Agent skill · software engineering · affaan-m
netmiko-ssh-automation
Safe Python Netmiko patterns for read-only collection, bounded batch SSH, TextFSM parsing, guarded config changes, timeouts, and network automation error handling. Use when automating network device access with Python Netmiko, whether collecting state or pushing guarded config changes.
Why this skill is useful
Provides specific patterns and error handling for network automation using Netmiko that the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
Requires netmiko installed locally. About 3k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-06. 238,342 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Netmiko SSH Automation Use this skill when writing or reviewing Python automation that connects to network devices with Netmiko. Keep the default path read-only; config changes need a separate change window, peer review, and rollback plan. When to Use Collecting show command output across routers, switches, or firewalls. Building a small audit script for interface, routing, or config evidence. Adding timeouts and exception handling to network SSH scripts. Parsing command output with TextFSM when a template exists. Reviewing automation before it touches production devices. Safety Defaults Start with read-only sendcommand() collection. Keep inventory small and explicit; do not sweep whole address ranges. Use environment variables, a vault, or getpass; never hardcode credentials. Set connection and read timeouts. Limit concurrency so older devices are not overloaded. Require an explicit operator flag before sendconfigset(). Do not call saveconfig() until the change has been verified and approved. Read-Only Connection Pattern Use placeholder addresses from documentation ranges in examples. Keep real inventory in an ignored local file or a secrets-managed system. Batch Collection Keep maxworkers low unless the device estate and AAA systems are known to handle higher connection volume. Structured Parsing Netmiko can ask TextFSM, TTP, or Genie to parse supported command output. Treat parser output as an optimization, not the only evidence path. If parsing drives a blocking decision, keep the raw command output alongside the parsed result so an operator can inspect mismatches. Guarded Config Pattern Saving the config is a separate approval step. In production, include a rollback snippet and capture before/after evidence in the change record. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills affaan-m/netmiko-ssh-automation--503e39