Cisco’s Next-level Certs – The Enterprise Track

Share this post:

To celebrate the release of the new Cisco next-level certifications, let’s enjoy a nice high-level view of each of the tracks! We will go over one track at a time in a series of blog posts on this broad subject.   

We begin with what will most likely be the most popular track – Enterprise. This track is essentially the replacement for the Routing and Switching track that existed before. The major change from that track is the fact that it introduces a wider variety of technologies that go beyond the core routing and switching that is found today in enterprisescale networks. It also seeks to introduce many new cuttingedge technologies that are helping to push information technology ahead faster than ever before.   

NOTE: This is my simplification of the specific exam objectives so that you can acquire a broad overview of the track from beginning to end. For the exact exam objectives in each case, be sure you visit the Cisco Certification site. You should also note that ITProTV has plans for unmatched training on this track beginning to end!  

It all begins with the CCT. Here are the details of coverage here: 

Cisco Certified Technician Routing and Switching (CCT) 

  • Common Cisco equipment 
    • Identify typical interfaces and cabling used by common Cisco devices  
    • Identify specific Cisco products in the portfolio and understand naming conventions 
    • Describe the common component and memory structures used by Cisco devices 
  • Cisco IOS software operation 
  • General networking knowledge  
    • Describe key hardware differences (LAN vs WAN vs Wireless) 
    • Basics of IP addressing 
    • OSI model 
    • Common networking protocols 
  • Service-related knowledge  
    • Using Windows and Linux troubleshooting commands to verify network operation  
    • Use hardware tools to ensure proper network operation 

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) 

  • Network Fundamentals 
  • Network Access 
    • Layer 2 switching topics 
    • Wireless fundamentals  
  • IP Connectivity 
    • Routing tables and decisions 
    • IPv6 and IPv6 static routing  
    • OSPFv2 
    • FHRP 
  • IP Services 
  • Security Fundamentals  
    • Security threats and mitigation  
    • ACLs 
    • Layer 2 security  
    • Wireless LAN security  
  • Automation and Programmability  
    • Controller-based architectures 
    • Cisco DNA Center 
    • REST-based APIs 
    • Automation tools  

Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) 

You can find online training for ENCOR here.

  • Architecture 
    • Design principles 
    • WLANs 
    • Cloud 
    • SD-WAN 
    • SD-Access 
    • QoS 
    • CEF 
  • Virtualization basics  
  • Infrastructure  
    • Layer 2 
    • Layer 3 – OSPF and eBGP 
    • Wireless  
    • IP services 
  • Network assurance  
    • Tools like NetFlow and SPAN 
  • Security 
    • Basic device access 
    • ACLs and CoPP 
    • REST API Security 
    • Wireless security 
    • Network security design technologies  
  • Automation  

Concentration Exams (Pick one)

Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI) 

Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (SDWAN300) 

Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks (ENSLD) 

Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (ENWLSD) 

Implementing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (ENWLSI) 

Implementing Automation for Cisco Enterprise Solutions (ENAUI) 

CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure 

  • Network infrastructure 
  • Software-defined infrastructure  
  • Transport technologies and solutions 
  • Infrastructure security and services 
  • Infrastructure automation and programmability  

CCIE Enterprise Wireless 

  • Radio frequency and standards  
  • Enterprise wired campus 
  • Enterprise wireless network 
  • Wireless security and identity management 
  • Wireless business applications and services 
  • Automation, analytics, and assurance  

Do you have specific questions regarding this Enterprise track? If you are an ITProTV memberthe Edutainers and I are in the ITProTV Forums answering your questions.  

Ready to start preparing for one of these Cisco tracks? CCNP ENCOR episodes are already in the ITProTV course library, with more being created every dayYou can check out ITProTV’s Cisco courses with a free 7 day trial to start learning.