Implementing Automation for Cisco Data Center Solutions

Individuals looking to understand how to implement automated solutions in a Cisco Data Center

After completing this course you should be able to:

• Review Cisco ACI fundamental concepts and GUI workflows, and create the case for implementing automation
• Introduce the Cisco ACI REST API, the tools already available on the Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC), and understand basic API interaction using Postman
• Understand the functionality provided by the Python ACI libraries and write scripts that apply configuration and verify state on the Cisco ACI fabric
• Understand Cisco ACI Ansible modules, build playbooks that apply Infrastructure-as-Code concepts to Cisco ACI tenant configuration, and generate a health report using Ansible
• Understand Cisco ACI Apps Center integration and the benefits of integrating Kubernetes infrastructure with Cisco ACI
• Understand the API types and capabilities available on Cisco Nexus product family
• Understand Day 0 operations and how Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), PowerOn Auto Provisioning (POAP), and enhanced Pre-boot eXecution Environment (iPXE) fulfill these goals with their respective tooling
• Understand functionality provided by the on-box tooling on the Cisco Nexus series switches and implement simple solutions to improve daily operation
• Use Python and Ansible to leverage the NX-API to implement and verify configuration state using modern workflows
• Understand the paradigm shift of Model-Driven Telemetry and explore a fully set up pipeline for data collection and analysis

Describing the Cisco ACI Policy Model

Describing the Cisco APIC REST API

Using Python to Interact with the ACI REST API

Using Ansible to Automate Cisco ACI

Describing Cisco ACI Apps Center and Kubernetes Integration

Introducing Cisco NX-OS Programmability

Describing Day-Zero Provisioning with Cisco NX-OS

Implementing On-Box Programmability and Automation with Cisco NX-OS

Implementing Off-Box Programmability and Automation with Cisco NX-OS

Understanding Model-Driven Telemetry

Automating Cisco UCS Using Developer Tools

Implementing Workflows Using Cisco UCS Director

Describing Cisco DCNM

Describing Cisco Intersight

Attendees should meet the following prerequisites:

• Basic programming language concepts
• Basic understanding of virtualization and VMware
• Ability to use Linux and command line interface (CLI) tools, such as Secure Shell (SSH) and bash
• CCNP level data center knowledge
• Foundational understanding of Cisco ACI

• CCNA - Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions
• DNAPUC - Programming Use Cases for Cisco Digital Network Architecture
• DCCOR - Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies
• CSAU - Introducing Automation for Cisco Solutions

Recommended as preparation for the following exams:

• 300-635  -  Automating Cisco Data Center Solutions (DCAUTO) exam

After you pass 300-635 DCAUTO exam, you earn the Cisco Certified DevNet Specialist – Data Center Automation and Programmability certification, and you satisfy the concentration exam requirements for both the CCNP Data Center certification and the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification.