Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Course Overview

Networking and software are interconnected. People, machines, devices, and applications are all connected through technological applications. Intent-based networking makes it possible for businesses to benefit from the automation to scale which in turn helps in securing the networking infrastructure.

Professionals in the field of networking need a broad skill and focus to understand the strategic areas of technology. The CCNP enterprise certification program is designed to offer a deep understanding to let professionals prove their skills in the continuously evolving sphere of enterprise network technology.

The CCNP is a sought-after certification as it proves the candidate’s mettle in core technology understanding. It also gives candidates a choice to choose their enterprise focus areas based on where their career goals lie.

Benefits of taking the CCNP certification

Are you ready to tackle the complex nature of network solutions? If you wish to advance your skillset then the CCNP Enterprise certification is the right fit for you. The course helps in making you get a clear view of the architecture and also deepens your skills of implementation which is a key talent that is looked for by the enterprise networks.

Here are a few benefits that a professional would acquire after completing the CCNP certification.

• The course is developed by Cisco Systems which trains candidates on how to manage the network infrastructure completely. 
• The certification proves one’s mettle in understanding the workings of things and how it can be used to better the organization's performance
• The CCNP training makes one an expert in the networking field and capable to lead and manage a team effectively. They are now well versed in making decisions like technology investment to maximize profits
• Candidates understand the routing and switching skills, gain knowledge on how to implement the Cisco enterprise networks, and learn ways to design the Cisco enterprise wireless networks
• Network technology is in demand and this opens up various job opportunities

 If you wish to advance your career in the field of network systems then the CCNP certification is the right fit for you.

 Who should opt for the CCNP enterprise training

 The CCNP enterprise training is a professional-level training program from Cisco. It is designed keeping in mind the skillset of network engineers.

• Aspiring or new network engineers with a Cisco network certification can opt for the CCNP enterprise course as they already have gained familiarity with how the enterprise networks and the conventional networks are similar and different from each other. The CCNP enterprise course lets them gain mastery in enterprise networking to kickstart a successful career.

 The course is however optimized keeping the skill set of network engineers in mind who come with a few years of practical experience. It is complex to manage and engineer an enterprise network and the training touches on the core technologies that help to operate and implement the Cisco enterprise network.

 Skills acquired through the CCNP enterprise certification

The participants learn these core skills after completing the CCNP enterprise certification.

 Support a scalable and secure enterprise network architecture by implementing advanced technologies

• Configure the enterprise networks to attain optimized and high-availability performance
• Configure and manage the wireless networks and remote access
• Broaden knowledge of network automation and virtualization.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of advanced techniques of switching, routing, and troubleshooting
• Get the requisite skills to maintain and monitor secure networks
• Learn how to plan, execute, and troubleshoot the enterprise networks

The skills acquired are in demand and serve as a solid foundation for virtualized network functions and physical networks. It proves the candidate’s expertise in Cisco enterprise network solutions.

Understanding the CCNP Enterprise certification examination

The CCNP enterprise examination consists of two parts. The first part covers the concepts of routing, switching, wireless, and other related security topics. It also focuses on the technologies that help the programmable networks that are software-defined. This is the core examination.

The second part of the CCNP enterprise course is the concentration exam. The student has a choice of selecting one module from the list.

Let us now understand each of the modules in detail.

Core Exam

ENCOR - Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies

This training lets candidates appear for the 350-401 ENCOR examination.

The training imparts the skill and knowledge that is required to troubleshoot, configure, and manage the wired and wireless Cisco enterprise networks. It also teaches techniques to overlay the network design through SD-Access and SD-WAN solutions

Benefits 

• Teaches ways to manage, troubleshoot, and configure the wired and wireless networks
• Teaches ways to implement security principles in an enterprise network
• Trains to prepare for the 350-401 ENCOR or the Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies examination

Who is this course suitable for

The course is suited for: 

• Network administrators
• Mid-level network engineers
• Network support technicians
• Help desk technicians

Skills learned from the course

• Candidates can illustrate the architecture and the hierarchical network design model through distribution, access, and core layers
• They can contrast and compare several hardware and software operations and mechanisms and can define the Ternary content
• They learn Addressable Memory (TCAM) and Content Addressable Memory (CAM). They also understand process switching, Cisco express forward concepts, and fast switching
• They can troubleshoot Layer 2 connectivity with trunking and VLANs and can offer implementation of the redundant switched networks with Spanning Tree Protocol
• Candidates can troubleshoot link aggregation with other channels and describe the metrics, features, and path selection concepts of EIGRP
• They can implement and optimize the open shortest path first including packet types and adjacencies. They can also implement external border gateway protocol, path selection, and homed networking, both single and dual
• The course teaches how to implement network redundancy through protocols like HSRP and VRRP and to implement internet connectivity in the enterprise with static and dynamic NAT
• Candidates are capable of describing the server’s visualization technology, can implement overlay technologies like VRF, and can describe the concepts and components of wireless networking. They can describe the wireless deployment models, location services, and wireless roaming
• The course trains one to describe how APS communicates with WLCs and obtain configuration and software management. It also teaches ways to configure and verify EAP, troubled wireless client connectivity, and enterprise networks through SNMP and NTP
• The course explains the use of the available network analysis tools and ways to configure secure administrative access for Cisco IOS devices
• Students learn to implement scalable administration and can describe the architecture of enterprise network security. They can also explain the function, purpose, and features of the Cisco DNA center and the features and components of the Cisco SD-Access solution
• The curriculum gives clear knowledge on how to define the Cisco SD-WAN features and components and describes the purpose and concepts of multicast protocols. It also explains the basic Python components and describes network programmability protocols

Prerequisites

The candidate should be able to:

• Implement the enterprise LAN networks
• Have an understanding of the routing and the wireless connectivity of enterprises
• Have basic knowledge of Python scripting

Concentration exams

ENARSI - Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services v1.0

The training prepares candidates to appear for the 300-410 ENARSI examination.

The ENARSI course teaches how to install, operate, configure, and troubleshoot the Cisco enterprise networks which includes advanced routing and infrastructure technologies.

Is this course right for you?

Before the candidate opts for this course, they should ensure that they have a basic understanding of the network fundaments and ways to implement LANs. They should be able to manage the network devices and know how to secure them. Basic knowledge of network automation is also required.

Who is the course suitable for

• Enterprise network engineers
• System administrators
• System engineers
• Network administrators

Skills acquired on completion of the training

• The course teaches ways to configure the Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol EIGRP and optimize it. It teaches how to troubleshoot it.

• Students learn ways to configure the open shortest path first and optimize and troubleshoot its behavior

• The training teaches ways to implement route redistribution with the filtering mechanism, troubleshoot redistribution, implement path control, configure multiprotocol-border gateway protocol, and optimize and troubleshoot MP-BGP

• Candidates learn how to describe the MPLS features and the architectural components of MPLS VPN. They can identify the packet forwarding and routing functions and explain ways in which the packets are forwarded

• Professionals gain an understanding of implementing the Cisco Internetwork Operating System and can describe tools to secure the IPV6 first hop.
• They can troubleshoot the infrastructure security and the Cisco router security features
• The course teaches candidates to get the knowledge to install, operate, and configure the enterprise network. 

Prerequisite

Before opting for this course one should have a general understanding of the networking fundamentals and knowledge of how to implement the LANS. They should know ways to manage the network devices and secure them. Network automation knowledge is also desired

2. SDWAN300 - Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions

The training prepares candidates for the 300-415 ENSDWI examination.

Who is the course suitable for

The module is best suited to anyone who takes care of IT training. It is also suited for network engineers and associate-level trainees who come with over three years of experience in SD-WAN architecture.

Skills acquired on completion of the training

• The course teaches how to master the software-defined Wide Area Networks. It teaches how to design, deploy, configure, and manage the SD-WANs for large-scale networks
• The student gains mastery of the routing protocols in the data center and is trained to implement advanced application-aware policiesThe course teaches how to migrate from legacy WAN to the SD-WAN. It teaches ways to configure the routing protocol in the data center and the branch. Students learn to implement application-aware policies

• The students are made aware of deployment and migration of the SD-WANs, controller placement, and replacement of the edge devices

• The SD-WAN implement management training program teaches ways to make updates to the live networks like the migration of a large-scale traditional network. It teaches software tools and router configurations and how to write the SD-WAN policies.

• It helps candidates build familiarity with networking, software-defined networking, and Wide Area Networks. The course mainly covers eight topics namely
• architecture, controller deployment, edge router deployment, policies, security, QoS, multicast, and management and operations.

• The curriculum teaches edge devices, security options, advanced configurations, and controller deployment topics.

3. ENSLD - Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks v1.0

The ENSLD module training prepares candidates to appear for the 300-420 ENSLD examination.

Who should attend the course

The course is designed for: 

• Network design engineers
• System administrators
• Network engineers 

Skills acquired on completion of the training

• The ENSLD 300-420 is an examination that certifies that the candidate is knowledgeable on enterprise design and can offer advanced routing and addressing services, WAN, SDA, Advance Enterprise Campus Networks, and Network Services.
• After completing this course the candidate should be able to design the EIGRP, OSPF, and IS-IS internal routing for the enterprise network. They should be able to design a network based on the requirements of the customer. They will be well versant in designing a BGP routing and can describe various uses of MP-BGP address families.
• The course teaches ways to describe BGP, design the BGP network, decide on the L2 and L3 boundary, and describe the layer 2 design considerations for the enterprise campus
• The student will learn how to design the LAN network and describe the layer 3 design. They can now examine the Cisco SD-access fundamental concepts and can describe its fabric design

• The candidates can design the server provider that manages VPNs, and a resilient WAN, examine the Cisco SD-WAN architecture, and explain the concepts of QoS
• The course teaches the principles of multicast and describes the high-level consideration of how IP addressing design is carried out. It teaches to create and plan the IPv6 deployment and describes its challenges.

Prerequisites

The candidate should have earned the CCNA certification. They should have basic network fundamental knowledge and should be able to build simple LANs. They should be aware of the IP addressing and subnets and should be able to route and switch fundamentals. They should also understand the basic networking terminology and concepts.

4. ENWLSD - Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks v1.0

The ENWLSD module trains candidates for the 3300-425 ENWLSD examination.

The course teaches the techniques to plan the advanced designs for Cisco wireless products and networks.

Is this course right for you?

Candidates who wish to attend this course should have some basic knowledge of networking, wireless networks, switching, and routing.

Who should attend the course

The course is best suited for:

• Wireless engineers who work as consulting systems engineers and Network administrators 
• Network engineers
• Network managers
• Sales engineers
• Systems engineers
• Technical solutions architects
• Wireless design engineers
• Wireless engineers

Skills learned from the course

• The candidates who take this course can describe as well as implement the Cisco recommended methodology for structured design

• They are capable of designing and implementing the industry standards, certifications, and amendments and the Cisco enhanced wireless features

• The students are job-ready to implement the wireless design process, specific vertical designs, site survey processes, and network validation processes.

5. ENWLSI - Implementing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks

The ENWLSI training prepares candidates to appear for the 300-430 ENWLSI examination.

The ENWLSI module develops the knowledge and skills to secure the Cisco wireless network infrastructure and troubleshoot any issues related to it. The course teaches ways to implement and secure the wireless network infrastructure, use the Cisco Prime infrastructure, and identify service engines. The curriculum also offers hands-on lab expertise to teach concepts like deploying the Cisco prime infrastructure release and Cisco digital network architecture. It teaches candidates to be well versed with the Cisco prime infrastructure, Cisco identity services engine, and Cisco Connect mobile experience.

Who should attend this course

This course is best suited for: 

• Wireless network engineers
• Sales engineers 
• Network designers

Skills learned from the course

• The candidates learn how to implement the network setting to offer a secure wireless network infrastructure. They are now capable of troubleshooting the security issues related to the infrastructure of the wireless network

• The student learns ways to implement a secure wires client and can troubleshoot the wireless client connectivity issues. They can also troubleshoot the QoS in the wireless network

• After the course completion, one can also implement and troubleshoot the advanced capabilities of the wireless network services

Prerequisites

The candidate should have some basic knowledge of networks, wireless networks, switching, and routing to take this course.

6. ENAUTO - Implementing Automation for Cisco Enterprise Solutions

The ENAUTO course prepares candidates for the 300-435 ENAUTO examination.

The ENAUTO course teaches integrated programmability and automation in the Wide Area Networks and the Cisco-powered enterprise campus. The students after completing the module are well-versed in the programming concepts, telemetry, orchestration, and automation tools. This lets them create an efficient workflow and an agile network

Who should attend this course

The course is best suited fo :

• Network engineers
• Systems engineers
• Network administrators
• Wireless engineers
• Consulting systems engineers
• Network managers
• Technical solutions architects
• Account managers
• Wireless design engineers
• Sales engineers 

Skills learned from the course

• The course makes the candidate well-versed in describing the various APIs and models of the Cisco IOS-XE platform to perform the Day 0 operations and to improve the methods with customized tools. They learn to augment the CLI with scripts and integrate the workflows with Ansible and python.

• The candidate can explain the shift in the paradigm of the model-driven telemetry and they understand the building blocks of a working solution control to automate the Cisco DNA.
• They can demonstrate the workflows, explain the Cisco SD-WAN solution components, implement a Python library, perform monitoring tasks, and can manage the tools to automate the Cisco Meraki managed infrastructure and demonstrate the workflow

Prerequisites 

Before taking the course the candidate should have basic language and programming knowledge and an understanding of visualization. They should be able to use the CLI and Linux tools like Bash and Secure Shell and should have networking knowledge like the CCNP level. The candidate should also have a foundational understanding of Meraki and Cisco DNA.

7. The ENCC training trains candidates to appear in the 300-440 ENCC examination.

The ENCC exam is a new exam introduced by Cisco and it certifies the candidate’s knowledge on designing and implementing cloud connectivity. This includes architectural models, SD-WAN, IPsec, design and operation.

 Why opt for the CCNP course from Lan and Wan Technology 

• Get customized training as per your career goals 
• Choose either the offline or the online courses with an option of self-paced videos or live instructor-led training when getting trained virtually 
• Teaching is delivered through exercise, slides, and with the right balance of theoretical and practical learning
• Students are offered practical demonstrations and discussions on industry-led cases to let them understand the real-life application
• Core-in-depth teaching of the modules is provided by the best teachers in the industry who also come with company experience
• Complete guidance is provided to get certification

Conclusion 

If you wish to succeed in the networking industry then a CCNP enterprise certification is a must. The certification proves your skills to work as a network engineer and is recognized as a standard qualification for IT professionals who wish to enter the networking industry. It also helps candidates move up the career ladder with ease.

FAQ

What is the CCNP enterprise certification?

It takes a lot of experience and knowledge to manage and administer enterprise networks. A CCNP-certified professional implements and operates Cisco enterprise network core technologies. This includes troubleshooting, configuring, and managing the enterprise's wired and wireless networks. They also manage the entire enterprise framework.

Can you broadly define how the training is conducted?

The CCNP enterprise training is divided into two parts. The first part teaches how to implement and operate the enterprise network core technology. The second part focuses on a specialized part of enterprise networking.

What is the eligibility to appear for the CCNP enterprise training?

You need to be a graduate and have a basic understanding of the IT industry. Some fundamental knowledge of routers and one to two years of experience in networking is a must. It is preferred to have a Cisco CCNA certification

List the concentration exams covered in CCNP Training

• Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (300-415 ENSDWI)
• Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks (300-420 ENSLD)
• Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services v1.0 (300-410 ENARSI)
• Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (300-425 ENWLSD)
• Implementing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (300-430 ENWLSI)
• Automating and Programming Cisco Enterprise Solutions (300-435 ENAUTO)
• ENCC (300-440 ENCC)

What is the validity of the CCNP certification?

The CCNP enterprise certification is valid for 3 years. For recertifying oneself the candidate needs to take up the CCNP training or gain credits through the recertification process on Cisco’s education portal.

How many exams do the professionals need to appear for to get CCNP enterprise certification?

The candidate has to appear in one core exam and one concentration exam. They pass only when they clear both examinations.

What happens if the candidate fails the CCNP examination?

The candidate can reappear in the examination in case it is their first attempt. There is a time gap of 5 days post which they can apply for the second attempt.

What is the skill sets that candidates gain after completing the CCNP enterprise certification?

The candidate learns how to configure the wired and wireless networks of the enterprise. They are now well-versed in implementing the security principles of enterprise networks and are capable of overlaying the network design with the SD-WAN and SD-Access. The training also imparts knowledge to troubleshoot and manage the existing enterprise networks.