Introduction to Cisco NSO and Its Role in CCIE EI
Introduction to Cisco NSO and Its Role in CCIE EI
Blog Article
In today’s ever-evolving enterprise networks, automation and orchestration are no longer optional—they’re essential. With businesses deploying complex, multi-vendor infrastructure, the need for a centralized solution to manage configurations, enforce consistency, and reduce human error has become critical. That’s where Cisco NSO (Network Services Orchestrator) comes in.
For professionals pursuing CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure training, Cisco NSO is an essential tool to understand. As network engineers transition from traditional configuration approaches to modern, model-driven methods, gaining hands-on experience with NSO is a strategic advantage for both certification and real-world implementation.
What Is Cisco NSO?
Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) is a powerful, copyright-grade orchestration platform that enables service providers and large enterprises to automate the provisioning and lifecycle management of network services. NSO supports both traditional CLI-based devices and modern NETCONF/YANG-based devices, making it a versatile tool for managing hybrid environments.
At its core, NSO offers:
- Multi-vendor support through Network Element Drivers (NEDs)
- Model-driven architecture using YANG data models
- Real-time configuration synchronization
- Transactional changes that ensure network consistency
- Service modeling to abstract and template complex operations
By integrating these features, NSO simplifies service delivery, reduces operational costs, and accelerates time-to-market for new services.
Why Cisco NSO Matters in the CCIE EI Blueprint
The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure exam blueprint includes a significant focus on network automation, orchestration, and model-driven programmability. Cisco NSO fits directly into this domain, offering practical exposure to:
- NETCONF/YANG interfaces
- Device configuration management
- Service abstraction and orchestration
- Integration with automation scripts and APIs
Understanding NSO not only helps candidates meet exam objectives but also builds a strong foundation for automating enterprise networks—an increasingly in-demand skill in today’s IT job market.
How Cisco NSO Works
Cisco NSO operates by reading and translating network device configurations into a common, model-based representation. Here's how the core components function:
- NEDs (Network Element Drivers)
These are vendor/device-specific drivers that allow NSO to communicate with routers, switches, firewalls, and more.
- Service Models
Written in YANG, service models define how specific services (like VPNs, VLANs, etc.) are created, modified, or deleted. These are reusable and modular.
- NSO Database
The central configuration store where device states are tracked, including intended and actual configurations.
- Transaction Engine
Changes are applied as atomic transactions, ensuring network stability and rollbacks if errors occur.
This architecture empowers NSO to abstract complex workflows into simple service calls, providing faster deployment and fewer misconfigurations.
Use Cases of Cisco NSO in Enterprise Networks
Cisco NSO is widely adopted by both telecom carriers and large enterprises. Some of the common use cases include:
- Automated VPN Provisioning
Create and manage IPsec or MPLS-based VPNs across dozens or hundreds of routers with minimal human input.
- Interface Configuration Management
Deploy consistent interface settings (e.g., QoS, ACLs, subinterfaces) across multi-vendor devices.
- Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP)
Automatically configure newly added devices based on a predefined service model.
- Policy Enforcement
Apply enterprise-wide security or performance policies and ensure compliance through auditing and rollback features.
These capabilities are key in preparing for high-stakes deployments or troubleshooting within the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab.
Cisco NSO vs. Other Automation Tools
While tools like Ansible, Terraform, or Python scripts are popular for network automation, Cisco NSO stands apart with its transactional, model-driven approach. Here’s a quick comparison For CCIE EI candidates, this highlights the importance of understanding not just scripting, but full-fledged orchestration platforms like NSO.
Cisco NSO Learning Path for CCIE EI Aspirants
To gain a working knowledge of Cisco NSO, follow this structured learning path:
- Understand YANG and NETCONF
Start by learning how YANG models work and how NETCONF is used to manage devices.
- Install Cisco NSO Lab
Use Cisco DevNet or local virtual labs to install and practice with NSO.
- Explore Prebuilt Service Models
Analyze sample services and understand how they are written and deployed.
- Create Custom Services
Build your own service model to automate a real-world task like VLAN provisioning.
- Integrate with APIs
Use RESTCONF or Python to interact with NSO and trigger automation workflows.
Final Thoughts
As networks become more complex and dynamic, Cisco NSO is no longer optional—it’s a core skill for modern enterprise infrastructure engineers. Whether you’re preparing for the CCIE lab or looking to streamline operations in your organization, mastering NSO will place you ahead of the curve.
If you're serious about a career in advanced network engineering, investing in CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure training is your next logical step. It will not only prepare you for the certification but also equip you with real-world skills in automation, orchestration, and scalable network design. Report this page