FIU AutoSec - Python Automation

What does the Python script do?

This Python-based automation script manages direct and COM connections, as well as configuration tasks, across network devices. It standardizes settings, reduces manual command-line operations, and enables repeatable workflows for switches, routers, and servers, functioning similarly to SCCM Configuration Manager for Windows.

🔑Multiple Authentication

Supports password-based and secure key-based access methods through automation libraries.

🌐Multi-Host Management

Loop through multiple hosts from a Python list or inventory file, applying the same logic to production, staging, and lab environments.

🚇Consistent Configs

Send standardized configuration commands to switches, routers, and servers, keeping network behavior predictable and documented in code.

⚙️Rapid Deployment

Push updates, patch changes, or new settings to dozens of devices in minutes instead of hours of manual CLI work.

🤖Automation Friendly

Integrate Python scripts into CI/CD pipelines, scheduled tasks, or orchestration tools to automate configuration operations.

🔧Error Reduction

Centralize commands and logic in one script, reducing the chance of mistyped commands or inconsistent setups between devices.

Example Python Automation Script

1. Define your device settings:

device = {
    "device_type": "cisco_ios",
    "ip": "192.168.1.100",
    "username": "admin",
    "password": "your_password",
    "secret": "enable_password",
}
        

2. Connect and run commands:

from netmiko import ConnectHandler

connection = ConnectHandler(**device)
connection.enable()

commands = [
    "hostname AutoSec-SW1",
    "interface vlan 1",
    "ip address 192.168.1.5 255.255.255.0",
    "no shutdown",
]

output = connection.send_config_set(commands)
print(output)

connection.save_config()
connection.disconnect()
        

3. Extend to multiple devices:

devices = [device1, device2, device3]

for dev in devices:
    with ConnectHandler(**dev) as conn:
        conn.enable()
        conn.send_config_set(commands)
        conn.save_config()
        print(f"Configured {dev['ip']}")
        

⚠️ Security Notice

Real passwords or private keys should not be hard-coded in scripts. Instead, utilize environment variables, encrypted vaults, or secret managers. Always test in a controlled lab environment before production deployment.

Why Use Python Automation?

🔧 Repeatable Configuration
Store configuration changes in code for consistency.
🌍 Scales Across Environments
One script can target development, testing, and production devices.
🚇 Centralized Access
Manage configuration workflows from a single automation entry point.
🔑 Secure Credential Handling
Support for environment-based authentication storage and rotation.
🤖 Integrates With Anything
Works alongside CI/CD pipelines, orchestration systems, and local tools.

Ready to Get Started?

Build a simple automation script, test it against a lab device, and expand it into a reusable tool for your network environment.

View Usage Guide