Unlock the power of Python and Netmiko to eliminate repetitive, manual CLI tasks and automate your Cisco network infrastructure. Designed specifically for network engineers and IT professionals, this practical course takes you step-by-step from Python fundamentals to building robust automation scripts for real-world switch management. You will start with Python basics tailored for networking, learning how to use variables, strings, integers, tuples, and dictionaries to store device credentials and inventory data. From there, you will establish a hands-on GNS3 lab topology featuring Cisco NX-OS switches, configure SSH access, and establish secure connections using Netmiko and Paramiko (ConnectHandler).
Throughout the course, you will write and execute Python scripts to handle critical network operations across single and multi-device topologies:
- Execute CLI operational commands, modify hostnames, and save running configurations to startup-config with reboot verification.
- Harness Python for loops to automate multi-switch interface management and port status changes.
- Apply conditional if-else logic and targeted device IP allow-lists to deploy interface descriptions exclusively to designated hardware.
- Script dynamic VLAN and Switched Virtual Interface (SVI) deployments with mapped IP addresses.
- Automate Network Time Protocol (NTP) server configurations across distribution switches.
- Generate automated running configuration backups saved directly to individual text files labeled by IP address.
