Next-Gen Telecom with YANG Data Modeling

Course Overview

YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) is the standard data modeling language for defining configuration, state data, operations (RPCs), and notifications essential for modern network management protocols like NETCONF, RESTCONF, and gNMI. This comprehensive course guides participants through the YANG language, covering its foundational syntax, core data structures, model discovery using resources like the YANG Catalog, protocol mapping concepts, and practical application in modeling common system management tasks. A basic understanding of networking concepts is required, while familiarity with data formats like XML or JSON is beneficial, and the course employs a practical approach combining instructor-led theory with hands-on labs using tools like pyang.

Who is this course for

This course is ideal for IT professionals involved in network management and automation, including Network Engineers, Network Architects, Software Developers working on NMS/OSS/BSS systems, SDN Engineers, DevOps Engineers managing network infrastructure, and System Administrators responsible for programmable network devices.

Key Benefits

Standardize network device configuration and state data modeling across vendors.
Significantly enhance network automation capabilities through machine-readable models.
Improve the clarity, consistency, and automated validation of network configurations.
Enable better integration between network devices and NMS/OSS/BSS systems.
Gain practical skills in a critical technology for modern network engineering and operations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Understand the role and benefits of YANG in network programmability and automation.
Read, interpret, and write syntactically correct YANG modules using core constructs (container, list, leaf, typedef, grouping).
Validate YANG modules using standard tooling (pyang) and understand basic module structure and imports.
Discover and differentiate between IETF, OpenConfig, and vendor-specific models using resources like the YANG Catalog.
Describe how YANG models map to network management protocols like NETCONF, RESTCONF, and gNMI/gRPC.
Apply YANG principles to model basic system management configurations (hostname, NTP, users).

Get a Quote

Format

Prerequisites

Course contents

Day 1: Foundations and Core Modeling Constructs

Module 1: Introduction to YANG and Network Modeling

The "Why": The Need for Standardized Network Modeling
YANG Fundamentals: Purpose, history, benefits, relation to RFCs
Ecosystem Overview: NETCONF, RESTCONF, gNMI/gRPC context
Basic Module Structure: Header statements (namespace, prefix, organization)
Introduction to YANG Tree Diagrams

Module 2: Building Blocks: Types, Structure & Tooling

Organizing Models: import and include
Core Data Types: Built-in types (int, string, boolean, enum, bits, etc)
Defining Custom Types: typedef for consistency and reuse
Reusable Model Snippets: grouping and uses
Essential Tooling: Using pyang for validation, format conversion, tree diagrams

Module 3: Modeling Hierarchical Configuration and State

Structuring Data: container statement
Defining Simple Values: leaf statement
Modeling Ordered Lists: leaf-list statement
Modeling Complex Data Collections: list statement and defining keys
Distinguishing Configuration (config true) vs State (config false)

Module 4: Advanced Data Modeling Techniques

Modeling Choices: choice and case statements
Basic Data Validation: Constraints like range, length, pattern
Conditional Presence: Using the when statement with XPath
Conditional Capabilities: Using feature and if-feature
XPath Fundamentals for YANG Constraints

Day 2: Model Discovery, Protocols, and Practical Application

Module 5: Finding & Understanding Models: YANG Catalog & Model Types

Introduction to the YANG Catalog as a model discovery tool
Searching and retrieving models using the catalog interface/API
Understanding IETF Standard Models (eg, ietf-interfaces)
Comparing Vendor-Specific Models (Pros/Cons, Lock-in)
Exploring OpenConfig Models (Goals, Structure, Community)

Module 6: Model Evolution, Extensibility, and Constraints

Modifying Existing Models: augment and refine
Tracking Model History: The revision statement
Handling Implementation Differences: The deviation statement
Advanced Validation: Complex constraints using the must statement
Ensuring Model Integrity and Versioning

Module 7: YANG Protocol Mapping (NETCONF, RESTCONF, gNMI)

YANG to NETCONF Mapping: XML encoding, RPC operations (<get-config>, <edit-config>)
YANG to RESTCONF Mapping: JSON encoding, HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE)
YANG to gNMI/gRPC Mapping Overview: Paths, Protobuf encoding basics
Understanding how model structure dictates API paths/requests
Comparing protocol capabilities in relation to YANG models

Module 8: Modeling System Management & Best Practices

Example: Modeling basic system configurations (hostname, NTP, users, SSH settings)
Applying core YANG constructs to common system management tasks
YANG Module Design Best Practices (Structure, Naming, Reuse, Constraints)
Troubleshooting Common YANG Modeling Issues
Recap and Applying YANG for Network Configuration Management

Related Courses

Level up your skills and unlock your potential—contact us today to learn how to enroll and receive special volume discounts!