Intermediate Python for Network Engineers

The Intermediate Python for Network Engineers (IPYNE) training is tailored for network professionals seeking to expand their skills in network programmability and automation using Python, with hands-on experience automating Cisco IOS XE, Meraki, and ThousandEyes.

Describe Python versatility for network programmability and automation

Explain why network programmability is needed

Describe programmatic interaction with network devices

Identify practical Python tools for network automation

Write and run basic Python scripts

Introduce standard and third-party libraries

Implement Python tools for automating device inventory

Organize code with functions for inventory management

Use external libraries (Netmiko) for SSH connections

Parse and analyze device output

Implement tools for testing with PyATS and Genie

Create tools for backing up device configs

Describe HTTP REST API fundamentals

Automate interactions with APIs (Cisco Meraki, ThousandEyes)

Explain debugging, logging, unit testing, and CI/CD integration

Handle API errors and implement telemetry with OpenTelemetry

Network Engineers with little or no Python experience, Network Administrators, Network Managers, Systems Engineers

No formal prerequisites. Recommended: core networking concepts, Cisco IOS-XE familiarity, CCNA certification or equivalent.

Course Outline
Python Programming for Network Engineers
Write Your First Python Scripts
Python Development Environment Setup
Device Inventory Automation
Scale Configuration of Network Devices
Network Monitoring and Validation
Device Configuration Backup Automation
HTTP API Fundamentals
Cisco ThousandEyes Network Insights with HTTP API Automation
Network Automation Debugging and Testing
HTTP API Automation Wrapper
Build a Web Interface for Network Automation
Large Language Models for Network Automation

Lab Outline
Interact with Python Using the Interpreter
Run Your First Script
Install Python and Setup Developer Environment
Create a Device Inventory Tool
Create a Network Device Configuration Tool
Monitor and Validate Device Configurations
Create a Backup Tool for Network Configurations
Retrieve Data from Cisco Meraki Dashboard API
Create and Monitor ThousandEyes Network Tests
Write Unit Tests for Network Automation Scripts
Build a Reusable Cisco ThousandEyes API Automation Wrapper
Build a Web Interface for Network Device Management
Build a Network Automation Tool with Ollama