DevNet Associate (DEVASC) 1.

0 Scope and Sequence

Last Updated July 23, 2020

Introduction
The networking industry is undergoing a transformation to using a software-oriented approach with APIs and automation. This change
is driven by the ever-increasing complexity and size of networks due to new connections such as the IoT, as well as a need to deliver
more agile networking services. This change requires a new software-oriented skillset that complements existing networking skills. The
DevNet Associate course teaches students the best practices of modern software development practices and DevOps, to understand
and learn how to securely use APIs, and how to automate network operations using those APIs.

Target Audience
The Cisco Networking Academy® DevNet Associate (DEVASC) course is designed for college and university students, vocational
training center students, and participants of coding bootcamps who want to understand and manipulate networks using software. The
DEVASC certificate is the associate-level certification in the software-focused Cisco DevNet track. The DEVASC certification validates
foundational knowledge and skills in areas like Software Development and Design, Understanding and Using APIs, Cisco Platforms and
Development, Application Deployment and Security, Infrastructure and Automation, and Network Fundamentals. These software-
focused areas complement networking skills from CCNA and CyberOps Associate. Together, they create a bridge between the worlds
of Software Developers, Networking Engineers and, Cybersecurity Professionals.

Prerequisites
Learners are expected to have the following skills:

• Basic coding skills in any object-oriented programming language (loops, if/else, objects, etc.)

• Basic understanding of computer networks (CCNA ITN level)

• Basic PC operating system navigation skills

• Basic internet usage skills

• Familiarity with Cisco Packet Tracer

Target Certifications
This course aligns with the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DEVASC) certification. Candidates need to pass the 200-901 DEVASC
exam to achieve the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification.

Course Description
In the DEVASC course curriculum, Cisco Networking Academy™ participants develop workforce readiness skills and build a foundation
for success in automation-related careers and degree programs. With the support of video and rich media, participants learn, apply, and
practice programming and infrastructure automation knowledge and skills through a series of in-depth hands-on experiences that
reinforce their learning. Upon completion of the DEVASC course, learners will be prepared to take the Cisco DEVASC certification
exam.

DEVASC includes the following features:

● The course is comprised of eight modules. Each module is comprised of topics.

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DevNet Associate 1.0 Scope & Sequence

● Modules emphasize critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and the practical application of skills.
● Each module contains some way to practice and assess understanding, such as a lab or a Packet Tracer activity. These
module-level activities provide feedback and are designed to indicate learner’s mastery of the skills needed for the course.
Learners can ensure their level of understanding well before taking a graded quiz or exam.
● Students learn the basics of software development, APIs, fundamentals of networking, application deployment, infrastructure
and automation, as well as Cisco platforms.
● The language used to describe these concepts is designed to be easily understood by learners at the college level.
● Assessments and practice activities are focused on specific competencies to increase retention and provide flexibility in the
learning path.
● Multimedia learning tools, including videos, and quizzes, address a variety of learning styles and help stimulate learning and
promote increased knowledge retention.
● Labs and Cisco® Packet Tracer simulation-based learning activities help students develop critical thinking and complex problem-
solving skills.
● Cisco Packet Tracer activities are designed for use with a newer version of Packet Tracer designed specifically for this course,
Packet Tracer for Network Automation (PTNA). PTNA is included in the virtual machines created for this course.

Course Objectives
The DEVASC course is designed for people who want to learn the knowledge and skills they need to work in network programming and
automation. These course materials will assist you in developing the skills necessary to do the following:
• Use basic Python programming and Linux skills.
• Implement a development environment using DevNet resources.
• Use software development and design best practices.
• Create REST API requests over HTTPS to securely integrate services.
• Explain the processes and devices that support network connectivity.
• Use current technologies to deploy and secure applications and data in a cloud environment.
• Compare software testing and deployment methods in automation and simulation environments.
• Compare Cisco platforms used for collaboration, infrastructure management, and automation.

Lab Equipment Requirements

This course requires no physical equipment other than the student’s lab PC. It uses several Virtual Machines (VMs) to create the lab
experience.

Baseline Equipment Bundle:

• PCs - minimum system requirements

o CPU: Intel Pentium 4, 2.53 GHz or equivalent with virtualization support
o Operating Systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS
o 64-bit processor
o RAM: 8 GB
o Storage: 10 GB of free disk space
o Display resolution: 1024 x 768
o Language fonts supporting Unicode encoding (if viewing in languages other than English)
o Latest video card drivers and operating system updates
• Internet connection for lab and student PCs
Student PC Software:
• Oracle VM VirtualBox Manager (version 6.1 or later)
• DEVASC VM (Downloadable from the Course)
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DevNet Associate 1.0 Scope & Sequence

• CSR1000V VM (Instructor download and distribution)

• Packet Tracer Network Automation Edition (pre-installed on the DEVASC VM)

DevNet Associate Outline

Listed below are the current set of modules and their associated competencies outlined for this course. Each module is an integrated
unit of learning that consists of content, activities and assessments that target a specific set of competencies. The size of the module
will depend on the depth of knowledge and skill needed to master the competency. Some modules are considered foundational, in that
the artifacts presented, while not assessed, enable learning of concepts that are covered on the DEVASC certification exam.

DevNet Associate
Module Title/ Topic Title Objective

Module 1. Course Introduction Use basic Python programming and Linux skills.

1.1 Your Lab Environment Install a virtual lab environment.

1.2 Linux Manage the Linux file system and permissions.

1.3 Python Use basic Python programming.

Module 2. The DevNet Developer Implement a development environment using DevNet resources.
Environment

2.1 DevNet Overview Explain how DevNet encourages communities of network

programmers.

2.2 Exploring DevNet Online Resources Investigate DevNet online resources.

Module 3. Software Development and Use software development and design best practices.
Design

3.1 Software Development Compare software development methodologies.

3.2 Software Design Patterns Describe the benefits of various software design patterns.

3.3 Version Control Implement software version control using GIT.

3.4 Coding Basics Explain coding best practices.

3.5 Code Review and Testing Use Python Unit Test to evaluate code.

3.6 Understanding Data Formats Use Python to parse different messaging and data formats.

Module 4. Understanding and Using APIs Create REST API requests over HTTPS to securely integrate
services.

4.1 Introducing APIs Explain the use of APIs.

4.2 API Design Styles Compare synchronous and asynchronous API design styles.

4.3 API Architecture Styles Describe common API architecture styles.

4.4 Introduction to REST APIs Explain the functions of REST APIs.

4.5 Authenticating to a REST API Create REST API requests over HTTPS to securely integrate
services.

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DevNet Associate 1.0 Scope & Sequence

Module Title/ Topic Title Objective

4.6 API Rate Limits Explain the purpose of API rate limits.

4.7 Working with Webhooks Explain the use of webhooks.

4.8 Troubleshooting API Calls Explain how to troubleshoot REST APIs.

Module 5. Network Fundamentals Apply the processes and devices that support network connectivity.

5.1 Introduction to Network Fundamentals Explain basic network terms and processes.

5.2 Network Interface Layer Explain the features and functions of the OSI network layer.

5.3 Internetwork Layer Explain the features and functions of the OSI internetwork layer.

5.4 Network Devices Explain the features and functions of common network devices.

5.5 Networking Protocols Explain common networking protocols.

5.6 Troubleshooting Application Troubleshoot basic network connectivity.

Connectivity Issues

Module 6. Application Deployment and Use current technologies to deploy and secure applications and data
Security in a cloud environment.

6.1 Understanding Deployment Choices Explain common cloud deployment models.

with Different Models

6.2 Creating and Deploying a Sample Use container technology to deploy a simple application.
Application

6.3 Continuous Integration/Continuous Explain the use of Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment

Deployment (CI/CD) (CI/CD) in application deployment.

6.4 Networks for Application Development Explain the network technology required for application development
and Security in a cloud environment.

6.5 Securing Applications Use common application security techniques to secure data.

Module 7. Infrastructure and Automation Compare software testing and deployment methods in automation
and simulation environments.

7.1 Automating Infrastructure with Cisco Describe deployment environments that benefit from automation.

7.2 DevOps and SRE Explain the principles of DevOps.

7.3 Basic Automation Scripting Describe the use of scripting in automation.

7.4 Automation Tools Explain automation tools that speed the development and
deployment of code.

7.5 Infrastructure as Code Explain the benefits of storing infrastructure as code.

7.6 Automating Testing Explain how automation tools are used in the testing of application
deployments.

7.7 Network Simulation Describe the use of the Cisco VIRL network simulation test
environment.

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DevNet Associate 1.0 Scope & Sequence

Module Title/ Topic Title Objective

Module 8. Cisco Platforms and Compare Cisco platforms used for collaboration, infrastructure
Development management, and automation.

8.1 Introduction to Cisco Platforms Describe the Cisco API platform.

8.2 Cisco SDKs Explain how Cisco SDKs assist in the development of applications.

8.3 Understanding Network Compare network programmability models.

Programmability and Device Models

8.4 Cisco Network Management Compare Cisco network management platforms.

8.5 Cisco Compute Management Describe Cisco compute management solutions.

8.6 Cisco Collaboration Platforms Describe Cisco collaboration platforms.

8.7 Cisco Security Platforms Describe Cisco security platforms.

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