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Overview of the Snapshot Diff Exercise

Snapshot Diffs provide a detailed view of network changes between two specific points in time. This feature goes beyond the capabilities of traditional text-file comparisons by highlighting changes in network topology, Layer 2 (VLANs), Layer 3 (Routes), and security configurations (ACL, NAT), as well as their implications on network intent policies.

Estimated Completion Time​

15 minutes

Exercise 1: Generating a Snapshot Diff​

Objective: Learn how to generate a Snapshot Diff to identify changes in the network over a specified period.

  1. Access Diff Application

    Snapshot Diff

  2. Select Two Snapshots: Choose two snapshots that you wish to compare. These should represent the network state at two different times.

    Snapshot Diff

  3. Generate Snapshot Diff: Use the Snapshot Diffs feature to compare the selected snapshots. The system will process the data and present a comprehensive diff.

    Snapshot Diff

Exercise 2: Analyzing Changes in Network Topology​

Objective: Focus on understanding the changes in network topology as revealed by the Snapshot Diff.

  1. Review Topology Changes: Within the Snapshot Diff results, navigate to the section detailing changes in network topology.
  2. Assess Impact: Consider how these changes might affect network performance, reliability, and security.

Exercise 3: Examining Layer 2 and Layer 3 Changes​

Objective: Analyze the changes in Layer 2 (VLANs) and Layer 3 (Routes) configurations between the two snapshots.

  1. Identify VLAN and Route Changes: Look for any alterations in VLAN assignments or routing configurations.
  2. Evaluate Implications: Determine the potential impact of these changes on network segmentation, traffic flow, and access controls.

Exercise 4: Reviewing Security Configuration Changes​

Objective: Investigate changes in security configurations, including ACLs and NAT rules, between the snapshots.

  1. Spot Security Changes: Identify any modifications in ACL and NAT configurations.
  2. Understand Policy Impact: Assess how these changes might influence network security posture and compliance with intended security policies.

Key Insights​

  • Enhanced Change Insight: Snapshot Diffs offer valuable insights into network changes, providing a deeper understanding of their implications.
  • Comprehensive Analysis: This feature allows for a comprehensive analysis of changes across various network layers and security configurations.
  • Impact on Network Intent Policies: Understanding the changes highlighted by Snapshot Diffs is crucial for assessing their impact on network intent policies and overall network health.

Resources​

Snapshot Diffs