Automating Cisco Data Center Networking Solutions (DCNAUTO)

How you'll benefit

This training will help you:

• Gain practical, hands-on experience with Cisco Nexus platforms and automation tools used in modern data centers
• Acquire skills in network programmability, including scripting with Python and using APIs for automating network operations
• Learn to implement IaC workflows using tools like Ansible and Terraform for efficient configuration management
• Develop troubleshooting expertise in both infrastructure automation and AI-driven operations, enhancing job readiness for advanced network roles

Who should enroll

• Network designers
• Systems engineers
• Wireless engineers
• Consulting systems engineers
• Technical solutions architects
• Network administrators
• Wireless design engineers
• Network managers
• Site reliability engineers
• Deployment engineers
• Sales engineers
• Account managers
• Program managers
• Project managers

Technology areas

• Data Center

Objectives

After taking this course, you should be able to:

• Explain the role of programmability and automation in Cisco data center networks
• Explain the benefits of programmability compared to manual CLI workflows
• Identify data models and data formats (XML, JSON, YAML) used in Cisco automation frameworks
• Use version control systems such as Git for storing and managing configuration files
• Perform day-zero provisioning on Cisco Nexus devices using Power-On Auto Provisioning (POAP)
• Enable and use the Bash shell and Guest Shell on Cisco Nexus devices
• Run Linux commands inside Guest Shell to interact with NX-OS and external services
• Write Python scripts on-box to parse CLI output and enhance operational workflows
• Describe and configure Cisco NX-API CLI and REST interfaces
• Send JSON/XML payloads to NX-API using Python scripts and verify device responses
• Use Cisco NX-API Developer Sandbox for testing and validation
• Implement model-driven programmability using NETCONF/RESTCONF and YANG data models
• Construct and validate Python scripts to configure and verify protocols with NX-OS APIs
• Implement off-box automation with Cisco NX-API CLI/REST, NETCONF/RESTCONF, and YANG models
• Describe Cisco NDFC architecture and automation capabilities
• Use NDFC REST APIs for fabric automation tasks
• Automate fabric provisioning and configuration with Ansible playbooks
• Build and apply Terraform plans for managing data center fabrics with NDFC
• Describe Cisco pyATS and Genie frameworks for network validation
• Build and run pyATS test cases to verify device state before and after automation
• Interpret test results and integrate them into automation workflows
• Describe how AI and ML capabilities are applied in Cisco Data Center automation
• Explain AI-driven monitoring and anomaly detection workflows
• Correlate AI insights with automated remediation actions

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this training. However, the knowledge and skills you are recommended to have before attending this training are:

• Basic knowledge of programming language concepts
• Basic understanding of virtualization and VMware
• Ability to use Linux and CLI tools, such as SSH and bash
• CCNP level data center knowledge
• Foundational understanding of Cisco ACI

These skills can be found in the following Cisco Learning Offerings:

• Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA)
• Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (DCCOR)
• Introducing Automation for Cisco Solutions (CSAU)

Outline

• Day-Zero Provisioning
• On-Box Automation with Cisco NX-OS
• Cisco Nexus Automation with NX-API CLI
• Cisco Nexus Programmability with NX-API REST
• Model-Driven Programmability on NX-OS
• IaC Tools
• IaC Lifecycle
• Cisco NX-OS Automation with IaC Tools
• Cisco ACI Automation with IaC Tools
• Cisco Nexus Dashboard Automation with IaC Tools
• Simulation of Data Center Topologies
• Network Change Validation with pyATS
• Model-Driven Telemetry Implementation
• Troubleshoot Infrastructure Automation
• Troubleshoot Container Workloads Connectivity
• AI-Assisted Coding
• AI Security Considerations
• AI Agent Integration

Lab outline

• Set Up PowerOn Auto Provisioning on the Cisco Nexus 9000
• Use Bash and Guest Shell on Cisco NX-OS
• Use Python to Enhance CLI Commands
• Make NX-API Calls with NX-API Sandbox
• Configure and Verify NX-OS Using Python
• Set Up API Calls with Bruno
• Use NX-API REST with Python
• Configure and Verify Using NETCONF, RESTCONF, and YANG
• Track Changes with Git and GitHub
• Use Ansible with Cisco NX-OS
• Use Terraform with Cisco NX-OS
• Generate Configuration Using Jinja2 Templates
• Manage ACI Configuration Using Ansible
• Set Up a New Tenant the NetDevOps Way
• Automate ACI with Terraform
• Automate NDFC with REST API and Python
• Retrieve NX-OS Health Data Using Cisco Nexus Dashboard
• Create NDFC Fabric with Ansible
• Automate NDFC with Terraform
• Explore Cisco Modeling Labs Basics
• Simulate Data Center Network with Cisco Modeling Labs
• Cisco ACI Simulator Installation and Initialization Simulation
• Capture and Compare Network State with pyATS CLI
• Run Network Tests Using pyATS and Python
• Configure a Subscription for Model-Driven Telemetry
• Troubleshoot Infrastructure as Code
• Troubleshoot Linux Container Connectivity
• AI Toolset—Jupyter Notebook
• Al-Driven Monitoring Using Nexus Dashboard Simulation