README.md

netbox-ansible-webinar

Ansible code to accompany the Webinar: Getting Started with Network Automation: NetBox & Ansible hosted by NetBox Labs on 30th Jan 2024.

Get Access to a NetBox instance

For hassle-free access to NetBox you can either use the NetBox Labs demo site, or request a free 14 Day Trial of NetBox Cloud:

• Demo Site
• Free Trial of NetBox Cloud

Getting Started With The Ansible Playbooks

1. Clone the Git repo and change into the netbox-ansible-webinar directory:

   git clone https://github.com/netboxlabs/netbox-learning.git
   cd netbox-learning/netbox-ansible-webinar
   

2. Create and activate Python 3 virtual environment:

   python3 -m venv ./venv
   source venv/bin/activate
   

3. Upgrade pip:

   python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip
   

4. Install required Python packages:

   option 1 - Install individual packages:

   pip install pynetbox
   pip install ansible
   pip install pytz
   pip install ansible-pylibssh
   

   option 2 - Install from requirements.txt file:

   pip install -r requirements.txt
   

5. Install Ansible Galaxy Collection for NetBox

   ansible-galaxy collection install netbox.netbox
   

6. Set environment variables for the NetBox API token and URL:

   export NETBOX_API=<YOUR_NETBOX_URL> (note - must include http:// or https://) 
   export NETBOX_TOKEN=<YOUR_NETBOX_API_TOKEN>
   

7. List the devices and host variables retrieved from NetBox using the dynamic inventory:

   ansible-inventory -i netbox_inv.yml --list
   

8. Run a playbook, for example:

   ansible-playbook get_facts.yml
   

9. When you have finished working you can deactivate the Python virtual environment:

   deactivate
   

Building the Virtual Network With Containerlab

Follow these instructions to install containerlab, and build the lab network

Alternatively you use the official Containerlab documenation