Scrapli:A Modern Python Library for Network

As networks Infra become increasingly API-driven, multi-vendor, and automated, the traditional methods of interacting with network devices are reaching their limits.

Network tools that are scalable, maintainable, and designed for modern Python automation needed.

Scrapli offers a modern, extensible, and scalable approach that aligns well with today's NetDevOps and platform engineering practices.

Scrapli's layered architecture (Driver → Channel → Transport) and native async capabilities make it a compelling option for building next-generation network automation platforms.

What is Scrapli?

Scrapli is a Python library that enables connectivity to network devices using:

- SSH

- Telnet

- NETCONF

Scrapli typically sits between our Python automation applications and the network infrastructure, providing a unified interface for multi-vendor device communication.

Similar to Netmiko, Scrapli provides a simple and consistent interface for interacting with multi-vendor network devices while offering enhanced flexibility, asynchronous capabilities, and a clean architecture.

Scrapli Reference Architecture: 

    

Core Components of Scrapli :

1- Transport Layer:

Responsible for establishing the connection to network devices.

2- Channel Layer: 

Acts as an abstraction over the transport and handles:

 - Sending commands

 - Receiving output

 - Prompt management

 -  Interactive sessions

 - Error handling

 

3- Driver Layer:  

Provides device-specific intelligence.

Examples:

IOSXEDriver

IOSXRDriver

NXOSDriver

EOSDriver

GenericDriver

The driver understands device prompts, privilege levels, and command execution requirements.

For teams building automation around NetBox, Infrahub, Ansible, GitLab, and AI-driven operations, Scrapli deserves serious evaluation.