Network DevOps - The First Steps

Simrid

I am very interested in SDN and network automation and learning how we can use it to make our lives easier as network engineers. To start from the beginning, I am looking to learn some of the following; Python (primarily), Linux, OpenStack, Puppet/Chef and Ansible.

I've done some Googling and I can see that INE offer a course for SDN and network automation - Has anyone tried these out at all? Automation & Systems Bundle - INE . I have enrolled myself on the Python course over at CodeAcademy, I am very impressed so far.

Are there any other resources that anyone has used to help towards learning network DevOps material? Are there any certifications which may help me achieve this goal?

mbarrett

I don't know of any full certifications for SDN, but it has been generating interest in the community. Here are some resources.
https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/learning_center/sdn_recorded_seminars (You might need to register for free to see it, I'm not sure.)

https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/sessionDetail.ww?SESSION_ID=83579
https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/sessionDetail.ww?SESSION_ID=78945
https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/sessionDetail.ww?SESSION_ID=83630
https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/sessionDetail.ww?SESSION_ID=76256
https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/sessionDetail.ww?SESSION_ID=83621
https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/sessionDetail.ww?SESSION_ID=83562
https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/sessionDetail.ww?SESSION_ID=83521
https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/sessionDetail.ww?SESSION_ID=83987
https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/sessionDetail.ww?SESSION_ID=84149
(You might need to register for free to see the Ciscolive materials.)

An Introduction to Software Defined Networking (SDN) LiveLessons (Networking Talks) (paywall - also on Safari)

https://developer.cisco.com/site/devnet/home/index.gsp

the_Grinch

Cisco Network Programmability Developer Specialist - Cisco <----Cisco has a certification

networker050184

I've started to move in this direction myself. Configuration management is also a good place to start getting up to speed on ansible, puppet, etc.

Simrid

Wow, thanks for the replies everyone! Lots of information here. Has anyone taken the 600-510 exam, if so what are there experiences?

Looks as though there is another automation certification: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/exams/current-list/npdesi.html

@networker050184 - What resources are you using for this?

networker050184

Good place to start for Cisco centrix stuff with Ansible - https://marketplace.cisco.com/catalog/companies/ansible-inc/products/ansible

I haven't delved into Puppet too much yet other than a little playing in a lab as it's not agent-less which means not much use if you have a lot of IOS devices hanging around still - https://puppet.com/product/managed-technology/cisco

fredrikjj

This book is looking promising:

Network Programmability and Automation
Skills for the Next-Generation Network Engineer

By Jason Edelman, Scott S. Lowe, Matt Oswalt

Network Programmability and Automation - O'Reilly Media