Cisco Automating and Programming Cisco Data Center Solutions (300-635) Exam Preparation

Controller Based Data Center Networking is a critical domain in modern data center infrastructure, focusing on centralized management and programmability of network resources. This topic specifically emphasizes Cisco's Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), which provides a holistic approach to network automation, policy enforcement, and application-driven networking. The core concept revolves around using software-defined networking principles to create more flexible, efficient, and responsive data center environments.

In the context of the Cisco 300-635 exam, this topic is crucial as it tests candidates' understanding of advanced networking automation techniques, particularly within the ACI ecosystem. The subtopics cover essential skills such as policy creation, API interaction, scripting, and infrastructure integration, which are fundamental for network engineers and architects working with modern data center technologies.

Candidates can expect a variety of question types in this section, including:

• Multiple-choice questions testing theoretical knowledge of ACI concepts
• Scenario-based questions requiring candidates to demonstrate practical understanding of API interactions
• Hands-on problem-solving questions involving Python scripting and Ansible playbook construction
• Conceptual questions about Kubernetes integration and CNI plugin functionality

The exam will assess candidates' skills at multiple levels, including:

• Understanding ACI target policies and application hosting capabilities
• Proficiency in REST API exploration using API inspector
• Ability to write Python scripts for policy creation using both REST API and Cobra SDK
• Knowledge of Ansible playbook development for network configuration
• Comprehension of Kubernetes infrastructure integration strategies

Candidates should prepare by developing hands-on experience with ACI, practicing API interactions, and gaining practical scripting skills in Python and Ansible. A deep understanding of software-defined networking principles and Cisco's specific implementation will be crucial for success in this exam section.

Data Center Device-centric Networking is a critical area of focus for the Cisco Automating and Programming Cisco Data Center Solutions exam, emphasizing the modern approaches to network device configuration, management, and programmability. This topic covers the advanced techniques for provisioning, automating, and monitoring Cisco Nexus devices using various tools and methodologies that enable network engineers to streamline operations and implement more efficient network management strategies.

The topic encompasses several key areas of network automation and programmability, including Day 0 provisioning techniques, on-box and off-box programmability methods, telemetry approaches, and scripting capabilities. By exploring these areas, candidates will gain comprehensive insights into how modern data center networks can be configured, monitored, and managed using advanced programmatic techniques.

This topic directly aligns with the exam syllabus by testing candidates' understanding of advanced Cisco NX-OS programmability features. The subtopics cover critical skills such as:

• Understanding automated provisioning methods like Cisco POAP and NX-OS iPXE
• Implementing on-box programmability using Bash, Linux containers, guest shell, EEM, and Python scripting
• Comparing modern telemetry approaches with traditional monitoring strategies
• Implementing off-box programmability through NX-API, NETCONF, and configuration management tools

Candidates can expect a variety of question types in the exam related to this topic, including:

• Multiple-choice questions testing theoretical knowledge of provisioning and automation concepts
• Scenario-based questions requiring candidates to identify the most appropriate automation approach for specific network challenges
• Practical application questions that assess the ability to construct Python scripts for telemetry data consumption
• Comparative questions exploring the differences between traditional and model-driven monitoring strategies

The exam will require candidates to demonstrate a high level of technical skill, including:

• Deep understanding of NX-OS programmability features
• Proficiency in Python scripting
• Knowledge of various network automation tools and protocols
• Ability to design and implement complex network automation solutions

To excel in this section, candidates should focus on hands-on practice with NX-OS programmability tools, develop strong Python scripting skills, and gain practical experience in implementing automation solutions in data center network environments.

Data Center Compute is a critical domain in modern enterprise infrastructure, focusing on the configuration, management, and automation of computing resources within data center environments. This topic covers the advanced techniques and tools used to streamline server management, deployment, and configuration across Cisco's unified computing ecosystem. The emphasis is on leveraging developer tools, APIs, and automation platforms to enhance operational efficiency and reduce manual intervention in complex data center infrastructures.

The subtopics in this section are directly aligned with the Cisco Automating and Programming Cisco Data Center Solutions exam's core objectives. Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in using various developer tools like UCS PowerTool, UCS Python SDK, and Ansible for configuring Cisco UCS systems. Additionally, the exam tests knowledge of API interactions with different Cisco platforms such as DCNM (Data Center Network Manager), Intersight, and UCS Director, highlighting the importance of programmatic infrastructure management.

Exam candidates should prepare for a mix of question types that assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills:

• Multiple-choice questions testing understanding of UCS configuration tools
• Scenario-based questions requiring API authentication and call construction
• Practical problem-solving questions involving workflow implementation
• Technical questions about REST API interactions and automation techniques

The exam will require candidates to demonstrate:

• Advanced understanding of Cisco data center automation tools
• Ability to construct and authenticate API calls
• Proficiency in scripting and automation techniques
• Knowledge of workflow design and implementation

Candidates should focus on hands-on practice with Cisco tools, deep understanding of API interactions, and practical experience in automating data center compute resources. Practical lab experience and extensive study of Cisco documentation will be crucial for success in this section of the exam.