Introduction to Network Automation

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-to-network-automation

Introduction

### Course Review: Introduction to Network Automation on Coursera In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, where efficiency and reliability are paramount, the demand for skilled network engineers is at an all-time high. The **Introduction to Network Automation** course available on Coursera promises to equip professionals with essential skills for navigating this new terrain. Whether you’re a seasoned network engineer, a system architect, or a manager looking to enhance your team's capabilities, this course offers valuable insights and practical knowledge that can be immediately applied in the field. #### Course Overview The course begins with a thorough examination of the traditional methods used in network management and operations. It then transitions into how automation and programmability are reshaping these practices. Armed with this foundational understanding, participants will delve into Python, a cornerstone language for network automation, enhancing their ability to communicate with network devices through application programming interfaces (APIs). #### Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Course Introduction for Introduction to Network Automation** The first module sets the stage by outlining the course objectives and what learners can expect. This provides a clear roadmap, which is essential for any educational journey. 2. **Examining Network Management and Operations** This module offers a deep dive into the historical context of network operations, detailing how traditional methods such as Telnet, Secure Shell (SSH), and the Command Line Interface (CLI) have dominated for decades. The course introduces the revolutionary shift to programmatic interfaces, emphasizing the increasing demand for automation in pursuit of reliability and predictability. The comparisons between the past and future practices are eye-opening and highlight the urgency for network engineers to adapt. 3. **Using Python for Network Automation** The core of this course is arguably in the practical application of Python for network automation. Here, learners will engage with Python's various data types, understanding the nuances between modules and packages. This module is not just theoretical; it involves hands-on activities where participants will write their own modules for interacting with network devices. By the end, learners will feel empowered to leverage Python for automating network operations, drastically improving both efficiency and accuracy. #### Pros of the Course - **Relevance**: Given the industry trend towards automation, the course content is particularly timely and relevant for professionals in networking roles. - **Hands-on Learning**: The emphasis on practical coding with Python equips students with applicable skills that can translate to real-world scenarios. - **Accessible**: The course is structured for both beginners and experienced professionals, ensuring that all participants can glean essential knowledge regardless of their current expertise level. #### Recommendations I highly recommend the **Introduction to Network Automation** course on Coursera for anyone looking to future-proof their career in network engineering or enhance their team’s capabilities. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical coding exercises provides a robust learning experience that is rare in many technical courses. Moreover, as automation becomes integral to network operations, those who complete this course will undoubtedly be better positioned in the job market. Whether you are looking to implement more efficient workflows in your current role, or you aim to take on new challenges in the field, this course will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. Embarking on this journey of mastering network automation may well be one of the best career decisions in today's tech-driven world. If you’re ready to embrace the future of network management, this course on Coursera is an excellent first step.

Syllabus

Course Introduction for Introduction to Network Automation

In this module, we will review the topics and what you will learn in this course.

Network operations have not changed in decades. For years, the console, Telnet, and Secure Shell (SSH) along with the CLI were the primary methods for managing and operating networks of any size. With the rise of programmatic interfaces on network devices and the growing need for enhanced reliability, assurance, and predictability, network operations are now in the midst of a radical shift in how devices are deployed and operated. This section reviews how devices have been managed historically and provides a glimpse into the future of network operations.

Network automation is the future of network operation. Today, network engineers need to know how to interact with their network devices using application programming interfaces (APIs) and programmatic interfaces, and at a minimum, they must understand some fundamentals of coding. In this section, you will explore a programming language that is widely used in network automation—Python. You will start by learning different data types that Python supports, and then learn the differences between modules and packages and how to use them to your benefit. Next, you will learn about a module that lets you interact with devices with code. Finally, you will create your own module and interact with the code inside it.