Overview
The course focusses on the use of ansible for network devices instead of its usual server use case. The course progresses from the basics of ansible and playbooks onto using network specific modules including NAPALM. The use Jinja2 templating with ansible is also studied. Hands on sessions with ansible configuring routers and switches follow all major sections.
Prerequisites
Delegates will learn how to
By the end of the course delegates will be able to:
- Automate tasks with ansible.
- Write ansible playbooks.
- Configure network devices with ansible.
- Troubleshoot network devices with ansible.
- Use ansible network modules.
- Use jinja2 templates with ansible.
Outline
What is ansible?
The language, the engine, the framework. Uses of ansible, orchestration.
Hands on Installing ansible, enabling SSH on network devices.
Ansible architecture
How ansible “normally” works, Agentless, SSH, ansible and Python, modules, how ansible work on network devices, Configuration management, inventories, playbooks, modules, ansible.cfg.
Hands on Getting started, running ad hoc commands.
Playbooks
ansible-playbook, users, YAML, plays, tasks, modules. ansible-vault.
Hands on: Running playbooks.
More playbooks
Handlers, variables, environmental variables, playbook variables, inventory variables, variable scope and precedence, accessing variables, facts, ansible vault. Conditionals, wait_for.
Hands on: Using variables and conditions in playbooks.
Inventories
/etc/ansible/hosts, inventory variables, static inventories, dynamic inventories.
Hands on: Inventories and variables.
Ansible network modules
Built in modules, custom modules, return values. ansible-doc –l. connection: local, Cisco modules, Juniper module,
Hands on: Using modules for your network devices.
Ansible templatings
The template module, the assemble module, jinja2 templates, for, if else.
Hands on: Configuring network devices from templates.
Roles and includes
Dynamic includes, Handler includes, playbook includes. Roles, role parts: handlers, files, templates, cross platform roles, ansible galaxy.
Hands on: includes example, building roles.
Ansible and NAPALM
Installation, napalm-ansible, NAPALM modules: napalm_diff-yang, napalm_get_facts, napalm_install_config, napalm_parse_yang, napalm_ping, napalm_translate_yang, napalm_validate.
Hands on: Using NAPALM modules in ansible.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting (more details in the link below) to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.