Devices
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CXTM Devices

CXTM leverages the unicon framework of device control libaries to define how connections should be established to the devices in the testbed, such as routers, switches, and servers. The unicon framework stores the device connection parameters (protocols, IP addresses, ports, etc) and credentials in a testbed file in YAML format.

The Devices page allows CXTM users the ability to easily generate these YAML testbed topology files without having to worry about the underlying YAML file structure expected by unicon. In addition, CXTM takes care to ensure that device credentials are properly protected.

CXTM offers multiple options to create this file. Users can use the provided CSV template to add the device inventory in bulk, create and import topology files programmatically, or add devices individually. In the following steps you will add the devices for your lab topology. In the upcoming Topologies section of the lab, you'll add the YAML file directly into CXTM.

Step 1 - Navigate to Project Devices

From within your project:

  1. If not already expanded, expand the left sidebar



  2. Scrolldown until you locate the heading Project Automation
  3. Under Project Automation, click Devices


Step 2 - Launch New Device Pop-Up


On your project Devices page:

  1. Click New Device to add a new device.



Step 3 - Review the default Device Details pop-up

  1. Notice the "*" beside Hostname

    2. The Hostname is a mandatory field, and as noted in the pop-up, it "must be unique for this project and it must match the device prompt exactly" or the connection will fail. For that reason, be sure to copy/paste the Hostnames from this lab guide into the Device Details pop-up exactly as provided.

  2. Notice that the Connector OS defaults to Linux

    3. The Connector OS maps to the "os:" value in the YAML topology file, and identifies the proper unicon plugin to use when creating a connection to the device. This will change dynamically based on your Device OS selections in subsequent steps.


Step 4 - Add C8Kv-01 Device

In the Device Details pop-up, enter the below information to add the CSR1Kv device to your lab topology.

  1. Hostname: C8Kv-01
  2. Device OS: Select ios
  3. Sub Category: Select xe
  4. Connector OS: Select IOSXE
  5. Type: Select Router
  6. Click SUBMIT


Step 5 - For C8Kv-01 Device Select New Connection

Add a connection to your C8Kv-01 device:

  1. Click New Connection under the device hostname


Step 6 - Add C8Kv-01 Device SSH Connection

In the Connection Details pop-up, enter the below information to add an ssh connection to the C8Kv-01 device:

  1. Connection Type: Standard Connection
  2. Connection Name: ssh
  3. Username: admin
  4. Uncheck Use Secret for Password
  5. Password: cisco.123
  6. Verify Password: cisco.123
  7. Protocol: ssh
  8. IP Address: 10.15.101.12
  9. Click the checkbox for Make this the default connection
  10. Click SUBMIT


Continue to the next section to learn how to create a topology.