What are data models in network automation?
Hassaan WaqarData models are structured, human-readable, intent-based text files that contain data important to a device or group of devices. The use of data models transforms the network into an intent-based system. The developer’s intent can be expressed in a single file. Network devices can then be configured to the desired state based on the intent.
An intent-based networking system enables the administrator to send a request that the network will automatically respond to.
Data models are also referred to as data dictionaries that hold variables under dynamic templates. They lie at the core of automatically derived configurations and documentation files.
The illustration below shows how data models aid in achieving network automation:
Data models mostly consist of key-value pairs and lists. There can be both group and host variables used to control an individual device or group of devices on the network.
It is important to model data carefully in network automation. An efficient way to scale data must be drafted. Therefore, considerable time should be invested in modeling data.
The code snippet below shows a sample data model used for a campus access switch:
Data models are written in YAML format.
host_defaults:
hostname: ACCESS01
stack_size: 2
site: 10
snmp_engineid: 1001
snmp_server_location: \"Building01_FirstFloor\"
host_vlans:
2:
name: \"In-BandManagement\"
3:
name: WirelessAccessPoints
10:
name: BLUE_Zone
11:
name: BLUE_Zone_Voice
20:
name: RED_Zone
30:
name: GREEN_Zone
50:
name: SECURITY
host_virtual_interfaces:
Vlan2:
description: \"In-BandManagement\"
ip_address: \"192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0\"
state_enabled: true
host_port_channels:
Port-channel1:
port_channel: 1
description: \"Distribution Uplink\"
encapsulation: dot1q
switchport_mode: trunk
switchport_nonegotiate: true
vlans: 2,3,10,11,20,30,50
state_enabled: true
members:
GigabitEthernet1/0/48:
power_inline: false
srr_queue_share: true
srr_queue_shape: true
priority_queue: out
trust_dscp: true
lacp: active
service_policy:
input: QoS-IN
state_enabled: true
GigabitEthernet2/0/48:
power_inline: false
srr_queue_share: true
srr_queue_shape: true
priority_queue: out
trust_dscp: true
lacp: active
service_policy:
input: QoS-IN
state_enabled: true
host_interfaces:
GigabitEthernet1/0/1:
type: OPZone
description: Standard OPZone Interface
vlan: 10
voice_vlan: 11
state_enabled: true
GigabitEthernet1/0/2:
type: SECURITY
description: Standard Security Interface
vlan: 50
state_enabled: true
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