Automating Cisco Data Center Networking Solutions (DCNAUTO): Skills to Build and Manage Automated Data Center Networks.
- Why get trained: Learn how to automate Cisco data center environments using programmability tools such as Python, APIs, YANG models, Ansible and Terraform.
- Why it matters: Network automation reduces manual configuration, improves reliability and helps teams manage large-scale data center infrastructure more efficiently.
- Who should attend: Network engineers, systems engineers, solution architects and IT professionals responsible for managing or automating Cisco data center networks.
Develop advanced network automation capability modern data center operations. HRD Corp Claimable.
Overview
Learn 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 course earns learners 43 CE credits towards recertification.
Skills Covered
After taking this course, you should be able to:
- 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
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this training. However, the knowledge and skills you are recommended to have before attending this training are:
- Basic knowledge of 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:
Target Audience
- 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
Course outline:Â
- 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
Dates & Locations
June 29, 2026 - July 3, 2026
June 29, 2026 - July 3, 2026
September 28, 2026 - October 2, 2026
September 28, 2026 - October 2, 2026
November 23, 2026 - November 27, 2026
November 23, 2026 - November 27, 2026
Exam & Certification
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Automation.
Showcase your ability to develop and maintain applications built on Cisco platforms. Build a unique blend of software and infrastructure skills, perfect for NetDevOps roles, with the Cisco Automation Professional certification.
With the Automation Professional certification, you’ll gain an advanced blend of skills—from app development on Cisco platforms to software and infrastructure know-how—that are ideal for NetDevOps roles.
- Software design: Show your ability to gauge whether apps are resilient, scalable, and maintainable, and use logs to diagnose issues.
- Using APIs: Demonstrate that you can optimize API usage and employ REST APIs for functions like error handling and pagination.
- Deployment automation: Be able to build automation workflows and use technical specs to develop configuration management solutions.
- Data security: Demonstrate your expertise in privacy, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OSWAP) threats, and end-to-end encryption principles.
This training prepares you for the 300-635 DCNAUTO 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.
Training & Certification Guide
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