The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DEVASC) course is designed to provide learners with foundational skills in Cisco's development and operations, networking, and security domains. The comprehensive curriculum includes software development and design, API utilization, Cisco platforms and development, application deployment and security, infrastructure automation, and network fundamentals.
Learners will explore data formats, software development methodologies, and version control with Git. The course also covers constructing and troubleshooting REST API requests, understanding Cisco platforms, and applying infrastructure automation using tools like Ansible and Python. Additionally, students will learn to manage CI/CD pipelines, address application security issues, and grasp network fundamentals essential for effective system design. This certification is a gateway for professionals aiming to specialize in network automation and programmability within Cisco's ecosystem, opening doors to exciting career opportunities.
Course Prerequisites
To successfully undertake the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DEVASC) course, the following prerequisites are recommended:
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Basic understanding of software development and programming languages like Python.
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Familiarity with data formats such as XML, JSON, and YAML.
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Awareness of software development methodologies and the software development lifecycle.
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Basic knowledge of networking concepts, including IP addressing, subnetting, and the roles of networking devices.
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Understanding of REST APIs and HTTP response codes in application development.
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Introductory experience with version control systems, preferably Git.
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Basic use of command-line interface (CLI) tools and familiarity with operating systems like Linux or Unix.
Target Audience for Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DEVASC)
The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate course is ideal for professionals interested in network automation and software development, including:
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Network Engineers expanding into network automation
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Software Developers interested in network application development
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System Integrators implementing network-based automation solutions
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DevOps professionals focusing on CI/CD with networking aspects
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Security Engineers integrating security automation in workflows
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Infrastructure Architects designing automated network infrastructure
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Technical Solutions Architects involved in cross-domain solutions
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Network Operations personnel aiming to enhance operational efficiency through automation
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IT Managers exploring network automation capabilities to drive business strategies
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Students and recent graduates entering the networking field with a focus on automation and programming
Course Outline
Module 1: Software Development & Design
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Fundamental Python programming
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Python Data structures
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GitHub
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Software design patterns and principles
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Modern Software Development
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Development methodologies (Agile, lean, and Waterfall)
Module 2: Understanding and Using APIs
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API styles (REST, RPC, Synchronous & Asynchronous)
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Common HTTP response codes correspond to REST APIs
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Create a REST API request to complete the task given the API documentation
Module 3: Cisco Platforms & Development
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Cisco platforms (IOS, NX-OS, etc.)
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Cisco APIs which include Cisco IOS XE RESTCONF API, Cisco ASA REST API, Cisco IOS XE NETCONF API, Cisco Nexus NX-OS APIs
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Cisco’s security platforms capabilities and APIs (ISE, Firepower, XDR, Umbrella, Secure Malware Analytics, Secure Endpoint)
Module 4: Application Deployment and Security
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Application deployment models (on-prem, cloud, etc.)
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Edge computing benefits
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Security considerations for application deployment
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Containerization (Docker, etc.)
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Orchestration (Kubernetes, etc.)
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Top OWASP threats (CSRF, XSS, and SQL injections)
Module 5: Infrastructure & Automation
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Network fundamentals (TCP/IP, etc.)
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Network automation (Ansible, etc.)
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Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
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CI/CD pipeline in infrastructure automation
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Basic YANG model Interpretation
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Automation tools’ capabilities, including Ansible, Puppet, Chef, and Cisco NSO