Question 1

How do I install and use the gNMI CLI on Windows?

Accepted Answer

Install Go on Windows, then run 'go get -u github.com/openconfig/gnmi/cmd/gnmi_cli' in the command line. The CLI provides commands for interacting with gNMI services, useful for testing and debugging network devices.

Question 2

What are the key advantages of gNMI over SNMP?

Accepted Answer

gNMI uses gRPC for efficient, real-time streaming of telemetry data and configuration, while SNMP is poll-based and less scalable. gNMI's Protocol Buffers reduce overhead, making it better for modern network automation and high-frequency monitoring.

Question 3

How can I implement a gNMI client in Go for my project?

Accepted Answer

Use the client library from 'github.com/openconfig/gnmi/client' as the main entry point. Refer to the godoc pages for documentation and examples, such as setting up connections and handling Subscribe RPCs for data collection.

Question 4

Is gNMI supported by all network device vendors?

Accepted Answer

gNMI is increasingly adopted by vendors like Cisco, Juniper, and Arista, but compatibility varies. Check vendor documentation for gNMI support, as it requires devices to implement the gNMI protocol over gRPC.

Question 5

gNMI or NETCONF: which is better for configuration management?

Accepted Answer

gNMI excels in telemetry and real-time data streaming, while NETCONF is more established for configuration with XML. For mixed use cases, gNMI is preferred for monitoring, but NETCONF might be better for complex configuration workflows.

Question 6

How does the caching collector work and when should I use it?

Accepted Answer

The caching collector connects to multiple gNMI targets, aggregates their data, and exposes it via a single Subscribe RPC. Use it to simplify client applications that need consolidated telemetry from diverse network sources, reducing connection overhead.

gNMI

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