Ep 133 - An Expert's Perspective on Network Automation and the Cisco DevNet Expert Certification

The Art of Network Engineering

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This episode was originally recorded March 23, 2023
Meet Ben Schuster, a man who's journeyed from the Air Force to the cutting-edge world of network automation, and the first to bear the title of Cisco Certified DevNet Expert in 2023. His background, inspirations, and career transitions light up our conversation like a well-configured network. As he reminisces about his father's influence, you'll learn about his initial fascination with networking and his transition into classified networks.
Ready to untangle the mysteries of network automation? Ben's got you covered! He'll walk you through the complexities of automation tools such as NautoBot, Ansible, and Git. Plus, he'll share his insights into the challenges of revamping a network, from organizational politics to customer-specific approaches. Our chat then dives into a comparison between the DevNet and CCNA, giving you a crystal clear idea of which path suits you best.
Lastly, if you're gearing up for the DevNet Expert Exam, Ben's invaluable tips and experiences are not to be missed. From understanding blueprints to studying effectively to managing the unique challenges of the exam, Ben's got golden nuggets of wisdom to share. He stresses on the need for a 'source of truth' for network configurations and the benefits of automation based on that. He also suggests must-read resources and provides a sneak-peek into the type of questions you can expect in the exam. Be prepared to be inspired and informed by a true expert in network automation!
Ben's Book Recommendation
Model Drive Devops by Steven Carter and Jason King - https://amzn.to/4701dxL
Find everything AONE right here: https://linktr.ee/artofneteng

Luvut

1. Interview With Cisco Certified DevNet Expert (00:00:00)

2. Networking Certifications and DevNet Exploration (00:07:43)

3. Network Automation Framework (00:14:28)

4. DevNet vs CCA Route Switch Comparison (00:25:24)

5. Tips for Studying and Understanding Blueprints (00:33:14)

6. Guidance for Getting Into Network Automation (00:44:33)

7. DevNet Expert Track Overview and Materials (00:55:06)