Training
Programming
Network Automation with Python and Ansible

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Network Automation with Python and Ansible

By Request

Course Code ALTA3-PA

Duration 5 days

Available Formats Classroom

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No two networks are the same! Learn to automate your network with a Python and Ansible skillset. Course can be taught across all major (and most minor) network vendors. Course demonstrations can be adapted to best-fit the customer’s network to ensure all lessons have maximum relevance.

Skills Gained

This course teaches students to blend Python skillsets with Ansible through the lens of automating networks. Automation techniques for the most popular vendors (incl. Cisco, Juniper, Arista) will be subjects of study, however students may request examples from vendors within their own environments. Topics begin with a focus on automating networks with Python. This skill set is then folded into a broadening understanding of automating with Ansible. By the conclusion of this course, Students will have programmatic experience automating enterprise class networks, including writing custom Ansible modules with Python.

Who Can Benefit

Class is appropriate for those interested in automation, specifically network automation, and those looking to marry a Python and Ansible skill-set.

Network Administrators
Ansible devs
Python devs
Administrators interested in Automation
Individuals interested in devops, specifically for networking

Prerequisites

Recommended Prerequisite: Python Basics (5 days)

Course Details

Follow-on Courses

Recommended Follow up: Python for Network Automation (5 days)

Day 01

Morning – Critical Python Catch Up & Review

Overview of Python and Ansible
Python whitespace rules & best practices
Conditional expressions
Relational and Boolean operators
Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries
Indexing and slicing
Built-in functions
Writing custom functions
Getting at methods
Iterating with Loops (for and while)
Working with files
Software Control Management (SCM) (Git, Github, Bitbucket, Cloudshare, etc.)
Getting at RESTful interfaces with Python
Working with JSON
Python, Ansible and Paramiko
Using Paramiko to SSH with keys and passwords

Day 02

Morning – Python and Network Automation

RESTful API review
API keys
Paramiko Review
Using Paramiko to SFTP with keys and passwords
Introduction to Netmiko (automating routers and switches)
Using Netmiko to send commands to / from network devices
Working with YAML
Converting JSON to YAML with Python

Day 03

Morning – Critical Ansible Catchup & Review

Ansible keywords
YAML and JSON for data exchange
Ansible and YAML
Ansible Playbook components
Tying together Python and Ansible – Using Python within Ansible
Ansible Network Modules
What is new in Ansible (most current updates / release notes)
Network Agnostic modules
Writing network playbooks
Reviewing the construction of network playbooks
Writing Ansible playbooks that respond to network failures

Day 04

Morning – Blending Python and Ansible Skillsets

Review how to use Python within Ansible
Calling Python scripts with Ansible
Jinja2 Templating Engine for Python (and Ansible)
Using Templates in Ansible playbooks
Jinja2 filters, looping, and other useful tricks for automating with Ansible
Playbook tagging for selective runs
When to use Python and when to use Ansible
“Big Picture” options for using Python & Ansible within your Network
Ansible Roles
Extending Ansible to support Palo Alto (Optional - Case Study)
Extending Ansible to support Juniper vendor modules (Optional - Case Study)
Extending Ansible to support NAPALM (Optional - Case Study)

Day 05

Morning – Customizing Ansible with Python

Review – Running Scripts with Ansible
Prompting for Ansible user input
Ansible Galaxy & Getting at Roles
Writing a custom Ansible Module with Python
Ansible “Engine” vs Ansible “Tower” – marketing hype, capabilities, costs, etc.
Case Study: Automate your Enterprise Network
When to use Python and when to use Ansible
Writing your own Ansible modules in Python
“Big Picture” options for using Python & Ansible within your Network
Overview - NETCONF / YANG and what they mean for Python and Ansible
Molecule – Testing your roles

Labs

1. Using vim
2. Using & Installing Python
3. Making a Github account
4. Data within mixed lists
5. Understanding More about Lists
6. Python Dictionaries
7. Getting dir(obj) help() and pydoc
8. Copying Files and Folders
9. Moving and Renaming Files and Folders
10. IPv4 Testing with if
11. Paramiko - SSH with RSA Keys
12. Paramiko - SFTP with UN and PW
13. Space APIs the Final Frontier
14. More APIs - Final Frontier is Vast
15. Interaction with APIs - NASA 01
16. Interaction with APIs - NASA 02
17. Install GNS3
18. Setup for GNS networking
19. Configure the Switches
20. Running Netmiko
21. Running your first Playbook
22. Debug Module
23. Playbook Prompts
24. register and when
25. EOS Get Config and Archive
26. Agnostic Network Modules
27. Network Playbook Error Handling
28. Network Playbook Precheck
29. Network Playbooks with Roles and Rollbacks
30. Securing Playbooks with Vault
31. Network Playbooks, Set Fact, and Fail
32. Debug, Loops, and YAML Lists
33. Running a script with Ansible
34. Jinja Filters
35. Ansible, Python Methods, and Jinja Filters
36. Ansible and APIs
37. Python and Ansible
38. Writing an Ansible Module with Python
39. AWX Tower
40. Molecule – Testing Roles

Read Less

0 options available

There are currently no scheduled dates for this course. If you are interested in this course, request a course date with the links above. We can also contact you when the course is scheduled in your area.

Request Other Date Request On-site Course

When does class start/end?

Classes begin promptly at 9:00 am, and typically end at 5:00 pm.

Does the course schedule include a Lunchbreak?

Lunch is normally an hour long and begins at noon. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and juice are available all day in the kitchen. Fruit, muffins and bagels are served each morning. There are numerous restaurants near each of our centers, and some popular ones are indicated on the Area Map in the Student Welcome Handbooks - these can be picked up in the lobby or requested from one of our ExitCertified staff.

How can someone reach me during class?

If someone should need to contact you while you are in class, please have them call the center telephone number and leave a message with the receptionist.

What languages are used to deliver training?

Most courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. Some courses will have the word "FRENCH" marked in red beside the scheduled date(s) indicating the language of instruction.

What does GTR stand for?

GTR stands for Guaranteed to Run; if you see a course with this status, it means this event is confirmed to run. View our GTR page to see our full list of Guaranteed to Run courses.

How do I find an ExitCertified training location?

We have training locations across the United States and Canada. View a full list of classroom training locations.

Which delivery formats are available?

At ExitCertified we offer training that is Instructor-Led, Online, Virtual and Self-Paced.

Does ExitCertified deliver group training?

Yes, we provide training for groups, individuals and private on sites. View our group training page for more information.

What does vendor-authorized training mean?

As a vendor-authorized training partner, we offer a curriculum that our partners have vetted. We use the same course materials and facilitate the same labs as our vendor-delivered training. These courses are considered the gold standard and, as such, are priced accordingly.

Is the training too basic, or will you go deep into technology?

It depends on your requirements, your role in your company, and your depth of knowledge. The good news about many of our learning paths, you can start from the fundamentals to highly specialized training.

How up-to-date are your courses and support materials?

We continuously work with our vendors to evaluate and refresh course material to reflect the latest training courses and best practices.

Are your instructors seasoned trainers who have deep knowledge of the training topic?

ExitCertified instructors have an average of 27 years of practical IT experience. They have also served as consultants for an average of 15 years. To stay up to date, instructors will at least spend 25 percent of their time learning new emerging technologies and courses.

Do you provide hands-on training and exercises in an actual lab environment?

Lab access is dependent on the vendor and the type of training you sign up for. However, many of our top vendors will provide lab access to students to test and practice. The course description will specify lab access.

Will you customize the training for our company’s specific needs and goals?

We will work with you to identify training needs and areas of growth. We offer a variety of training methods, such as private group training, on-site of your choice, and virtually. We provide courses and certifications that are aligned with your business goals.

How do I get started with certification?

Getting started on a certification pathway depends on your goals and the vendor you choose to get certified in. Many vendors offer entry-level IT certification to advanced IT certification that can boost your career. To get access to certification vouchers and discounts, please contact customerexp@exitcertified.com.

Will I get access to content after I complete a course?

You will get access to the PDF of course books and guides, but access to the recording and slides will depend on the vendor and type of training you receive.

How to request a W9 for ExitCertified LLC?

View our filing status and how to request a W9.

I liked the pace of the course. I like that I have more than instance to use the lab.

Austin O

ExitCertified

The class and material is good. I think some of the software needs to be updated.

&quot;&quot;

ExitCertified

Topics, material and specially instructor (Graham Godfrey) was beyond my expectations.

ExitCertified Student

ExitCertified

Both course material and instructor demonstrated a sound foundation on Maximo material

ExitCertified Student

ExitCertified

Sean is the very good instructor. I would like to take his class again in the future.

Yan Z

ExitCertified

Network Automation with Python and Ansible

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