@huanlu wrote:
Agenda
Automation and Network Programmability in VIRL
-Learn more about VIRL APIs and how you can use them!
Setting up ODL Controller in VIRL and SDN environments
-We have ODL experts from Cisco covering this topic, so don't miss out!
Recording
Watch the session recording on the VIRL's youtube channel: https://youtu.be/WiWR0tig5b8
You can also view past webinar recordings if you missed the parties.
Presentation Slides
Download the slides used in this webinar:
VIRL Personal Edition Webinar Dec 2015.pdf (888.7 KB)
ODL and SDN in VIRL.pdf (1.5 MB)
VIRL and APIs for December Webinar.pdf (4.3 MB)
The VIRL API documentation and examples: https://github.com/VIRL-Open/virl-utils.git
Download the pre-built ODL VM to use it on VIRL: https://cisco.app.box.com/s/j0ryzr3ijbtbfoha37eirgp8f4vihgwa
ODL demo: http://dcloud.cisco.com/
Q&A
Q: Are there any plans to increase the documentation for using and extending the LXCs?
A: Not certain, but I can certainly add your request to our documentation / video queue. Is there anything in particular that you'd like to know about?Q: Is there good intro to programming course anyone know for beginner?
A: If you don't have much programming background, you might find the books and resources on this page helpful: https://wiki.python.org/moin/BeginnersGuide/NonProgrammers.
http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/ is not a bad place to start. If you don't have much programming background, you might find the books and resources on this page helpful: https://wiki.python.org/moin/BeginnersGuide/NonProgrammers. Code academy and Khan Academy also have some great courses to get you started.
The point is that most of the fundamental operations from VM Maestro, such as starting a simulation, listing nodes, or starting a packet capture can be done via the API.
You can certainly dump information to the CLI using curl. But if you want to do any automation, you would need knowledge of at least one programming language, like Python, Perl, Ruby, etc.Q: The RESTful interface to VIRL is interesting. However, I'm curious what you think the main usage cases would be?
A: automated tests... devops... consistent test environments that are brought up for a system test where you test your application against. something along these lines, for exampleQ: so other than building topologies for studying automatically, what else is this good for?
A: If you're only using VIRL for networking certification study prep, then the APIs may not be that interesting. More useful for devops, test automation, app developers, course delivery, etc.Q: can you generate graphics with the API so it can show the traffic flows between nodes?
A: the sky is the limit :DQ: now i can see a route and switch guy like me having another job option; working with programmers testing applications
A: Correct. A lot of software developers don't know that much about networking. For building networking applications, they need to collaborate with R&S guys.Q: So u can take these api's and use them on your "production" network?
A: The device APIs in XE and XR: certainly. The VIRL APIs are used for within the simulation... I guess there's no API to 'shutdown' your real network. Is there?Q: so use virl to "simulate" your network, produce "scripts" , then implement into production
A: that's a good example of how you could leverage VIRLQ: so CML is really VIRL for larger networks/topologies?
A: Main diff is more nodes are possible with CML… and a longer QA cycle... meaning features are being available later than on personal edition.Q: i had no idea virl was more than a study tool until now
A: I guess we need to do a better job on messaging.There are certainly networking engineers and consultants using VIRL to test scripts for their production networks, prototyping network designs, etc.
Q: ironically; i still won't purchase for studying, too much time spent on setting up and managing vs. buying cisco lab packages in learning store
A: setup experience is (imo) a lot better than it was. and if being able to deploy an OVA it is a straight forward processQ: and for other ccie certs like data center i keep reading virl still doesn't quite cut it
A: Depends on the cert. NX-OSv is still missing some key features for CCIE data center. Folks have been happy with VIRL for CCIE R&S and SP, for example.Q: how about collaboration?
A: everything that needs specific hardware will be difficult to simulate. can't do phones or DSPsQ: Noted the nexus 9k subtype under a pristine install of Virl 1.0; any time table for its release and possible ACI integration? I feel this could really help with the ACI platform taking off at a crucial time in the market.
A: We're depending on the BU to release these VMs to the public. We don't own NX-OS, we don't own XE, IOS, ASA... we're just happily including those IF the BU allows us to. We also don't own their bugs, really :D What you can do is if you have a cisco account manager or contact, send the message to them and have them talk to the BUs. We have collected a lot of feedback, but hearing directly from customers will help too!![:smile:]( ":smile:")
Q: Is it mature for CCIE security preparation ?
A: the ASA is in there and it has pretty much all the features. In terms of switch features there are a few but certainly not all. I guess it is a good baseline but might not cover 100% of all requirements of the CCIE-Security
A: e.g. you can do RADIUS and 802.1X on the switch. No MAB, though or port-security
A: You may also be interested in this discussion: http://community.dev-innovate.com/t/more-elements-for-ccie-security/3990
There are certainly networking engineers and consultants using VIRL to test scripts for their production networks, prototyping network designs, etc.Posts: 2
Participants: 1
