Cisco pyATS vs EVE-NG

Cisco pyATS is a Python framework for network testing, automation, and validation, available free under the Apache 2.0 license. It supports sanity, feature, solution, system, and scale test and verification workflows, with reusable data-driven tests ranging from simple checks to complex asynchronous suites. Genie libraries provide device connectivity, parsers, APIs, platform-agnostic feature models, reusable test cases, and a YAML-driven test runner. Built-in device libraries cover Cisco IOS, IOS XE, IOS XR, NX-OS, and ASA; plugins and extensions can add other platforms. Connections can use CLI, NETCONF, or RESTCONF. XPRESSO manages test suites, environments, testbeds, resources, live test views, and archived results with comparisons and analytics. It supports on-demand, bundled, and scheduled runs through Jenkins and Docker backends. Cisco also documents Ansible community integrations and out-of-the-box RobotFramework support. pyATS runs on Linux and macOS and supports self-hosted deployment. Cisco says more than 75% of its codebase is open source on GitHub. Email support is best-effort and usually receives a reply within a day.

EVE-NG is a clientless network emulation platform for network, security, and DevOps professionals. It is presented for building virtual proof-of-concept projects, solutions, and training environments for organizations, educators, individuals, and groups. A topology designer supports lab creation, configuration import and export, XML lab files, and picture or map imports. Running nodes can connect through hot links, including to real networks. Listed Professional features include KVM hardware acceleration, Docker and custom Docker support, and up to 1024 nodes per lab. Integrations include RADIUS and Microsoft Active Directory authentication, Docker-integrated Wireshark, and an integrated NAT cloud. Hosting options include Proxmox, VMware platforms, and Google Cloud platform VMs. The free plan allows 7 nodes per instance and 63 per lab, with the Admin role only. EVE-NG Base and RBL are priced on request; RBL supports multiple roles, with added roles priced separately. Community Edition support and end of life ended in June 2026.