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Automating Networks Using Cisco Platforms
- Categories:
- Infrastructure and Networking Software and DevOps
- Level:
- Intermediate
- Code:
- CCNAAUTO
- Exam:
- Yes - Available separately
Overview
Network automation is transforming how organisations deploy, manage, and secure modern infrastructure. This five-day instructor-led course introduces the skills required to automate Cisco-based environments using modern software development practices, APIs, Python, and model-driven programmability.
Throughout the course, learners explore how applications interact with networks, how APIs enable automation across Cisco platforms, and how infrastructure can be managed more efficiently through scripting and automation workflows. Practical labs reinforce each topic, enabling learners to apply their knowledge using real-world scenarios and industry-standard development tools.
The course also prepares learners for the Cisco 200-901 CCNAAUTO v1.1 certification exam while building the practical skills needed to develop, deploy, and maintain automated network solutions. By the end of the course, learners will understand how software development, automation, security, and networking combine to support modern digital transformation initiatives.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, learners will benefit from having:
- Basic computer literacy
- Experience navigating a PC operating system
- Familiarity with internet technologies
- Practical experience using Python or another programming language
- A basic understanding of networking concepts
Learners without programming experience are encouraged to complete an introductory Python course before attending to maximise the value of the hands-on exercises.
Target audience
This course is designed for professionals who want to develop automation skills for modern Cisco environments, including:
- Network automation engineers
- Network engineers transitioning into automation
- Software developers working with networking technologies
- Infrastructure architects
- System integration programmers
- Technical professionals responsible for automating network operations
- IT professionals preparing for the Cisco CCNAAUTO certification
What's included
Select your preferred way to learn:
What is Virtual?
Live, instructor-led training delivered online
Interactive online sessions led by subject matter experts. Learners join live classes, take part in discussions, and complete practical exercises from any location, making it easy to fit collaborative learning into busy schedules.
If you prefer to connect to a course that is taking place in a physical classroom, you can choose our Remote Access option. .
Best for: Teams and individuals who want expert guidance, real-time collaboration, and flexible access.
What's included?
5 Days instructor led course
Exam: Yes - Available separately
Pre-coursework
6 month free access to QA learning platform
Free 6-Month Access: Learning Platform Discovery plan
Included FREE with every instructor‑led course
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Validate knowledge and highlight gaps with skills assessments.
What is bespoke training?
Custom instructor-led training designed by QA to fit your needs
Tailored programmes built around your organisation’s goals, challenges, and skill levels. Delivered in the format that suits you to maximise relevance and impact.
Best for: Organisations and teams looking to target specific business priorities and capabilities with QA subject matter expertise.
Find out more about the course:
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain the role of APIs within modern network automation solutions.
- Describe software development methodologies, workflows, and version control practices.
- Use HTTP and REST principles when interacting with Cisco APIs.
- Identify the automation capabilities available across Cisco networking platforms.
- Explain how applications communicate across enterprise networks.
- Develop Python scripts to automate common networking tasks.
- Implement model-driven programmability techniques to simplify infrastructure management.
- Describe application deployment models and continuous development pipelines.
- Apply scripting and automation tools to configure and manage Cisco infrastructure.
- Identify common security considerations when developing automated solutions.
- Use containerisation technologies to support local software development and testing.
- Prepare confidently for the Cisco 200-901 CCNAAUTO certification exam.
Course outline
Introduction to network automation
Understand the evolution of programmable networks and why automation has become essential within modern IT environments.
Topics include:
- Introduction to network automation
- Business benefits of automation
- Modern networking architectures
- Automation use cases
- Introduction to Cisco automation platforms
Software development fundamentals
Develop an understanding of software engineering concepts that underpin successful automation projects.
Topics include:
- Software development life cycle
- Version control fundamentals
- Git concepts
- Modular application design
- Development workflows
- Code management best practices
Working with APIs
Explore how APIs enable applications to communicate with network infrastructure.
Topics include:
- API fundamentals
- HTTP operations
- REST architecture
- Authentication methods
- JSON data structures
- API requests and responses
- Testing APIs using development tools
Cisco platform programmability
Discover how Cisco platforms expose automation capabilities across networking technologies.
Topics include:
- Cisco programmability overview
- Platform APIs
- Controller-based automation
- Network programmability models
- Software-defined networking concepts
- Infrastructure interaction using APIs
Exams and assessments
This course prepares learners for the knowledge and skills measured in the Cisco 200-901 CCNAAUTO v1.1 certification exam.
Throughout the course, learners reinforce their understanding through instructor-led discussions, guided practical exercises, and knowledge checks. Hands-on lab activities provide opportunities to apply automation concepts in realistic networking scenarios while receiving feedback from the instructor.
Although the certification exam is not delivered as part of the course, the content is closely aligned to the published Cisco exam objectives, helping learners prepare for independent certification.
Hands-on learning
Practical experience is central to this course. Learners complete a series of instructor-led labs that demonstrate how network automation can be applied within Cisco enterprise environments.
Hands-on activities include:
- Developing Python scripts to automate common networking tasks.
- Working with structured data formats including JSON, XML, and YAML.
- Interacting with Cisco platforms through REST-based APIs.
- Using Git to manage automation projects and version control.
- Automating configuration and operational workflows.
- Testing, validating, and troubleshooting automation solutions.
- Building reusable automation workflows using Cisco technologies.
These practical exercises help learners build confidence in applying automation techniques to real-world operational challenges.
Good to know
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