Introduction

The CCNP Core Exam (ENCOR 350-401) is a certification exam for network professionals who want to demonstrate their advanced skills and knowledge in designing, implementing, and operating enterprise-level networks using Cisco technologies. The exam covers a wide range of topics related to network infrastructure, security, automation, virtualization, and network assurance.

Objectives

The main objectives of the CCNP Core Exam are to test the candidate's ability to:

• Design and deploy secure and scalable enterprise networks using Cisco technologies.

• Implement and troubleshoot different network components, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.

• Configure and optimize different network protocols and technologies, such as OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, IPsec, SSL/TLS, and network automation.

• Use different network monitoring and analysis tools to detect and troubleshoot network issues.

• Implement and troubleshoot network security components, such as access control lists, NAT/PAT, VPNs, and IPS/IDS.

• Implement and troubleshoot network access protocols, such as 802.1x and port security.

Target audience

The CCNP Core Exam is intended for network professionals with at least three years of experience in designing, implementing, and operating enterprise-level networks using Cisco technologies. The exam is suitable for network engineers, network administrators, network technicians, and other IT professionals who want to advance their career and demonstrate their expertise in Cisco networking technologies. To prepare for the exam, candidates should have a strong understanding of different network protocols, architectures, and technologies, as well as hands-on experience with Cisco networking equipment and tools.

Requirements to enter CCNP exam

• Valid Cisco CCNA certification: Candidates must have a valid CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification or any Cisco CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) certification. The CCNA certification demonstrates the candidate's basic knowledge and skills in network design, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

• Three to five years of experience: Candidates must have at least three to five years of experience in designing, implementing, and operating enterprise-level networks using Cisco technologies. This experience should cover a wide range of topics, such as network infrastructure, security, automation, virtualization, and network assurance.

• Understanding of exam topics: Candidates should have a strong understanding of the topics covered in the CCNP exam, including network design, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security, automation, and network assurance. Candidates should also have hands-on experience with Cisco networking equipment and tools.

• Passing the core exam: Candidates must pass the CCNP core exam (ENCOR 350-401) and one of the CCNP concentration exams. The core exam covers a wide range of topics related to network infrastructure, security, automation, virtualization, and network assurance.

Training Outlines

Day 1: Network Architecture Fundamentals

• Design principles of enterprise networks
  • High availability
  • Scalability
  • Flexibility
  • Modularity
• Cisco Wireless architectures overview
  • Centralized
  • Distributed
  • Cloud-based
• Introduction to Cisco SD-WAN
  • Transport independence
  • Secure connectivity
  • Simplified management

Day 2: Virtualization Fundamentals

• Virtualization technologies overview
  • Server virtualization
  • Network virtualization
  • Desktop virtualization
• Virtualization techniques comparison
  • Hardware vs Software vs Storage virtualization
• Virtualization infrastructure components
  • Hypervisors
  • Virtual switches
  • Virtual NICs

Day 3: Infrastructure – Layer 2 & Layer 3 Basics

• VLANs and segmentation
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
• Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)
• DHCP and DNS fundamentals
• Troubleshooting Layer 2/3 issues

Day 4: Routing Protocols & VPN Technologies

• Routing protocols comparison
  • OSPF
  • EIGRP
  • BGP
• VPN technologies
  • IPsec
  • SSL/TLS
  • GRE
• Use cases and configuration principles

Day 5: Network Assurance & Monitoring

• Network programmability basics
• REST APIs for network management
• Automation tools overview
• Monitoring tools
  • Syslog
  • SNMP
  • NetFlow
• Network assurance techniques
  • Fault detection
  • Performance monitoring
  • Network analysis

Day 6: Network Security Fundamentals

• Security solutions overview
  • Firewall
  • VPN
  • IDS/IPS
• Security configuration
  • ACLs
  • NAT/PAT
  • VPN setup
• Security protocols
  • Authentication
  • Encryption
  • Key exchange algorithms

Day 7: Network Automation (Fundamentals)

• Automation tools
  • Ansible
  • Chef
  • Puppet
• Automation architectures
  • Centralized
  • Distributed
  • Hybrid
• Automation concepts in network environments

Day 8: Advanced Automation & Protocols

• Network automation protocols
  • NETCONF/YANG
  • RESTCONF
  • JSON-RPC
• Configuration and troubleshooting basics
• Integration with network infrastructure

Day 9: Network Access Technologies

• Wired, wireless, and remote access
• 802.1x authentication
• Port security
• Guest VLANs
• Access architecture comparison
  • Campus network
  • Branch network
  • Remote access network

Day 10: Integrated Review & Practical Scenarios

• End-to-end network architecture review
• Security, automation, and infrastructure integration
• Troubleshooting real-world scenarios
• Best practices and optimization techniques
• Final Q&A and discussion