layout: post
title: Tech Snips
image: /img/cumulus1.jpg
subtitle: little fluffy clouds
tags: [automation, orchestration, labs, Ansible, security, SDN, Juniper, Cisco, EVE-NG, VMware, NSX, ESXi, failure, IPAM, DCIM, optical, DWDM, intent, BGP, python, opendaylight]
---

Sorry seems to be Cumulus heavy – but they push out lots of interesting stuff on social media.

## Brilliant set of networking and technology Zines

* [Zines](https://jvns.ca/zines/) by Julia Evans


## Automation, orchestration and labs

* Good set of straight forward and well explained Videos on config management & automation tool Ansible (but based on V1.x of Ansible and from a server - application mgmt. perspective) [codereviewvideos](https://www.codereviewvideos.com/course/ansible-tutorial)
* Securing Network Automation [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXvJMv13t3A&t=3s&list=PL1eoQr97VfJnAdq1dcMJ8WQjvBqzIGeNN&index=2) and the [slides](http://blog.ipspace.net/2017/03/securing-network-automation-troopers-17.html)
* Copy SSH key script for [network devices](https://github.com/networkop/ssh-copy-net) and for [Linux](http://networkop.co.uk/blog/2017/05/12/linux-ssh/)
* Test Driven [Development](https://termlen0.github.io/2017/04/12/observations/)
* Semaphore – open source [Ansible UI](https://github.com/ansible-semaphore/semaphore)
* Cumulus [Ansible modules](https://github.com/CumulusNetworks/cumulus-linux-ansible-modules/blob/master/README.md)
* Cumulus [Ansible demo](https://github.com/cumulusnetworks/cldemo-automation-ansible)
* Lab in a Sandbox – [Cumulus VX with Vagrant](http://www.nullzero.co.uk/cumulus-vx-with-vagrant/) (Video version at the base of the post)
* And more Vagrant materials for [learning](https://github.com/lowescott/learning-tools/tree/master/vagrant)
* Run your favourite virtual routers in docker for convenient [labbing, development and testing]( https://github.com/plajjan/vrnetlab)
* A promising Ansible networking course from well regarding independent trainer [Kirk Byers](https://pynet.twb-tech.com/class-ansible.html)
* NAPALM (Network Automation and Programmability Abstraction Layer with Multivendor support) – what is NAPLAM? – start video at 26:50 to 45:00 then 1:01:40 to 1:18:00 for another general talk on automation. [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0Y-uuFxXIk)
* Data modelling with YANG and communication using NETCONF. [Juniper forum](http://forums.juniper.net/t5/Automation/Expert-Advice-Start-Your-Journey-with-YANG-Labs/ta-p/294278)
* Simplifying L2VPN config with [custom YANG](http://forums.juniper.net/t5/Automation/Simplifying-L2VPN-config-with-custom-YANG/ta-p/306858)


## SDN

* Cumulus Networks. [What is SDN?](https://cumulusnetworks.com/blog/linux-sdn-networking/)


## Data Centre

* Cumulus blog on Data Centre monitoring – part 3 with links to part 1 and 2 in the [post](https://cumulusnetworks.com/blog/data-center-network-monitoring-best-practices-part-3-modernizing-tooling/)
* BGP EVPN with Cumulus Quagga (and Junos) [vincent.bernat blog post](https://vincent.bernat.im/en/blog/2017-vxlan-bgp-evpn)
* Cumulus validated design guide for [Big Data PDF](https://cumulusnetworks.com/learn/web-scale-networking-resources/validated-design-guides/Big-Data-Cumulus-Linux-Validated-Design-Guide.pdf)
* Deep dive on the Facebook back pack switch using Cumulus [(Clos in a box?)](http://go.cumulusnetworks.com/cumuluslikesfacebook)
* Cumulus [Data Centre cheat sheet PDF](https://cumulusnetworks.com/learn/web-scale-networking-resources/product-collateral/Cumulus-Networks-Data-Center-Cheat-Sheet.pdf)
* Cumulus VMware [cloud design](https://cumulusnetworks.com/blog/vmware-cloud-design-lacp/)


## Service Provider

* Segment routing (or Source Packet Routing in Networking – SPRING) the basics. [TGregory blog post](https://tgregory.org/2016/08/13/segment-routing-on-junos-the-basics/)
* BGP Optimal-Route-Reflection (ORR). [TGregory blog post](https://tgregory.org/2017/06/02/bgp-optimal-route-reflection-bgp-orr/)
* More Segment routing/SPRING with some [Juniper SDN magic dust!](https://forums.juniper.net/t5/Industry-Solutions-and-Trends/Ease-in-to-SPRING-with-NorthStar-Controller/ba-p/308213#)
* Part 3 of a series on building a service provider network with a single Juniper device (EX Series, M Series, MX Series, PTX Series, T Series [any box that supports logical systems]). [Juniper forum post](http://forums.juniper.net/t5/Routing/How-To-Build-a-service-provider-network-with-a-single-Juniper/ta-p/307573)


## Linux and Linux Networking

* Lean Linux builds for containers! A toolkit for building secure, portable and lean operating systems [for containers](https://github.com/linuxkit/linuxkit)
* Linux Networking [cheat sheet PDF](https://cumulusnetworks.com/learn/web-scale-networking-resources/product-collateral/Cumulus-Networks-Linux-for-Networking-Cheat-Sheet.pdf)
* Cumulus Linux Command Line Utility (mix of IOS and Junos style operation). [NCLU](https://cumulusnetworks.com/blog/cumulus-linux-network-command-line-utlility/)
* Cumulus Linux boot camp - paid course but some useful links at the bottom of the page. [Cumulus training](https://cumulusnetworks.com/support/networking-training/)
* SSH session management for network devices. [Linux SSH](http://networkop.co.uk/blog/2017/05/12/linux-ssh/)
* Cumulus [webinars](https://cumulusnetworks.com/learn/open-networking-webinars/)

 
## Junos

* Junos space upgrade. [91sec blog post](http://91sec.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/juniper-junos-space-upgrade-procedures.html#more)


## Network and security blogs of note

* General networking. [Networkers-online](http://www.networkers-online.com/blog/). Full list of [posts](http://www.networkers-online.com/blog/browse-me/)
* Service provider centric. [TGregory](https://tgregory.org/)
* Security/firewall. [91sec](http://91sec.blogspot.co.uk/)


## Opinion and observations on failure

* "Post und Postfinance down: Input eines Netzwerk-Experten"! (the rest is in English) - ["Failure is inevitable, get used to it"](http://www.inside-it.ch/articles/47412)
* An informal survey of [real-world communications failures](http://queue.acm.org/detail.cfm?id=2655736)
