YANG — IT Glossary | ITU Online IT Training
+1 855.488.5327 customerservice@ituonline.com Mon – Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm ET

YANG

Commonly used in Networking, Network Management

Ready to start learning?Individual Plans →Team Plans →

YANG is a data modeling language designed to define the structure, configuration, and state data of network devices and services. It provides a standard way to model network configurations and operational data, enabling automation and consistent management across diverse network devices.

How It Works

YANG uses a hierarchical, tree-like structure to represent data models, allowing network administrators and applications to specify configurations and monitor device states systematically. It defines data schemas, constraints, and relationships, which are then used by network management protocols such as NETCONF to exchange configuration and operational information. YANG modules can be extended and reused, promoting modularity and interoperability within network environments.

Developers create YANG models to describe device capabilities, configuration parameters, and operational data. These models are stored in modules, which can import other modules to build comprehensive data schemas. When used with NETCONF, YANG models enable automated deployment, configuration, and management of network devices, reducing manual intervention and errors.

Common Use Cases

  • Defining configuration schemas for routers, switches, and firewalls in network management systems.
  • Automating device provisioning and configuration changes through network orchestration tools.
  • Monitoring operational status and collecting real-time device metrics for network analytics.
  • Standardising device management across multi-vendor environments to ensure compatibility.
  • Developing custom network management applications that leverage structured device data.

Why It Matters

YANG is fundamental for modern network automation and programmability. It provides a common language for describing network data models, which simplifies the integration of network devices into automated workflows. For IT professionals pursuing certifications or roles in network management, understanding YANG is essential for working with standards-based network configuration protocols like NETCONF and RESTCONF. Mastery of YANG enables more efficient, reliable, and scalable network operations, aligning with industry trends toward software-defined networking (SDN) and network automation.

Ready to start learning?Individual Plans →Team Plans →
Discover More, Learn More
Understanding the Security Operations Center: A Deep Dive Discover how a Security Operations Center enhances your cybersecurity defenses, improves incident… What Is a Security Operations Center (SOC)? Discover what a security operations center is and how it enhances organizational… Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing a Security Operations Center in Your Organization Discover how to effectively implement a security operations center in your organization… Building a Security Operations Center: A Complete SOC Setup Blueprint Discover how to build a comprehensive Security Operations Center to enhance cybersecurity… Understanding SOC Functions: The Complete Guide to Security Operations Center Operations Discover how SOC functions support security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response… Counterintelligence and Operational Security in Cybersecurity: A Guide for CompTIA SecurityX Certification Discover essential strategies to enhance your cybersecurity skills by understanding counterintelligence and…