Network Automation with Python and Ansible

Duration

4 Days

24 CPD hours

About this course

The primary audience for this course is as follows:
Network Administrators
Administrators interested in Automation
Individuals interested in devops, specifically for networking

Overview

This course teaches students to blend Python skillsets with Ansible through the lens of automating networks. Automation techniques for the most popular vendor (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. Students will have programmatic experience automating enterprise class networks by the conclusion of this course (includes writing custom Ansible modules with Python).
Class is a combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on labs. Students are invited to share their own relevant Python and Ansible scripts with the instructor to ensure class subjects are as relevant as possible.
All notes and scripts will be made available to students by the end of each day via a cloud-share or email. Lab time will be given reinforce that day’s topics and demonstrations.

Description

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.

Day 1 Critical Python Catchup & Review

Overview of Python and Ansible
Python white space rules & best practices
Printing and more Printing
Date types and Variables
Packing and Unpacking Variables
f Strings
Conditional expressions
Relational and Boolean operators
Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries
Indexing and slicing
Built-in functions
Iterating with Loops (for and while)
Working with files
Software Control Management (SCM) (Git, Github, Bitbucket, Cloudshare, etc.)
Using Python to access REST interfaces
Working with JSON
Python, Ansible and Paramiko
Using Paramiko to SSH with keys and passwords
RESTful API review
API keys
Paramiko Review
Using Paramiko to SFTP with keys and passwords

Day 02 Python and Network Automation

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
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 03 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

Day 04 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

Additional course details:

Nexus Humans Network Automation with Python and Ansible training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward.

This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts.

Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success.

While we feel this is the best course for the Network Automation with Python and Ansible course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you.

Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.

Training Insurance Included!

When you organise training, we understand that there is a risk that some people may fall ill, become unavailable. To mitigate the risk we include training insurance for each delegate enrolled on our public schedule, they are welcome to sit on the same Public class within 6 months at no charge, if the case arises.

What people say about us

Booking process was very easy. Once initial contact was made everything happened smoothly.

Pfizer

Great course yesterday and can’t give enough amazing feedback for John. I’ve never had a teacher hold attention of a class from start to finish, but yesterday he did this.

Jennifer O'Connor

Vistra

Alan delivered the training in an easy to understand and pleasant manner which was broken down into manageable chunks with an appropriate number of breaks to give folk time away from their laptops and screens. It is never easy to do 2 days of training on a fairly in-depth subject involving Software even in a classroom environment and remaining focused and engaged so doing it remotely adds another level of complexity, but I have to say that personally this was one of the best Training Events that I have attended for some years. I have gained so much knowledge of MS Project and it will certainly make my job easier going forward.

A large part of what I gained has to be credited to Alan’s manner and delivery and I should be grateful if you could pass on my thanks to him.

Also, the support, together with joining instructions & training literature etc from Nexus Human has been excellent – thank you for that. I intend feeding that back to our People and ICT Teams too

Nexus Human - Project class

December 2023

This was my 2nd course with Nexus Human and I enjoy the format of the courses.
This was very well-run, the instructor was superb and i will get a lot of benefit from having access for the next 6 months, I look forward to the next course.

Cathal

Kerry, Ireland

I would like to thank the staff of Nexus Human, who were very helpful, prompt, friendly and professional in helping me attain my Microsoft certification. I would like to thank Abdul in particular for his guidance during the course and commend him on his knowledge of software development.

Paul

ITC Group
Dublin

This is the 3rd course I have done with Arun. He is very helpful and always supportive if I have other questions outside the lecture parameters. I have already recommended him and Nexus Human to work colleges and would do so again after this course.

Philip

Nexus Human Classroom Student

The instructor was excellent. Was willing to field any questions we had and deal with our specific queries.

Excel student

The class just finished and I just wanted to mention to you that it was absolutely amazing. The quality of the training had very high standards, the trainer explained amazingly well and we actually practiced (did) all the steps. It was not learning by watching a presentation but by actually doing. The training has been delivered from Atlanta (US) and I cannot wait to go tomorrow in the office and recommend it. The connection and the lab environment were running perfectly.
Once again thank you very much and looking forward for the next trainings scheduled. Enrolling via Nexus Human was the perfect choice.

Cristina, Nexus Human IT Course Attendee

Firstly I would like to say thanks, I found the course I sat yesterday extremely beneficial and the instructor was fantastic, she was enthusiastic and engaging and I would highly recommend the course to friends and colleagues. The post class services are also excellent!

Adobe Student

Sharon was lovely and has a fantastic knowledge. Honestly I didn't think I needed part 1 but I am SO glad I came. Thank you. Will be back in for part 2.

Nexus Human Student

Excellent interaction and answered all of my questions. Looking forward to being able to apply some of the tips and features learned today which hopefully should have real impact on some of the more time consuming tasks currently encountered.

Nexus Human Power BI Attendee

Brilliant
Wonderful teacher
Course presented extremely well indeed

Nexus Human Student feedback

Find out more about this course

Interested in alternative dates? Would like to book a private session of this course for your company? Or for any other queries please simply fill out the form below.

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