Program Networking Devices using their APIs

 


In the fast-paced world of network administration, the ability to quickly and efficiently configure devices is paramount. Gone are the days when every change or new deployment meant long hours of manual configuration via the Command Line Interface (CLI). Enter the era of Model Driven Programmability (MDP) and the utilization of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to communicate with your physical networking devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls. This transition marks a significant evolution in how network operations are conducted, promising more flexibility, scalability, and efficiency.

The Shift to Model Driven Programmability

The concept of Model Driven Programmability represents a seismic shift in network device management. Unlike traditional CLI methods, which are procedural and often vendor-specific, MDP offers a more structured and standardized approach. This method utilizes data models to define the structure, constraints, and relationships of the data used by a device or service, making the configuration and management process more intuitive and less prone to error.

Understanding YANG Device Models

At the heart of Model Driven Programmability are YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) device models. YANG is a data modeling language used to model configuration and state data manipulated by the Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF), RESTCONF, or any other network management protocol. YANG provides a powerful, standardized way to define how data should be structured for network devices and services, which, in turn, allows for more standardized and predictable interactions between devices and their managing entities.

The Role of NETCONF and RESTCONF

NETCONF and RESTCONF are protocols designed specifically for editing configuration data on network devices and retrieving operational data from them.

  • NETCONF: Predominantly uses Secure Shell (SSH) as its transport protocol and relies on a Remote Procedure Call (RPC) mechanism to communicate with devices. It enables significant flexibility and control, allowing for the manipulation of device configuration at a granular level.

  • RESTCONF: Uses HTTP/HTTPS for communication, providing a more web-friendly API interface. It allows for simpler operations, well-suited for tasks like changing an IP address or adding a VLAN through straightforward HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE.

Applying Model Driven Programmability in Practice

Imagine you've just unboxed a new router and you’re eager to get it up and running using APIs. Here are practical steps to transition from CLI to API-driven configurations using Python with NETCONF, as an example.

Configuring a Device using Python and NETCONF

Programming your network devices programmatically starts with understanding how to apply NETCONF using a scripting language like Python. Python’s extensive set of libraries and straightforward syntax make it an ideal candidate for network device scripting. Libraries such as ncclient enable interaction with devices supporting NETCONF. Here's what the process might look like:

  1. Set up your Python environment: Ensure you have Python installed, along with the ncclient library.

  2. Establish a NETCONF session: Use ncclient to create a session with your device.

  3. Send configuration commands: Define the configuration changes you want to apply in YANG format and use ncclient to send these commands to the device.

  4. Verify the changes: Use additional ncclient functions to retrieve operational or configuration data from the device to confirm the changes were applied successfully.

This process underscores the move away from manual, CLI-based configurations to a more automated, scalable approach enabled by Model Driven Programmability.

Conclusion

The advent of network programmability represents a fundamental shift in network management, one that promises to make networks more dynamic, responsive, and efficient. By leveraging Model Driven Programmability and utilizing protocols such as NETCONF and RESTCONF, network administrators can automate and streamline the configuration and management of devices. This not only reduces the potential for human error but also frees up valuable time for IT professionals to focus on strategic initiatives rather than repetitive configuration tasks. As the networking world continues to evolve, embracing these modern approaches will be key to staying ahead in the fast-moving technology landscape.

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