Introduction

Welcome back to Network ThinkTank, the place to be for the latest insights into networking, technology, and cybersecurity. In today’s blog post, we’ll introduce you to test-driven automation using PyATS, a powerful and flexible automation framework from Cisco. We’ll discuss its benefits and show you how PyATS can revolutionize the way you approach network testing and validation. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of test-driven automation with PyATS.

What is PyATS?

Cisco’s Python Automated Test System (PyATS) is an open-source automation framework designed to facilitate network testing, validation, and automation. It offers a suite of tools and libraries that enable network engineers and developers to create, execute, and analyze network tests more efficiently.

PyATS promotes a test-driven approach to network automation, allowing you to validate network states and configurations, detect issues, and ensure compliance with your organization’s policies and best practices.

Benefits of Test-Driven Automation with PyATS

1. Enhanced Network Reliability: By adopting a test-driven approach, PyATS helps you ensure that your network infrastructure remains reliable and performs optimally. Regular testing and validation can detect issues early, preventing costly downtime and disruptions.
2. Improved Operational Efficiency: PyATS automates time-consuming manual tasks, streamlining your network operations and freeing up your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.
3. Accelerated Network Deployment: PyATS can rapidly validate new network configurations and features, reducing the time it takes to deploy changes and enhancements to your network infrastructure.
4. Continuous Validation and Compliance: With PyATS, you can continuously monitor and validate your network’s compliance with industry standards, security policies, and best practices, ensuring a secure and stable network environment.

Getting Started with PyATS

To start using PyATS, follow these simple steps:

1. Install Python 3.6 or higher on your system.
2. Install the PyATS package and its dependencies using pip:

pip install pyats

3. Install the optional Genie library for additional functionality:

pip install genie

4. Create test cases and scripts using PyATS libraries and tools.

Example: A Basic PyATS Test Case

Let’s create a simple test case to demonstrate the power of PyATS. In this example, we’ll verify that a router’s hostname matches the expected value.

1. Create a Python script called test_hostname.py with the following content:

from pyats import aetest
from genie.testbed import load

class TestHostname(aetest.Testcase):
@aetest.test
def check_hostname(self):
testbed = load('testbed.yaml')
device = testbed.devices['my_router']
device.connect()
output = device.execute('show running-config')
assert 'hostname my_expected_hostname' in output

if _name_ == '_main_':
aetest.main()

2. Create a testbed YAML file (testbed.yaml) that defines the device you want to test:

testbed:
name: My Testbed
credentials:
default:
username: my_username
password: my_password
devices:
my_router:
alias: my_router
type: router
os: iosxe
connections:
defaults:
class: unicon.Unicon
cli:
ip: 192.168.1.1

3. Execute the test case by running the script:

python test_hostname.py

Conclusion

Test-driven automation with PyATS from Cisco offers a powerful and flexible way to validate and optimize your network infrastructure. By automating network tests, you can increase operational efficiency, enhance network reliability, and accelerate network deployments. Furthermore, continuous validation and compliance ensure that your network remains secure and adheres to industry standards and best practices.

Whether you’re a network engineer, a developer, or a network operations team member, test-driven automation with PyATS can revolutionize your approach to network testing and automation. So, get started with PyATS today and take your network management and validation capabilities to the next level.

Stay tuned to Network ThinkTank for more insights, tips, and best practices in the world of networking, technology, and cybersecurity. Happy testing!