Automate Your Network: Introducing the Modern Approach to Enterprise Network Management

Automate Your Network: Introducing the Modern Approach to Enterprise Network Management
Author: John W. Capobianco
Publisher: Independently Published
Total Pages: 214
Release: 2019-03-09
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9781799237884

Network automation is one of the hottest topics in Information Technology today. This revolutionary book aims to illustrate the transformative journey towards full enterprise network automation. This book outlines the tools, technologies and processes required to fully automate an enterprise network. Automated network configuration management is more than converting your network configurations to code. The benefits of source control, version control, automated builds, automated testing and automated releases are realized in the world of networking using well established software development practices. The next-generation network administrative toolkit is introduced including Microsoft Team Foundation Server, Microsoft Visual Studio Code, Git, Linux, and the Ansible framework. Not only will these new technologies be covered at length, a new and continuously integrated / continuously delivered pipeline is also introduced. Starting with safe, simple, non-intrusive, non-disruptive information gathering organizations can ease into network automation while building a dynamic library of documentation and on-demand utilities for network operations. Once comfortable with the new ecosystem, administrators can begin making fully automated, orchestrated, and tactical changes to the network. The next evolutionary leap occurs when fully automated network configuration management is implemented. Important information from the network running-configurations is abstracted into data models in a human readable format. Device configurations are dynamically templated creating a scalable, intent-based, source of truth. Much like in the world of software development, full automation of the network using a CI/CD pipeline can be realized. Automated builds, automated testing and automated scheduled releases are orchestrated and executed when changes are approved and checked into the central repository. This book is unlike any on the market today as it includes multiple Ansible playbooks, sample YAML data models and Jinja2 templates for network devices, and a whole new methodology and approach to enterprise network administration and management. The CLI no longer cuts it. Readers should take away from this book a new approach to enterprise network management and administration as well as the full knowledge and understanding of how to use TFS, VS Code, Git, and Ansible to create an automation ecosystem. Readers should have some basic understanding of modern network design, operation, and configuration. No prior programming or software development experience is required. John Capobianco has over 20 years of IT experience and is currently a Technical Advisor for the Canadian House of Commons. A graduate of St. Lawrence College's Computer Programmer Analyst program, John is also a former Professor at St. Lawrence College in the Computer Networking and Technical Support (CNTS) program. John has achieved CCNP, CCDP, CCNA: Data Center, MCITP: EA/SA, CompTIA A+ / Network+, and ITIL Foundation certifications. Having discovered a new way to interface with the network John felt compelled to share this new methodology in hopes of revolutionizing the industry and bringing network automation to the world.

Network Automation Made Easy

Network Automation Made Easy
Author: Ivo Pinto
Publisher:
Total Pages: 304
Release: 2021
Genre:
ISBN: 9780137506729

Left hand column 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 capture 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 This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press®, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers. Right hand column 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, Ivo Pinto 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.

Network Management Fundamentals

Network Management Fundamentals
Author: Alexander Clemm
Publisher:
Total Pages: 560
Release: 2007
Genre: Computers
ISBN:

This book provides you with an accessible overview of network management covering management not just of networks themselves but also of services running over those networks. It also explains the different technologies that are used in network management and how they relate to each other.--[book cover].

Programming and Automating Cisco Networks

Programming and Automating Cisco Networks
Author: Ryan Tischer
Publisher: Cisco Press
Total Pages: 835
Release: 2016-09-09
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 0134436768

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

Cisco pyATS — Network Test and Automation Solution

Cisco pyATS — Network Test and Automation Solution
Author: John Capobianco
Publisher: Cisco Press
Total Pages: 1588
Release: 2024-07-23
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 0138031789

Unlock the power of automated network testing with the Cisco pyATS framework. Written by industry experts John Capobianco and Dan Wade, Cisco pyATS—Network Test and Automation Solution is a comprehensive guide to theCisco pyATS framework, a Python-based environment for network testing, device configuration, parsing, APIs, and parallel programming. Capobianco and Wade offer in-depth insights into the extensive capabilities of pyATS and the pyATS library (Genie). You’ll learn how to leverage pyATS for network testing, including software version testing, interface testing, neighbor testing, and reachability testing. You’ll discover how to generate intent-based configurations, create mock devices, and integrate pyATS into larger workflows using CI/CD pipelines and artificial intelligence. You’ll explore the pyATS Blitz feature, which introduces a low-code no-code approach to network testing by allowing you to configure devices and write test cases using YAML, much like Ansible. And you’ll learn how to reset devices during or after testing with the pyATS Clean feature, build a pyATS image from scratch for containerized application deployment, and much more. Whether you’re a network professional, software developer, or preparing for the Cisco DevNet Expert Lab exam, this book is a must-have resource. Understand the foundations of NetDevOps and the modern network engineer’s toolkit Install, upgrade, and work with the pyATS framework and library Define test cases, control the flow of test execution, and review test results with built-in reporting features Generate automated network documentation with Jinja2 templates and Genie Conf objects Apply CI/CD practices in network automation with GitLab, Ansible, and pyATS Leverage artificial intelligence in pyATS for enhanced network automation

Network Programmability and Automation

Network Programmability and Automation
Author: Jason Edelman
Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc."
Total Pages: 586
Release: 2018-02-02
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1491931310

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

Automated Software Testing

Automated Software Testing
Author: Elfriede Dustin
Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
Total Pages: 602
Release: 1999-06-28
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 0672333848

With the urgent demand for rapid turnaround on new software releases--without compromising quality--the testing element of software development must keep pace, requiring a major shift from slow, labor-intensive testing methods to a faster and more thorough automated testing approach. Automated Software Testing is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the most effective tools, techniques, and methods for automated testing. Using numerous case studies of successful industry implementations, this book presents everything you need to know to successfully incorporate automated testing into the development process. In particular, this book focuses on the Automated Test Life Cycle Methodology (ATLM), a structured process for designing and executing testing that parallels the Rapid Application Development methodology commonly used today. Automated Software Testing is designed to lead you through each step of this structured program, from the initial decision to implement automated software testing through test planning, execution, and reporting. Included are test automation and test management guidance for: Acquiring management support Test tool evaluation and selection The automated testing introduction process Test effort and test team sizing Test team composition, recruiting, and management Test planning and preparation Test procedure development guidelines Automation reuse analysis and reuse library Best practices for test automation

Enterprise Network Testing

Enterprise Network Testing
Author: Andy Sholomon
Publisher: Pearson Education
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2011
Genre: Business enterprises
ISBN: 9781587141270

Enterprise Network Testing Testing Throughout the Network Lifecycle to Maximize Availability and Performance Andy Sholomon, CCIE® No. 15179 Tom Kunath, CCIE No. 1679 The complete guide to using testing to reduce risk and downtime in advanced enterprise networks Testing has become crucial to meeting enterprise expectations of near-zero network downtime. Enterprise Network Testing is the first comprehensive guide to all facets of enterprise network testing. Cisco enterprise consultants Andy Sholomon and Tom Kunath offer a complete blueprint and best-practice methodologies for testing any new network system, product, solution, or advanced technology. Sholomon and Kunath begin by explaining why it is important to test and how network professionals can leverage structured system testing to meet specific business goals. Then, drawing on their extensive experience with enterprise clients, they present several detailed case studies. Through real-world examples, you learn how to test architectural "proofs of concept," specific network features, network readiness for use, migration processes, security, and more. Enterprise Network Testing contains easy-to-adapt reference test plans for branches, WANs/MANs, data centers, and campuses. The authors also offer specific guidance on testing many key network technologies, including MPLS/VPN, QoS, VoIP, video, IPsec VPNs, advanced routing (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP), and Data Center Fabrics. § Understand why, when, and how you should test your network § Use testing to discover critical network design flaws § Incorporate structured systems testing into enterprise architecture strategy § Utilize testing to improve decision-making throughout the network lifecycle § Develop an effective testing organization and lab facility § Choose and use test services providers § Scope, plan, and manage network test assignments § nLeverage the best commercial, free, and IOS test tools § Successfully execute test plans, including crucial low-level details § Minimize the equipment required to test large-scale networks § Identify gaps in network readiness § Validate and refine device configurations § Certify new hardware, operating systems, and software features § Test data center performance and scalability § Leverage test labs for hands-on technology training This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press®, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.

Network Programmability and Automation Fundamentals

Network Programmability and Automation Fundamentals
Author: Khaled Abuelenain
Publisher: Cisco Press
Total Pages: 2821
Release: 2021-05-06
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 0135184266

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

Cisco Digital Network Architecture

Cisco Digital Network Architecture
Author: Tim Szigeti
Publisher: Networking Technology
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2019
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9781587147050

The complete guide to transforming enterprise networks with Cisco DNA As networks become more complex and dynamic, organizations need better ways to manage and secure them. With the Cisco Digital Network Architecture, network operators can run entire network fabrics as a single, programmable system by defining rules that span their devices and move with their users. Using Cisco intent-based networking, you spend less time programming devices, managing configurations, and troubleshooting problems so you have more time for driving value from your network, your applications, and most of all, your users. This guide systematically introduces Cisco DNA, highlighting its business value propositions, design philosophy, tenets, blueprints, components, and solutions.Combining insider information with content previously scattered through multiple technical documents, it provides a single source for evaluation, planning, implementation, and operation. The authors bring together authoritative insights for multiple business and technical audiences. Senior executives will learn how DNA can help them drive digital transformation for competitive advantage. Technical decision-makers will discover powerful emerging solutions for their specific needs. Architects will find essential recommendations, interdependencies, and caveats for planning deployments. Finally, network operators will learn how to use DNA Center's modern interface to streamline, automate, and improve virtually any network management task. · Accelerate the digital transformation of your business by adopting an intent-based network architecture that is open, extensible, and programmable · Integrate virtualization, automation, analytics, and cloud services to streamline operations and create new business opportunities · Dive deep into hardware, software, and protocol innovations that lay the programmable infrastructure foundation for DNA · Virtualize advanced network functions for fast, easy, and flexible deployments · Translate business intent into device configurations and simplify, scale, and automate network operations using controllers · Use analytics to tune performance, plan capacity, prevent threats, and simplify troubleshooting · Learn how Software-Defined Access improves network flexibility, security, mobility, visibility, and performance · Use DNA Assurance to track the health of clients, network devices, and applications to reveal hundreds of actionable insights · See how DNA Applic...