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

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

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

Today, networks must evolve and scale faster than ever. You can’t manage everything by hand anymore: You need to automate relentlessly. YANG, along with the NETCONF, RESTCONF, or gRPC/gNMI protocols, is the most practical solution, but most implementers have had to learn by trial and error. Now, Network Programmability with YANG gives you complete and reliable guidance for unlocking the full power of network automation using model-driven APIs and protocols. Authored by three YANG pioneers, this plain-spoken book guides you through successfully applying software practices based on YANG data models. The authors focus on the network operations layer, emphasizing model-driven APIs, and underlying transports. Whether you’re a network operator, DevOps engineer, software developer, orchestration engineer, NMS/OSS architect, service engineer, or manager, this guide can help you dramatically improve value, agility, and manageability throughout your network. Discover the value of implementing YANG and Data Model-Driven Management in your network Explore the layers and components of a complete working solution Build a business case where value increases as your solution grows Drill down into transport protocols: NETCONF, RESTCONF, and gNMI/gRPC See how telemetry can establish a valuable automated feedback loop Find data models you can build on, and evaluate models with similar functionality Understand models, metadata, and tools from several viewpoints: architect, operator, module author, and application developer Walk through a complete automation journey: business case, service model, service implementation, device integration, and operation Leverage the authors’ experience to design successful YANG models and avoid pitfalls

The definitive Cisco SD-Access resource, from the architects who train Cisco's own engineers and partners This comprehensive book guides you through all aspects of planning, implementing, and operating Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access). Through practical use cases, you'll learn how to use intent-based networking, Cisco ISE, and Cisco DNA Center to improve any campus network's security and simplify its management. Drawing on their unsurpassed experience architecting solutions and training technical professionals inside and outside Cisco, the authors explain when and where to leverage Cisco SD-Access instead of a traditional legacy design. They illuminate the fundamental building blocks of a modern campus fabric architecture, show how to design a software-defined campus that delivers the most value in your environment, and introduce best practices for administration, support, and troubleshooting. Case studies show how to use Cisco SD-Access to address secure segmentation, plug and play, software image management (SWIM), host mobility, and more. The authors also present full chapters on advanced Cisco SD-Access and Cisco DNA Center topics, plus detailed coverage of Cisco DNA monitoring and analytics. * Learn how Cisco SD-Access addresses key drivers for network change, including automation and security * Explore how Cisco DNA Center improves network planning, deployment, evolution, and agility * Master Cisco SD-Access essentials: design, components, best practices, and fabric construction * Integrate Cisco DNA Center and Cisco ISE, and smoothly onboard diverse endpoints * Efficiently operate Cisco SD-Access and troubleshoot common fabric problems, step by step * Master advanced topics, including multicast flows, Layer 2 flooding, and the integration of IoT devices * Extend campus network policies to WANs and data center networks * Choose the right deployment options for Cisco DNA Center in your environment * Master Cisco DNA Assurance analytics and tests for optimizing the health of clients, network devices, and applications

This is the eBook edition of Cisco Software-Defined Wide-Area Networks. This eBook does not include access to the companion website with practice exam that comes with the print edition. Access to the video mentoring is available through product registration at Cisco Press; or see the instructions in the back pages of your eBook. This study guide from Cisco Press will help you learn, prepare, and practice for exam success. This guide is built with the objective of providing assessment, review, and practice to help ensure you are prepared for your certification exam. Master Cisco Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (ENSDWI 300-415) exam topics Assess your knowledge with chapter-opening quizzes Review key concepts with exam preparation tasks Cisco Software-Defined Wide-Area Networks presents you with an organized test preparation routine using proven series elements and techniques. Key Topic tables help you drill on key concepts you must know thoroughly. Chapter-ending Review Questions help you to review what you learned in the chapter. Cisco Software-Defined Wide-Area Networks focuses specifically on the objectives for the Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (ENSDWI 300-415) exam. Four leading Cisco technology experts share preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you improve both your conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills. Material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing your understanding and retention of exam topics. Well regarded for its level of detail, assessment features, comprehensive design scenarios, this study guide helps you master the concepts and techniques that will enable you to succeed on the exam the first time. The official study guide helps you master all the topics on the Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (ENSDWI 300-415) exam, including: Architecture Controller Deployment Router Deployment Policies Security and Quality of Service Management and Operations Cisco Software-Defined Wide-Area Networks is part of a recommended learning path from Cisco that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press. To find out more about instructor-led training, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered by authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide, please visit http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/index.html