Cisco's Enterprise Networking Expedition: Demystifying the CCNP Enterprise Certification

Introduction

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise certification is a highly sought-after credential in the IT industry, specifically designed for network professionals who aim to validate and enhance their skills in enterprise networking technologies. Cisco, a global leader in networking solutions, has tailored this certification to meet the evolving demands of complex enterprise networks.

Designed Audience

The CCNP Enterprise certification is intended for seasoned network professionals with a minimum of three to five years of experience in implementing enterprise networking solutions. This certification is ideal for network engineers, system engineers, and network architects who wish to advance their careers by gaining expertise in designing and implementing Cisco enterprise networks.

Skills Assessed

The CCNP Enterprise certification rigorously evaluates a diverse range of skills essential for proficient networking professionals. Candidates are tested on their ability to illustrate hierarchical network design models and architectures, including access, distribution, and core layers. The certification assesses the comparison and contrast of hardware and software switching mechanisms, encompassing TCAM and CAM, alongside troubleshooting Layer 2 connectivity using VLANs and trunking. Knowledge of protocols like Spanning Tree, Etherchannel, EIGRP, OSPF, and EBGP for routing and redundancy is paramount. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in wireless networking concepts, security architectures, and the utilization of technologies like Cisco DNA Center, SD-Access, and SD-WAN. The certification also covers essential areas such as multicast protocols, Quality of Service (QoS), network programmability with Python, and API usage in Cisco DNA Center and vManage.

Way to Obtain the CCNP Enterprise Certification

Acquiring the CCNP Enterprise certification involves a straightforward process without any specified prerequisites, although candidates commonly possess three to five years of experience implementing solutions for enterprise networks. This certification demonstrates the ability to configure, troubleshoot, and oversee networks for some of the world's largest corporations, proving the capability to adapt and sustain enterprise networks to meet evolving requirements.

To obtain the CCNP Enterprise certification, candidates are required to pass two exams:

350-401 ENCOR Exam (The Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies):

Exam 350-401 assesses your expertise in implementing core enterprise network technologies, covering dual-stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation. This comprehensive examination ensures candidates are well-versed in key aspects essential for effective enterprise network implementation and management. Successfully passing this exam brings candidates closer to obtaining the CCNP Enterprise certification.

Concentration Exam: After successfully completing the core exam, candidates can choose one of the concentration exams based on their specific interests and career goals. Concentration exams cover specialized topics such as advanced routing, wireless design, automation, and more.

Concentration Exam (Select One)

After finishing the Core exam, candidates must choose and successfully pass one Concentration exam based on their specific interests and career goals. They must choose from the following options:

The 300-410 (ENARSI) exam evaluates your proficiency in installing, setting up, managing, and resolving issues related to enterprise networks. This includes expertise in advanced routing, infrastructure technologies, Layer 3 functionality, and VPN services.

The 300-415 (ENSDWI) exam assesses your competence in Cisco's SD-WAN solution, covering aspects such as SD-WAN architecture, the deployment of controllers, policies, and security measures.

The 300-420 (ENSLD) exam validates your understanding of enterprise design, encompassing advanced addressing and routing solutions, sophisticated enterprise campus networks, WAN (Wide Area Network), security services, network services, and Software-Defined Access (SDA).

The 300-425 (ENWLSD) exam demonstrates your expertise in designing wireless networks, covering aspects such as site surveys, both wired and wireless infrastructure, mobility, and high availability of WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network).

The 300-430 (ENWLSI) exam showcases your proficiency in implementing wireless networks, encompassing elements like FlexConnect, Quality of Service (QoS), Multicast, advanced location services, security measures, monitoring, and device fortification.

The 300-435 (ENAUTO) exam highlights your capability to implement automated solutions for enterprises, incorporating programming concepts, Python programming, APIs, controllers, and automation tools.

The 300-440 (ENCC) exam validates an individual's understanding of crafting and executing cloud connectivity solutions, encompassing architectural models, IPsec, SD-WAN, operational aspects, and design principles.

Recertification Process

Recertifying your CCNP Enterprise certification is a strategic move to refine technical skills, enhance networking knowledge, and propel career aspirations. The process involves either passing a professional concentration exam or accumulating 40 Continuing Education (CE) credits. Alternatively, candidates can achieve recertification by accumulating 80 Continuing Education (CE) credits. All recertification requirements must be fulfilled by the certification expiration date. Upon meeting these criteria, the active status is extended for an additional three years, with this cycle continuing each time recertification is accomplished.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CCNP Enterprise certification acts as a guiding light for experienced network professionals aiming to confirm and enhance their proficiency in enterprise networking technologies. With a robust evaluation of diverse skills, ranging from hierarchical network design to advanced routing and automation, this certification empowers professionals to meet the evolving demands of complex enterprise networks. Through passing the core and one specialized concentration exam, achieving the Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification opens doors to career advancement, showcasing a profound understanding of cutting-edge networking solutions and positioning individuals as adept contributors to the future of enterprise networking.

Cisco CCNP Enterprise (350-401) Course Outline

The Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification is a prestigious credential that validates advanced networking skills, making it crucial for IT professionals seeking career advancement. The 350-401 exam, a core requirement for this certification, covers a broad spectrum of topics, from network architecture to automation. Utilizing a video course becomes essential for comprehensive preparation.

ExamSnap provides a diverse range of video courses, catering to various certification exams and professional development needs. This platform, with its user-friendly interface and diverse video course offerings, becomes a valuable resource in achieving success in the CCNP Enterprise certification journey.

The 350-401 exam is the certification test linked with this course. Below is a broad overview or synopsis of the potential content covered in the CCNP Enterprise course:

• The first section of the 350-401 exam delves into the intricacies of network architecture, evaluating candidates' proficiency in diverse design principles and technologies within enterprise networks. To begin, candidates must articulate high-level enterprise network designs, comprehending structures such as 2-tier, 3-tier, fabric, and cloud architectures. Further, a comprehensive understanding of high availability techniques, including redundancy, First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP), and Stateful Switchover (SSO), is essential. Shifting focus to wireless networks, candidates are expected to describe deployment models like distributed, centralized, controller-based, controller-less, cloud, and remote branch architectures. Additionally, they need to grasp the nuances of location services and effectively manage client density in WLAN designs. Moving into the realm of software-defined solutions, candidates should describe the operational principles of both Cisco SD-WAN and SD-Access solutions, covering control and data plane elements, and understanding the benefits and limitations of these technologies. Lastly, the section assesses candidates' ability to interpret wired and wireless Quality of Service (QoS) configurations, encompassing components and policies, and their proficiency in describing both software and hardware mechanisms, such as CAM, TCAM, CEF, RIB, FIB, and adjacency tables.
• The second section of the 350-401 exam refers to virtualization. So, explore device virtualization technologies, encompassing the understanding of various components. This includes comprehending Hypervisor types 1 and 2, which are fundamental to virtualization infrastructure, as well as grasping the intricacies of virtual machines and virtual switching mechanisms. Moving forward, candidates need to be adept at configuring and validating data path virtualization technologies, with a focus on Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) techniques, as well as the implementation and verification of Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) tunneling. Additionally, a thorough knowledge of network virtualization concepts is imperative, involving an explanation of Locator/ID Separation Protocol (LISP) and Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) to comprehend the nuances of network segmentation and scalability in virtualized environments.
• The third Infrastructure section of the 350-401 (Core) exam encompasses a broad range of skills related to networking layers and services. In Layer 2, candidates are tested on their ability to troubleshoot 802.1q trunking protocols and EtherChannels, as well as configure and verify Spanning Tree Protocols, including root guard and BPDU guard. Layer 3 tasks involve comparing routing concepts in EIGRP and OSPF, configuring OSPF environments, and setting up eBGP between connected neighbors. In the Wireless domain, understanding Layer 1 concepts, AP modes, and troubleshooting WLAN configurations is crucial. Lastly, in IP Services, candidates need to interpret NTP configurations, configure NAT/PAT, set up first hop redundancy protocols, and describe multicast protocols.
• The 4th exam domain covers the Network Assurance topic. It focuses on diagnosing and ensuring the health of network environments. Candidates are tested on their ability to use diagnostic tools like conditional debugs, debugs, traceroute, ping, SNMP, and syslog to identify and troubleshoot network problems effectively. Additionally, they must demonstrate proficiency in configuring and verifying Flexible NetFlow, setting up SPAN/RSPAN/ERSPAN for traffic monitoring, and configuring and verifying IPSLA for performance monitoring. Understanding Cisco DNA Center workflows for network configuration, management & monitoring is also assessed. Lastly, candidates need to showcase their skills in configuring and verifying NETCONF and RESTCONF for streamlined network management and automation.
• The 5th topic of the 350-401 exam is about security. It assesses candidates on various aspects of network security. It begins with configuring and verifying device access control through lines, local user authentication, and AAA-based authentication and authorization. Security features related to infrastructure like Access Control Lists (ACLs) and CoPP are tested for configuration and verification. Understanding REST API security is crucial. Wireless security features like 802.1X, WebAuth, PSK, and EAPOL are examined as well. Additionally, candidates need to describe components of network security design, covering next-generation firewall, endpoint security, threat defense, MACsec, TrustSec, and network access control using 802.1X, MAB, and WebAuth.
• The 6th section of the exam evaluates candidates on essential skills for network automation. It covers interpreting Python scripts, constructing JSON-encoded files, and understanding the principles of data modeling languages like YANG. Candidates need to describe APIs for Cisco DNA Center and vManage, understand and interpret REST API responses using Cisco DNA Center and RESTCONF, and construct EEM applets for automated configurations. Furthermore, the exam assesses the ability to compare agent and agentless orchestration tools like SaltStack, Chef, Puppet, and Ansible, providing a comprehensive evaluation of candidates' automation capabilities for network management and configuration.

Cisco CCNP Enterprise Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions

Cisco CCNP Enterprise exam dumps and practice test questions play a vital role in preparing for the CCNP Enterprise certification. These resources provide candidates with a simulated exam environment, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the format and types of questions they'll encounter. By practicing with these dumps from ExamSnap, a popular online platform, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the exam objectives, identify areas of weakness, and improve time management skills. Additionally, ExamSnap’s Cisco CCNP Enterprise exam dumps are invaluable for honing problem-solving abilities and reinforcing conceptual knowledge. However, it's crucial to approach these materials ethically and supplement them with comprehensive study to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the topics. Ultimately, incorporating exam dumps and practice tests into the preparation process enhances a candidate's confidence and readiness to excel in the CCNP Enterprise certification exam.

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