6.0 Automation and Artificial Intelligence

What this domain tests

Domain 6 is 15% of the ENCOR exam. It has seven topics: Python, JSON, YANG, controller APIs, REST responses, EEM, and orchestration tools.

You do not need to be a software developer. You need to read short scripts, check JSON syntax, read YANG models, and explain API flows.

Each topic asks the same question: can you read or build the automation artifact? For each topic, learn three things:

• Input: the data or event that starts the automation.
• Control point: the script, controller, or device that makes the decision.
• Proof: the output, status code, or command that shows the automation worked.

Note: Do not memorize every API endpoint. Learn the pattern: authenticate, send a request, read the status code, parse the payload.

The seven topics

• 6.1 Python: read a short script and predict its output. Input is structured data. Proof is the printed result.
• 6.2 JSON: build valid JSON. Proof is a parser that accepts the file.
• 6.3 YANG: explain data models. Proof is a payload that matches the model tree.
• 6.4 Controller APIs: describe Catalyst Center and SD-WAN Manager APIs. Control point is the controller. Proof is a token and a JSON response.
• 6.5 REST responses: map status codes to causes. Proof is reading code and payload together.
• 6.6 EEM: build an applet. Input is a device event. Control point is the device itself. Proof is show event manager policy registered.
• 6.7 Orchestration tools: compare agent and agentless tools. Control point is the control node or the agent.

Domain 6 map:

Script (Python) ---- reads/writes ---- JSON payload
     |                                   |
Controller API ---- YANG model ---- NETCONF / RESTCONF
     |
EEM on device ---- event -> actions -> syslog / CLI

Orchestration: Ansible (agentless) vs Puppet / Chef / SaltStack (agent)

How to study this domain

Do these things for every topic:

1. Find the input. Ask: what data or event starts this automation?
2. Find the control point. Ask: what decides the next step?
3. Find the proof. Ask: what output or command shows it worked?

Pass check

You are ready for Domain 6 when you can do these things:

• Read a Python script and predict the printed output.
• Find a JSON syntax error in under one minute.
• Explain why YANG separates configuration from state.
• Name the Catalyst Center token endpoint and the header that carries the token.
• Explain the difference between 401, 403, and 404.
• Write an EEM applet with one event and three actions.
• Explain why Ansible fits network devices better than an agent-based tool.

Sources used

• Cisco ENCOR 350-401 v1.2 exam topics: https://learningcontent.cisco.com/documents/marketing/exam-topics/350-401-ENCORE-v1.2.pdf