Overview
On this episode of our show, we’re exploring innovative strategies for streamlining community processes through automation. With our initial focus now shifted within the context of the sequence, we have concentrated our efforts on specific concepts related to automation. Notwithstanding this self-paced standalone lab, we will start blending disparate concepts to provide an even more comprehensive examination of the possibilities offered by Catalyst Core’s automation capabilities? We’ll automate the entry layer using dynamic templates, potentially automating port provisioning based largely on Power over Ethernet (PoE) events. As part of this lab, we will leverage diverse velocity templates from Lab 7 to effectively address unique usage scenarios, thereby enabling Catalyst Heart provisioning to automate these scenarios through optimized configuration. With this feature, as a community administrator, you are empowered to uncover additional types of configuration settings from Catalyst Heart, allowing you to effectively manage the complexities of your enterprise network.
This lab functions independently, unlike its predecessors, requiring no prior knowledge or setup from previous experiments in the series. When incorporating ideas from Labs 5 and 6, this lab is intentionally unconfigured to allow for maximum flexibility. This innovative approach employs diverse automation tactics to fully render the scope of potentialities within a non-Software Defined Entry framework.
Within this sequence, we explore what follows.
- To quickly deploy a plug-and-play solution, follow these straightforward steps:
- The deployment of Day 0 templates requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure. By leveraging Azure’s robust features, organizations can streamline the process, reducing manual errors and increasing overall efficiency.
- explores the intricacies of Day N template constructs, examining both common and composite templates in various scenarios.
- Examines the intersection of Utility Policies and Software-Defined Access Control Version 2 (SD-AVC) within Cisco’s Catalyst Heart infrastructure and its practical applications.
- Explains how to deploy telemetry for enhanced assurance.
- – explores Superior Automation strategies
- A cloud-based deployment lab for dynamic automation of IT processes.
This innovative module empowers users to transcend their current understanding by exploring novel concepts, effectively extending the frontiers of automation. We will explore various aspects of template logic to clarify several use cases throughout this lab. We revisit and expand upon previous concepts by providing a comprehensive analysis of how to enhance their skills.
The primary objective of this laboratory is to enable the construction of a simulated environment through the integration of Discovery and Physical Network Planning (PnP), ultimately facilitating seamless deployment. Allowing for a safe space where individuals can explore, refine, and become accustomed to diverse perspectives and methods.
Preparation
The laboratory was designed with minimal intervention in mind, leveraging features such as running through a group runner to quickly configure the Catalyst Core. This enables deployment of settings, credentials, gadgets, and construction of websites, buildings, and flooring, with the ability to assign units to these sites. This exceptional example showcases the impressive results that can be achieved with Catalyst Heart, as it successfully illustrates how quickly you can get started and operational with just one tool.
In the Microsoft Windows environment, DNS and DHCP services are typically implemented using a combination for faster deployment. This enables us to quickly configure DHCP scopes and DNS entries for the necessary providers within the laboratory environment.
Templates
Within our lab environment, we leverage templates to meticulously configure all {hardware} equipment prior to the entry-level change’s onboarding process. Once onboarded, we deploy the DayN Composite template to thoroughly configure the change in a highly flexible manner, accommodating various device types and modes as needed. Templates and tasks for Catalyst Heart within the laboratory are downloaded in JSON format, then seamlessly imported to minimize setup time.
Within the laboratory, an array of advanced settings is available, warranting dedicated time to explore and fully appreciate each option. Having attained mastery over these concepts, you must elevate yourself to a level where you can efficiently handle the majority of automated tasks required within contemporary business networks.
Subjects
The diverse topics that we will explore and implement within the laboratory setting include the following:
- Integrating the Catalyst Heart and Identification Providers’ Engine seamlessly
- Configuring Catalyst Heart through
- Using to onboard community units
- to
- The following PowerShell script pattern simplifies the deployment of DHCP and DNS:
“`powershell
# Define the scope options
$dhcpScopeOptions = @{
‘10.0.1.100’ = 12;
‘10.0.1.200’ = 16;
}# Get the current DNS zone
$dnsZone = (Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_NetworkAdapterConfiguration).DNSServerSearchOrder[0]# Create a new DHCP scope and configure it
New-DHCPScope -Name “MyScope” -StartRange “10.0.1.100” -EndRange “10.0.1.200” -LeaseDuration 1 | Set-DHCPBindingOption -OptionType 12,16# Update the DNS zone with the new scope
Add-DnsServerResourceRecord -Name “MyScope” -ZoneName $dnsZone -Type A -IPv4Address “10.0.1.100”# Start the DHCP and DNS services
Start-Service -Name “DHCP”
Start-Service -Name “DNS”
“`This script defines a scope with specific options, creates a new DHCP scope with the defined options, updates the DNS zone to reflect the new scope, and starts the necessary services.
- of Gadgets
- for and
- Autoconf and Embedded Occasion Supervisor
- IBNS 2.0 configuration
- Working with
Use Instances
We will explore these subjects in various use cases, highlighting the adaptability and versatility of the templating engine within Catalyst Heart. In this lab, we leverage the capabilities of Velocity language to achieve optimal results. Similarly, we will leverage the Jinja2 language to its fullest potential outside of this lab. The key points from our previous laboratory session, which are relevant:
To gain a comprehensive grasp of organizing a Catalyst Heart and its environment, we will explore the steps required to facilitate the deployment of advanced, standardized templates that can seamlessly configure devices across these labs. To facilitate swift adoption of Catalyst Heart automation by engineers, the lab aims to provide a foundation for building a global template method, enabling users to rapidly start working towards this goal. Additionally, these laboratories will provide prospects with a permanent platform to explore standard and composite templates and customizable configurations for diverse scenarios. Ultimately, these surroundings will enable engineers to significantly reduce the effort and time required to establish the community.
Autoconf
In our labs, we employ a tool that streamlines the management of port configurations by automating the deployment of information or voice VLAN settings, high-quality service parameters, storm control mechanisms, and MAC-based port security features on finished devices at the edge of a network, allowing for seamless configuration in an entry-level layer. Gadget classification is enabled as soon as you allow the functionality using the autoconf allow world configuration mode command. The gadget detection serves as a trigger, automatically applying the relevant template to the interface upon occurrence. When the function is enabled, utilizing autoconf allow The command utilizes the default service coverage across all interfaces. For extra details about . Currently, service-policies cannot concurrently exist on the same interface; thus, for interfaces having templates statically assigned to the interface with service-policy attachment for authentication purposes, one potential approach would be to leverage different tactics to render the interface dynamic.
EEM scripts
As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, a sense of possibility settled over the crowd gathered in Times Square. Throughout the system, you may easily reconfigure interfaces, send event notifications via email, and much more. During this lab, we employ a strategy to reconfigure interfaces when an interface goes down by applying a baseline, closed authentication template as a default configuration. Additionally, we modify the interfaces to operate in low-influence mode whenever a Power over Ethernet (PoE) energy up event is detected and confirmed. The applications for a script like this are numerous, and while this lab focuses on one specific use case, creative thinking can lead to many alternative uses for such a function.?
Self-Destructing EEM scripts
Are individuals who choose to erase their online presence upon employment termination a growing concern? During execution, the code eliminates unnecessary sections from the configuration file, and then successfully stores the modified settings in Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM). The applications for such a script are numerous, and while this lab focuses on one specific use case, creative thinking can uncover many more innovative uses.
IBNS 2.0 Configuration
While limitations in IBNS 2.0 prevent comprehensive exposure of its features, we will explore the configurational aspects necessary to facilitate automated host onboarding within a specific context. These ideas, although not yet fully integrated into a user-friendly interface within Catalyst Heart for legacy networks, provide organisations with the opportunity to automate their infrastructure, thereby enabling them to automate their processes.
The code snippets are presented in a straightforward copy-and-paste format, allowing seamless import into Catalyst Heart through simple pasting into the editor.
Within DCLOUD’s digital realm, several innovative labs operate in sandbox environments. These self-contained environments are designed to allow you to utilize them freely within a scheduled timeframe. Additionally, this allows us a space to explore diverse concepts without worrying about disrupting production settings.
DCLOUD Lab Atmosphere
To help prospects achieve success with Cisco Catalyst Heart automation, leveraging these labs is recommended, as they have been specifically designed to operate within DCLOUD’s Cisco Enterprise Networks Hardware Sandbox Labs in both.
The DCLOUD labs provide a hands-on environment where you can execute these labs and experiment with various code samples. You may choose to develop and export your code for use in manufacturing settings. This provides a controlled environment where you can experiment with POCs/POVs without compromising your production settings or causing harm to your infrastructure? With the DCLOUD environment, the need for transportation equipment, reduced lead times, and simplified licensing requirements is eliminated, allowing for swift mobilization. Adhere strictly to optimal best practices when operating within the DCLOUD environment to ensure seamless and secure interactions.
Lab Connectivity
The environment allows for seamless, VPN-free online connectivity via a web-based browser. Additionally, Cisco provides AnyConnect VPN consumer connectivity options for those who require secure remote access. Access the Cisco Enterprise Community Sandbox. You’ll also have the option to select from our San Jose and Research Triangle Park (RTP) amenities labs by choosing between US East and US West regions. To access this or different content, including demos, and labs in DCLOUD, kindly collaborate directly with your Cisco or Associate Account Representative. Your account groups will coordinate a session and share the details with you for your convenience. As soon as bookings are confirmed, review the relevant information on GitHub to complete tasks efficiently in accordance with best practices within the DCLOUD environment?
Content material
This GitHub repository aims to guide you through the daily steps necessary for executing various automation tasks provided by Catalyst Core. In this laboratory exercise, we will explore templates employed within Catalyst Heart, which we will adapt to suit our specific requirements, while also examining equipment located within the lab environment. Data within laboratory settings provides a comprehensive elucidation of automation techniques leveraging templates. Last but not least, the laboratory allows patrons to leverage Catalyst Heart workflows in deploying Onboarding, DayN templates, and Utility Coverage automation seamlessly across both wired and wireless platforms.
The primary objective of this laboratory exercise is to provide engineers with a practical guide, enabling them to rapidly initiate utilization of Catalyst Heart automation and facilitate their journey towards developing a deployment strategy. This lab provides a lasting hub where prospects can explore various configuration options for diverse usage scenarios. Ultimately, these surroundings enable engineers to reduce the effort and time required to establish the community.
Through this process, you will develop proficiency in managing Plug and Play onboarding and templates, as well as leveraging all available options to streamline your workflow. You will leverage advanced templating techniques and diagnostic tools to optimize your workflow. These tools may aid in troubleshooting by helping identify the source of an issue during a deployment process.
Browse the Repository Across various folders, you will find illustrative examples and comprehensive clarification materials in the form of readme documentation, serving as valuable resources for quick reference. Two distinct laboratory units are currently undergoing regular expansion.
New
Navigate through this GitHub repository’s diverse sections with ease. Across multiple directories, there are illustrative examples and supplementary README documentation available for reference purposes. There are indeed two distinct units of laboratories that have been consistently expanded and developed over time.
This latest laboratory methodology has been redeveloped to incorporate the essential concepts from its legacy counterparts, now presented in an innovative, highly modular structure.
- Determines coverage of uninhabited and barren regions under various scenarios.
- – Covers conventional wi-fi automation
- Automates Cisco Catalyst Heart interactions using Postman and Relaxation-API.
- Covers orchestration through seamless integration with REST APIs.
We will continually share additional labs and relevant content to consistently meet the evolving needs of your automation strategy through our Catalyst Hub platform.
If you’ve had the opportunity to discover these laboratories and repositories useful?
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