DevNet Certifications and Networking Evolution

Sep 15, 2024

DevNet Certifications and Data Formats Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Topic: DevNet Certifications and Data Formats
  • Goal: Understanding the importance of DevNet certifications and a deep dive into data formats.

Audience Engagement

  • Activity: Use Slido to assess audience knowledge on DevNet certifications.
    • Options:
      1. Fully aware of DevNet certifications but confused about how to start.
      2. I don’t know anything about DevNet certifications and syllabus.
      3. I am already certified.

Transition of Network Engineering

The Role of the Network Engineer

  • Old vs. New:
    • Old engineers focused on physical devices (routers, switches, servers).
    • Current engineers must adapt to new technologies (cloud, virtualization).
  • Example Character: Carl
    • Understands traditional networking but struggles with new technologies like virtual switches and load balancers.

Four Ages of Networking

  1. Stone Age: Basic LAN operations, VLANs, Spanning Tree Protocol.
  2. Bronze Age: Introduction of routing protocols and IP exhaustion; transition to IPv6.
  3. Renaissance: Emergence of Software Defined Networking (SDN).
  4. Programmable Age: Focus on automation, Python, REST APIs, and cloud networking.

Importance of Learning Networking Skills

  • Rapid changes in business expectations require engineers to stay updated with new technologies.
  • Learning new skills (like programming) is necessary to remain competitive in the field.

Course Outline

Phase 1

  • Learn:
    • Python, REST APIs, JSON, XML, and Git.
  • Goal: Build foundational skills for network automation.

Phase 2

  • Develop Linux skills relevant for networking tasks.
  • Focus: Automation techniques not covered in depth.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • By the end of the course, students will:
    • Understand core programming skills related to networking.
    • Gain proficiency in Python, REST APIs, and Ansible.

Programming Fundamentals

  • Introduction to data formats: JSON, XML, YAML.
  • Understanding APIs, especially REST APIs, and their significance in networking and cloud environments.

Networking Devices and APIs

  • Transition from SNMP to modern protocols like NetConf and REST APIs.
  • Cisco's Integration of APIs into networking solutions (e.g., NX-API).

Importance of Certification

  • Certifications such as DevNet Associate are crucial for career advancement in the field of network automation.
  • Advice for Beginners: Basic knowledge of CCNA or networking fundamentals is highly recommended.

Questions and Interactions

  • Open floor for student questions about course content, prerequisites, and expectations.
  • Students encouraged to ask about lab access and additional resources available for practice after the course ends.

Technical Details

  • Discussions about specific tools (e.g., Ansible, Docker) used in automation and networking.
  • Overview of Cisco products and how they relate to the DevNet curriculum (e.g., SD-WAN, ACI, DNA).

Conclusion

  • Students encouraged to prepare for upcoming sessions and to review materials provided.
  • Emphasis on practical understanding of APIs and automation concepts in networking.