CCNP Automation 350-901 · Start here

What is network automation? Your first script

Zero coding needed to start. See why engineers automate, where scripts, APIs and pipelines fit, and run your very first Python script that logs in to real (simulated) routers for you.

37 min read10 chapters3 labs15 quiz7 scenarios15 interview Q&A

This first module is free: read the lesson and take the quiz. Labs need an account: sign up free to run up to 3 hands-on labs.

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Warm-up · Python basics: variable, if, for and reading an error

Before touching routers with Python, practise the four building blocks on the automation host AUTO with two small files: basics.py (a variable, an if and a for loop) and broken.py (a typo that Python reports as an error). Change one thing at a time, run the script after every change, and read what Python tells you.

7 tasks · 1 devices · 20 minOpen lab

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Lab · Run your first automation script

Welcome to Deccan Net! Your senior left first_script.py on the automation host AUTO. It logs in to routers over SSH and prints each hostname and uptime. Read it, run it, answer a question from its output, then teach it about a third router — by changing just one line.

6 tasks · 5 devices · 20 minOpen lab

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Lab · Five routers, one script

Kaveri Foods has five branch routers and a new time server at 10.99.0.200. ntp_push.py should set "ntp server 10.99.0.200" on every router and save the config. But someone mistyped one IP in the router list, so the script stops halfway. Read the error calmly, fix the list, finish the job and verify on a router.

6 tasks · 7 devices · 25 minOpen lab