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Cisco Learning & Certifications

The Network infrastructure industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with an increasing need for automation due to factors such as a demand for faster and more reliable network deployments. Therefore, there is a growing need for network engineers skilled in automation and programmability.

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The Network infrastructure industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with an increasing need for automation due to factors such as a demand for faster and more reliable network deployments. Therefore, there is a growing need for network engineers skilled in automation and programmability.

This course is primarily intended for network engineers, systems engineers, network architects, and managers interested in learning the fundamentals of network automation.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

- Articulate the role network automation and programmability plays in the context of end-to-end network management and operations.

- Interpret Python scripts with fundamental programming constructs built for network automation use cases.

To be successful in this course, you should be proficient in fundamental network routing & switching technologies, understand the basics of Python programming (3-6 mos exp.), and have some familiarity with Linux.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction for Introduction to Network Automation
In this module, we will review the topics and what you will learn in this course.
Examining Network Management and Operations
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Network operations have not changed in decades. For years, the console, Telnet, and Secure Shell (SSH) along with the CLI were the primary methods for managing and operating networks of any size. With the rise of programmatic interfaces on network devices and the growing need for enhanced reliability, assurance, and predictability, network operations are now in the midst of a radical shift in how devices are deployed and operated. This section reviews how devices have been managed historically and provides a glimpse into the future of network operations.
Using Python for Network Automation
Network automation is the future of network operation. Today, network engineers need to know how to interact with their network devices using application programming interfaces (APIs) and programmatic interfaces, and at a minimum, they must understand some fundamentals of coding. In this section, you will explore a programming language that is widely used in network automation—Python. You will start by learning different data types that Python supports, and then learn the differences between modules and packages and how to use them to your benefit. Next, you will learn about a module that lets you interact with devices with code. Finally, you will create your own module and interact with the code inside it.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores an upcoming trend in the network industry, network automation, which is standard in modern enterprise technology management
Taught by Cisco Learning & Certifications, who are recognized for their extensive expertise and experience in the enterprise networking industry
Provides fundamental skills in Python programming, which is a popular tool for network automation and programming
Develops skills and knowledge in network automation, which are considered standard for modern network engineers

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Network Automation with these activities:
Review the fundamentals of Python
Reviewing the basics of Python will help you build a strong foundation for understanding network automation concepts.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Review tutorials on Python data types, modules, and functions.
  • Practice writing simple Python scripts.
Follow tutorials on network automation with Python
Following tutorials on network automation with Python will help you apply your Python skills to practical network management tasks.
Browse courses on Network Automation
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on reputable websites or platforms.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step and implement the examples.
  • Experiment with different Python libraries for network automation.
Python coding exercises
Practice writing Python scripts to automate network tasks, improving your proficiency in network automation.
Browse courses on Python
Show steps
  • Review Python syntax and data types.
  • Write scripts to perform basic network operations, such as show commands and configuration changes.
  • Create custom modules to reuse code and extend functionality.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Practice writing Python scripts for network automation
Practicing writing Python scripts for network automation will solidify your understanding of the concepts and improve your coding skills.
Browse courses on Network Automation
Show steps
  • Identify specific network automation tasks to automate.
  • Design and write Python scripts to automate these tasks.
  • Test and debug the scripts to ensure they work correctly.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Network Automation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. They may also be responsible for network security and performance. This course is a good fit for Network Administrators because it provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to automate network management tasks and improve network efficiency and reliability.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems. They may also be responsible for network security monitoring and incident response. This course is a good fit for Network Security Engineers because it provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to automate security management tasks and improve network security.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers plan, install, and maintain computer networks. They may also be responsible for network security and performance. This course is a good fit for Network Engineers because it provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to automate network management tasks and improve network efficiency and reliability.
Network Operations Center Analyst
Network Operations Center Analysts monitor and manage network operations. They may also be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving network issues. This course is a good fit for Network Operations Center Analysts because it provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to monitor and manage network operations more efficiently and effectively.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between development and operations teams. They may be responsible for automating build, test, and deployment processes. This course may be useful for DevOps Engineers because it provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to automate network management tasks and improve network efficiency and reliability. Additionally, the course covers Python programming, which is a valuable skill for DevOps Engineers who want to automate system management tasks.
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Engineers design, implement, and manage cloud computing systems. They may also be responsible for cloud security and performance. This course may be useful for Cloud Engineers because it provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to automate cloud management tasks and improve cloud efficiency and reliability.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to extract insights and knowledge. They may also be responsible for developing data-driven models and algorithms. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to specialize in network data analysis. The course provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to collect and analyze network data more efficiently and effectively.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. They may also be responsible for training users on technical products and services. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to specialize in writing about network automation. The course provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to write more accurate and informative technical documentation.
Security Analyst
Security Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate security risks. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. This course may be useful for Security Analysts who want to specialize in network security. The course provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to automate security management tasks and improve network security.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They may also be responsible for system security and performance. This course may be useful for Systems Engineers because it provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to automate system management tasks and improve system efficiency and reliability. Additionally, the course covers Python programming, which is a valuable skill for Systems Engineers who want to automate system management tasks.
IT Manager
IT Managers plan, organize, and direct the IT operations of an organization. They may also be responsible for IT budgeting and staffing. This course may be useful for IT Managers who want to improve their understanding of network automation. The course provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to make more informed decisions about network management and investment.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They may also be responsible for software security and performance. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to specialize in network automation. The course provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to develop more efficient and reliable network management software.
IT Consultant
IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on IT matters. They may also be responsible for designing and implementing IT solutions. This course may be useful for IT Consultants who want to specialize in network automation. The course provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to provide more informed advice and guidance to their clients.
IT Auditor
IT Auditors assess the security and efficiency of IT systems. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing IT audit procedures. This course may be useful for IT Auditors who want to specialize in network auditing. The course provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to audit network systems more efficiently and effectively.
Network Architect
Network Architects design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They may also be responsible for network security and performance. This course may be useful for Network Architects because it provides a foundation in network automation, which can help them to design and implement more efficient and reliable networks. Additionally, the course covers Python programming, which is a valuable skill for Network Architects who want to automate network management tasks.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Network Automation.
Offers a beginner-friendly introduction to Python programming, covering essential concepts and practical applications. It serves as a solid foundation for learners looking to delve deeper into network automation using Python.
Provides a comprehensive foundation in data networks and network protocols. It covers topics such as network architecture, routing algorithms, and network security, offering essential background knowledge for understanding network automation.
Offers a detailed exploration of computer networks, covering topics such as network architecture, network protocols, and network security. It provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding network automation concepts.
Teaches the fundamentals of Terraform, a popular infrastructure automation tool. It covers topics such as Terraform syntax, resource management, and module development, providing a practical approach to automating infrastructure management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of network management principles and practices. It covers topics such as network monitoring, fault management, configuration management, and security management, offering a broader context for understanding network automation.
A practical guide to network automation with Chef. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics to advanced techniques.

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