AI & MCP Innovations for Cisco Modeling Labs (CML): Automate and Elevate Your Network Labs

In this video, we explore how MCP (Model Context Protocol) is transforming Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) with cutting-edge AI automation. Join Kareem Iskander and Matt DiNapoli as they sit down with Cisco Distinguished Engineer Joe Clarke to reveal the newest features and real-world use cases for CML. Discover how integrating MCP servers and AI tools like Claude and LM Studio makes it easier than ever to build, configure, and validate virtual network topologies using Cisco Modeling Labs. Joe provides a hands-on demo showing how you can interact with CML through natural language—creating labs, connecting devices, automating OSPF configuration, and validating results seamlessly. Plus, learn essential best practices for security and safe automation, as well as tips for getting started with the CML MCP project on GitHub. Whether you’re a networking professional, student, or just beginning with CML, this episode is packed with actionable insights, practical tips, and resources to help you take your network automation skills to the next level. 🔗 Check out the CML MCP project on GitHub: https://github.com/xorrkaz/cml-mcp/tr... Chapters 00:21 - Meet Joe Clark: Distinguished Engineer & CML Expert 01:00 - What is Cisco Modeling Labs (CML)? 01:20 - MCP & AI: Why It’s a Game-Changer for Networking 02:10 - MCP Demo Overview: What's New & Open Source Access 03:00 - Voice-Driven CML: Hands-Free Topology Creation 04:10 - Building Labs with MCP: Adding Nodes and Devices 05:40 - Connecting Devices: Automated Topology Building 06:50 - Configuring Routers: AI-Driven OSPF Setup 08:20 - Automated Validation: Using pyATS with CML 10:10 - Visualizing & Annotating Your Lab 11:20 - Safe Automation: Guardrails & Destructive Actions 13:00 - Best Practices: Docstrings, Typing, and Error Handling 16:10 - Security Considerations: Trusting MCP Servers 18:00 - Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More ✨ Subscribe for more tech videos! @CiscoUtube ✨ Create a Cisco U. Free Account: http://cs.co/9001OQtCx #Cisco #CiscoModelingLabs #CML #Automation #Networking #AI #MCP #NetworkEngineering #NetDevOps