CCNA Meets Automation

Network engineers are being told that a Cisco Certified Network Associate alone is no longer enough; the new pitch is CCNA plus Python automation. (youtube.com) Cisco’s own example is a new Cisco Press book, *Hands-On Cisco Automation with Python*, which teaches Netmiko, NAPALM, and Nornir and is listed for release on May 20, 2026. Pearson says the book focuses on configuring devices, collecting operational data, and validating network state with reusable scripts. (pearson.com) In a Cisco U. video posted this week, the discussion frames the progression as Netmiko first, then NAPALM, then Nornir, starting with a few lines of code and scaling to thousands of devices. The video says the target audience includes CCNA-level engineers who know command-line interface work but have struggled to move into automation. (youtube.com) The technical problem is simple: a network engineer can type commands into one router by hand, but large networks may have hundreds or thousands of devices. Python tools automate that repetitive work over Secure Shell sessions, pull back device data in a standard format, and run the same task across many boxes at once. (pearson.com) (ciscolive.com) The tools in that stack solve different parts of the job. Netmiko handles device logins and command execution, NAPALM adds a common way to read and change state across vendors, and Nornir acts as the task runner and inventory system for many devices in parallel. (packetswitch.co.uk) (ciscolive.com) (apnic.net) Cisco is pairing that message with updates to its lab software. Cisco Learning Network says Cisco Modeling Labs 2.10 is the latest feature release and adds MCP Server support for Cisco Modeling Labs artificial intelligence integration, real-time packet-capture streaming, wireless support, and Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service user authentication. (learningnetwork.cisco.com) Cisco scheduled a livestream on April 23, 2026, to preview those Cisco Modeling Labs 2.10 features, including automatic startup of selected labs, unmanaged switch “hub” mode, custom node icons, a new lab administration page, and node sequencing. Cisco Learning Network also says wireless labs are part of the 2.10 package. (learningnetwork.cisco.com 1) (learningnetwork.cisco.com 2) That combination matters for training because it links protocol study to practice. A student can learn Open Shortest Path First, Virtual Local Area Networks, or authentication on paper, then test the same concepts in a simulated network and automate the checks with Python. (learningnetwork.cisco.com) (pearson.com) Cisco is not arguing that automation replaces networking basics. The book pitch and the Cisco U. discussion both present command-line knowledge and protocol fundamentals as the starting point, with Python and automation layered on top as the route from support work into engineering roles. (youtube.com) (oreilly.com) The message from this week’s Cisco material is narrow but clear: learn the protocols first, then learn the scripts that can touch every device at once. Cisco’s latest labs and training content are being built around that sequence. (youtube.com) (learningnetwork.cisco.com)