevOps pipeline, step by step Build a network automation strategy from the ground up, reflecting lessons from the world's largest enterprises

Today, networks must evolve and scale faster than ever. You can’t manage everything by hand anymore: You need to automate relentlessly. YANG, along with the NETCONF, RESTCONF, or gRPC/gNMI protocols, is the most practical solution, but most implementers have had to learn by trial and error. Now, Network Programmability with YANG gives you complete and reliable guidance for unlocking the full power of network automation using model-driven APIs and protocols. Authored by three YANG pioneers, this plain-spoken book guides you through successfully applying software practices based on YANG data models. The authors focus on the network operations layer, emphasizing model-driven APIs, and underlying transports. Whether you’re a network operator, DevOps engineer, software developer, orchestration engineer, NMS/OSS architect, service engineer, or manager, this guide can help you dramatically improve value, agility, and manageability throughout your network. Discover the value of implementing YANG and Data Model-Driven Management in your network Explore the layers and components of a complete working solution Build a business case where value increases as your solution grows Drill down into transport protocols: NETCONF, RESTCONF, and gNMI/gRPC See how telemetry can establish a valuable automated feedback loop Find data models you can build on, and evaluate models with similar functionality Understand models, metadata, and tools from several viewpoints: architect, operator, module author, and application developer Walk through a complete automation journey: business case, service model, service implementation, device integration, and operation Leverage the authors’ experience to design successful YANG models and avoid pitfalls

Take your network automation skills to the next level with practical recipes on managing network devices from a variety of vendors like Cisco, Juniper, and Arista Key Features Use Ansible to automate network infrastructure with the help of step-by-step instructions Implement network automation best practices to save cost, avoid critical errors, and reduce downtime Deliver a robust automation framework by integrating Ansible with NAPALM, NetBox, and Batfish Book Description Network Automation Cookbook is designed to help system administrators, network engineers, and infrastructure automation engineers to centrally manage switches, routers, and other devices in their organization's network. This book will help you gain hands-on experience in automating enterprise networks and take you through core network automation techniques using the latest version of Ansible and Python. With the help of practical recipes, you'll learn how to build a network infrastructure that can be easily managed and updated as it scales through a large number of devices. You'll also cover topics related to security automation and get to grips with essential techniques to maintain network robustness. As you make progress, the book will show you how to automate networks on public cloud providers such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Azure. Finally, you will get up and running with Ansible 2.9 and discover troubleshooting techniques and network automation best practices. By the end of this book, you'll be able to use Ansible to automate modern network devices and integrate third-party tools such as NAPALM, NetBox, and Batfish easily to build robust network automation solutions. What you will learn Understand the various components of Ansible Automate network resources in AWS, GCP, and Azure cloud solutions Use IaC concepts to design and build network solutions Automate network devices such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and F5 Use NetBox to build network inventory and integrate it with Ansible Validate networks using Ansible and Batfish Who this book is for This Ansible network automation book is for network and DevOps engineers interested in automating complex network tasks. Prior understanding of networking and basic Linux knowledge is required.