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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to Network Automation by Cisco Learning and Certifications

4.7
stars
67 ratings

About the Course

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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1 - 18 of 18 Reviews for Introduction to Network Automation

By Massimiliano E

Sep 18, 2024

Well organized, good choice of contents. In my opinion the course could be better improve by adding some 'learn by doing' and 'it's your turn' steps, for example, writing or debugging some code using the libraries explained. However, it gives a good understanding of the basics and a general overview of the network automation.

By Sarkhan P

May 8, 2025

1. YANG and Data Modeling: YANG Overview: YANG is a data modeling language used for network configurations. It is critical for understanding how network devices communicate configuration data, using XML or JSON formats. Main Takeaways: YANG allows defining both configuration and operational data models. It supports reusable types and groupings, improving consistency in configuration models. YANG Tools: Tools like Pyang, YANG Suite, and NETCONF help in validating, visualizing, and applying YANG models. Main Takeaways: Pyang is useful for validating and rendering YANG modules. YANG Suite offers an integrated environment to interact with YANG models and generate requests. NETCONF & RESTCONF: NETCONF is a protocol for managing configurations on network devices, with key datastores such as running, startup, and candidate. RESTCONF is another protocol, leveraging REST APIs to manage configurations in a more web-friendly format, often using HTTPS and adhering to REST design principles. Main Takeaways: NETCONF supports complex operations like get-config and edit-config. RESTCONF is simpler and based on HTTP methods, often used for device configuration over a network. 2. NETCONF & RESTCONF: Main Concepts: NETCONF: An XML-based protocol that works with YANG to retrieve or modify configurations on network devices. RESTCONF: A RESTful API-based protocol that uses YANG and HTTP/HTTPS to interact with devices, often focusing on simplicity and HTTP's ease of use. Main Takeaways: NETCONF and RESTCONF use YANG models to configure network devices, but differ in transport protocols and complexity. Both protocols enable automation and management of network infrastructure, making them vital for modern network operations. 3. YANG Model Structure: Elements of YANG: Leaf: Represents a single point of data. Container: Holds other data nodes and can group related data without storing its own value. List: Allows multiple instances of data with specific keys. Main Takeaways: Understanding the basic structure (leaf, container, list) is essential when creating or working with YANG models for network devices. 4. YANG Validation & Tools: Validators check YANG modules for correctness and compliance with the schema. Main Takeaways: Validating YANG models ensures consistency and prevents errors when applied to real-world devices. 5. Networking and Automation Protocols: NETCONF and RESTCONF enable programmatic access to network configurations, which is especially useful for network automation. These tools are integrated with broader network management systems to help automate tasks like configuration management, monitoring, and device provisioning. Main Takeaways: Both protocols help ensure consistency and reliability in network configurations and are foundational in network automation practices. 6. Practical Tools and Applications: ncclient: An open-source Python library for interacting with NETCONF servers, providing an API for sending and receiving NETCONF messages. YANG Suite: A tool developed to assist in working with YANG models, providing an interface for interacting with network devices. Main Takeaways: Tools like ncclient and YANG Suite are essential for interacting with network devices programmatically and automating configuration tasks. 7. HTTP Methods and RESTful Interactions: PUT, POST, PATCH, DELETE: Understanding these methods is key to managing configuration data via RESTCONF. The PUT method replaces the entire configuration, while PATCH allows partial updates. Main Takeaways: Familiarity with HTTP methods for network configuration management enables you to interact effectively with modern network devices. Key Takeaways for the Entire Course: YANG & Network Automation: YANG modeling and protocols like NETCONF and RESTCONF are fundamental for automating network configurations and management. Understanding these technologies equips you with the tools to interact with and automate modern network infrastructures. NETCONF vs RESTCONF: While both protocols serve similar purposes, NETCONF is more robust for detailed configuration management, while RESTCONF is more web-friendly and simpler to use for common tasks. Real-world Application: Tools like YANG Suite and ncclient are practical for automating tasks on network devices, such as retrieving configurations, applying changes, and managing device states. Python & YANG Tools: Python is heavily integrated into network automation, with libraries like ncclient used to interact with devices, and Pyang and YANG Suite for working with YANG models and validating configurations. By mastering these concepts, I am equipped to handle complex network configurations, automate tasks, and work with modern tools that ensure network devices are configured correctly and consistently. The knowledge gained is pivotal for roles in network automation, DevOps, and network management.

By Илья В

Nov 27, 2024

Module 2 > Practice Quiz for Network Automation and Programmability > Question 3 "What is the current Cisco product that allows you to create virtualized network devices through an API that can be used for QA and testing? (answer: pyATS)" Question formulated incorrectly. pyATS is not used for creating virtualized network devices through an API.

By Freddy Å

Mar 23, 2025

Amazing course with great topics and lot of valuable information about network automation.

By Ansam S

Oct 23, 2024

liked it so much, very intuitive and comprehensive :)

By Siamak S

Jun 4, 2023

Thanks a lot, I really Enjoyed.

By Likhith R S

Nov 15, 2024

Very Well Crafted Course

By VLADIMIR L C M

Jan 21, 2025

Excelente conocimiento.

By Claudio D S F

Sep 8, 2023

the course is very good

By Biniyam D Z

Apr 11, 2024

very helpful

By Foday s

May 8, 2024

Exactly 💯

By Muhammad K S

Feb 17, 2025

Good

By محمد ح ا

Dec 2, 2024

كويس

By mohamed s s

Aug 15, 2024

good

By Forrest L

Sep 1, 2023

Some answers on the tests were obscure, and the feedback just said to "Review" old content.. That particularly sucked since the question I'm referencing didn't actually get answered in the module it said to review.

The module is easy, and a breeze to get through.

By Juan C P

Apr 21, 2025

All the content is helpful and detailed. However, there are some quizzes with wrong answers and no activities. In my opinion, there should be more activities, at least in the Python introduction section.

By Hector J

Aug 9, 2023

A lot of good information, but some questions in the quizzes/tests are either wrong or are not discussed in the course material.

By Asrar A F

May 15, 2023

No labs,,