3 Cisco Nexus Programmability Explained
1. NX-API
NX-API (NX-OS API) is a Cisco proprietary API that allows programmatic access to Cisco Nexus switches. It uses HTTP/HTTPS for communication and JSON or XML for data encoding. NX-API enables network engineers to automate configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks on Nexus switches.
Example: Think of NX-API as a remote control for your Nexus switch. Just as a remote control allows you to manage your TV, NX-API allows you to manage your Nexus switch programmatically.
2. YANG Data Models
YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) is a data modeling language used to model configuration data, state data, remote procedure calls, and notifications for network management protocols. YANG models are used to define the structure and semantics of data that can be managed on Cisco Nexus switches.
Example: Consider YANG models as blueprints for a house. Just as a blueprint defines the structure and layout of a house, YANG models define the structure and layout of network data on Nexus switches.
3. NETCONF
NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to configure, manage, and monitor network devices. It operates over a secure transport layer, typically SSH, and uses XML for data encoding. NETCONF provides a standardized way to interact with Cisco Nexus switches, making it easier to automate network configuration tasks.
Example: Think of NETCONF as a remote control for your network devices. Just as a remote control allows you to change settings on your TV, NETCONF allows you to manage and configure Nexus switches remotely.