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.

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

Modernize and optimize network management with APIs and automation Legacy network management approaches don't scale adequately and can't be automated well. This guide will help meet tomorrow's challenges by adopting network programmability based on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Using these techniques, you can improve efficiency, reliability, and flexibility; simplify implementation of high-value technologies; automate routine administrative and security tasks; and deploy services far more rapidly. Four expert authors help you transition from a legacy mindset to one based on solving problems with software. They explore today's emerging network programmability and automation ecosystem; introduce each leading programmable interface; and review the protocols, tools, techniques, and technologies that underlie network programmability. You'll master key concepts through hands-on examples you can run using Linux, Python, Cisco DevNet sandboxes, and other easily accessible tools. This guide is for all network architects, engineers, operations, and software professionals who want to integrate programmability into their networks. It offers valuable background for Cisco DevNet certification—and skills you can use with any platform, whether you have software development experience or not. Master core concepts and explore the network programmability stack Manage network software and run automation scripts in Linux environments Solve real problems with Python and its Napalm and Nornir automation frameworks Make the most of the HTTP protocol, REST architectural framework, and SSH Encode your data with XML, JSON, or YAML Understand and build data models using YANG that offer a foundation for model-based network programming Leverage modern network management protocols, from gRPC and gNMI to NETCONF and RESTCONF Meet stringent service provider KPIs in large-scale, fast-changing networks Program Cisco devices running IOS XE, IOS XR, and NX-OS as well as Meraki, DNA Center, and Webex platforms Program non-Cisco platforms such as Cumulus Linux and Arista EOS Go from “zero to hero” with Ansible network automation Plan your next steps with more advanced tools and technologies

* Covers low-level networking in Python —essential for writing a new networked application protocol. * Many working examples demonstrate concepts in action -- and can be used as starting points for new projects. * Networked application security is demystified. * Exhibits and explains multitasking network servers using several models, including forking, threading, and non-blocking sockets. * Features extensive coverage of Web and E-mail. Describes Python's database APIs.

Improve operations and agility in any data center, campus, LAN, or WAN Today, the best way to stay in control of your network is to address devices programmatically and automate network interactions. In this book, Cisco experts Ryan Tischer and Jason Gooley show you how to do just that. You’ll learn how to use programmability and automation to solve business problems, reduce costs, promote agility and innovation, handle accelerating complexity, and add value in any data center, campus, LAN, or WAN. The authors show you how to create production solutions that run on or interact with Nexus NX-OS-based switches, Cisco ACI, Campus, and WAN technologies.You’ll learn how to use advanced Cisco tools together with industry-standard languages and platforms, including Python, JSON, and Linux. The authors demonstrate how to support dynamic application environments, tighten links between apps and infrastructure, and make DevOps work better. This book will be an indispensable resource for network and cloud designers, architects, DevOps engineers, security specialists, and every professional who wants to build or operate high-efficiency networks. Drive more value through programmability and automation, freeing resources for high-value innovation Move beyond error-prone, box-by-box network management Bridge management gaps arising from current operational models Write NX-OS software to run on, access, or extend your Nexus switch Master Cisco’s powerful on-box automation and operation tools Manage complex WANs with NetConf/Yang, ConfD, and Cisco SDN Controller Interact with and enhance Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) Build self-service catalogs to accelerate application delivery Find resources for deepening your expertise in network automation

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.