NetBox Automation with Ansible & Python Masterclass

Name: NetBox Automation with Ansible & Python Masterclass
Rating: 4.8 (13 reviews)

100% Hands-on NetBox Automation Masterclass. Use Ansible, Python, and REST API to manage DCIM, IPAM, and Device Modeling

Created byShibi Dev

Last updated 4/2026

English

What you'll learn

Master NetBox as a Single Source of Truth (SSoT) for multi-vendor network automation
Perform full-stack NetBox installations using Docker on Windows (WSL), MacOS, and Linux - AWS EC2
Automate NetBox lifecycle management using both Ansible modules and Python
Build and manage complex Organizational Hierarchies (Regions, Sites, Locations, Tenants) at scale
Orchestrate End-to-End Rack and Device modeling, including modular chassis and interface management
Implement advanced IPAM and VLAN strategies, including auto-assignment of Management IPs and SVI creation.
Manage infrastructure components like Circuits, Providers, VPNs, and Wireless LANs.
Master the NetBox REST API using Postman and Swagger, including advanced Filtering and Pagination handling.
Utilize the latest NetBox features like Branching (Git-style) and Co-pilot for safe data staging.
Integrate NetBox with external Data Sources like GitHub and AWS S3 for automated data syncing.
Leverage the Ansible Inventory Plugin to use NetBox as a Dynamic Inventory for network deployments.
Develop Custom Scripts within NetBox for bulk device creation, updates, and basic compliance checks.
Render and deploy device configurations using Config Contexts and Jinja2 Config Templates.
Model Virtual Machines, Server Clusters, and Physical Cabling for a complete Data Center view.
Enhance NetBox functionality by installing and configuring popular Plugins like BGP and Topology View.
Explore next-gen discovery with NetBox Diode and Orb Agent for automated network asset discovery.
NetBox Administrative tasks such as Custom Field creation, Journal Entries, and Webhook Event Rules.
Learn to implement and transition between NetBox API Token V1 and V2 for secure programmatic access
Build complex queries using the NetBox REST API and Swagger UI to find specific objects based on nested attributes
Programmatically assign Chassis Modules to device slots for modular hardware like Cisco Catalyst or Nexus switches
Use JSON Schemas within Config Context Profiles to validate that your device data remains structured and error-free
Understand and apply "Context Weight" to manage overlapping configuration data for global vs. site-specific settings
Use Ansible Query Filters to dynamically generate host lists based on NetBox tags, sites, or custom fields

Course content

22 sections • 139 lectures • 19h 1m total length

Introduction2:05
What you will learn : Visualizing the final NetBox Output22:38
Core Design Philosophies of NetBox2:46
How NetBox Started5:05
NetBox Release Strategy3:42

NetBox Installation Options for Learning8:19
Updating Environment Variables for API v24:28
Course GitHub Repository0:58
Windows Docker Desktop - NetBox Installation18:53
Set up Windows 11 with WSL, Ubuntu, and Docker Desktop to install and run NetBox Docker. Clone the NetBox Docker repository, pull images, start containers, and create an admin user.
Windows Visual Studio Code and Automation Environment Setup21:12
MacOS Docker Desktop - NetBox Installation6:48
MacOS Visual Studio Code and Automation Environment Setup14:03
Set up a macOS automation environment by installing Visual Studio Code and uv-environment-manager, cloning the course project, and testing Python and Ansible with a script using a .env token file.
AWS EC2 Ubuntu - NetBox Docker Installation15:33
NetBox Labs Free Cloud Instance Access8:09
How to Access NetBox Public Demo Instance1:53
NetBox Docker Architecture10:08

Introduction to the NetBox REST API and Swagger UI11:44
NetBox REST API Using Postman6:40
NetBox API Token V1 vs V25:46
NetBox API OPTIONS Explained2:57
POST, PUT & PATCH Examples6:38
Bulk Create using NetBox API4:34
Bulk Delete using NetBox API1:12
Learn how to perform bulk deletion of NetBox objects via the NetBox API using Postman by passing a list of IDs and validating removals.
Object Brief in NetBox API2:33
Handle API Response Pagination in NetBox6:03

Ansible Inventory File Setup for NetBox Automation Practices12:53
Configure an Ansible inventory to manage multiple NetBox instances (local, cloud, AWS) using URLs and tokens from .env, and create sites across all deployments via the NetBox module.
Connect to NetBox API Using Python Request Module6:35
Create Sites from CSV, YAML and JSON - Ansible Example11:29
Deleting Netbox Locations and Sites Using Ansible Playbooks10:00
Bulk Delete of Sites Using IDs via Ansible5:12
Handling Netbox API Pagination with Ansible10:34
Ansible Lookup Plugin Query Filters13:45
Ansible Anchors & Alias for NetBox API Tasks5:59
Use yaml anchors and aliases in Ansible to share variables across NetBox api tasks, reducing repetition and merging values into json outputs for sites, locations, and site groups.

PyNetBox Introduction22:08
Creating Sites from CSV using PyNetBox5:00
Create NetBox sites from a CSV using Pynetbox in Python. Convert CSV rows into dictionaries and pass them to sites.create with name, slug, status, region, and group.
Update & Sync Sites Using PyNetBox5:18
Learn to update and sync NetBox sites from a CSV using PyNetBox, handling existing sites with an idempotent-like approach that uses GET, POST, PATCH, and conditional create or update.
Custom Idempotency Using PyNetBox4:16
Filters in PyNetBox7:14
Get Object Count using PyNetBox2:48
Get vs Filter in PyNetBox8:02
Understand the difference between filter and get in Pynetbox: filter returns multiple results as a record set, while get returns a single object. Apply fail-fast validation to catch inconsistencies.
Resetting NetBox Organizational Data2:35

Create Tenant Groups & Regions8:00
Create Tenants, Sites & Locations10:35
Create Contacts in NetBox6:38
Contact Assignment to Objects7:01
Complete Organizational Hierarchy with Single Playbook14:25
Complete Organizational Hierarchy with Single Python Script18:58
Create a complete NetBox organizational hierarchy with a single Python script using PyNetbox, reading CSV data from org root to build tenant groups, regions, sites, locations, and contact assignments.

Rack Creation via CSV import12:34
Import Rack Manufacturers & Rack Roles4:57
Add Rack Types using Ansible URI8:20
Creating Racks at Scale using Ansible URI5:48
Idempotency in Rack creation10:30
End to End Rack Orchestration using Single Playbook3:17
Orchestrate end-to-end rack provisioning with a single Ansible playbook, combining manufacturer, role, rack type, and rack creation via NetBox API while demonstrating idempotency and script execution.
End to End Rack Orchestration using Single Python Script4:06

Manual device Onboarding and CSV Import13:51
Provisioning Device Roles and Manufacturers using Ansible3:27
Programmatic Device types retrieval - Ansible9:41
Programmatically download NetBox device types and module types from the community GitHub using an Ansible playbook, with Arista and Cisco examples.
Programmatic Device types retrieval - Python5:47
Custom Device Type Importer9:25
Create Device Platforms via Ansible2:25
Add Device using Ansible5:31
End to End Device provisioning with Python5:55
Device Assignment Strategy Explained12:02

Requirements

No Prior NetBox Experience Required: We start from the absolute basics, including architectural theory and installation.
Fundamental Networking Knowledge: A basic understanding of networking concepts (IP addressing, VLANs, and Routing) is recommended
Basic Python Knowledge: Familiarity with Python basics (variables, lists, and loops) will help, though code examples
Basic Ansible Familiarity: Understanding how YAML files and Playbooks work is beneficial, as we use them extensively for automation.

Description

Master the ultimate Network Source of Truth and Automation Orchestrator.

This course is meticulously designed for professionals across the entire infrastructure spectrum, ranging from traditional networking roles to modern automated operations:

Network Engineers & Administrators: (Junior, Senior, and Principal levels) looking to replace manual spreadsheets with a professional Source of Truth.
Network Architects & Design Engineers: Professionals responsible for infrastructure planning, IPAM strategy, and high-level physical/logical modeling.
NetDevOps & Automation Engineers: Anyone specializing in Ansible, Python, or Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to drive network consistency.
Data Center & Infrastructure Engineers: Teams managing large-scale physical assets, rack layouts, and complex cable modeling.
Implementation & Support Engineers: Professionals who need to ensure accurate, data-driven deployment and troubleshooting.
Site Reliability Engineers (SRE) & Cloud Architects: Those bridging the gap between traditional networking and automated cloud/hybrid infrastructure.
Software & Python Developers: Programmers who are building internal tools, portals, or integrations that interact with network inventory systems.
Automation Enthusiasts: Anyone eager to master the industry-standard tool for Network Source of Truth and modern orchestration.
Certified Professionals: An essential skill-up for those holding CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, CCDE, or DevNet certifications who want to apply their knowledge programmatically to NetBox

Environment & Tools:

Platforms: Windows (Docker/WSL), MacOS, and AWS EC2 deployment.
IDE: VS Code with Python UV for modern environment management.
Automation: Ansible (latest collections), Python (Requests & PyNetBox), and NetBox API v2.
Hands-On: Access to NetBox Labs Cloud and local Docker-compose setups.

Comprehensive Syllabus & Topics Covered

Introduction
- What is Netbox
- NetBox Design Philosophy
- How NetBox Started
- NetBox Release Strategy
NetBox Installation Options
- Windows Docker Installation
- Windows VS Code and Automation Environment Setup
- MacOS Docker Desktop NetBox Installation
- MacOS VS Code and Automation Environment Setup
- AWS EC2 NetBox Docker Installation
- NetBox Labs Cloud Instance Access
- How to access NetBox Public Demo instance
- NetBox architecture Explained
Build Your First Inventory
- Add your first inventory to NetBox
- Add your first inventory to NetBox
  1. Add device with minimal data
  2. Add sites, device type, manufacturer, role etc
- Explanation About NetBox Data relationships
  1. Importance of understanding NetBox data relationships
  2. Strategic Planning and Design
- How to import data using CSV
  1. Add Organizational data using csv
  2. Tenant groups, tenant, regions, sites, locations using csv
  3. Import device data using csv
NetBox Co-pilot and Branching
- NetBox Co-pilot feature Explained
  1. Enable copilot in Community Edition
- NetBox Branching Feature
  1. Git-style Branching for NetBox
NetBox REST API
- NetBox REST API Explained
- REST API using Postman
- NetBox Token V1 vs V2
- Get Netbox API OPTION
- POST, PUT and PATCH Example
- NetBox Bulk create using API
- NetBox Bulk Delete using API
- NetBox API Object Brief
- Handle Pagination in NetBox API
Ansible & Python For NetBox Automation
- Ansible inventory file setup for Automation
  1. Add NetBox v1 and v2 token in to netBox
  2. Add Netbox url and host details
- NetBox API automation using Python Request module
- Create Sites from CSV, YAML and Json - Ansible Example
- Sites Delete -Ansible Example
- Bulk Delete using Object ID - Ansible
- Handle Pagination - Solving Pagination Puzzle
- NetBox Query Filter Ansible Example
- Ansible Anchors & Alias for NetBox Credentials
PyNetBox - Official Python Library for NetBox Automation
- PyNetBox Introduction - For Netbox automation
- Create Data From CSV using Pynetbox
- Update & sync site using PyNetBox
- Custom Idempotency using PyNetBox
- PyNetBox Filtering Example
- Get Object Count using Pynetbox
- Get vs Filter in PyNetBox
- Full Organizational Data reset using Python script
Setup the Organizational Data
- Create Tenant Groups & Regions
- Create Tenants, Sites & Locations
- Create Contacts
- Contact Assignment to Objects
- Organizational Hierarchy with Single Playbook
- Organizational Hierarchy with Single Python Script
Rack Modeling in NetBox
- Rack Creation via CSV import
- Import Rack Manufacturers & Rack Roles
- Add Rack Types using Ansible URI
- Creating Racks at Scale using Ansible URI
- Idempotency in Rack creation
- End to End Rack Orchestration using Single Playbook
- End to End Rack Orchestration using Single Python Script
Device Inventory & Data Modeling in NetBox
- Manual device Onboarding and CSV Import
- Provisioning Device Roles and Manufacturers using Ansible
- Programmatic Device types retrieval - Ansible
- Programmatic Device types retrieval - Python
- Custom Device type importer
- Create Device Platforms via Ansible
- Add Device using Ansible
- End to End Device provisioning with Python
- Device Assignment Strategy Explained
Modular Systems & Chassis Modeling
- Assign Chassis Modules to Device Slots (Cisco Modular Device) - manual step
- Assign Chassis Modules to Device Slots (Cisco Modular Device) -Ansible
- Assign Chassis Modules to Device Slots (Cisco Modular Device) - Python
Config Context & Config Templates
- Create Config Context and Config Context Profiles
  1. Demo of rendered Context
  2. JSON Schema using Context profiles
- What is Context Weight
- Render device configuration using Config Templates
NetBox as a Dynamic Ansible Inventory & Source of Truth
- NetBox Inventory Plugin
- Query Filter and Device Query Filter
- Ansible Inventory for Gathering Device Facts
- Import POC Lab Device Roles, Platforms and Sites
- Discover devices to Netbox using Ansible
- Assign Primary IP to devices using Ansible
- Provision Config Context and Config Templates -Ansible
- Assign Config templates to the devices
- Deploy rendered Config to the Device using Ansible
- NetBox Dynamic Inventory for Ansible
- Cleanup the POC Lab data
Cabling, Power & Circuits Modeling in NetBox
- Connect Interface Cables to the Devices - Manual
- Connect Interface Cables to the Devices - Ansible
- Add Power Panels and Power Feeds
- Add Power Distribution Unit(PDU) Device Types
- Create PDU Devices
- Create Power Cables
- Create Circuits, Providers and Terminations
- Create Circuits, Providers and Terminations - Python
- Connect Circuit Terminations to Site Devices
VLAN & IPAM
- Create VLANs and IP Prefixes - Manual
- Automating VLANs and IP Prefixes Creation - Ansible
- Create VLAN SVI Interfaces in Devices
- Assign VLANs to Device Interfaces
- Auto assign Management IPs to Devices
VPN & Wireless
- NetBox VPN Modeling - Create Tunnel Interfaces and IPs for VPN
- Create IPSec Profile - Manual
- Create IPSec Profile - Automation
- Create DMVPN Tunnel Terminations
- Create Wireless Groups & WLANs
Virtualization & Server Modeling
- Virtual Machine Modeling - Import Server Device Types
- Virtual Machine Modeling - Create Server Devices
- Connect Server Cables to the Switch
- Create Port-Channel Interfaces in the Switch for Servers
- Create Server Clusters
- Create Virtual Machines
- Assign IP Addresses to the VMs
Customization Options in NetBox
- Create NetBox Custom fields - Manual
- Create NetBox Custom fields using Automation
- Filter Devices with Custom Fields - Ansible Example
- Create Custom Links - Manual & Ansible Examples
- Create Export Templates
- Download Export Template Rendered Data - Automation
- Saved FIlters
- Table Config
- Tags
- Image Attachments
- NetBox Journal Entries
- NetBox Webhook and Event Rule
Data Source Options - AWS S3, Git & Local
- NetBox Data Sources - Setup Local Data Source
- NetBox Data Sources - Setup AWS S3 Data Source
- NetBox Data Sources - Setup GitHub Data Source
Custom Scripts in NetBox
- Custom Scripts Intro and Bulk Device Creation Example
- Bulk Device Delete using Custom Scripts
- Bulk Device Update using Custom Scripts
- Basic Compliance Check using Custom Scripts
- Tag Assignment Example
NetBox Plugins: Installation & Configuration
- Plugins Introduction and Installation Step Overview
- Install NetBox BGP Plugin
- Install Topology View Plugin
NetBox Diode Installation & Configuration
- What is NetBox Diode and Setup Overview
- Setup Diode Container
- Setup Orb Agent and Discover the devices

Who this course is for:

Network Engineers (Junior, Senior, and Principal)
Network Administrators, Network Operators
Network Architects
Data Center Engineers
Infrastructure Engineers
Infrastructure Software Engineers
Network Automation Engineers
Network Automation Testing
Infrastructure Design Engineers
Cisco Certified Professional
CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, CCDE Professional
DevNet Engineers
DevNet Certified
Network Implementation Engineers
Python Developers
Ansible Automation Engineers
NetDevOps Engineers
Site Reliability Engineers (SRE)
Cloud Infrastructure Engineers
All Network Automation enthusiasts

NetBox Automation with Ansible & Python Masterclass

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction5 lectures • 36min

NetBox Installation Options11 lectures • 1hr 50min

Build Your First Inventory3 lectures • 43min

NetBox Copilot & Branching2 lectures • 22min

NetBox REST API9 lectures • 48min

Ansible & Python For NetBox Automation8 lectures • 1hr 16min

PyNetBox - Official Python Library for NetBox Automation8 lectures • 57min

Setup Organizational Hierarchy in NetBox6 lectures • 1hr 6min

Rack Modeling in NetBox7 lectures • 50min

Device Inventory & Data Modeling in NetBox9 lectures • 1hr 8min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: