Network automation models
Explore the evolution of network automation and programmable infrastructure.
- Traditional versus software-defined networking
- Network programmability concepts
- Infrastructure as Code principles
- Automation architectures
- Enterprise automation use cases
- Benefits, limitations, and operational considerations
Network automation tooling
Examine the tools used to automate enterprise networks.
- Python ecosystem
- APIs and SDKs
- Version control fundamentals
- YAML and JSON
- Automation frameworks
- Selecting the right tool for operational requirements
CLI automation with Python
- Learn to automate traditional command-line administration.
- Python fundamentals for networking
- Connecting to Cisco devices
- Executing CLI commands
- Parsing command output
- Error handling
- Building reusable automation scripts
NETCONF and RESTCONF automation
Implement standards-based network automation.
- Understanding NETCONF
- Using RESTCONF APIs
- Data modelling concepts
- YANG models
- Reading and modifying configurations
- Operational data retrieval
Automating configuration monitoring
Improve configuration compliance through automation.
- Configuration auditing
- Detecting configuration drift
- Automated backups
- Configuration comparison
- Compliance reporting
- Operational consistency
Device automation with Ansible
Automate network infrastructure using Ansible.
- Ansible architecture
- Inventory management
- Playbooks and roles
- Cisco automation collections
- Deploying configurations
- Validating automation results
On-box automation
Explore automation capabilities hosted directly on network devices.
- Embedded automation features
- Event-driven automation
- Local scripting
- Operational monitoring
- Automated responses
- Best practices
Controller-based Day-0 provisioning
Automate initial network deployment.
- Zero-touch provisioning concepts
- Controller-based onboarding
- Device discovery
- Initial configuration deployment
- Deployment validation
- Operational readiness
Catalyst Center Day-0 with configuration management
Deploy enterprise infrastructure using Cisco Catalyst Center.
- Device onboarding
- Configuration templates
- Policy-based deployment
- Inventory management
- Deployment workflows
- Operational automation
Advanced configuration templates
Develop scalable deployment templates.
- Template design
- Variables and parameters
- Template validation
- Reusable automation components
- Large-scale deployments
- Template maintenance
Controller-based configuration management with Ansible
Combine controller capabilities with infrastructure automation.
- Integrating Ansible with Catalyst Center
- API-driven automation
- Automated policy deployment
- Configuration updates
- Compliance validation
- Operational reporting
Security automation
Automate routine security operations.
- Security policy automation
- Access control deployment
- Security compliance
- Threat response workflows
- Secure automation practices
- Governance considerations
Troubleshoot controller-based network automation
Identify and resolve automation issues.
- Workflow validation
- API troubleshooting
- Controller diagnostics
- Log analysis
- Common deployment issues
- Performance optimisation
Testing and validating network automation
Ensure automation performs reliably.
- Script testing
- Configuration validation
- Change verification
- Rollback planning
- Automated testing approaches
- Operational best practices
Controller-based software management
Automate software lifecycle management.
- Software image repositories
- Upgrade planning
- Automated deployment
- Version compliance
- Maintenance scheduling
- Post-upgrade validation
Automate network health monitoring with controller APIs
Monitor enterprise infrastructure through APIs.
- Health monitoring
- Performance metrics
- Event collection
- API integration
- Automated reporting
- Operational dashboards
Monitor network health with streaming telemetry and webhooks
Implement real-time operational monitoring.
- Streaming telemetry fundamentals
- Telemetry subscriptions
- Webhook configuration
- Event-driven automation
- Alert integration
- Operational visibility
AI capabilities in network controllers
Explore AI features available in modern enterprise networking platforms.
- AI-driven insights
- Predictive analytics
- Intelligent recommendations
- Performance optimisation
- Operational visibility
- AI-supported troubleshooting
AI assistance in network automation
Use AI to improve automation workflows.
- AI-assisted script generation
- Workflow optimisation
- Intelligent operational recommendations
- Automation acceleration
- Human oversight
- Responsible AI adoption
Security risks in AI-based automation
Understand the security implications of AI-powered operations.
- Data privacy
- Prompt injection risks
- Model governance
- Secure automation design
- Compliance considerations
- Risk mitigation strategies
Support AI agents with Python FastMCP
Integrate automation services with AI-enabled workflows.
- FastMCP fundamentals
- Python implementation
- Building automation services
- Connecting AI agents
- Secure service design
- Practical enterprise use cases
Exams and assessments
Learners reinforce their understanding through practical exercises, instructor-led discussions, and knowledge checks throughout the course. Hands-on activities validate the implementation of automation solutions across enterprise networking scenarios. Formal certification exams are not included as part of this course.
Hands-on learning
This course includes extensive practical labs that enable learners to apply automation techniques in realistic enterprise environments.
Hands-on activities include:
- Developing Python automation scripts.
- Creating Ansible playbooks.
- Using NETCONF and RESTCONF APIs.
- Managing enterprise networks with Cisco Catalyst Center.
- Deploying automated software upgrades.
- Monitoring network health through APIs and streaming telemetry.
- Exploring AI-assisted automation scenarios.
