This is a script that leverages the os library to ping a network device to verify if the device is up or down and output the status to results.txt. Use this script to learn the basics of python.

To get started: Download the code and cd the ping_script directory

git clone https://github.com/labeveryday/ping_script.git
cd ping_script

When executing python code or installing python applications you should get into the practice of creating and managing python virtual environments. This will allow you to run different versions of a python library while avoiding version conflicts. My preferred tool for python virtual environments is venv There are tools out there. Remember to find what works best for you.

On Linux or Mac

python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate

On Windows

python3 -m venv venv
.\venv\Scripts\activate.bat

Now that you have everything installed and updated you can execute the script

(venv) duan@ubuntu ping_script$ python tool.py
Down 192.168.23.1 Ping Unsuccessful
Down 192.168.23.2 Ping Unsuccessful
Up 192.168.23.142 Ping successful
Up 192.168.23.143 Ping successful
Up 192.168.23.144 Ping successful

NOTE: To modify the subnets and the range change the starting digit and the ending digit in line 18.

Here is a video walk through of the ping_script in action.

Introverted Network Automation Engineer that is changing lives as a Developer Advocate for Cisco DevNet. Pythons scripts are delicious. Especially at 2am on a Saturday night.

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