This repository contains demonstration code from the Cisco Live session BRKOPS-2357, titled "From NetDevOps to AI-Assisted Operations: Automating Networks with a Source of Truth," The demo illustrates modern techniques in network infrastructure management, showcasing how technologies like NetBox, Cisco Catalyst Center, and automation platforms can streamline network operations from configuration management to testing and verification.
For those who missed the session, you can watch the recording in the Cisco Live On-Demand Library (coming soon).
- Cisco Workflows Automation - Low-code/no-code automation for NetBox and Catalyst Center
- Automating Network Operations with Ansible, Catalyst Center, and NetBox
- GitLab CI/CD Integration for Network Automation
- NetBox Custom Scripts for Cisco Catalyst Center Site Creation and Plug-and-Play
- pyATS Network Testing Framework with NTP Testcase and NetBox Integration
- MCP Servers for AI-Assisted Network Operations
This repository demonstrates multiple approaches to network automation, from traditional scripting to AI-assisted operations:
| Approach | Use Case | Skills Required |
|---|---|---|
| Cisco Workflows | Low-code/no-code automation with visual workflow builder | Basic understanding of APIs |
| Ansible Playbooks | Infrastructure as Code with YAML-based automation | Ansible, YAML, Jinja2 |
| GitLab CI/CD | Pipeline-driven automation with version control | Git, CI/CD concepts |
| NetBox Custom Scripts | Python-based automation integrated with NetBox | Python programming |
| MCP Servers (AI-Assisted) | Natural language network operations via AI assistants | Basic network knowledge |
The MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers enable AI-powered network management through natural language queries. Instead of writing scripts or clicking through GUIs, you can interact with your network infrastructure conversationally using AI assistants like Cursor IDE or LibreChat.
| Server | Port | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst Center MCP | 8002 | Enterprise network management, device inventory, assurance data |
| NetBox MCP | 8001 | DCIM/IPAM documentation, infrastructure source of truth |
| IOS XE MCP | 8003 | Direct SSH-based device configuration and troubleshooting |
# Clone with submodules
git clone --recurse-submodules https://github.com/pamosima/brkops-2357.git
# Or if already cloned, initialize submodules
git submodule update --init --recursive
# Configure and deploy MCP servers
cd MCP
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env with your credentials
./deploy.sh start ciscoTraditional Automation vs AI-Assisted:
| Task | Traditional | AI-Assisted (MCP) |
|---|---|---|
| Check device status | Run Ansible playbook or API call | "Is switch XYZ reachable?" |
| Troubleshoot connectivity | SSH to device, run show commands | "Why can't device A reach device B?" |
| Update documentation | Manually sync NetBox | "Update NetBox with current device config" |
| Create site hierarchy | Execute workflow or playbook | "Create a new site called Building-5 in Zurich" |
For detailed MCP server documentation, see the Network MCP Docker Suite.
Cisco Products & Services:
- Cisco Catalyst Center
- Cisco Workflows
- Cisco IOS XE
Third-Party Products & Services:
- NetBox
- Ansible
- GitLab CI/CD
Tools & Frameworks:
- pyATS
- Docker
- Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Currently, there are no known issues. Please report any bugs or problems using the GitHub Issues section.
If you encounter any issues or need assistance, please create an issue in the GitHub repository for support.
Contributions to this project are welcome! Please refer to the CONTRIBUTING guidelines for instructions on how to contribute.
This project was written and is maintained by the following individuals:
- Patrick Mosimann (pamosima@cisco.com)
- Keith B for DNAC Template: Platinum Onboarding Template
- Tobias Spuhler (tspuhler@cisco.com)
- Luca Gubler (luca.gubler@onway.ch)
This project is licensed to you under the terms of the Cisco Sample Code License.