Chapter 2

Data for Network Automation

Most networks, like snowflakes, are unique. This makes gathering data from a particular network a unique task. You saw in Chapter 1, “Types of Network Automation,” that data plays an important role in automation, and in this chapter we explore how important data really is.

This chapter discusses the most common data formats and models that you will interact with in a networking environment:

  • YAML

  • XML

  • JSON

  • Syslog

  • NetFlow

  • IPFIX

  • YANG

This chapter also covers how to collect data from a network. It specifically focuses on the relevant methods used today, such as APIs, model-driven techniques, and log exporters.

The Importance of Data

Data is the most important asset of the 21st century. Companies like Google, ...

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