Cisco DNA Center is a powerful network management and command center that serves as the foundation for intent-based networking. Provisioning through DNA Center streamlines the deployment and configuration of network devices across an enterprise environment.
The provisioning process in DNA Center b…Cisco DNA Center is a powerful network management and command center that serves as the foundation for intent-based networking. Provisioning through DNA Center streamlines the deployment and configuration of network devices across an enterprise environment.
The provisioning process in DNA Center begins with device discovery, where the platform identifies network devices using protocols like CDP, LLDP, or IP address ranges. Once discovered, devices are added to the inventory and can be assigned to specific sites within the hierarchical network design.
DNA Center uses a hierarchical structure consisting of Areas, Buildings, and Floors. This design allows administrators to apply consistent configurations and policies across different network segments. Templates and profiles can be created at any level and inherited by devices below that level in the hierarchy.
The provisioning workflow includes several key components. Network profiles define the settings for wireless SSIDs, switching configurations, and routing policies. These profiles are associated with specific sites to ensure consistent deployment. Device templates use Jinja2 or Velocity scripting languages to create reusable configuration snippets that can be customized with variables.
Plug and Play (PnP) is a zero-touch provisioning feature that automates the onboarding of new devices. When a new device connects to the network, it contacts DNA Center, receives its configuration, software image, and site assignment automatically. This significantly reduces deployment time and human error.
Software Image Management (SWIM) ensures devices run approved and standardized software versions. Administrators can define golden images for device families and DNA Center handles the distribution and upgrade process.
The platform also supports day-N provisioning for ongoing configuration changes and policy updates. Through REST APIs, DNA Center enables integration with external systems and supports automation scripts for custom provisioning workflows. This programmability aspect allows network engineers to leverage Python and other tools for advanced automation tasks, aligning with modern DevOps practices in network management.
Provisioning with Cisco DNA Center
Why Provisioning with Cisco DNA Center is Important
Provisioning is a critical function in modern network management that allows administrators to deploy configurations, software images, and policies to network devices at scale. In traditional networking, provisioning each device manually is time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to maintain consistently. Cisco DNA Center transforms this process through automation, enabling organizations to manage thousands of devices efficiently while ensuring configuration consistency and compliance.
What is Provisioning with Cisco DNA Center?
Provisioning in Cisco DNA Center refers to the process of deploying configurations, templates, and policies to network devices after they have been discovered and added to the inventory. It encompasses several key capabilities:
• Device Onboarding: Adding new devices to the network fabric • Template Deployment: Pushing CLI-based configurations using templates • Software Image Management (SWIM): Distributing and upgrading device firmware • Policy Deployment: Applying access control and segmentation policies • Plug and Play (PnP): Zero-touch provisioning for new devices
How Provisioning Works in Cisco DNA Center
1. Device Discovery and Inventory Before provisioning, devices must be discovered using CDP, LLDP, IP ranges, or manual addition. Once discovered, devices appear in the inventory with their current status and configuration state.
2. Design Phase Network settings are configured in the Design section, including: • Network hierarchy (sites, buildings, floors) • Network settings (DNS, DHCP, NTP, SNMP, Syslog servers) • Device credentials • IP address pools • Wireless settings
3. Template Editor The Template Editor allows creation of CLI templates using: • Regular templates with static configurations • Composite templates combining multiple templates • Variables and velocity scripting for dynamic content • Template versioning for change management
4. Provisioning Workflow The actual provisioning follows these steps: • Select devices from inventory • Assign devices to sites in the hierarchy • Apply network profiles and templates • Preview configurations before deployment • Schedule or execute the provisioning task • Monitor deployment status and troubleshoot failures
5. Plug and Play (PnP) For new devices, PnP enables zero-touch deployment: • Device boots with factory default configuration • Device contacts PnP server (DNA Center) • DNA Center pushes day-zero configuration • Device becomes fully operational with intended settings
Key Provisioning Features
• Intent-Based Provisioning: Define what you want, and DNA Center determines how to achieve it • Configuration Preview: Review changes before applying them • Rollback Capability: Revert to previous configurations if issues occur • Compliance Checking: Verify devices match intended configurations • Scheduled Deployments: Plan changes during maintenance windows
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Provisioning with Cisco DNA Center
Understand the Workflow Order Questions often test your knowledge of the correct sequence: Design → Policy → Provision → Assurance. Remember that design elements must be configured before provisioning can occur.
Know the Difference Between Discovery and Provisioning Discovery finds devices and adds them to inventory. Provisioning deploys configurations to those discovered devices. These are distinct processes.
Template Editor Knowledge Expect questions about template types and capabilities. Know that composite templates combine regular templates, and variables allow dynamic configuration generation.
Plug and Play Requirements Understand that PnP requires devices to reach the DNA Center through DHCP option 43, DNS resolution, or cloud-based PnP Connect service.
Site Hierarchy Importance Devices must be assigned to sites before certain provisioning tasks can be completed. The hierarchy enables inheritance of settings from parent to child sites.
Common Exam Scenarios • Identifying steps to deploy a new switch using PnP • Understanding when to use templates versus network profiles • Recognizing provisioning prerequisites • Troubleshooting failed provisioning tasks
When answering exam questions, focus on the intent-based approach where administrators define desired outcomes rather than manual device-by-device configuration. DNA Center abstracts complexity while maintaining granular control when needed.