8781  Reviews star_rate star_rate star_rate star_rate star_half
$4,495USD
Duration 5 days
Course Code SDAOTS-NTO
Available Formats Classroom, Virtual
Next Class: Jul 27, 2026

Upcoming Course Dates

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Overview

Course Description

Unlock the full potential of Cisco Software Defined Access (SDA) in this immersive, 5-day Deep Dive designed for Network Professionals who want to lead the shift to Intent Based Networking and explore Cisco SDA Capabilities. This hands-on course goes beyond theory, guiding learners through the practical implementation of Cisco SDA, from Single Fabric to Dual Fabric and Interconnectivity. Participants gain a clear understanding of how Cisco SDA transforms Network Design, Segmentation, Micro Segmentation, Security, Policy and Assurance; for a complete Day-0 to Day-N Solution; while building the confidence to Support, Optimize, and Troubleshoot the underlying platform components in real world environments. By the end of the course, learners are equipped with the skills needed to Deploy and Manage modern, scalable Campus and Branch Enterprise Networks with precision and control. The course qualifies for 50 Cisco Continuing Education Credits (CE).

Who Can Benefit

The primary audience for this course is as follows:

  • IT management, to understand how to address key business requirements with greater efficiency and flexibility in network service delivery
  • IT solution architects, to understand the role that SDA plays in enabling such efficiency and flexibility for network services in the context of IT solution delivery
  • IT and network security architects, to understand how the integrated capabilities of the SDA solution are used to design and implement network segmentation-based security
  • IT operations engineers, integrating network and application visibility and root cause analysis into integrated IT case handling workflows
  • Networking Admin and Operations installing, integrating, configuring and operating Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), and other solution components, in the context of Cisco SDA based network services
  • Networking Field Engineers using capabilities of Cisco Catalyst Center to deploy, monitor and maintain network infrastructure for SDA based network services

Prerequisites

The knowledge and skills that the learner should have before attending this course are as follows:

  • Implementation of Enterprise LAN networks
  • Basic Understanding of Enterprise Switching, and Centralized Wireless Architecture
  • Basic Understanding of Enterprise Routing Connectivity
  • Basic Understanding of AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) process and workflow
  • Programming knowledge such as Python, Rest API is useful but not required
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Course Details

Course Details

Course Outline: Module 1: Cisco Software-Defined Access (SDA) Overview

  • Understanding Cisco Intent-Based Networking
  • Understanding Cisco SDA Use Cases, Customers Benefits including Business and Technical Outcomes and Capabilities
  • Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly DNAC) Introduction
  • Cisco SD-Access Overview
  • Cisco SD-Access Benefits
  • Cisco SD-Access Key Concepts
  • Cisco SD-Access Main ComponentsFabric Control Plane NodeFabric Border NodeFabric Edge NodeFabric-Enabled Wireless LAN Controller and Fabric-Enabled Access Points
  • Cisco Catalyst Center Automation
  • Cisco ISE (AAA Server w/Cisco TrustSec)
  • Cisco Catalyst Center Assurance

Module 2: Cisco Catalyst Center Form Factors and Deployments

  • Cisco Catalyst Center Appliances
  • Cisco Catalyst Center Deployment ModelsSingle Node DeploymentClustered Deployment
  • Installation Procedure
  • Initial Setup and Configuration
  • GUI Navigation
  • Backup and Restore
  • Cisco SDAccess Requirements
  • Cisco Catalyst Center and Cisco ISE Integration

Module 3: Cisco Catalyst Center Workflows

  • Introduction to Workflows
  • Design, Policy, Provision and Assurance
  • Creating Sites and Building Site Hierarchy (Area, Building, Floor)
  • Standardizing Network Settings (Servers, Credentials, Telemetry, Wireless)
  • Adding Map to Floor
  • IP Address Management
  • Software Image Management
  • Network Discovery

Module 4: Cisco Catalyst Center Appliance and Cisco SDA Campus Fabric

  • Overlay/Fabric (Terminology)
  • Underlay (Manual vs. Automated)
  • Cisco SD-Access Constructs
  • Cisco SD-Access Fabric Broadcast Capabilities
  • Cisco SD-Access Key Components (LISP, VxLAN, CTS)
  • Underlay Automation
  • Fabric Border Concepts

Module 5: VRF-Lite

  • Layer 3 Handoff
  • Peer Device Configuration
  • Route Leaking

Module 6: Fabric Border Design Options: Collocated vs. Distributed

  • Collocated Border
  • Distributed Border
  • Layer 2 Border
  • Layer 2 Border Deployment Model

Module 7: Cisco SD-Access Transit Types

  • IP as Transit or Peer Network
  • Cisco SD-Access as Transit
  • Cisco SD-Access
  • Multisite Forwarding and Packet Walk
  • Cisco SD-Access Multisite
  • Data Center, WAN, and Shared Services Forwarding
  • Cisco SD-Access Multisite Internet Access Forwarding

Module 8: Summary of Cisco Fabrics

  • SD-Access and SD-WAN Integration
  • Cisco SD-Access and Cisco ACI Integration

Module 9: Introduction to SDA Wireless

  • SDA Wireless: Supported Products
  • SDA Wireless: Workflows
  • SDA Wireless: Fabric Mode Design
  • SDA Wireless: Over the Top (OTT) Mode Design
  • SDA Wireless: Guest Design
  • SDA Wireless: High Availability

Module 10: Migration Philosophy, Tools, and Strategies

  • Cisco Catalyst Center Setup and ISE Integration
  • Border Node Concerns
  • Border Node Migration
  • Fusion Node
  • Layer 2 Flooding and Layer 2 Border

Module 11: Troubleshooting

  • Logging
  • Cisco Catalyst Center ISE Integration

Module 12: Cisco SD-Access Fabric Troubleshooting Host Onboarding

  • Assurance Overview
  • Assurance Use Cases

Module 13: Addendum: New Concepts

  • Cisco SD-Access LISP Publisher and Subscriber
  • Cisco SD-Access IP-Directed Broadcast
  • Background to Extended Nodes
  • Introduction to Policy Extended Nodes
  • Catalyst 9K Policy Extended Node Deployment Plan
  • FEW with N+1 High Availability and Rolling AP Upgrade
  • What's New in Cisco Catalyst Center Software v3.1.6

Lab Outline:

  • Discovery Lab 1: Navigate Cisco Catalyst Center
  • Discovery Lab 2: Integrate Cisco ISE with Cisco Catalyst Center (Instructor Demo)
  • Discovery Lab 3: Design Cisco Catalyst Network
  • Discovery Lab 4: Using the Cisco Catalyst Center Discovery Tool
  • Discovery Lab 5: Using the Cisco Catalyst Center Inventory Tool
  • Discovery Lab 6: Using the Cisco Catalyst Center Policy Application
  • Discovery Lab 7: Fabric Provisioning
  • Discovery Lab 8: Host (Wired and Wireless) and AP Anycast Gateway Configuration
  • Discovery Lab 9: Configure External Connectivity with Fusion Router
  • Discovery Lab 10: Configuring Cisco ISE Policies for User Onboarding
  • Discovery Lab 11: Verify and Troubleshoot Access Points
  • Discovery Lab 12: Onboarding and Provisioning Access Points
  • Discovery Lab 13: Fabric and Segmentation Verification
  • Discovery Lab 14: CATC Integration with Umbrella
  • Discovery Lab 15: Configuring a Layer 2 Border to Extend the Same IP Pool
  • Discovery Lab 16: Transitioning the Traditional User to the SDA Anycast Gateway
  • Discovery Lab 17: Testing IP Connectivity Between SD-Access User and Traditional User
  • Discovery Lab 18: Configure an SDA-Transit and the Transit Control Plane (TCP)
  • Discovery Lab 19: Designing a Second Fabric Site with the Design Application
  • Discovery Lab 20: Deploying a Second Fabric SiteFabric in a Box
  • Discovery Lab 21: Deploying a New Fabric EdgeLeveraging Cisco Catalyst Center LAN Automation
  • Discovery Lab 22: Automate Network Devices Using Day-N
  • Discovery Lab 23: Add an Edge Node to Fabric Site-2
  • Discovery Lab 24: Host Onboarding at Fabric Site-2
  • Discovery Lab 25: Connecting the Two Fabric Sites Using SD-Access Transit
  • Discovery Lab 26: Testing IP Connectivity Between Fabric Site-1 and Fabric Site-2
  • Discovery Lab 27: Energy Management

Schedule

7 options available

FAQ

Does the course schedule include a Lunchbreak?

Classes typically include a 1-hour lunch break around midday. However, the exact break times and duration can vary depending on the specific class. Your instructor will provide detailed information at the start of the course.

What languages are used to deliver training?

Most courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. Some courses will have the word "FRENCH" marked in red beside the scheduled date(s) indicating the language of instruction.

What does GTR stand for?

GTR stands for Guaranteed to Run; if you see a course with this status, it means this event is confirmed to run. View our GTR page to see our full list of Guaranteed to Run courses.

Does Ascendient Learning deliver group training?

Yes, we provide training for groups, individuals and private on sites. View our group training page for more information.

What does vendor-authorized training mean?

As a vendor-authorized training partner, we offer a curriculum that our partners have vetted. We use the same course materials and facilitate the same labs as our vendor-delivered training. These courses are considered the gold standard and, as such, are priced accordingly.

Is the training too basic, or will you go deep into technology?

It depends on your requirements, your role in your company, and your depth of knowledge. The good news about many of our learning paths, you can start from the fundamentals to highly specialized training.

How up-to-date are your courses and support materials?

We continuously work with our vendors to evaluate and refresh course material to reflect the latest training courses and best practices.

Are your instructors seasoned trainers who have deep knowledge of the training topic?

Ascendient Learning instructors have an average of 27 years of practical IT experience and have also served as consultants for an average of 15 years. To stay current, instructors spend at least 25 percent of their time learning new, emerging technologies and courses.

Do you provide hands-on training and exercises in an actual lab environment?

Lab access is dependent on the vendor and the type of training you sign up for. However, many of our top vendors will provide lab access to students to test and practice. The course description will specify lab access.

Will you customize the training for our company’s specific needs and goals?

We will work with you to identify training needs and areas of growth.  We offer a variety of training methods, such as private group training, on-site of your choice, and virtually. We provide courses and certifications that are aligned with your business goals.

How do I get started with certification?

Getting started on a certification pathway depends on your goals and the vendor you choose to get certified in. Many vendors offer entry-level IT certification to advanced IT certification that can boost your career. To get access to certification vouchers and discounts, please contact info@ascendientlearning.com.

Will I get access to content after I complete a course?

You will get access to the PDF of course books and guides, but access to the recording and slides will depend on the vendor and type of training you receive.

How do I request a W9 for Ascendient Learning?

View our filing status and how to request a W9.

Reviews

the course is good, covers many aspects, wish the lab is a little bit more in depth

ExitCertified gave me some good trainings and I got to learn through doing labs.

ExitCertified was a great. They gave me all the materials and information I needed ahead of time to prepare for the course.

I didn't have any problem navigating Exitcertified website or lab material at all.

The class was very vast paced however the teacher was very good at checking in on us while giving us time to complete the labs.