Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Course

Course Title: Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Course

Executive Summary

This two-week intensive course on Digital Network Architecture (DNA) equips network engineers, architects, and IT professionals with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and manage modern, intent-based networks. Participants will learn about DNA Center, SD-Access, SD-WAN, network automation, analytics, and security. The course includes hands-on labs and real-world case studies to provide practical experience. By the end of the course, participants will be able to build scalable, secure, and agile networks that support digital transformation initiatives. The program emphasizes the evolution of traditional networks towards programmable and automated infrastructures, enabling organizations to adapt quickly to changing business needs and improve operational efficiency. Graduates will be prepared to lead the transition to DNA in their organizations.

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations need networks that are agile, secure, and scalable. Traditional network architectures are often rigid and complex, making it difficult to adapt to changing business needs. Digital Network Architecture (DNA) provides a modern, intent-based approach to network design and management. This course provides a comprehensive overview of DNA, including its key components, benefits, and implementation strategies. Participants will learn about DNA Center, SD-Access, SD-WAN, network automation, analytics, and security. The course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on labs and real-world case studies to provide practical experience. By the end of the course, participants will be able to design, implement, and manage DNA-based networks that support digital transformation initiatives. This course is designed to bridge the gap between traditional networking concepts and the future of networking with automation and programmability.

Course Outcomes

• Understand the principles and benefits of Digital Network Architecture (DNA).
• Design and implement SD-Access networks using DNA Center.
• Configure and manage SD-WAN solutions for optimized WAN connectivity.
• Automate network tasks using APIs and scripting.
• Utilize network analytics to improve network performance and security.
• Integrate security features into DNA-based networks.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues in a DNA environment.

Training Methodologies

• Interactive lectures and discussions.
• Hands-on labs using DNA Center and virtual network devices.
• Case study analysis of real-world DNA deployments.
• Group exercises and collaborative problem-solving.
• Demonstrations of network automation scripts and tools.
• Quizzes and assessments to reinforce learning.
• Expert Q&A sessions with industry professionals.

Benefits to Participants

• Gain expertise in designing and implementing modern, intent-based networks.
• Develop hands-on skills with DNA Center and other DNA components.
• Enhance career prospects in the growing field of network automation.
• Improve ability to manage and troubleshoot complex network environments.
• Understand how to leverage network analytics for improved performance and security.
• Learn best practices for integrating security into network designs.
• Receive a certificate of completion recognizing their expertise in DNA.

Benefits to Sending Organization

• Improved network agility and responsiveness to changing business needs.
• Reduced operational costs through network automation.
• Enhanced network security and reduced risk of breaches.
• Increased network performance and reliability.
• Simplified network management and troubleshooting.
• Faster deployment of new network services and applications.
• A workforce with the skills to support digital transformation initiatives.

Target Participants

• Network Engineers
• Network Architects
• IT Managers
• System Administrators
• Security Professionals
• DevOps Engineers
• Technical Leaders

WEEK 1: DNA Fundamentals and SD-Access

Module 1: Introduction to Digital Network Architecture

1. Overview of DNA and its benefits.
2. Intent-based networking (IBN) concepts.
3. DNA Center architecture and components.
4. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles.
5. Network automation and programmability.
6. DNA licensing and deployment options.
7. Lab setup and environment overview.

Module 2: SD-Access Fundamentals

1. Understanding SD-Access architecture.
2. Fabric Edge, Border, and Control Plane nodes.
3. Virtual Networks (VNs) and Segmentation.
4. Group-Based Policy (GBP) and micro-segmentation.
5. Host onboarding and authentication.
6. SD-Access design considerations.
7. Hands-on: Configuring Fabric Edge nodes.

Module 3: Implementing SD-Access with DNA Center

1. Discovering and managing network devices in DNA Center.
2. Creating and deploying network settings using DNA Center.
3. Configuring VN templates and policies.
4. Automating host onboarding with DNA Center.
5. Monitoring and troubleshooting SD-Access networks.
6. Integrating with Identity Services Engine (ISE).
7. Hands-on: Deploying VN using DNA Center GUI

Module 4: SD-Access Advanced Configuration

1. Configuring SD-Access transit networks.
2. Integrating SD-Access with external networks.
3. Implementing advanced security policies.
4. Using DNA Center APIs for automation.
5. Customizing DNA Center workflows.
6. Troubleshooting advanced SD-Access issues.
7. Case study: SD-Access deployment in a large enterprise.

Module 5: SD-Access Security and Monitoring

1. SD-Access security best practices.
2. Integrating with security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
3. Using DNA Center for security monitoring and threat detection.
4. Configuring Network Admission Control (NAC) in SD-Access.
5. Implementing role-based access control (RBAC).
6. Auditing and compliance in SD-Access.
7. Hands-on: Implementing advanced SD-Access security policies

WEEK 2: SD-WAN, Automation, and Analytics

Module 6: SD-WAN Fundamentals

1. Understanding SD-WAN architecture and components.
2. vManage, vSmart, and vEdge routers.
3. Overlay networks and transport independence.
4. Traffic engineering and path selection.
5. Zero-touch provisioning (ZTP).
6. SD-WAN deployment models.
7. Hands-on: Configuring vEdge Routers.

Module 7: Implementing SD-WAN with DNA Center

1. Onboarding SD-WAN devices with DNA Center.
2. Configuring site templates and policies.
3. Defining application-aware routing policies.
4. Monitoring SD-WAN performance and health.
5. Integrating with cloud services.
6. Troubleshooting SD-WAN issues.
7. Hands-on: Create a SD-WAN site template on vManage

Module 8: Network Automation with APIs and Scripting

1. Introduction to network automation concepts.
2. Using REST APIs for network configuration.
3. Scripting with Python and NETCONF.
4. Automating repetitive tasks with Ansible.
5. Building custom DNA Center integrations.
6. Developing network automation workflows.
7. Hands-on: Automating device configuration using Python.

Module 9: Network Analytics and Assurance

1. Understanding network analytics principles.
2. Using DNA Center Assurance for proactive monitoring.
3. Collecting and analyzing network data.
4. Identifying performance bottlenecks and anomalies.
5. Predictive analytics and capacity planning.
6. Troubleshooting network issues with analytics.
7. Case study: Improving network performance with analytics.

Module 10: Security Integration and Best Practices

1. Integrating security features into DNA-based networks.
2. Using DNA Center for security policy enforcement.
3. Implementing threat intelligence feeds.
4. Configuring intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS).
5. Securing network automation workflows.
6. Best practices for securing DNA deployments.
7. Final Project: Integrate security policies into DNA/SDWAN networks

Action Plan for Implementation

1. Assess the current network infrastructure and identify areas for improvement with DNA.
2. Develop a pilot project to implement DNA in a limited scope.
3. Train network engineers and IT staff on DNA concepts and technologies.
4. Create a detailed implementation plan with timelines and milestones.
5. Secure budget and resources for DNA implementation.
6. Monitor network performance and security after DNA deployment.
7. Continuously improve and optimize the DNA environment based on feedback and analytics.