Welcome back to Catalyst capsules. In this 4th video, we're going to explore one of the most powerful areas of Catalyst Center Network automation. This session will cover software image management, configuration templates, and the plug and play feature. Let us dive in and explore these concepts further.00:02In today's capsule, we'll cover four major topics. 1st, we'll explore software image management or SWIM, which standardizes device software versions. Next, we'll look into configuration templates. Ensuring consistent and repeatable network deployments. Then we'll examine plug and play.00:21Which allows you to onboard new devices with zero touch provisioning. Finally, we'll conduct a live demonstration inside Catalyst Center to showcase these automation workflows effectively. Let's begin with software image management, commonly known as SWIM.00:39SWIM allows for centralized management of software across all network devices. You upload an image to the repository, designated as the golden image for specific device families, and distribute it across your devices. This ensures that every device is running a consistent and compliant software version, significantly reducing bugs and.00:56And security vulnerabilities. During our session, we will demonstrate upgrading up to five devices using this powerful feature.01:16Now let's discuss configuration templates. Templates are essential for defining standard configurations that can be consistently applied to numerous devices Rather than manually inputting commands into each device, you can create and deploy a template that accomplishes this efficiently.01:25This method saves time and mitigates human error. Templates vary from simple, non programmable types to complex variable driven designs. In this session, we will focus on implementing a basic non programmable template.01:41Next is the impressive plug and play or PNP capability. Plug and play eliminates the need for manual configurations by enabling zero touch provisioning. When a new device is connected to the network, it automatically contacts the catalyst center. The controller matches it to a predefined rule, applying the correct software image and configuration.01:58This feature allows you to send a device directly to a remote site and have it provision itself just by being plugged in, eliminating manual staging.02:18Let us now move into the live demo. In this demonstration, we will explore the software image repository, review the golden image process, create a simple configuration template, and examine the plug and play workflow. These practical examples will provide a clear understanding of how automation with Catalyst Center is effectively achieved.02:27Welcome everyone. Today, we'll discuss how to automate our network environment effectively using Catalyst Center. The initial step involves setting our standards. Beginning with defining a golden image. In our design section, we'll select the image repository, noting that we have 80 devices, but zero golden images. We will establish.02:47Establish a standard for our catalyst 9300 series devices, selecting version 17.15 .03.03:07Which is marked as KGVV validated with verified MD five and SHA checksums. By tagging this version with a golden star, we can set it as our standard. Once tagged, we can assign this image to specific device roles and sites, creating a compliance benchmark for our network.03:32After setting the golden image, we'll move to the provision menu where we select inventory. I'll demonstrate by choosing a specific switch, navigating through actions to software image and selecting image update.04:03Here, Catalyst Center conducts a readiness check to ensure adequate flash space and boot flash paths. Segment two focuses on configuration templates, which are crucial for maintaining consistency under the design section.04:27I'll show you how we use CLI templates within the template hub, specifically the tane base config, which is powered by Jinja two. This engine allows unique configurations for each device by utilizing variables such as host name in the variables tab. We input necessary data, allowing us to test configurations through.04:47Simulations, avoiding surprises on live devices.05:07Finally, segment three highlights the deployment process involving network profiles after committing a template, which solidifies it for deployment. We attach it to network profiles to reach the right devices. We'll construct a profile from scratch.05:33Selecting a site like New York One 1st floor, ensuring any device.06:28Heritages the standardized settings.06:32By returning to inventory and selecting provision, Catalyst Center automates the deployment process, applying the golden image and configuration templates efficiently. This comprehensive workflow demonstrates the robust power of automation with Catalyst Center.06:41Before concluding, let's review some automation best practices. 1st, standardize on a golden image for each device family to maintain network consistency. Second, always test your templates in a controlled lab environment before deploying them in production. 3rd, use plug and play for device onboarding to eliminate manual configuration errors.07:28Lastly, schedule software upgrades during maintenance windows to minimize disruptions. That concludes our session on how Catalyst Center automates your network using SWIM templates and plug and play. Thank you for watching this Catalyst capsule. Join us for the final video in this series where we'll delve into assurance.07:49Exploring how these configurations enhance network visibility. See you there.08:09
