DNAC-TEMPLATES

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Note: Thank you for continuing your support of the DNAC-Template Repository by your continued visits to the site. Over the past few years we have developed a lot of content as a result, it is time to reorganize it to help be more consise, and to aide users in finding the relevant content easily. Over the next few months you will notice changes and updates to the repository, as we add additional content, revise existing dated content and nomenclature. The folder structure and resources will be reorganized for ease of use, and so that CODE examples and TUTORIALS will be grouped together for ease of use. We hope this will help users to find the content they need in an easier manner.

Cisco DNA Center

Cisco DNA Center is an intelligent Automation and Assurance platform for the campus. Cisco DNAC enables, simplified Day-0 through Day-N management of switching, routing, and wireless infrastructure. It also improves operations with AI/ML-enhanced analytics to streamline troubleshooting and provide actionable insights into the health of the network and the quality of experience for users and applications. Here are some of the capabilities of Cisco DNAC in their respective domains:

NetOps: Network Plug and Play for Zero Touch Deployment, Software Image Management, Compliance, Configuration Templates and Network Profiles, Model-Driven Configuration, and RMA Support.
AIOps: AI/ML-enhanced monitoring and troubleshooting support. Predictive Insights, Network Baselines, Network Reasoner, Device/Client/Application 360, Intelligent Capture.
SecOps: AI Endpoint Analytics, Group-Based Policy and Analytics, Software-Defined Access
DevOps: ITSM Integrations, APIs, SDK & Ansible Module

Overview

This Repository will give examples of templates used in Cisco Catalyst Center that can be modified. Additional information will be included to hopefully give a well rounded explanation of Automation methods with Templates using Cisco Catalyst Center and flows with both Onboarding and DayN Templates and concepts.

The repository will include scripts and examples with the following:

Template Scripting in both
- Velocity Language
- Jinja2 Language
Variables in both
- Velocity Language
- Jinja2 Language
Binding Variables
System Variables
Regular Templates
Composite Templates

The goal of this repository is a practical guide to allow engineers to rapidly begin using Cisco Catalyst Center automation and begin conversion of IOS CLI Templates. The Templates have been developed over the years and with various use cases in mind, and so the intent of sharing this collection is to reduce the lift to begin automating.

Intent Based Networking

Either one or multiple Templates may be used to deploy Intent in combination with the Design Settings and Policies deployed within the UI. One or Multiple templates may be used in Onboarding (PnP) or Day N methods. Day N methods are designed for making ongoing changes and may require 'no' statements depending on the configuration construct being modified.

Additionally:

Intent can be defined as the set of configuration constructs deployed via a template.
Variables can be used to modify or choose between constructs deployed via decision (‘IF’) statements
Repetition of any construct may be introduced through the use of Looping structures on any device.
Variables may be used when the device is being onboarded or provisioned

Tutorial Sections

Various sections will be covered within this github repository. Please use this menu as the main index for navigating content.
You will find various examples within the various folders of this repository, with supplied explanation readme files for reference.

Workflows

PnP Workflow - This section explains the overall Plug and Play Methodology
Onboarding Templates - This section will explain Onboarding Templates in Cisco Catalyst Center and their use in bringing various devices under Cisco Catalyst Center management
DayN Templates - This section will explain how to use templates for ongoing (Day-N) changes to the network

Templating

Building Templates - This section will explain how to build a template on Cisco Catalyst Center from scratch

Velocity Language

Velocity Variables - This section explains Template Variables in depth, and how and where to use them
Velocity Scripting - This section will dive into Velocity Language Template Scripting constructs and use cases
Advanced Velocity Scripting - This section will dive into Advanced Velocity Language Template examples

Jinja2 Language

Jinja2 Variables - This section explains Template Variables in depth, and how and where to use them
Jinja2 Scripting - This section will dive into Jinja2 Language Template Scripting constructs and use cases
Advanced Jinja2 Scripting - This section will dive into Advanced Jinja2 Language Template examples

Advanced Use Cases

Embedded Event Manager - This section will dive into EEM (Embedded Event Manager) Scripting and various use cases
System Variables - This section explains Cisco Catalyst Centers System Variables

Orchestration of Cisco Catalyst Center

REST API Orchestration - This section is a high level discussion of utlilizing REST API with Cisco Catalyst Center
Python Orchestration - This section is a high level discussion of utilizing Python with Cisco Catalyst Center
Ansible Orchestration - This section is a high level discussion of Ansible orchestration of Cisco Catalyst Center
CICD Orchestration - This section is a high level discussion of CICD orchestration of Cisco Catalyst Center

Fault-Finding

Troubleshooting - This section will dive into Troubleshooting Velocity based Template Constructs

DNAC Template LABS

This section built out in a lab format to guide you through the typical steps to complete various automation tasks delivered by Cisco Catalyst Center. It allows for customers to practice Cisco Catalyst Center workflows with Onboarding, DayN Templates, and Application Policy automation on both Wired and Wireless Platforms, while reducing the time and effort needed to instantiate the network The lab will also introduce advanced velocity templating topics and troubleshooting tools, which may help determine common failure scenarios in a deployment.

PnP Preparation - The lab covers setup for Plug and Play (allow 1.5 hrs)
Onboarding Templates - The lab covers in depth topics in deploying Day 0 templates (allow 1.5 hrs)
Day N Templates - The lab covers Day N template constructs and use cases (allow 0.5 hrs)
Composite Templates - This lab covers building a composite template on Cisco Catalyst Center (allow 0.5 hrs)
Application Policys - This lab covers Application Policy & SDAVC in Cisco Catalyst Center (allow 1.0 hrs)
Telemetry - This lab explains how to deploy Streaming Telemetry for Cisco Catalyst Center Assurance (allow 0.5 hrs)
Advanced Automation - This lab will explore Advanced Automation examples (allow 1.5 hrs)
Dynamic Automation - This lab will explore additional Advanced Automation examples (allow 2.0 hrs)
Rest-API Orchestration - This lab uses Postman Collections to automate Cisco Catalyst Center (allow 2.0 hrs)
Wireless Automation - This lab covers Traditional Wireless Automation (allow 6.0 hrs)
Orchestration - This lab covers Postman and Ansible orchestration (allow 4.0 hrs)
CICD Orchestration This lab covers Python, Ansible and JENKINS to orchestrate via REST-API (allow 4.0 hrs)

Practical Template Examples

In this section I have compiled a number of template examples built with Jinja2 Language. These samples include a wide ranging set of configurations which may be used in your labs to solve specific configuration requirements. This collection summarizes aspects covered previously in this templating repository, and are aimed at providing quick practical references to help engineers solve automation tasks with the help of Cisco Catalyst Center. Additionally these examples may be used in testing in dCloud with any of the labs on this repository.

Practical Template Examples

DNAC Templates Store

This repository is built out to share Cisco Catalyst Center Templates and allow for ongoing submissions from those inclined to share their work with the community. Initially the repository includes all the examples that we have used in this repository in RAW TEXT and JSON format. After your first submission you will be able to continually add your templates as you develop new and interesting approaches to device management.

Please maintain the directory structure with submissions. If you have a suggestion please reach out and contact me.

Please use this menu to navigate the various sections of this separate DNAC Templates Store Github repository. Within the multiple folders are examples, explanation readme files for reference.

RAW TEXT Examples - Templates in raw text for editing
DAY ZERO JSON - JSON files for easy import to Cisco Catalyst Center for Day Zero
DAY N JSON - JSON files for easy import to Cisco Catalyst Center for Day N
REGULAR JSON - JSON files for easy import to Cisco Catalyst Center for Day N
COMPOSITE JSON - JSON files for easy import to Cisco Catalyst Center for Day N

DCLOUD as a LAB

Overview

As a quick start with Cisco Catalyst Center Automation, you may utilize the above labs in conjuction with DCLOUD's sandbox:

This allows you to run these labs and gives not only an environment to try the various code samples, but also to develop and export your own code for use in your production environment. DCLOUD provides for rapid and safe POC/POV on-demand environment without impacting production environments. DCLOUD also negates the need for shipping equipment, associated lead times, and licensing issues associated with setting up your own private testing environment. Please do adhere to the best practices for the DCLOUD environment when using it.

DCLOUD allows for use with a web-based browser client for VPN-less connectivity, as well as AnyConnect VPN client connectivity for those who prefer it. The labs are hosted in Cisco San Jose Facility (Select US East or US West Region when scheduling in DCLOUD). Choose the Cisco Enterprise Network Sandbox version you prefer.

Note: To access this or any other content, including demonstrations, labs, and training in DCLOUD please work with your Cisco Account team or Cisco Partner Account Team directly. Your Account teams will make sure the session is scheduled and shared for you to use. Once booked follow the guide within Github to complete the tasks adhering to the best practices of the DCLOUD environment.

Examples

These examples must be used with two conditions:

Deployed a PnP Discovery method and DHCP scope - see PnP Workflow
Build the template with methods detailed - see Creating Templates

When building the template you will need to select a scripting language. Specific examples of Templates in the two scripting languages supported are available in the following folders:

The conditions that they are used are documented and are explained in Onboarding Templates and examples of DayN Templates are explained in DayN Templates

Feedback: If you found this repository please fill in comments and give feedback on how it could be improved.