Understanding Cisco SDA Fundamentals (SDAFND)

In this Understanding Cisco SDA Fundamentals course provides a structured, end-to-end introduction to Cisco SD-Access and Cisco Catalyst Center, focusing on how intent-based networking transforms campus network design, deployment, and operations. It is designed for network professionals who need to understand both the architectural foundations and the operational workflows required to build and manage a modern software-defined campus. The course moves from core concepts into hands-on implementation and operational validation.

Students begin by exploring Cisco SD-Access fundamentals and the role of Cisco Catalyst  Center as the centralized controller for design, policy, provisioning, assurance, and automation. The curriculum then dives into SD-Access solution components, including fabric roles, control-plane and data-plane technologies, and identity-based policy enforcement. Wireless architecture is covered in detail, showing how fabric-enabled wireless integrates seamlessly with the SD-Access fabric to deliver consistent policy across wired and wireless users.

Hands-on labs reinforce each module through real-world workflows such as navigating the Cisco Catalyst Center interface, integrating Cisco Catalyst  Center with Cisco ISE, provisioning underlay networks using LAN Automation, and deploying a complete single-site SD-Access fabric. The course concludes with assurance and programmability, where students explore proactive troubleshooting with Cisco Catalyst Center Assurance and automate network operations using intent-based APIs and Python, preparing them for real-world SD-Access deployments and operations.

How You'll Benefit

This course will help you:

• Deploy Cisco SD-Access networks
• Explain Cisco Software-Designed Access
• Operate, manage, and integrate Cisco DNA Center™
• Prepare for various Cisco certifications: Cisco Certified Specialist–Enterprise Core (ENCOR),and Cisco Certified Specialist–Enterprise Design (ENSLD)

After taking this course, you should be able to:

• Describe Cisco SD-Access architecture and its components
• Explain Cisco DNA Center deployment models, scaling, and high availability
• Identify Cisco SD-Access fabric protocols and node roles
• Understand the Cisco SD-Access Wireless deployment models
• Automate Day 0 device onboarding with Cisco DNA Center LAN Automation and Network PnP
• Deploy simple Cisco SD-Access fabric networks
• Monitor health and performance of the network with Cisco DNA Center Assurance
• Interact with the Cisco DNA Center Platform Intent APIs

• Field Engineers
• Network Engineers
• Network Administrators
• System Engineers

To fully benefit from this course, you should have the following knowledge and skills:

• CCNP® level core networking knowledge
• Ability to use Windows and Linux CLI tools such as ping, SSH, or running scripts

These are the recommended Cisco offerings that may help you meet these prerequisites:

• Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA®)
• Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR)

Module 1: Introducing Cisco SD-Access

Module 2: Introducing Cisco DNA Center

Module 3: Exploring Cisco SD-Access Solution Components

Module 4: Exploring Cisco SD-Access Wireless Architecture

Module 5: Automating Network Changes with Cisco DNA Center

Module 6: Deploying Fabric Networks with Cisco DNA Center

Module 7: Exploring Cisco DNA Center Assurance

Module 8: Exploring Cisco DNA Center Programmability 

LAB OUTLINE

• Explore Cisco DNA Center User Interface
• Verify Location Identifier Separation Protocol (LISP) Operation in Cisco SD-Access
• Integrate Cisco DNA Center and Cisco Identity Services Engine (Cisco ISE)
• Provision Access Points in Cisco DNA Center
• Provision Underlay Networks with Cisco DNA Center LAN Automation
• Provision Underlay Networks with Cisco DNA Center LAN Automation (cont.)
• Deploy Cisco SD-Access Single Site Fabric
• Deploy Cisco SD-Access Single Site Fabric (cont.)
• Explore Cisco DNA Center Assurance
• Cisco DNA Assurance Issues and Guided Remediation
• Interact with Cisco DNA Center Intent APIs Using Python