Introduction to Cisco data centre automation
This module introduces the principles of network programmability and explains how automation supports modern data centre operations.
Topics include:
- The evolution of network automation
- Benefits of programmable infrastructure
- Automation use cases
- Day-zero, day-one, and day-two operations
- Automation architecture and workflows
- Overview of Cisco automation solutions
Understanding APIs and programmability
Learn how programmable interfaces enable automated interaction with Cisco platforms.
Topics include:
- API fundamentals
- REST architecture
- JSON and XML data formats
- Authentication methods
- Working with REST APIs
- API documentation and testing
- Best practices for API integration
Working with Cisco NX-API
Develop practical experience using Cisco NX-API for network automation.
Topics include:
- NX-API architecture
- CLI and REST interfaces
- Sending API requests
- Parsing responses
- Automating operational tasks
- Configuration management
- Troubleshooting NX-API communications
Model-driven programmability
Explore standards-based programmability using data models and management protocols.
Topics include:
- Introduction to YANG
- Understanding data models
- NETCONF fundamentals
- RESTCONF fundamentals
- Configuration management
- Operational data retrieval
- Schema validation
- Best practices for model-driven automation
Python for network automation
Build automation scripts using Python to simplify repetitive administrative tasks.
Topics include:
- Python fundamentals for network engineers
- Variables and data structures
- Functions and modules
- Working with APIs
- Parsing JSON data
- Error handling
- Building reusable automation scripts
- Automating configuration tasks
Infrastructure as Code with Ansible
Learn how Ansible enables consistent and repeatable infrastructure deployment.
Topics include:
- Ansible architecture
- Inventory management
- Playbooks
- Roles
- Variables
- Templates
- Automating Cisco Nexus devices
- Configuration validation
- Operational best practices
Infrastructure as Code with Terraform
Explore declarative infrastructure deployment using Terraform.
Topics include:
- Terraform fundamentals
- Providers
- Resources
- Variables
- State management
- Planning and deployment
- Managing infrastructure lifecycle
- Integrating Terraform into automation workflows
Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller
Learn how Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller simplifies data centre automation and lifecycle management.
Topics include:
- Platform architecture
- Fabric discovery
- Provisioning
- Policy management
- Configuration automation
- Operational monitoring
- Lifecycle management
- Integration with automation tools
Network testing with Cisco pyATS
Improve automation reliability through automated testing and validation.
Topics include:
- Introduction to pyATS
- Testbed creation
- Test scripting
- Automated verification
- Configuration compliance
- Troubleshooting automated deployments
- Continuous validation
- Reporting
Automation design and operational best practices
Bring together the concepts covered throughout the course to design scalable automation solutions.
Topics include:
- Automation strategy
- Change management
- Security considerations
- Source control
- Documentation
- CI/CD concepts for network automation
- Scaling automation across large environments
- Operational governance
- Real-world implementation examples
Exams and assessments
Learners reinforce their knowledge through instructor-led discussions, practical exercises, and hands-on lab activities throughout the course.
This course prepares learners for the Cisco Implementing Cisco Data Center Automation (300-635 DCNAUTO v2.0) certification exam. The exam is not included with the course unless stated otherwise.
Hands-on learning
This course places a strong emphasis on practical application through instructor-led labs.
Learners will:
- Configure programmable Cisco Nexus environments
- Develop Python automation scripts
- Build Ansible playbooks
- Deploy infrastructure using Terraform
- Interact with devices using NX-API, NETCONF, and RESTCONF
- Validate network configurations using Cisco pyATS
- Complete scenario-based exercises reflecting real operational challenges
