CCNA Automation case studies
CCNA Automation · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The CCNA is Cisco's associate-level networking certification, aimed at candidates who need to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot small-to-medium enterprise networks. This independent study page covers the automation and programmability portion of the blueprint alongside the broader networking topics a candidate must master, because automation questions rarely appear in isolation - they assume solid grounding in switching, routing, and IP services. Expect the exam to test conceptual understanding and configuration reasoning rather than deep software development: controller-based networking concepts, the distinction between traditional and intent-based workflows, REST-based APIs, data formats such as JSON and YAML, and the role of configuration management tools. Candidates typically prepare with a lab environment (physical gear or a simulator), the official exam topics list, and hands-on repetition of configuration tasks until they become routine. The CCNA Automation case studies are 5 cases and about 2,790 words.
1RESTCONF Rollout Hits 401s, 403s, and Stale Writes
You operate 38 Catalyst 9200 access switches across three buildings. A Python script using the requests library calls each switch's RESTCONF interface to create VLAN 210 and set its name.
608 words, about 3 min2A /24 That Cannot Hold the Floor
Your floor closet serves 310 endpoints on VLAN 10: 120 IP phones, 150 PCs, 20 printers, 10 access points, and 10 reserved addresses. The SVI is 10.10.10.1/24 with DHCP pool 10.10.10.0/24 and a 4-hour lease.
567 words, about 3 min3802.1X Works for Laptops, Fails for the New Access Points
Forty new Cisco 9130 APs were installed in a building. They join the 9800 WLC in the data center over CAPWAP, management VLAN 40, AP subnet 10.40.0.0/24.
523 words, about 3 min4OSPFv3 Stuck in EXSTART Across a GRE Tunnel
R1 and R2 run OSPFv3 area 0 over a GRE tunnel protected by IPsec. Physical interfaces are 1500-byte MTU.
528 words, about 3 min5Guest Wi-Fi Works, Wired Guests Get Bounced
An access closet has 120 ports. VLAN 50 is the wired guest VLAN (10.50.0.0/24).
564 words, about 3 min