Claude MCP Cisco Demo

Welcome to the Claude MCP Cisco Demo!
This project demonstrates how to use Claude Desktop, the Model Context Protocol (MCP), and Python to manage Cisco routers using natural language and automation.

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📚 Table of Contents

• Overview
• Architecture
• Lab Topology
• Features
• Getting Started
  • 1. Requirements
  • 2. Clone & Set Up
  • 3. Configure Your Routers
  • 4. MCP Server Setup
  • 5. Claude Desktop Integration
  • 6. Run & Test
• Usage Examples
• Security Notes
• FAQ & Troubleshooting
• License

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Overview

This repo shows how to:

• Connect Claude Desktop to Cisco routers via the Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• Run show commands, retrieve configs, and push changes—all via natural language
• Scale the approach to your entire IT infrastructure

All code and instructions are included.
All scripts and diagrams are open source—see LICENSE.

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Architecture

MCP Architecture Flow

!MCP Architecture Flow

• Claude Desktop: User interacts with AI
• MCP Client: Bridges Claude with the MCP server
• MCP Server: Exposes tools/resources, translates requests
• Netmiko/SSH: Secure connection to Cisco routers
• Routers: Managed devices

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Lab Topology

GNS3 Lab Topology

!GNS3 Topology

• PC1: Runs Claude Desktop and MCP server
• R2, R1: Cisco routers (can be real or emulated)
• Cloud: Simulates WAN/Internet

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Features

• Natural Language Network Management: Use Claude to interact with your routers
• Python MCP Server: Powered by FastMCP and Netmiko
• Multi-Device Support: Easily add more routers
• Secure SSH Automation: All actions over SSH

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Getting Started

1. Requirements

• Python 3.10+
• Claude Desktop (see Anthropic)
• Cisco routers (real or GNS3/EVEng)
• GNS3 (optional, for emulation)
• SSH enabled on routers

2. Clone & Set Up

git clone https://github.com/mayanknauni/generative-ai-cisco-mcp.git cd claude-mcp-cisco-demo python -m venv venv On Windows:

venv\Scripts\activate On Mac/Linux:

source venv/bin/activate pip install -r requirements.txt

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3. Configure Your Routers

• Make sure SSH is enabled and reachable from your desktop.
• Example Cisco config:

conf t hostname R1 username admin privilege 15 secret Cisco123 ip domain-name lab.local crypto key generate rsa modulus 2048 ip ssh version 2 line vty 0 4 login local transport input ssh end

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4. MCP Server Setup

• Edit mcp_server.py and update the router IPs and credentials:

router_manager.add_router("R1", RouterConfig( host="1.1.1.1", # Replace with your router's IP username="admin", password="Cisco123" )) router_manager.add_router("R2", RouterConfig( host="2.2.2.2", username="admin", password="Cisco123" ))

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5. Claude Desktop Integration

• Find your Claude Desktop config file (typically %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json on Windows).
• Add/replace with:

{ "mcpServers": { "cisco-router-manager": { "command": "C:\Users\youruser\claude-mcp-cisco-demo\venv\Scripts\python.exe", "args": [ "C:\Users\youruser\claude-mcp-cisco-demo\mcp_server.py" ] } } }

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• Restart Claude Desktop.

6. Run & Test

• Start the MCP server manually (for debugging):

python mcp_server.py

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• Or let Claude Desktop launch it automatically when you use a tool.

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Usage Examples

Show command:

{ "router": "R2", "command": "show ip interface brief" }

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Config command:

{ "router": "R2", "command": [ "interface GigabitEthernet0/1", "description Configured by MCP", "no shutdown" ] }

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Use built-in tools:

• get_config to fetch running config
• configure_interface to set interface IPs

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Security Notes

• Never commit real device credentials to public repositories.
• For production, use environment variables or a secrets manager.
• Restrict SSH access to trusted hosts only.

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FAQ & Troubleshooting

• SSH errors?
  Ensure your router supports modern SSH KEX algorithms or set Netmiko’s kex_algorithms as described in issues.
• Claude Desktop can’t find the server?
  Double-check your Python path in the config and that dependencies are installed in the right venv.

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License

MIT License

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All code and diagrams are shared for learning and inspiration. Fork, adapt, and build your own AI-powered network automation!

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Demo and documentation by Mayank Nauni

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