IPYNE

The "Intermediate Python for Network Engineers (IPYNE)" course teaches the basic concepts of network programmability and automation with Python. It is aimed at network engineers who have no previous programming experience or professionals who want to improve their automation skills with Python and Cisco APIs. The course focuses on practical use cases such as automating device configurations, managing network inventories and integrating with Cisco products such as IOS XE, Meraki and ThousandEyes for API automation. You will also learn the basics of creating reusable programs with object-oriented programming, creating web interfaces with Flask, and interacting with large language models for advanced network automation. After completing the course, you will be able to write Python scripts, interact with network devices via APIs and design automation workflows to optimize network management tasks.

• Describe Python’s versatility and suitability for network programmability and automation 
• Explain why network programmability is needed and how it enables modern network automation 
• Describe programmatic interaction with network devices and the benefits of network automation for scaling from traditional to programmable networks 
• Identify practical examples and existing Python tools for network automation 
• Write and run basic Python scripts, demonstrating foundational syntax, elements (variables, data types, operators), and logic (decisions and loops) 
• Introduce standard and third-party libraries, the import statement, and using the Python interpreter 
• Demonstrate hands-on interaction with Python, including accepting input and performing basic network tasks (e.g., connectivity checks) 
• Emphasize code styles, readability, and development environment setup, including Python installation, VS Code, virtual environments, Docker, and Git 
• Implement Python tools for automating device inventory, including data storage with variables, grouping devices with lists and dictionaries, iterating and filtering device data, and file operations (load/save) 
• Organize code with functions and develop scripts for inventory management 
• Use external libraries (e.g., Netmiko) for SSH connections and scaling network configurations with Python and templates 
• Parse and analyze device output, handle exceptions, and build CLI applications for device management 
• Implement tools for testing and validating device state using PyATS and Genie, including retrieving and verifying configuration data 
• Demonstrate Python context managers, parsing outputs, performing compliance validation, and running scripts on Cisco IOS-XE devices (Guest Shell) 
• Create tools for backing up device configs, automating backup storage with Git, comparing configs, and periodic backups with logging 
• Use PyATS for configuration comparison and automate backup processes 
• Describe HTTP REST API fundamentals, interactive documentation, and creating API requests in Python 
• Parse JSON data, automate interactions with APIs (e.g., Cisco Meraki Dashboard, ThousandEyes), and manage authentication securely 
• Demonstrate creating, configuring, and analyzing network tests and monitoring data with API scripts 
• Explain the importance of debugging, logging, unit testing, and integrating scripts with CI/CD pipelines 
• Handle API errors, implement rate limiting/retries, and introduce telemetry collection with OpenTelemetry 

You will receive the original course documentation from Cisco in English language as a Cisco E-Book.

• Network engineers with little or no programming or Python experience
• Network administrators
• Network managers
• Systems engineers

There are no prerequisites for this training course. However, it is recommended that you have the following knowledge and skills before attending this training course:</p

• Familiarity and basic understanding of key networking concepts
• Familiarity with Cisco IOS-XE software or other Cisco network devices and knowledge of their configuration and operation
• Cisco CCNA certification or equivalent knowledge

The aim of the course is to develop practical skills in Python for automating, configuring and monitoring networks. Using tools such as Netmiko, PyATS and REST APIs, you will learn to create scalable solutions and integrate modern technologies such as CI/CD, telemetry and LLMs into network management.