About Me
Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)
1 **Foundation**
1-1 **Networking Fundamentals**
1-1 1 OSI and TCPIP Models
1-1 2 Network Devices and Their Functions
1-1 3 IP Addressing and Subnetting
1-1 4 Routing and Switching Basics
1-1 5 Network Security Fundamentals
1-2 **Enterprise Architecture**
1-2 1 Enterprise Network Design Principles
1-2 2 Network Segmentation and Zoning
1-2 3 Network Services and Protocols
1-2 4 Network Management and Monitoring
1-2 5 Network Automation and Programmability
2 **Design**
2-1 **Network Design Methodologies**
2-1 1 Design Life Cycle
2-1 2 Requirements Gathering and Analysis
2-1 3 Design Documentation and Validation
2-1 4 Design Implementation and Testing
2-1 5 Design Maintenance and Optimization
2-2 **Enterprise Network Design**
2-2 1 Campus Network Design
2-2 2 Data Center Network Design
2-2 3 WAN Design
2-2 4 Wireless Network Design
2-2 5 Security Architecture Design
3 **Implementation**
3-1 **Network Implementation Planning**
3-1 1 Implementation Strategies
3-1 2 Resource Allocation and Scheduling
3-1 3 Risk Management and Mitigation
3-1 4 Change Management
3-1 5 Post-Implementation Review
3-2 **Network Services Implementation**
3-2 1 IP Address Management (IPAM)
3-2 2 DNS and DHCP Implementation
3-2 3 Network Access Control (NAC)
3-2 4 VPN and Remote Access Implementation
3-2 5 Network Security Services Implementation
4 **Operation**
4-1 **Network Operations Management**
4-1 1 Network Monitoring and Performance Management
4-1 2 Fault Management and Troubleshooting
4-1 3 Capacity Planning and Management
4-1 4 Network Change and Configuration Management
4-1 5 Network Compliance and Auditing
4-2 **Network Security Operations**
4-2 1 Incident Response and Management
4-2 2 Threat Detection and Mitigation
4-2 3 Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
4-2 4 Vulnerability Management
4-2 5 Security Policy Enforcement and Monitoring
5 **Optimization**
5-1 **Network Optimization Techniques**
5-1 1 Traffic Engineering and Load Balancing
5-1 2 Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation
5-1 3 Network Performance Tuning
5-1 4 Energy Efficiency and Green Networking
5-1 5 Network Optimization Tools and Technologies
5-2 **Network Automation and Orchestration**
5-2 1 Network Programmability and Automation
5-2 2 Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
5-2 3 Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
5-2 4 Automation Tools and Frameworks
5-2 5 Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CICD) for Networks
6 **Leadership**
6-1 **Leadership and Management Skills**
6-1 1 Strategic Planning and Vision
6-1 2 Team Leadership and Development
6-1 3 Communication and Stakeholder Management
6-1 4 Financial Management and Budgeting
6-1 5 Project Management and Execution
6-2 **Professional Ethics and Standards**
6-2 1 Ethical Decision-Making
6-2 2 Industry Standards and Compliance
6-2 3 Intellectual Property and Licensing
6-2 4 Professional Development and Continuous Learning
6-2 5 Global and Cultural Awareness
5.2.1 Network Programmability and Automation Explained

5.2.1 Network Programmability and Automation Explained

Key Concepts

Network Programmability and Automation involve using software and tools to manage and control network devices programmatically. Key concepts include:

Network Programmability

Network Programmability involves enabling network devices to be controlled and managed through software interfaces. This allows for dynamic and flexible network management, reducing the need for manual configuration. Common tools include NETCONF, RESTCONF, and gNMI.

An analogy for Network Programmability is a smart home system. Just as a smart home system can be controlled via a mobile app, network devices can be controlled via software interfaces.

Automation

Automation involves using scripts and tools to perform repetitive tasks without human intervention. This includes tasks like device configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Automation reduces errors, speeds up deployment, and ensures consistency across the network.

Think of Automation as a factory assembly line. Just as an assembly line automates the production of goods, network automation automates the management of network devices.

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)

APIs are sets of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. In network programmability, APIs enable software to interact with network devices and retrieve or modify configurations. Common APIs include RESTful APIs and SOAP.

An analogy for APIs is a language translator. Just as a translator enables two people to communicate in different languages, APIs enable software and network devices to communicate.

Configuration Management

Configuration Management involves using tools to manage and track changes to network device configurations. This includes version control, rollback capabilities, and compliance checks. Tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Chef are commonly used for configuration management.

Think of Configuration Management as a recipe book. Just as a recipe book tracks changes to a dish, configuration management tracks changes to network device configurations.

Orchestration

Orchestration involves coordinating multiple automated tasks and workflows to achieve a desired outcome. This includes integrating various network services and applications to work together seamlessly. Tools like Cisco DNA Center and OpenStack are used for orchestration.

An analogy for Orchestration is a conductor leading an orchestra. Just as a conductor coordinates the musicians to create harmonious music, orchestration coordinates network tasks to create a seamless network.

Understanding and effectively implementing Network Programmability and Automation is crucial for modern network management. By mastering these concepts, network architects can create dynamic, efficient, and scalable network solutions.

© 2024 Ahmed Baheeg Khorshid. All rights reserved.