Ansible ND 4.X | WIP | ND Manage Switches Module + Pydantic Models + Smart Endpoints

[AKDRG]

This PR introduces the initial implementation of ND Manage switch lifecycle support in the cisco.nd collection.
It adds a new switch management resource layer, endpoint wrappers, Pydantic model hierarchy, utility helpers.

What’s Included

1. New switch lifecycle resource implementation

Added a full resource engine in plugins/module_utils/nd_switch_resources.py
Implements state handling for:

• gathered
• merged
• overridden
• deleted
• POAP flows (bootstrap, pre-provision, serial swap)
• RMA flow

Adds structured operation sequencing:

• discovery
• add/remove
• role updates
• credentials save
• wait-for-manageability
• save/deploy finalize

2. ND Manage endpoint layer

Added endpoint models under plugins/module_utils/endpoints/v1/nd_manage_switches:

• manage_credentials.py
• manage_fabric_bootstrap.py
• manage_fabric_config.py
• manage_fabric_discovery.py
• manage_fabric_switch_actions.py
• manage_fabric_switches.py

4. Pydantic model framework and nd_manage_switches models

Added shared model base and nested infrastructure:

• plugins/module_utils/models/base.py
• plugins/module_utils/models/nested.py
• Added nd_manage_switches model package and exports:
• bootstrap, config, discovery, preprovision, rma, switch_actions, switch_data, enums, validators
• package-level init re-exports for consistent imports

Added model consolidation in:
plugins/module_utils/models/nd_manage_switches/summary_models.py

5. Utilities for lifecycle orchestration
   Added helpers in plugins/module_utils/utils/nd_manage_switches:

• bootstrap_utils.py
• fabric_utils.py
• payload_utils.py
• switch_helpers.py
• switch_wait_utils.py
• exceptions.py

These utilities centralize grouping, payload shaping, wait/retry logic, and fabric operations.

[mikewiebe]

There is some overlap here with the fabric module endpoints so we should discuss consolidation and moving things like config-save and config-deploy to a more common location instead of under nd_manage_switches

[mikewiebe]

Notes about NDOutput behavior from my discussion today

• Before and after state can contain read-only properties (things like config-sync state)
• After by default should include a query of the fabric at the end to reflect updated state
• Explore control knobs to improve performance and not have to query at the end for after state
  • Example knobs: https://github.com/CiscoDevNet/ansible-aci/blob/master/docs/optimizing.md

Don't worry about the control knobs for now. We can do that in a subsequent update.

[AKDRG]

Most of the changes have been integrated. Query for "after " and performance control knob is being explored.

[mikewiebe]

We discussed that it would be good to support state: gathered

This should follow the Ansible argspec and if used in a playbook with state overridden would result in no changes to the controller

This IMO can be a subsequent update to the module

[AKDRG]

Gathered is now supported in the module.

[mtarking]

These contradict each other a bit; I'll draft something to help reword.

[AKDRG]

Have reworded this, please check and let me know if we need to change.