Automating Cisco Data Center Networking Solutions (DCNAUTO)

  • Duration: 5 days (40 hours)
  • Date: on request

Automating Cisco Data Center Networking Solutions (DCNAUTO)

This course will help:
  • Gain advanced knowledge and skills required to implement and optimize automation in Cisco Data Center environments
  • Study Cisco Nexus platforms, network programmability mechanisms, and modern automation tools for managing network infrastructure, compute resources, and data center fabrics
  • Master Cisco NX-OS automation using Bash, Python, Guest Shell, Cisco NX-API, NETCONF/RESTCONF, and YANG models
  • Learn to apply Infrastructure as Code (IaC) approaches using Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC), Ansible, and Terraform, as well as Cisco pyATS tools for network testing and validation
  • Explore AI-driven operations capabilities to enhance automation and simplify infrastructure lifecycle management
  • Prepare for the Cisco 300-635 DCNAUTO exam and the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional and Cisco Certified Network Professional Data Center certifications
Sign up for a course
Add to cart

Course syllabus:

  • 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

You will learn:

  • 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

Pre-requisites:

To successfully complete this course, participants are recommended to have the following knowledge and skills:

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

Recommended skills can be obtained through the following Cisco training courses:

  • Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA)
  • Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (DCCOR)
  • Introducing Automation for Cisco Solutions (CSAU)
Sign up for a course Automating Cisco Data Center Networking Solutions (DCNAUTO)