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Cisco Learning & Certifications

This course will train you on the fundamentals of Ansible, an open-source, extensible configuration management tool that streamlines infrastructure management in modern networking environments. You will also learn about Jinja2, a templating language that expands flexibility in automation tasks. Upon completing this course, you will have an essential understanding of Ansible and its application to network automation, enabling you to effectively automate network tasks and improve network operations.

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This course will train you on the fundamentals of Ansible, an open-source, extensible configuration management tool that streamlines infrastructure management in modern networking environments. You will also learn about Jinja2, a templating language that expands flexibility in automation tasks. Upon completing this course, you will have an essential understanding of Ansible and its application to network automation, enabling you to effectively automate network tasks and improve network operations.

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

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

- Construct Ansible playbooks to configure network devices and retrieve operational state data from network devices.

- Build Jinja2 templates and YAML data structures to generate desired state configurations.

Proficiency in fundamental network routing & switching technologies, basics of Python programming (3-6 mos exp.), and basic Linux knowledge.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction for Ansible for Network Automation
In this module, we will review the topics and what you will learn in this course.
Introducing Ansible for Network Automation
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In this module, you will be introduced to some of the basics of Ansible. You will become familiar with some of Ansible’s fundamental architecture and components like inventory files, variables, and, most importantly, playbooks. You will also be introduced to the ios_config module, which is explicitly built for Cisco IOS devices and makes creating plays and tasks for your Cisco devices easier. Ansible has numerous modules available for many different vendors, operating systems, and technologies, and this course will discuss how to look up more information about them. You will also be introduced to Ansible Galaxy, a 3rd party repository for Ansible.
Templating Configurations with Jinja2
Typically, network engineers perform countless manual network operations and changes. The most common workflow is to build a Microsoft Notepad file or Microsoft Word document and call it a template. However, that template is only a set of instructions for building a configuration—it is not a real template. Jinja2 is a templating engine that is purpose-built for Python. You will learn about the Jinja2 templating engine and start to build programmatic templates and command “data” with real configuration templates.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
An ideal course for those seeking foundational knowledge in network automation with Ansible
Teaches the fundamentals of Ansible and Jinja2 for network automation
Provides hands-on experience through interactive materials and labs
Suited for network engineers, systems engineers, network architects, and managers seeking to automate network tasks
Covers essential concepts like constructing playbooks and using Jinja2 templates

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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 Ansible for Network Automation with these activities:
Organize Course Materials for Effective Learning
Stay organized by compiling all course materials, including lecture notes, assignments, and resources, into a central location for easy access and review.
Show steps
  • Create a dedicated folder or digital notebook
  • Categorize and arrange materials logically
  • Include additional resources and notes for further exploration
Review Python Programming Fundamentals
Revisit Python programming basics to strengthen your understanding of variables, data structures, and control flow, which are crucial for Ansible playbooks.
Browse courses on Python Programming
Show steps
  • Review Python syntax and semantics
  • Practice writing simple Python scripts
  • Solve coding challenges to reinforce concepts
Connect with Mentors for Personalized Guidance
Seek guidance from experienced professionals in the field of network automation who can provide personalized advice, share insights, and support your learning journey.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors
  • Reach out and introduce yourself
  • Schedule meetings or virtual sessions for mentorship
  • Discuss your goals and seek guidance
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Follow Ansible Galaxy Tutorials for Network Automation
Supplement your learning with practical Ansible Galaxy tutorials to explore specific network automation techniques and use cases.
Browse courses on Ansible Galaxy
Show steps
  • Select relevant Ansible Galaxy tutorials
  • Follow tutorials step-by-step
  • Experiment with different scenarios and configurations
Create Ansible Playbooks for Network Automation
Simulate real-world scenarios by creating Ansible playbooks for configuring network devices and extracting operational state data.
Browse courses on Ansible Playbooks
Show steps
  • Design playbook structure and tasks
  • Write Ansible modules to automate device configurations
  • Test and troubleshoot playbooks to ensure accuracy
Complete Ansible Network Automation Exercises
Sharpen your Ansible skills by solving structured network automation exercises that challenge your understanding of playbooks, modules, and Jinja2.
Browse courses on Network Automation
Show steps
  • Set up a lab environment for exercises
  • Solve exercises to configure devices and retrieve data
  • Review solutions and identify areas for improvement
Build a Resource Collection for Ansible Network Automation
Create a comprehensive collection of online resources, tools, and documentation related to Ansible network automation for future reference and continued learning.
Browse courses on Network Automation
Show steps
  • Identify and gather relevant resources
  • Organize resources into categories
  • Include annotations and notes for future use
  • Share your resource collection with the community
Participate in Ansible Network Automation Hackathons
Challenge yourself by participating in online hackathons that focus on Ansible network automation, allowing you to collaborate, solve real-world problems, and showcase your skills.
Browse courses on Network Automation
Show steps
  • Find and register for relevant hackathons
  • Form a team or work individually
  • Design and develop innovative solutions
  • Submit your project and present it

Career center

Learners who complete Ansible for Network Automation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Automation Engineer
Network Automation Engineers play a key role in the realm of network management, optimizing and automating network infrastructure to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. This course in Ansible for Network Automation equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to excel in this field. By mastering Ansible, you will be able to automate complex network configurations, retrieve critical information, and streamline network operations, paving the way for a successful career as a Network Automation Engineer.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks, ensuring reliable and efficient communication within organizations. This course in Ansible for Network Automation aligns perfectly with the evolving role of Network Engineers, as it empowers them to automate tedious and repetitive tasks, freeing up their time for more strategic and value-added activities. By harnessing the power of Ansible, Network Engineers can enhance their productivity, reduce errors, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving field of networking.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams, enabling seamless integration and accelerated delivery of software products. This course in Ansible for Network Automation provides DevOps Engineers with a valuable tool to automate network-related tasks, ensuring consistency and reducing errors in the software development lifecycle. By leveraging Ansible, DevOps Engineers can enhance their agility, improve collaboration, and contribute to the overall success of software delivery initiatives.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain complex technical systems, integrating hardware, software, and networks to meet business needs. This course in Ansible for Network Automation empowers Systems Engineers to automate network management tasks, reducing complexity and improving system reliability. By mastering Ansible, Systems Engineers can enhance their problem-solving abilities, optimize system performance, and become indispensable assets in modern IT environments.
Network Architect
Network Architects design and implement network infrastructure solutions, ensuring optimal performance, security, and scalability. This course in Ansible for Network Automation provides Network Architects with a powerful tool to automate network design and configuration tasks, enabling them to create robust and efficient network architectures. By leveraging Ansible, Network Architects can accelerate the development and implementation of network solutions, reducing errors and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Engineers design, implement, and manage cloud computing solutions, providing scalable and cost-effective infrastructure for businesses. This course in Ansible for Network Automation equips Cloud Engineers with the skills to automate network management tasks in cloud environments. By harnessing the power of Ansible, Cloud Engineers can streamline network provisioning, configuration, and monitoring, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance of cloud-based applications.
IT Manager
IT Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT infrastructure and services. This course in Ansible for Network Automation empowers IT Managers to gain visibility and control over their network operations. By leveraging Ansible, IT Managers can automate network management tasks, reduce operational costs, and improve service delivery, enabling them to make informed decisions and drive strategic IT initiatives.
Software Engineer, Network Automation
Software Engineers specializing in Network Automation design, develop, and maintain software solutions for automating network management tasks. This course in Ansible for Network Automation provides Software Engineers with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to excel in this emerging field. By mastering Ansible, Software Engineers can create robust and scalable automation solutions, reducing operational costs and improving network performance.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security solutions to protect organizations from cyber threats. This course in Ansible for Network Automation provides Network Security Engineers with the skills to automate network security tasks, enabling them to strengthen their security posture and respond quickly to threats. By leveraging Ansible, Network Security Engineers can streamline security configurations, monitor network activity, and improve overall security operations.
Data Center Engineer
Data Center Engineers design, implement, and manage data center infrastructure, ensuring the availability, reliability, and security of critical IT systems. This course in Ansible for Network Automation empowers Data Center Engineers to automate network management tasks within data centers. By leveraging Ansible, Data Center Engineers can streamline network provisioning, configuration, and monitoring, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the smooth functioning of data center operations.
IT Consultant
IT Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on IT strategy, infrastructure, and operations. This course in Ansible for Network Automation equips IT Consultants with the skills to assess, design, and implement network automation solutions for their clients. By mastering Ansible, IT Consultants can help organizations optimize their network operations, reduce costs, and improve service delivery, enabling them to gain a competitive edge.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks, ensuring the availability, performance, and security of network resources. This course in Ansible for Network Automation provides Network Administrators with the skills to automate network management tasks, enabling them to improve operational efficiency and reduce downtime. By leveraging Ansible, Network Administrators can streamline network configurations, monitor network performance, and quickly respond to network issues.
Network Operations Engineer
Network Operations Engineers monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot network operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of network infrastructure. This course in Ansible for Network Automation provides Network Operations Engineers with the skills to automate network monitoring and maintenance tasks. By leveraging Ansible, Network Operations Engineers can streamline network monitoring, perform routine maintenance, and quickly respond to network outages, minimizing downtime and ensuring network reliability.
Technical Support Engineer (Networking)
Technical Support Engineers (Networking) provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to users experiencing network issues. This course in Ansible for Network Automation empowers Technical Support Engineers to quickly diagnose and resolve network problems. By mastering Ansible, Technical Support Engineers can automate network troubleshooting tasks, gather diagnostic information, and implement fixes remotely, ensuring faster resolution times and improved customer satisfaction.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts protect organizations from cyber threats by monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents. This course in Ansible for Network Automation provides Cybersecurity Analysts with the skills to automate network security monitoring and response tasks. By leveraging Ansible, Cybersecurity Analysts can streamline security monitoring, detect and investigate threats, and implement countermeasures quickly, enhancing the overall security posture of the organization.

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Ansible for Network Automation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Python for network engineers. It covers all the core concepts, from variables to modules.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Ansible for DevOps engineers. It covers all the core concepts, from inventory and playbooks to modules and Jinja2 templating.
Provides a quick and easy introduction to Ansible. It covers all the core concepts, from inventory and playbooks to modules and Jinja2 templating.
Provides a comprehensive overview of network automation. It covers all the core concepts, from tools to techniques.
Provides a comprehensive overview of DevOps. It covers all the core concepts, from culture to tools.
Covers network automation using Chef, providing a different perspective on automation tools and approaches for readers who may be interested in comparing Ansible to other solutions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of design patterns. It covers all the core concepts, from principles to patterns.

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