Cisco NX-OS includes a power-on automated provisioning (POAP) capability that aids in automating the initial start-up and configuration processes. In addition, Cisco has recently published an open source tool called Ignite that further enhances automation with tools for topology, configuration design and management.

Cisco Power-On Auto Provisioning (POAP)

Cisco’s POAP implementation allows automated configuration of a network device by providing the required image and configuration via download.

While POAP was originally targeted at initial configuration, it is implemented using a Python-based scripting mechanism that is extremely flexible, so its functionality can be extended well beyond power-on provisioning. Currently POAP is already capable of handling complex requirements for intermediate boot orders, replay checkpoints, and configuration management agent installation.

A broader discussion on POAP is included in the Configuration Management and Automation chapter.

Open NX-OS Extensibility Support

POAP utilizes the Open NX-OS RPM (Puppet, Chef) capabilities to install configuration management agents during power-on installation.

Ignite

Ignite is a tool that automates the process of installing and upgrading software images and installing configuration files on Cisco Nexus switches that are being deployed in the network, working in conjunction with POAP on the switch.

Ignite provides a powerful and flexible framework through which a data center network administrator can define data-center network topologies, configuration templates (configlets), and resource pools. Ignite automatically identifies the switch from its neighbors or by its unique identifiers (Serial ID or System MAC address) and then delivers the the proper configuration template and image to the switch.

Using these tools, users can automate a significant portion of their switch start-up process, as illustrated below.