Heavy Networking 524: Network Modeling With Open Source pyNTM

Today on Heavy Networking, network modeling. Oh, you mean like GNS3? No, not like GNS3. Rather, we’re covering the Python Network Traffic Modeler, or pyNTM, an open-source network modeling tool. Creator Tim Fiola explains what network modeling is and how you can use this tool to help you make design decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
The pyNTM software lets you create a WAN topology and apply a mix of traffic to it. The modeling engine converges the model to simulate network state based on traffic traversing the topology. That network state reflects details such as traffic paths, interface utilization, RSVP reserved bandwidth, and more.
Tim is a network automation and modeling enthusiast.
We discuss:

* Differences between virtual labs and network simulation/modeling
* What pyNTM does and the problems it can solve
* What a traffic matrix is
* Modeling vs. best practices and rules of thumb
* How pyNTM uses Python under the hood
* More

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Show Links:
pyNTM
Repository wiki with training links – GitHub
Lock S-Foils.com – Tim Filoa’s blog
Open sourcing the network model and unlocking the value of understanding the wide area network–python3 Network Traffic Modeler (pyNTM) – NANOG (PDF)
Open sourcing the network model and unlocking the value of understanding the wide area network – NANOG via YouTube
Open sourcing the network model – APNIC blog
This Week – Deploying MPLS – Book (free PDF)

Om Podcasten

Heavy Networking is an unabashedly nerdy dive into all things networking. Described by one listener as "verbal white papers," the weekly episodes feature network engineers, industry experts, and vendors sharing useful information to keep your professional knowledge sharp and your career growing. Hosts Greg Ferro, Ethan Banks and Drew Conry-Murray cut through the marketing spin to explore what works—and what doesn't—in networking today, while keeping an eye on what's ahead for the industry. On air since 2010, Heavy Networking is the flagship show of the Packet Pushers podcast network.