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 Network Automation and Orchestration Explained

5.2 Network Automation and Orchestration Explained

Key Concepts

Network Automation and Orchestration involve the use of tools and technologies to automate and manage network operations. Key concepts include:

Automation

Automation involves using software to perform tasks that would otherwise require manual intervention. In network management, automation can include tasks like configuration changes, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Chef are commonly used for network automation.

An analogy for Automation is a self-checkout system at a grocery store. Just as a self-checkout system automates the process of scanning and paying for items, network automation tools automate repetitive network tasks.

Orchestration

Orchestration involves coordinating multiple automated tasks and processes to achieve a desired outcome. This includes integrating various network functions and services to work together seamlessly. Orchestration platforms like Cisco DNA Center and OpenStack provide a unified interface for managing complex network operations.

Think of Orchestration as a conductor leading an orchestra. Just as a conductor coordinates the musicians to create harmonious music, orchestration tools coordinate network functions to create a cohesive network environment.

Configuration Management

Configuration Management involves tracking and controlling changes in the network configuration to ensure consistency and reliability. This includes using version control systems and configuration templates to manage network device settings. Tools like Git and NetBox are used for configuration management.

An analogy for Configuration Management is a recipe book. Just as a recipe book ensures consistent cooking results, configuration management tools ensure consistent network configurations.

Policy-Based Automation

Policy-Based Automation involves defining rules and policies that govern how network resources are managed and allocated. This includes setting up automated responses to specific events or conditions. Policy-based automation ensures that network operations adhere to predefined standards and best practices.

Think of Policy-Based Automation as a traffic law. Just as traffic laws govern how vehicles should behave on the road, policy-based automation governs how network resources should behave in different scenarios.

APIs and Integration

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and Integration involve connecting different network components and systems to work together. This includes using APIs to enable communication between network devices, management platforms, and third-party applications. APIs and integration facilitate seamless data exchange and automation across the network.

An analogy for APIs and Integration is a universal remote control. Just as a universal remote control can operate multiple devices, APIs and integration enable different network components to work together seamlessly.

Understanding and effectively implementing Network Automation and Orchestration is crucial for creating efficient, scalable, and reliable network solutions. By mastering these concepts, network architects can streamline operations and improve network performance.

© 2024 Ahmed Baheeg Khorshid. All rights reserved.