Best Python Libraries for Network Automation

Top Python Libraries Empowering Network Automation for Enhanced Efficiency and Scalability

The practice of utilizing software to configure, administer, and keep an eye on network devices and services is known as network automation. Network automation can help network engineers and administrators to reduce errors, save time, and improve efficiency. Python is a popular programming language for network automation, as it is easy to learn, write, and read, and has a rich set of libraries and modules that support various network tasks and protocols. In this article, we will introduce some of the best Python libraries for network automation and explain their features and benefits.

Netmiko:

A package called Netmiko makes SSH access to network devices easier. It is based on Paramiko, a Python implementation of the SSHv2 protocol, but adds some features and functions that are specific to networking devices, such as handling prompts, paging, and configuration modes. Netmiko supports a wide range of network vendors and platforms, such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and HP. Netmiko also integrates with other libraries, such as TextFSM and Genie, to parse and structure the output of show commands. Netmiko is ideal for network automation tasks that involve sending commands and retrieving information from network devices.

NAPALM:

Network Automation and Programmability Abstraction Layer with Multivendor support is referred to as NAPALM. It is a library that provides a unified and consistent API for interacting with different network operating systems. NAPALM abstracts away the differences and complexities of each vendor's CLI and API and allows network engineers and administrators to use the same code and commands to perform various network operations, such as configuration management, state validation, and network discovery. NAPALM supports several network vendors and platforms, such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and Nokia. NAPALM is ideal for network automation tasks that require cross-platform compatibility and standardization.

NCClient:

NCClient is a library that facilitates scripting and automation over the NETCONF protocol. NETCONF is a standard protocol that allows network devices and applications to exchange configuration and operational data in a structured and secure way. NCClient enables Python programs to establish NETCONF sessions, send and receive RPCs (remote procedure calls), and manipulate configuration data stores. NCClient supports both synchronous and asynchronous modes of operation and can handle multiple NETCONF sessions simultaneously. NCClient is ideal for network automation tasks that involve using NETCONF to configure and monitor network devices.

PyBuilder:

PyBuilder is a library that helps network engineers and administrators to build, test, and deploy network automation scripts and applications. PyBuilder is based on the concept of dependency-based programming, which means that it automatically executes the tasks that are required to achieve a certain goal, such as compiling, testing, or packaging. PyBuilder also has a powerful plugin mechanism that allows users to extend and customize its functionality and behavior. PyBuilder supports various tools and frameworks that are commonly used in network automation, such as Ansible, Nornir, Pytest, and Docker. PyBuilder is ideal for network automation tasks that involve creating and managing complex and modular network automation projects.

Robot Framework:

Robot Framework is a library that enables network engineers and administrators to write and execute automated tests for network devices and services. Robot Framework is based on the concept of behavior-driven development, which means that it uses plain and simple language to describe the expected behavior and outcomes of the tests. Robot Framework has a keyword-driven syntax, which means that it uses predefined or user-defined keywords to express the test steps and logic. Robot Framework also has a rich set of libraries and tools that support various network testing scenarios, such as Selenium, Requests, BeautifulSoup, and pytest. Robot Framework is ideal for network automation tasks that involve verifying and validating the functionality and performance of network devices and services.

These are some of the best Python libraries for network automation, but they are not the only ones. Many other libraries and modules can help network engineers and administrators automate and enhance their network tasks and processes. Python is a versatile and powerful language that can be used to achieve various network automation goals and objectives. By using Python and its libraries, network engineers and administrators can improve their network efficiency, reliability, and security.