What is Python Automated Test System (pyATS)? None of the answers I found to this question really made much sense to me initially. A Python3 based Test Automation and Validation Framework developed by Cisco (but open and extensible to any vendor) is probably the best short answer but still too vague. Add in Genie because, READ MORE
Author: Claudia de Luna
Using Python and Pandas to look at Pandemic Data
The script and supporting files in this repository are intended to show how the Python Pandas module can be used to analyze data, specifically COVID-19 data. I am going to recommend 3 data sets to “investigate”: WHO (Download from 06 April 2020) CSSEGISandData on GitHub New York Times US Data GitHub Repository Background WHO Data READ MORE
FuzzyWuzzy was a Python Module
An example of using the fuzzywuzzy Python module to match data sets with similar but not exact data – fuzzy matches! I was recently given a list of locations that I had to analyze. For the analysis, I needed data that was not in the original list (lets call that the source list). Luckily I READ MORE
How much network automation stuff should I learn as a network engineer? & Passing the DevNet Associates Exam
It is important to note that the question is not “should I learn any?” but rather “how much should I learn?”. The new Cisco DevNet Certifications help us answer that question. Let me share my journey to that conclusion. In early February I decided to take the DevNet Associates Exam. I scheduled it for the READ MORE
Configuration Creation with Nornir
I tend to assess automation tools in four different contexts which is, in fact, a very general networking and automation workflow: Discovery How easy is it to find out about the network, document its configuration (the configuration of a device itself) and state (show commands “snapshotting” its state)? Configuration Creation How easy is it to READ MORE
Nornir – A New Network Automation Framework
nornir (formerly brigade) – A new network automation framework Before getting started, let me say that I’m big fan of Ansible. It is one of my go-to automation frameworks. Having said that, there have been use cases where I’ve run into some of the limitations of Ansible and to be fair some of those limitations may READ MORE
Pandas for Network Engineers (Who doesn’t love Pandas? )
The module not the mammal! My original title for this article was going to be *Decomposing Pandas* as a follow on to *Decomposing Data Structures* but I was advised against that name. Go figure. One of the things I love most about Python is that its always waiting for me to get just a little READ MORE
What language for Network Automation?
I’m often asked variants of “What language would you recommend when getting started with Network Automation and how would you get started? As with most things in IT, the answer requires context. In general, right now I would still pick Python. Go is getting popular but still can’t compete with the huge body for work and READ MORE
Using Docker as an Ansible and Python platform for Network Engineers
A quick start guide for using the purpose built Docker images for Ansible and Python Built for Network Engineers by a Network Engineer Over the last few years I’ve built up a repository of Docker images to help me learn Ansible. If you are new to Ansible you may not know that while Ansible can READ MORE
The Hunt for a Cisco ACI Lab
As an independent consultant one of the things I have to provide for myself are labs. It’s a wonderful time for labs! Virtual capabilities and offerings make testing and modeling a clients network easier than ever. Cisco DevNet offers “Always On” Sandbox devices that are always there if you need to test a “unit of READ MORE