DNA Center Templates & PnP

DNA Center template

DNA Center requires the template when Configuration is done on mass scale. Some of the configuration which need to be done on mass scale are as follows

• Changes to access control lists (ACLs) that protect the network infrastructure
• Changes to Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) strings
• Banner changes
• Hostname changes
• Network Time Protocol (NTP)/Domain Name System (DNS) server changes
• Syslog server changes

DNA Template Creation

In DNA center under Template Editor, Templates can be stored under projects, which acts just like Folders. 

For Onboarding configuration, Special template in DNA center is used, for Plug and Play deployments. There are also some composite template, which allow execution of sequence of multiple templets. Template can also be created for specific configuration section and then combined in to a composite template to be executed in specific order.

In the DNA Center, these template are assigned to network device based on location, hardware platform, software version etc.

Below figure shows ADD new template box, in this Device type and Software type option which can be used to define which platform a template will be executed.

Template editor also tracks changes to templates, and supports versioning via commit process.

Template Assignment & Network Profile

With the help of network profile, Template can be associated to device in particular geographical area, building & floors. Once network profile for specific network devices like router, switch, wireless, and firewall are created, template then are added to network profile and then these profiles are added to sites etc.

Below figure shows assignment of template to Network Profile under Day-N Templates tab. Network profile then associated to all sites in San Jose.

Deploying Template

Now once template is designed in design tool , With the help of Provisioning tool , it is deployed. This allow operator to select multiple or individual devices at any level in the design , for provisioning and the workflow provides the ability to fill in any information required for templates that contain variables. Variable values for templates can also be imported from a comma-separated values (CSV) file, making it easier to add custom information for many devices at once.

Below figure shows a template being deployed during provision process and demonstrate assigning a value to a variable in a template. In this case, the $devicename variable is set to new-cp-border-1-name.

Plug & Play Concepts

PnP allows network operator to on-board the network devices in automatic and seamless process when they are in either factory or out of box state. This Process also automatically upgrade the image software on new network devices based on SWIM golden image.

Onboarding templates

Onboarding templates for PnP in Cisco DNA Center are created using the Template Editor.  An onboarding template should be used to provide a “Day-0” configuration to the new network devices containing the basic configuration required to establish connectivity to the rest of the network. After onboarding, further configuration can be applied using “Day-N” templates