DevOps for Network Automation (NetDevOps) from Coursera

This course will introduce students to various DevOps tools, such as Git and virtual environments for Python Development, and explain the concept of continuous integration. The topics of how different development methodologies are used in DevOps, such as the agile process. By the end of the course, students will have a broad understanding of DevOps and how they can relate to NetDevOps, which leads to improved efficiency and success in 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 NetDevOps.

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

- Define and differentiate between Waterfall and Agile software development methodologies

- Describe how DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines can be applied to network operations

- Explain the role of network automation development environments and associated technologies such as Python virtual environments, Vagrant, and Docker

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.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction for DevOps for Network Automation (NetDevOps)

In this module, we will review the topics and what you will learn in this course.

Exploring Software Development Methodologies

Optimizing production processes is important—this priority is best seen in companies like Toyota and Ford that know how to efficiently manage mass production of complex systems. This emphasis on optimization is also true for software development these days: software needs to be delivered as rapidly as possible at extremely high quality. Business requirements are changing and industries are changing; software development now resembles manufacturing as it was decades ago. While software development is like other industries, the IT industry possesses some unique operational requirements that must be met. This section explores the related methodologies in IT, from the most classic to the most innovative ones.

Describing NetDevOps: DevOps for Networking

The principles of DevOps have been around for quite some time now. Its initial applicability was toward applications and bridging the gap between application developers and the operations teams who supported those applications. However, over the past few years, a concept that is called network development and operations (NetDevOps) has emerged that covers the applicability of DevOps principles, processes, and tools for IT networking professionals with the goal of increasing uptime, reliability, and predictability, while also benefiting from automation. This module explores common tools that are used within a NetDevOps pipeline.

Managing Automation Development Environments

Automation development environments allow developers and network automation engineers to work in consistent and reproducible environments. These environments accommodate the software dependencies and versions that vary from one system to another by using isolated environments, containers, and tools that manage multiple virtual machines (VMs).

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines, which are in high demand in the industry

Taught by Cisco Learning & Certifications, who are recognized for their work in networking and IT

Provides a foundation for understanding network automation and NetDevOps, which are essential for improving network operations efficiency

Suitable for network engineers, systems engineers, network architects, and managers seeking to enhance their skills in network automation and DevOps

Requires proficiency in fundamental network routing & switching technologies, basic Python programming, and familiarity with Linux, which may limit accessibility for beginners

Does not cover advanced topics in network automation or NetDevOps, which may be desirable for experienced professionals seeking to specialize in these areas

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 DevOps for Network Automation (NetDevOps) with these activities:

Review Python programming

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Strengthen your Python programming skills by reviewing key concepts and practicing basic coding exercises before starting the course.

Browse courses on Python

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Review Python basics
Practice writing and running Python code

The DevOps Handbook

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Deepen your understanding of DevOps principles and practices by reading a book considered to be a foundational work in the field.

View The DevOps Handbook: How to Create World-Class... on Amazon

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Read selected chapters or the entire book
Summarize and discuss key concepts with peers or colleagues

Python Environments for Network Engineers

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Reinforce your understanding of Python environments by seeking supplementary resources to improve your knowledge of Python 3.

Browse courses on Virtual Environments

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Explore Python virtual environments documentation
Follow tutorials on creating and managing virtual environments

Six other activities

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Network automation study group

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Engage with peers and enhance your understanding of network automation by forming a study group to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and work through problems together.

Browse courses on Network Automation

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Find a group of peers to collaborate with
Establish regular meeting times
Prepare and present materials
Engage in discussions and Q&A sessions

Network automation workshop

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Expand your knowledge and network with professionals by attending a workshop on topics related to network automation, DevOps, or NetDevOps.

Browse courses on Network Automation

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Participate in discussions and ask questions

Network automation playbooks

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Practice network automation by reading and following documentation, tutorials, and examples of network automation playbooks.

Browse courses on Network Automation

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Find and review existing network automation playbooks
Follow tutorials on building your own playbooks

Home network automation project

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Apply your knowledge of network automation by working on a project that automates a task in your home network, such as setting up a VPN or configuring a firewall.

Browse courses on Network Automation

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Identify a task to automate
Research and design a solution
Implement the solution using network automation tools
Test and evaluate the solution

NetDevOps case study

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Solidify your understanding of NetDevOps by developing a case study that showcases how it can be applied to a real-world scenario.

Browse courses on NetDevOps

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Identify a suitable case study topic
Research and gather information
Develop and present your case study

Network automation challenge

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Test and showcase your skills in network automation by participating in a competition or challenge.

Browse courses on Network Automation

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Research and identify relevant competitions
Prepare and submit your solution
Review results and learn from feedback

Career center

Learners who complete DevOps for Network Automation (NetDevOps) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Automation Engineer

A Network Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of network automation solutions. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which is an essential skill for Network Automation Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Automation Engineer

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer is responsible for the planning, design, implementation, and management of DevOps processes and tools. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which is an essential skill for DevOps Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Network Architect

A Network Architect is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of network infrastructure. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which is an essential skill for Network Architects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Operations Engineer

A Network Operations Engineer is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of network infrastructure. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which is an essential skill for Network Operations Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Operations Engineer

Software Developer

A Software Developer is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which is an essential skill for Software Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which is an essential skill for Systems Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Data Center Manager

A Data Center Manager is responsible for the planning, design, implementation, and management of data center infrastructure and services. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which is an essential skill for Data Center Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Manager

IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for the planning, design, implementation, and management of IT infrastructure and services. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which is an essential skill for IT Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of cloud computing solutions. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which is an essential skill for Cloud Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of network security solutions. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which is an essential skill for Network Security Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the planning, development, and launch of new products and services. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which can be helpful for Product Managers who are responsible for developing software products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of projects. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which can be helpful for Project Managers who are responsible for managing software development projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for the testing and validation of software products. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which can be helpful for Quality Assurance Analysts who are responsible for testing software products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for the analysis and documentation of business requirements. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which can be helpful for Business Analysts who are responsible for documenting software requirements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is responsible for the creation and maintenance of technical documentation. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role by providing you with a foundation in DevOps principles, tools, and pipelines. You will also learn how to manage automation development environments, which can be helpful for Technical Writers who are responsible for documenting software products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer