Intermediate Python for Network Engineers (IPYNE)

• Describe Python’s versatility and suitability for network programmability and automation 
• Explain why network programmability is needed and how it enables modern network automation 
• Describe programmatic interaction with network devices and the benefits of network automation for scaling from traditional to programmable networks 
• Identify practical examples and existing Python tools for network automation 
• Write and run basic Python scripts, demonstrating foundational syntax, elements (variables, data types, operators), and logic (decisions and loops) 
• Introduce standard and third-party libraries, the import statement, and using the Python interpreter 
• Demonstrate hands-on interaction with Python, including accepting input and performing basic network tasks (e.g., connectivity checks) 
• Emphasize code styles, readability, and development environment setup, including Python installation, VS Code, virtual environments, Docker, and Git 
• Implement Python tools for automating device inventory, including data storage with variables, grouping devices with lists and dictionaries, iterating and filtering device data, and file operations (load/save) 
• Organize code with functions and develop scripts for inventory management 
• Use external libraries (e.g., Netmiko) for SSH connections and scaling network configurations with Python and templates 
• Parse and analyze device output, handle exceptions, and build CLI applications for device management 
• Implement tools for testing and validating device state using PyATS and Genie, including retrieving and verifying configuration data 
• Demonstrate Python context managers, parsing outputs, performing compliance validation, and running scripts on Cisco IOS-XE devices (Guest Shell) 
• Create tools for backing up device configs, automating backup storage with Git, comparing configs, and periodic backups with logging 
• Use PyATS for configuration comparison and automate backup processes 
• Describe HTTP REST API fundamentals, interactive documentation, and creating API requests in Python 
• Parse JSON data, automate interactions with APIs (e.g., Cisco Meraki Dashboard, ThousandEyes), and manage authentication securely 
• Demonstrate creating, configuring, and analyzing network tests and monitoring data with API scripts 
• Explain the importance of debugging, logging, unit testing, and integrating scripts with CI/CD pipelines 
• Handle API errors, implement rate limiting/retries, and introduce telemetry collection with OpenTelemetry 

There are no prerequisites for this training. However, the knowledge and skills you are recommended to have before attending this training are: 

• Familiarity and basic understanding of core networking concepts 
• Familiarity with Cisco IOS-XE software or other Cisco network device configuration and operation skills  
• Cisco CCNA certification or equivalent knowledge 

These skills can be found in the following Cisco Learning Offerings: 

• Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA) 

• Network Engineers with little or no programming or Python experience  
• Network Administrators 
• Network Managers  
• Systems Engineers 

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 

• 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  
• Harden Automation Scripts with Logging and Error Handling  
• Build a Reusable Cisco ThousandEyes API Automation Wrapper  
• Build a Web Interface for Network Device Management  
• Build a Web Interface for Network Automation  
• Build a Network Automation Tool with Ollama