Traditional networks were built for humans accessing applications. But AI networks need to be built for machines talking to machines at massive speed and scale—a fundamentally different operating model. These AI workloads demand ultra-low latency, lossless data transmission, and synchronized communication across massive GPU clusters, all things traditional networks weren’t built for.
But how do you bridge the gap between your traditional network (and perhaps therefore traditional skills) and AI networks?
Network engineers today must understand not only how AI networks operate, but also upskill in their design, automation, and optimization. Here at Learn with Cisco, we’ve compiled our best networking for AI content to help you do just that. Read on to explore how you can evolve and optimize your skills for the AI networking era.
How can I evolve my skills for AI networking?
The trick isn’t to start all over, but to build on what you already know. Whether you’re just learning about automation or you just need to pick up a few new skills, this is where your evolution begins.
We’ve got both quick-win tutorials—free—that you can squeeze in during a lunch break, as well as longer Learning Paths that include courses, labs, and assessments.
(Note: If you’re already certified, Learning Paths often include Cisco Continuing Education (CE) Credits awarded after completion to help you recertify.)
AI Networking and Automation Learning Paths
- Automating Networks Using Cisco Platforms | CCNAAUTO (Beginner, 32h 30m): Formerly known as DEVASC, this is the first step for network engineers moving into automation. This Learning Path prepares you for the 120-minute 200-901 CCNAAUTO exam associated with the CCNA Automation Certification (formerly known as the DevNet Associate certification).
- Understanding Cisco Network Automation Essentials | DEVNAE (Beginner, 28h 40m): Foundational automation knowledge—approachable, accessible.
- Programming for Network Engineers | PRNE (Beginner, 21h 40m): The programming skills layer—”evolving” a traditional network engineer’s toolkit.
- Cisco SD-WAN Operation and Deployment | SDWFND (Beginner, 11h 25m): Operational networking knowledge that bridges to AI-era WAN needs.
- AI Simulators – Building Business and Troubleshooting Skills (Skillsoft) (Beginner, 3h 20m): Low-commitment entry point — approachable, cross-skill friendly.
- Cisco AI Technical Practitioner | AITECH (Intermediate, 15h 28m): Start integrating AI and earn the AI Technical Practitioner Certification when you pass the 2-hour 810-110 AITECH exam.
Hands-on AI and Automation Tutorials
- Introduction to Spec-Driven Development: Build a Project Without Writing Code (Beginner, 53m): Streamlined, automated workflows directly aligned to rapid network configuration generation.
- Run Your Own LLM Locally For Free and with Ease (Beginner, 15m): Quick-win tutorial — gets hands-on with AI fast.
- Cisco Silicon One for AI Networking | DCSOAI (Beginner, 2h 22m): Quick, specific, and directly aligned to AI networking hardware.
How can I optimize networks for AI-scale demands?
AI training isn’t just about speed — it’s about synchronization, lossless transmission, and eliminating congestion across every node.
These resources take you inside the fabric: automation systems, telemetry strategies, and infrastructure design patterns that keep AI workloads running at peak efficiency.
Advanced Learning Paths for AI-scale network optimization
- Designing, Deploying, and Managing Network Automation Systems | AUTOCOR (Intermediate, 25h 55m): Advanced automation—designing the systems, not just using them.
- Automating and Programming Cisco Enterprise Solutions | ENAUTO (Intermediate, 22h 53m): Enterprise-scale automation—the “optimize” layer for production environments.
- Automating Cisco Data Center Networking Solutions | DCNAUTO (Intermediate, 42h 49m): Data center automation—directly tied to AI fabric optimization.
- Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure | DCACI (Beginner, 35h 17m): ACI as the policy-driven fabric foundation for AI workloads.
- AI Solutions on Cisco Infrastructure Essentials | DCAIE (Beginner, 33h 52m): The full picture—AI solutions running on optimized Cisco infrastructure.
- Cisco Data Center Nexus Dashboard Essentials | DCNDE (Intermediate, 41h 55m): Telemetry, visibility, and fabric management—the “optimization cockpit.”
Technical Tutorials for Fabric Automation & Telemetry
- Next-Gen Flow Telemetry for a Modern Data Center with Cisco Nexus Dashboard (Beginner, 51m): Hands-on tutorial directly tied to congestion management and visibility.
- Template Configurations with Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (Intermediate, 35m): Automation at the fabric level—efficiency in practice.
- Build an MCP Server to Manage Cisco Devices (Intermediate, 40m): AI-assisted device management—where AI and networking converge.
- Automate AI Deployments with GitHub Actions and OpenShift (Intermediate, 55m): CI/CD for AI—optimizing the deployment pipeline.
- Introduction to AI Vulnerabilities (Intermediate, 35m): Security angle—optimization isn’t just performance, it’s resilience.
For beginners: Cisco Networking Academy
Learn with Cisco has content for students who are new to networking, too. Learning Python is no longer just an “extra” skill—it is the foundational language that bridges traditional hardware management with modern AI-native networking. Get Started with Python Essentials 1—free from Cisco Networking Academy.
If you’re completely new to AI, you’ll want to check out the Apply AI Learning Collection to both familiarize yourself with new technical concepts and build professional skills you can start using right away on the job.
Cross the bridge to the AI networking era
Every piece of content here is a step on your bridge to the AI networking era. Whether you’re just getting started with network automation or ready to optimize a data center fabric for AI-scale demands, Learn with Cisco has the training to help you get there.
How prepared do you feel for AI networking? Which content do you think will help you the most? Tell us in the comments!
