Using Python to Manage Network Devices

Now we have a fair knowledge about how to use and install Python in different operating systems and also how to build the network topology using the EVE-NG. In this chapter, we will discover how to leverage many network automation libraries, used today to automate various network tasks. Python can interact with network devices on many layers.

First, it can handle low-level layers with socket programming and socket modules, which serve as low-level networking interfaces between operating systems that run Python and the network device. Also, Python modules provide higher-level interaction through telnet, SSH, and API. In this chapter, we will pe deep into how to use Python to establish remote connections and execute commands on remote devices using telnet and SSH modules.

The following topics will be covered:

• Using Python to telnet to devices
• Python and SSH
• Handling IP addresses and networks with netaddr
• Network automation sample use cases