Cisco Automation

Course Description 

The Designing, Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems (AUTOCOR) training prepares you for a professional role as a network automation engineer. It focuses on designing and implementing automation systems, from writing Python scripts and Ansible playbooks, and applying Terraform for network automation, to building complex CI/CD pipelines that integrate multiple tools. The training also shows how to leverage AI for network automation by building Large Language Model (LLM)-powered network agents and by using MCP servers. Additionally, the training focuses on operational aspects of managing a modern, automated network and explores secure coding practices, collecting logs, containerization, and model-driven telemetry. Overall, the training focuses on practical implementation that directly prepares you to design, deploy, and operate automated networks.

This training prepares you for the 350-901 AUTOCOR v2.0 exam. If passed, you earn the Cisco Certified Specialist - Automation Core certification and satisfy the core exam requirement for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Automation and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Automation certifications. This training also earns you 32 Continuing Education (CE) credits toward recertification.

How You'll Benefit

This training will help you:
Explore industry-standard automation tools, including Python, Ansible, and Terraform, to design and implement robust Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions
Integrate Generative AI and LLMs into network workflows by building intelligent agents and utilizing MCP servers for advanced automation
Construct automated CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), and pyATS to streamline network testing, validation, and deployment
Enhance network operations and security through the application of model-driven telemetry, secure coding practices, and containerized environments using Docker Compose
Prepare for the 350-901 AUTOCOR v2.0 exam
Earn 32 CE credits toward recertification

Who Should Enroll

Individuals seeking the CCNP Automation certification
Network Automation Engineers
Network Engineers with coding experience
DevOps Engineers working with network infrastructure
System Engineers
Network Site Reliability Engineers (SREs)

What to Expect in the Exam

Designing, Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems (350-901 AUTOCOR) v2.0 is a 120-minute exam associated with the Cisco Certified Specialist - Automation Core certification and satisfies the core exam requirement for the CCNP Automation and CCIE Automation certifications.

The exam tests your knowledge of network automation systems development and design, including:
Infrastructure as code
Operations
AI in automation

Course Objectives

Evaluate various network automation tools and approaches
Use Python for CLI-based network automation
Integrate REST APIs in network automation workflows
Automate device configuration using RESTCONF requests based on YANG data models
Create network automation solutions with Ansible

Create network automation solutions with Terraform
Implement the Infrastructure as Code approach for network management
Use Git to track network changes
Design and build GitLab CI pipelines for network automation
Integrate CML topologies in automated workflows
Create network validation tools with pyATS and include them in automated workflows
Configure model-driven telemetry streams to collect real-time operational data from Cisco devices
Diagnose common automation failures using well-structured logs from Python, Ansible, and RESTCONF integrations
Harden network automation code by validating inputs, protecting credentials, and sanitizing outputs
Build and run multi-service Docker Compose environments for network automation
Generate, sign, and install certificates to secure web interfaces and APIs used by network automation tools
Describe the role, value, and risks of generative AI in network automation script creation
Create AI agents for network automation
Integrate LLMs with external capabilities using MCP servers

Course Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this training. However, the knowledge and skills you are recommended to have before attending this training are:
Hands-on experience with a programming language (specifically Python)
Experience with common network designs and configurations
Understanding of the utilization of APIs
Awareness of network device APIs such as NETCONF and RESTCONF
Understanding of the basics of version control with Git
Familiarity with platforms like GitLab and GitHub
Comfort with the Linux shell, SSH, files, and virtual environments
Exposure to Docker/containerization
Basic knowledge of AI and LLMs

These skills can be found in the following Cisco Learning Offerings:
Automating Networks Using Cisco Platforms (CCNAAUTO)
Intermediate Python for Network Engineers (IPYNE)

Course Outline

Network Automation Toolkits
Network Task Automation with Python
REST APIs in Network Automation
Network Automation with Ansible
Network Automation with Terraform
Infrastructure as Code Implementation
Network Change Tracking with Git
Configuration Change Deployment with CI Pipelines
Cisco Modeling Labs Integration for Test Network Environments
Network State Validation with pyATS
Model-Driven Telemetry for Network Monitoring
Network Automation Solution Troubleshooting
Secure Coding Practices for Network Automation
Network Automation Environment Containerization with Docker Compose
Trusted TLS Certificates Deployment for Secure Communication
Generative AI for Network Automation
AI Agents for Network Automation
LLM and MCP Server Integration

Lab Outline

Use Python to Automate Common Network Tasks
Explore REST API Documentation
Automate API Calls with Python Requests
Construct and Send RESTCONF Requests
Automate the Device Configuration with RESTCONF
Create a Network Automation Solution with Ansible
Automate Network Infrastructure with Terraform
Manage Router Interfaces as Code
Start Tracking Your Network State with GitLab
Build a GitLab CI Pipeline for Network Configuration
Create a Testing Network Environment with Cisco Modeling Labs
Build a Python Script to Launch Test Topologies in Cisco Modeling Labs
Integrate Cisco Modeling Labs Topologies into CI Pipeline
Create a Configuration Validation Tool with pyATS
Integrate pyATS Testing into Automated Pipelines
Set Up MDT on a Cisco Router Using YANG Suite
Troubleshoot an Automation Script
Harden an Automation Script
Containerize Automation Components
Add a Trusted Certificate to Cisco ISE
Set Up Local LLM with Ollama
Build a Network Automation Tool with Python and Ollama
Build and Launch a FastMCP Server

Course Description 

The Automating Cisco Data Center Networking Solutions (DCNAUTO) training teaches you how to implement and optimize automation in Cisco data center environments. You will gain hands-on experience with Cisco Nexus platforms, programmability features, and modern automation tools used to streamline operations across switching, compute, and fabric controllers. The training covers foundational concepts in network programmability, then advances into day-zero provisioning, on-box automation using Bash, Python, and Guest Shell, and off-box automation with Cisco NX-API, NETCONF/RESTCONF, and YANG models. You will also explore Infrastructure as Code (IaC) workflows with Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC), Ansible, and Terraform, as well as network validation and testing with Cisco pyATS. Finally, you will learn how AI-driven operations enhance network automation and simplify lifecycle management.

This training prepares you for the 300-635 DCNAUTO v2.0 exam. If passed, you earn the Cisco Certified Specialist - Data Center Networking Automation certification and satisfy the concentration exam requirements for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center and Automation certifications. This training also earns you 43 Continuing Education (CE) credits toward recertification.

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
Prepare for the 300-635 DCNAUTO v2.0 exam
Earn 43 CE credits toward recertification

 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

What to Expect in the Exam

Automating Cisco Data Center Networking Solutions (300-635 DCNAUTO) v2.0 is a 90-minute exam associated with the Cisco Certified Specialist - Data Center Networking Automation certification and satisfies the concentration exam requirements for the CCNP® Data Center and Automation certifications.

This exam tests your knowledge and skills related to implementing data center automated solutions, including:
Infrastructure as code
Network element programmability
Operations
AI in automation

Course Objectives

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

Course Prerequisites

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

Course 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

Course Description 

The Automating and Programming Cisco Enterprise Solutions (ENAUTO) training teaches you how to implement Cisco Enterprise automated solutions, including programming concepts, orchestration, telemetry, and automation tools. The goal of this training is to highlight the tools and the benefits of leveraging programmability and automation in the Cisco-powered Enterprise Campus and WAN. Examined platforms include Cisco IOS XE software for device-centric automation, Cisco Catalyst Center for the intent-based enterprise network, Cisco Catalyst Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN), and Cisco Meraki. Their current ecosystem of APIs, software development toolkits, and relevant workflows are inspected in detail together with open industry standards, tools, and APIs, such as Python, Ansible, Git, JSON/YAML, NETCONF/RESTCONF, and YANG.

This training prepares you for the 300-435 ENAUTO v2.0 exam. If passed, you earn the Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Automation certification and satisfy the concentration exam requirement for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise and Automation concentration exams. This training also earns you 34 Continuing Education (CE) credits toward recertification.

How You'll Benefit

This training will help you:
Gain hands-on experience automating Cisco enterprise networks using Python, Ansible, APIs, and modern automation tools
Explore automation across multiple Cisco platforms, including IOS XE, Catalyst Center, SD-WAN, and Meraki
Learn to leverage AI and security best practices in network automation to boost operational efficiency and reliability
Prepare for the 300-435 ENAUTO v2.0 exam
Earn 34 CE credits toward recertification

Who Should Enroll

Network Engineers
Systems Engineers
Wireless Engineers
Consulting Systems Engineers
Technical Solutions Architects
Network Administrators
Wireless Design Engineers
Network Managers
Sales Engineers
Account Managers

What to Expect in the Exam

Automating and Programming Cisco Enterprise Solutions (300-435 ENAUTO) v2.0 is a 90-minute exam associated with the Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Automation certification and satisfies the concentration exam requirement for the CCNP Enterprise and Automation certifications.

This exam tests your knowledge of implementing enterprise automated solutions, including:
Device-level and controller-based network automation
Operations
AI in automation

Course Objectives

Explain the need for data models for network automation
Explain how to use Ansible and YANG Suite tools for effective network automation
Describe Python and Netmiko as tools for CLI automation and explain how to automate VLANs, routing protocols, policies, and VPNs
Introduce NETCONF and RESTCONF as model-driven protocols, explain their operations, datastores, and workflows, and compare where each is most effective
Monitor configuration and operational data with NETCONF and RESTCONF, troubleshoot connectivity and model issues, and interpret errors for faster resolution
Introduce Ansible for Cisco configuration management to detect drift, validate compliance, maintain a source of truth, and apply resource modules with safe rollout and rollback recovery
Describe how Cisco IOS EEM automates tasks with events and policies, Guest Shell provides a secure Linux container for scripts, and ZTP creates the initial configuration
Explore how to perform Day-0 operations with PnP in Cisco Catalyst Center
Explore options for configuration management with Cisco Catalyst Center
Explore advanced features of configuration templates with Jinja templates
Learn about managing controller-based configuration with Ansible
Learn about security automation
Learn about techniques for troubleshooting authentication with the REST APIs of Cisco controllers
Learn how to test and validate automation deployed on Cisco Catalyst Center and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager
Learn how to use Catalyst Center and SD-WAN APIs to automate Software Image Management
Learn how to use APIs to monitor network health with Cisco Controllers
Learn how to use streaming telemetry and webhooks to monitor network health on Course Cisco Catalyst Center and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager
Explain how to use AI capabilities in Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager, and Meraki dashboard
Explain how to use AI-assisted code development for network automation
Explore security risks in AI-based network automation
Explain the deployment of MCP servers and clients, and Python FastMCP support for AI agents

Course Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this training. However, the knowledge and skills you are recommended to have before attending this training are:
Basic programming language concepts
Basic understanding of virtualization
Ability to use Linux and CLI tools, such as SSH and bash
CCNP level core networking knowledge
Foundational understanding of Cisco Catalyst Center, Meraki, and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

These skills can be found in the following Cisco Learning Offerings:
Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA)
Introducing Automation for Cisco Solutions (CSAU)
Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR)

Course Outline

Network Automation Models
Network Automation Tooling
CLI Automation with Python
NETCONF and RESTCONF Automation
Automating Configuration Monitoring
Device Automation with Ansible
On-Box Automation
Controller-Based Day-0 Provisioning
Catalyst Center Day-0 with Configuration Management
Advanced Configuration Templates
Controller-Based Configuration Management with Ansible
Security Automation
Troubleshoot Controller-Based Network Automation
Testing and Validating Network Automation
Controller-Based Software Management
Automate Network Health Monitoring with Controller APIs
Monitor Network Health with Streaming Telemetry and Webhooks
AI Capabilities in Network Controllers
AI Assistance in Network Automation
Security Risks in AI-based Automation
Support AI Agents with Python FastMCP

Lab Outline

Explore YANG Trees with YANG Suite
Validate XML Payloads Against the YANG Schema
Configure and Monitor Routing with Python and Netmiko
Configure and Monitor IPsec VPNs with Python and Netmiko
Manage Device Configurations with ncclient
Manage Device Configurations with RESTCONF
Monitor Device Configurations with NETCONF and RESTCONF
Troubleshoot Network Automation Solutions
Configuration Compliance with Ansible
Use Ansible to Configure and Verify Device Configuration
EEM-Based Device Automation
On-Box Python-Based Automation
Python-Based ZTP for Cisco IOS XE Devices
Manage Device Configuration with Catalyst Center APIs
Manage Device Configuration with SD-WAN Manager APIs
Manage Device Configuration with Cisco Meraki APIs
Construct Advanced Jinja Configuration Templates
Manage Catalyst Center Devices with Ansible
Manage Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Devices with Ansible
Manage Cisco Meraki Networks with Ansible
Enforce Network Segmentation with Cisco Catalyst Center APIs
Enforce Group-Based Access Control with Cisco Catalyst Center APIs
API-Driven Segmentation and Policy Enforcement with Meraki
Troubleshoot Cisco Catalyst Center API Authentication
Troubleshoot Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager API Authentication
Troubleshoot Cisco Catalyst Center API Requests
Software Management with Cisco Catalyst Center API
Software Management with SD-WAN Manager APIs
Monitor Network Health with Cisco Catalyst Center APIs
Monitor Network Health with SD-WAN Manager APIs
Monitor Network Health with Meraki Dashboard APIs
Subscribe to Device Telemetry Using NETCONF
Implement Webhook-Based Alerting with Cisco Catalyst Center
Code Development with AI Assistant
Providing Network Information to MCP Clients Using Python FastMCP