How do I pass the 200-901 DEVASC exam and become a Cisco Certified DevNet Associate

I. Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive study guide designed to help you successfully pass the 200-901 DEVASC exam and embark on your journey to becoming a Cisco Certified Associate DevNet Associate. Before we dive into the specifics of the exam, let's take a moment to provide some background information on Cisco certifications and the evolving landscape of networking and software development.

Cisco has introduced an automation certification path aimed at IT professionals and developers, enabling task automation and enhancing network performance. This transformative approach, known as DevNet, aligns with the evolving field of networking, where software development plays a central role. As a result, software development certifications are continuously updated and expanded to keep pace with these changes.

II. The Four Primary DEVASC 200-901 Course Goals

To successfully navigate the Cisco Certified DevNet Associate exam (200-901 DEVASC), the first step is to understand and familiarize yourself with the course outline. Let's explore the key goals of this course:

III. Domain 1: Cisco Platforms and Development 

Domain 1 delves into the realm of Cisco platforms and development, offering insights and knowledge essential for exam success. Topics covered include:

• Creating Python scripts using Cisco SDK documentation.
• Evaluating the capabilities of platforms, APIs, and protocols for Cisco network management (Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, ACI, Cisco SD-WAN, NSO).
• Understanding Cisco platforms and APIs for compute management (UCS Manager and UCS Director).
• Exploring Cisco's collaboration platforms and APIs (Webex Teams, Webex Devices, Cisco Unified Communication Manager, including AXL, UDS interfaces, and Finesse).
• Discovering the capabilities of Cisco security systems and APIs (Firepower, Umbrella, AMP, ISE, and ThreatGrid).
• Mastering dynamic interfaces and device-level APIs of IOS XE/NX-OS.
• Utilizing DevNet resources for specific scenarios (Sandboxes, Code Exchanges, support forums, Learning Labs, and API documentation).
• Grasping model-driven programming concepts such as YANG, RESTCONF, and NETCONF in a Cisco context.

To code efficiently and execute specific operations, adherence to established regulations and the use of API reference materials are crucial. These practices can be applied to tasks such as obtaining a list of network devices from Meraki or Cisco DNA Center, managing clients and hosts on a network, and much more.

IV. Domain 2: Security & Application Deployment

Domain 2 focuses on security and application deployment, addressing the following key areas:

• Understanding the significance of edge computing.
• Exploring different application deployment models (private, public, hybrid, and edge).
• Creating components for a CI/CD pipeline during application deployments.
• Building Python unit tests and interpreting Dockerfile contents.
• Using Docker images in a local developer environment.
• Monitoring data storage and management, including secret protection.
• Highlighting the role of DNS, load balancers, firewalls, and reverse proxies in application deployment.
• Addressing top OWASP threats such as SQL injections and XSS.
• Managing files, directories, and environmental variables using Bash commands.
• Applying DevOps principles of leadership.

V. Domain 3: Infrastructure and Automation

Domain 3 delves into infrastructure and automation, differentiating between controller-level and device-level management, and covering topics such as:

• Utilizing network simulation and analysis tools like VIRL and Packet Tracer.
• Understanding the components and benefits of a CI/CD pipeline for infrastructure automation.
• Describing infrastructure concepts in code.
• Exploring automation technologies like Ansible, Puppet, Chef, and Cisco NSO.
• Identifying the process of automating tasks using Python scripts with Cisco APIs (e.g., ACI, Meraki, or Cisco DNA Center).
• Creating Ansible playbooks for tasks such as package management, user management, basic service configuration, and start/stop operations.
• Automating processes using Bash scripts, including file management, app installation, user management, and directory navigation.
• Analyzing the output of NETCONF or RESTCONF queries.
• Understanding fundamental YANG models.
• Exploring code review principles and benefits.
• Interpreting API-filled sequence diagrams.

VI. Domain 4: The Basics of Networking

Domain 4 delves into the fundamentals of networking, covering a range of topics, including:

• Understanding and applying VLANs and MAC addresses.
• Determining the purpose and usage of subnet masks/prefixes, routes, and gateways.
• Explaining the functions of common networking components such as switches, routers, firewalls, load balancers, and more.
• Interpreting network architecture diagrams, including port values, routers, load balancers, switches, and routers.
• Exploring the administration, control, and data planes of network devices.
• Delving into essential IP services like DNS, SNMP, DHCP, and more.
• Identifying common protocol port values (e.g., SSH, Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, NETCONF).
• Recognizing the root causes of application connectivity issues, including NAT problems, transport port blocks, proxies, and VPNs.
• Understanding how network restrictions can impact applications.