In this post, we’ll look at the top 5 networking credentials you need to obtain in 2020. Let’s discuss them right away.

1. Wireshark Certified Network Analyst – WCNA

Wireshark University was founded in 2007. The institution provides one certificate, but it’s going to be worth all the effort. WCNA validates the skills and knowledge of the network analysts by using Wireshark and network security, network troubleshooting, and TCP/IP network communications. To get this certification, the students must pass one exam. The WCNA-102.x test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that you must complete in 2 hours. You also need to pay a fee of $299.

This credential is valid for three years, and you should get 20 continuing professional education credits every year to maintain it. The credits must focus on functions associated with the WCNA exam domains such as analysis and sniffing. You can participate in the Black Hat conference or SharkFest. You may also need to study for the test with the training program to get the CPEs.

2. SolarWinds Certified Professional – SCP

SolarWinds is a tech company based in Austin. This organization allows the IT professionals and businesses to get access to tools, solutions, and products. They use these resources to enhance performance, monitor, and find solutions to real-world issues. SolarWinds provides solutions in various areas, such as system management, network management, security database management, Cloud, and IT help desk.

Currently, the company provides one certification, known as SCP (SolarWinds Certified Professional). The credential is designed to prove one’s expertise, knowledge, and skills in using the network management product portfolio or SolarWinds system management. The students can opt to test for the certificate on the Server and Application Monitor or the Network Performance Monitor paths. In any case, they need to pass one exam. The certification test includes 75 questions that should be answered within 90 minutes.

The company seeks to ensure that the SCP holders maintain their knowledge base. This is because new technology products are being produced. To achieve this, SolarWinds obliges the certified specialists to uphold the SolarWinds subscription. The professionals with the SCP certification are required to attend training and events organized by this organization. With this subscription, the individuals get access to online training courses, are invited to online and in-person events, get improved support and a chance to study with the SolarWinds experts. You need to pay $200 as a yearly subscription. The SCP credential expires after 3 years in case an applicant doesn’t maintain the subscription and doesn’t take part in the training.

3. CompTIA Network+

It is an entry-level certification. It is designed for the individuals in the IT industry who want to upgrade their resume. It is also meant for the beginners in the networking field. This vendor-neutral certificate serves as a springboard for many professional networking credentials. Given that it is an entry-level certification, there are no requirements for taking the CompTIA N10-007 test. The exam contains 90 questions, and the duration for completing it is 90 minutes. Furthermore, there are numerous resources that will help you prepare for this test. Also, please note that you’ll need to pay $329.

4. Cisco Certified Network Professional – CCNP

CCNP is available in different paths, such as Enterprise, Collaboration, Security, Service Provider, Data Center, and Cisco Certified DevNet Professional. To get any credentials in these categories, the individuals must first obtain CCNA. After earning CCNP for the networking professionals, you can proceed to pursue another specialty in the CCNP tracks. If you are planning to earn CCNP Enterprise, for example, you’re required to pass one core exam (350-401 ENCOR) and one from six available concentration tests.

Remember, Cisco recently updated its certification program by retiring some certificates and introducing new ones. These new changes took effect on February 24, 2020. CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE were affected. For example, the most popular CCNA R&S and CCNP R&S credentials have been retired and replaced with other certifications. The replacements are CCNA Enterprise and CCNP Enterprise, respectfully.

5. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert – CCIE

It is among the top-paying networking certifications. It involves a number of critical networking paths. These tracks include Enterprise Infrastructure, Enterprise Wireless, Data Center, Security, Service Provider, Collaboration, and CCDE. It’s important to point out that getting this credential requires rigorous and serious work. However, the outcome is worth the investment and effort.

The Cisco CCIE certificates have the capability to open many job opportunities and high earning potential. To obtain one, you need to pass some exams. There are no specific requirements for taking the written test. Once you pass it, you can sit for the lab exam. You must pass the written test to qualify for the lab one. If you don’t pass this hands-on exam within 3 years, you will need to take it again.

Conclusion

There are numerous options for the networking experts to pursue apart from these five. For instance, you can take the Open Linux Networking credential, known as CCONP (Cumulus Certified Open Networking Professional). Even though it’s not available in our list, JNCIE-ENT (Juniper Enterprise Routing and Switching – Expert) is another great certification for those specialists who want to learn about Juniper technologies.

As you can see, the networking professionals have many credentials to consider. Please note that an IT certification can create a huge difference in one’s career advancement. 2020 seems to have many surprises for the IT industry. If you want to advance your career in this field, you need to take these top networking certificates. Get ready to pass one or two tests and take advantage of numerous possibilities in your IT career. It’s good to point out that getting the credentials is challenging. Therefore, you need to use the right study materials to prepare for the prerequisite exams.

Created for experienced data center networking professionals possessing advanced knowledge of the Juniper Networks Junos software and data center devices, this written exam ensures success and an appropriate certification in case of candidates’ understanding of data center technologies, related platform configuration, and troubleshooting skills.

It is advisable for candidates to study the recommended instructor-led training courses, as well as the additional resources because JNCIP-DC exam topics are based on the content of these materials. Of course you shouldn’t forget that JNCIP-DC certification is valid for three years and recertification is achieved by passing the JN0-680 exam. This two-hour exam contains 65 multiple-choice questions and is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

The topics which are important to review before passing the exam are following:

• Data Center Deployment or Management
• Multichassis LAG
• Mixed Virtual Chassis
• Virtual Chassis Fabric
• IP Fabric
• VXLAN
• EVPN VXLAN Signaling
• Data Center Interconnect

Superficial knowledge isn’t supposed to be sufficient for attaining Juniper Networks certification. So it’s recommended to pass some effective trainings and make a close study of additional resources given here.

What’s So Great About NetApp?

NetApp, the name which stands for Network Appliances, is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Yes, this is another technology superstar from the Silicon Valley. Founded in 1992, NetApp is a reputable computer storage and data management company.

Here’s a bit of NetApp product history lesson. When the company was just developing, its flagship product was the line of NetApp filers. A filer is a type of disk storage device which owns and controls a filesystem, and presents files and directories to hosts over the network. This scheme is sometimes called file storage, as opposed to the block storage frequently provided by other vendors, like EMC.

NetApp’s filers initially used NFS and CIFS protocols based on standard local area networks (LANs), whereas block storage consolidation required storage area networks (SANs) implemented with the Fibre Channel (FC) protocol. In 2002, in an attempt to increase market share, NetApp added block storage access as well. Today, NetApp systems support it via FC protocol, the iSCSI protocol, and the emerging Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) protocol.

The filers use NetApp’s proprietary operating system called Data ONTAP which includes code from Berkeley Net/2 BSD Unix, Spinnaker Networks technology, and other operating systems. Data ONTAP originally only supported NFS, but CIFS, iSCSI and Fibre Channel (including Fibre Channel over Ethernet) were later added. Today, NetApp provides two variants of Data ONTAP. Data ONTAP 7G and a nearly complete rewrite called Data ONTAP GX, based upon grid technology acquired from Spinnaker Networks. In 2010, these software product lines were merged into one OS – Data ONTAP 8, which folded Data ONTAP 7G onto the Data ONTAP GX cluster platform. Data ONTAP 8 has two distinct operating modes – 7-Mode and Cluster-Mode. Learn more about NetApp products here.

As the popularity and demand for NetApp products required qualified professionals to deal with the increasing sophistication of NetApp solutions, the company followed other vendors in launching its own certification program. NetApp certification program was developed to distinguish professionals who are highly skilled in managing and deploying NetApp technologies. Now, let’s take a closer look at the new NetApp credentials released this month.

NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer – Data Protection (NS0-511)

NetApp Certified Backup and Recovery Implementation Engineer credential validates that its holders have proven skills in positioning NetApp disaster recovery solutions, assessing customer storage requirements, and implementing backup and recovery solutions.

NCIE-B&R Requirements
In order to achieve NCIE certification, you must first complete the requirements for the NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA), which requires that you pass any of the following:

• NetApp Certified 7-Mode Data Administrator (NS0-155) exam
• NetApp Certified Clustered Data ONTAP Administrator (NS0-156) exam
• NetApp Certified Data Administrator, Clustered Data ONTAP (NS0-157) exam (replaces NS0-156 in May 2015)

If you have already passed the NCIE exam, you must still also pass the NCDA before being granted the NCIE credential.
The new NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer – Data Protection exam (NS0-511) will be available in May 2015, and will replace the current NS0-510 exam.

Exam Objectives: NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer – Data Protection (available May 2015 – will replace NS0-510)

• Data ONTAP Data Protection Administration (ILT)
• Technical Overview of SnapVault on Clustered Data ONTAP (WBT)
• Planning and Installing the SnapProtect Solution (WBT)
• NetApp Snap Creator Framework Integration and Administration (WBT)
• Technical Overview of OnCommand Workflow Automation (WBT)
• Technical Overview of OnCommand Management Solutions (WBT)

NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer – SAN, Clustered Data ONTAP (NS0-506)

What’s this credential about? NetApp Certified SAN Implementation Engineers have proven skills in understanding customer storage requirements, implementing Fibre Channel and iSCSI SAN solutions, and integrating different operating systems and applications such as Microsoft® Exchange, Microsoft SQL Server™, DB2®, and Oracle®.

NCIE-SAN Requirements

In order to achieve your NCIE certification, you must first complete the requirements for the NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA), which includes the new exam. NS0-506 exam.

NS0-506 Exam Objectives: NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer – SAN, Clustered Data ONTAP (available May 2015 – will replace NS0-504)

• SAN Fundamentals on Data ONTAP (WBT)
• SAN Design (WBT)
• SAN Implementation – Switch Configuration (WBT)
• NetApp Unified Connect Technical Overview and Implementation (WBT)
• SAN Implementation (ILT)
• Architecting SAN on NetApp Storage (ILT)

Summing up, Network Appliance may not be the vendor name you hear often when it comes to IT certifications, however, it delivers some of the highly reputable professional credentials, which hiring managers love to see on a resume. If you think that NetApp might be the certification choice for you, visit Examcollection to see which NetApp exam dumps we have available in our free and Premium VCE sections. Comment to share your feedback!

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the new VMware vSphere 6 certification roadmap. Here it is:

So what’s so different about the new vSphere 6 certification roadmap? First of all, it’s the fact that VMware replaces the VMware Certified Advanced Profession (VCAP) with VMware Certified Implementation Expert (VCIX) level. The VCIX level has been first introduced with the NSX and from the vSphere 6 VCAP would be replaced with VCIX.

Furthermore, VMware introduces its first beta exam: vSphere 6 Foundations Beta Exam, which will be associated with the VCP credentials, including VCP6-DCV, VCP6-CMA, VCP6-DTM, VCP6-NV. These certifications also require one more exam each (new exams specially tailored for vSphere 6), however, the new beta version Foundations exam is drawing more attention.

VCP- Level Certifications

Let’s take a closer look at the VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certifications. All of them will now have 2 exams:

•  “Foundation” exam (2V0-620) that is online and covers the basics of vSphere/virtualization. The exam consists of 100 questions: single choice, multiple choice, proctored etc. vSphere 6 Foundation exam fee was announced as $50.
• “Elective” exam that (combined with the Foundation) will grant the VCP-level certification.

The Foundation exam covers basic vSphere requirements and validates the basic knowledge and understanding of vSphere 6.

The second, ‘elective’ exams differ depending on the credential and specialization chosen.

 VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)

VMware’s VCP6-DCV credential validates candidates’ skills and capabilities of configuring, administering and scaling a vSphere virtualized data center. VCP6-DCV certification holders are expected to deploy, consolidate, and administer virtualization technologies including vSphere HA and DRS Clusters, storage virtualization using VMFS, Storage DRS and Storage I/O Control, network virtualization using vSphere standard and distributed switches and Network I/O Control, vSphere management using vCenter Server and vRealize Operations Manager Standard, and Virtual Machines.

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Cloud Management and Automation (VCP6-CMA)

VCP6-CMA certification has been designed for candidates looking to validate their skills and experience deploying and configuring vRealize Automation into a vSphere virtualized data center, using vRealize Automation and related technologies to deploy and manage services across a multi-vendor, multi-cloud infrastructure.

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Desktop and Mobility (VCP6-DTM)

VCP6-DTM is checks and validates candidates’ abilities to deploy and configure Horizon with View into a vSphere virtualized data center, and to use View and related technologies to deploy and manage virtual desktops and applications through a single platform.

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Network Virtualization (VCP6-NV)

VCP6-NV covers and tests every aspect of knowledge candidates need to install, configure, and administer a vSphere data center virtualized with VMware NSX, demonstrating creation and administration of a virtual network including Layer 2 switching and both static and dynamic Layer 3 routing, virtual network devices, and edge services such as DHCP, DNS, and NAT.

Although the certification program has just been rolled out this spring, serious candidates need to start their VMware VCP6 exam preparation. First of all, VMware recommends that candidates have at least 6 months’ experience with vSphere 6. This isn’t required, and you can take required courses and exams any time, this requirement demonstrates that candidates are expected to be fully proficient in vSphere 6. If you’re unsure of how the new vSphere 6 differs from vSphere 5, check out this post or consider taking this brief course (also recommended by VMware as an upgrade option to vSphere 6 certifications).

Launched on February 28, 2015, the new exam version (N10-006) covers approaches to networking and network technologies used today. Compared to the previous version of the exam, the new Network+ puts a greater emphasis on practical knowledge, especially how to identify and use elements of a network infrastructure. Just like all other CompTIA exams, the N10-006 is vendor neutral, which makes it especially attractive to many users. The new exam contains up to 100 questions (more than the old one) within the same time frame: 90 minutes.

What makes the new Network+ exam N10-006 different:

• Additional & expanded IPv6 concepts.
• Emphasis on troubleshooting.
• Additional security knowledge.
• Emphasis on Administering key systems.
• 3 brand new topics (see below)

So if you are planning to take the N10-006 exam, you should keep in mind all newer terms and technologies in the IT networking field. Remember that you are now expected to have more hands-on experience like installing, configuring, implementing, managing and troubleshooting.

There have been 3 new exam topics added. These are:

• Compare and contrast physical security controls.
• Summarize basic forensic concepts.
• Summarize safety practices.

All in all, Network+ is growing stronger, the exam is becoming harder, which makes the credential even more desired by employers worldwide. Companies such as Dell, HP, Ricoh, Sharp and Xerox recommend or require CompTIA Network+ for their networking technicians. It is also a technical prerequisite option for IT technicians seeking to join the Apple Consultants Network, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense.  The CompTIA Network+ce program is included in the scope of this accreditation, and may be kept current through the CompTIA Continuing Education program.

This may be a promotional video of CompTIA, so beware of the strong marketing angle, but it does justice to this credential: Network+ is indeed the best certification for networking professionals.

So, study up and put the N10-006 exam on your 2015 to-do list.

What is Network Forensics?

With a number of cybercriminals and cyber crimes steadily growing (no surprise as more and more various operations are conducted online), there is little wonder that digital forensics is on the rise. From government and law enforcement agencies to private companies and international corporations, digital security and forensics professionals are highly in demand. If you’re eying this career,  you need to know that network forensics experts should be capable of blocking the majority of system attacks, as well as, more importantly, to implicate the aggressors who manage to penetrate the system, or commit a cybercrime.

Cybercriminals become harder and harder to identify as their get better at hiding their traces, so they are harder to identify. Network forensics collects data from network traffic and analyzes it for threats or intrusions. As a result, a good network forensics expert should have a very solid understanding of how the system is built, as well as possess great analytical skills and understand the trends of how traffic flows.

GNFA Certification

Previously, there has been no certification to validate the skills in network forensics. Recently,GAC has announced the very first credential of such kind, GNFA (GIAC Network Forensics Analyst), which will be available starting this Monday, November 3, 2014.

The GNFA certification was developed for professionals who want to validate their qualification to perform examinations employing network forensic artifact analysis. This requires 100% understanding of the fundamentals of network forensics, normal and abnormal conditions for common network protocols, the process and tools used to examine device and system logs, wireless communication and encrypted protocols.

GNFA Exam Will Cover the Following Topics/Objectives:

• Common Network Protocols – understanding of the behavior, security risks and controls of common network protocols.
• Encryption and Encoding – techniques and practices used to encode and encrypt common network traffic and common attacks on these controls.
• NetFlow Analysis and Attack Visualization – the use of NetFlow data and information sources to identify network attacks.
• Network Analysis Tools and Usage – open source packet analysis tools and their purpose to effectively filter and rebuild data streams for analysis.
• Network Architecture – design and deployment of a network employing diverse transmission and collection technologies.
• Network Protocol Reverse Engineering – the tools and techniques required to analyze diverse protocols and data traversing a network environment.
• Open Source Network Security Proxies – the architecture, deployment, benefits and weaknesses of network security proxies, common log formats and flow of data in a network environment.
• Security Event and Incident Logging – various log formats, protocols and the security impact of the event generating processes; configuration and deployment strategies to secure and position logging aggregators and collection devices throughout a network environment.
• Wireless Network Analysis the process to identify and control the risks associated with wireless technologies, protocols and infrastructure.

GNFA exam and certification are available starting November 3, 2014.

Network Programmability certifications are a great way to enhance your network skills and your value as an employee. There are total of 4 certifications for Network Programmability Specialists:

• Business Application Engineer Specialist
• Network Application Developer Specialist
• Network Programmability Designer Specialist
• Network Programmability Engineer Specialist

Each certification requires candidates to pass 2 exams (see details below). While only one of them (Business Application Engineer Specialist) does not have any formal prerequisites, the Network Application Developer Specialist credential requires candidates to have any valid CCNA, and the remaining certifications ( the Network Programmability Designer Specialist and Network Programmability Engineer Specialist) are only open to CCNP holders.

In this video from Cisco, the project manager of Cisco Network Programmability Specialist Certifications gives an overview of these credentials:

Cisco Business Application Engineer Specialist

The Cisco Business Application Engineer Specialist certification targets application engineers involved in designing, developing and building business applications and are willing to leverage the programmability capability of the new open network environment as well as the API in order to collect information from the network. This credential helps application engineers enhance their networking skills through foundational networking knowledge and foundational knowledge of the Programmability features.

To become Cisco Certified Business Application Engineer Specialist, candidates need to pass 2 exams: 600-501 NPIBA and 600-509 NPIBAACI (coming soon later this year).

Cisco Network Application Developer Specialist

The Cisco Network Programmability Developer Specialist certification has been developed for software programmers who focus on the development of the network applications layer, which can live in any of the Cisco provided programmable components, and will enable service provider, campus, and data center use cases. This credential equips candidates with the indispensable foundation skills required to develop network applications in popular programmable environments. Candidates who would like to pursue this certification should be able to program in Python, C, or other languages in an open networking environment, as well as hold any valid CCNA certification.

Those willing to become Cisco Network Programmability Developer Specialists need to pass the following exams: 600-502 NPDEV and 600-510 NPDEVACI (600-510 exam will be available later this year).

Cisco Network Programmability Designer Specialist

Cisco Network Programmability Design Specialist credential is suitable for engineers who possess both architectural and application development expertise. Within this certification, candidates learn to better collect customer requirements and use this information combined with knowledgeable about the applications to leverage the infrastructure and translate requirements into a recommended open infrastructure. The holders of this certification are able to have architecture-level conversations with senior-level application developers and network programmability developers. Cisco Network Programmability Design Specialist certification is only open to CCNP holders. Required exams: 600-503 NPDES and 600-511 NPDESACI (coming soon).

Cisco Network Programmability Engineer Specialist

The Cisco Network Programmability Engineer Specialist is for engineers who deploy network applications into a programmable environment and make them operational. Key skills covered with this certification include implementing and troubleshooting an open network infrastructure designed by the network designers and architects. This certification is only open to CCNP holders. Candidates must pass the 600-504 NPENG and 600-512 NPENGACI exams to become Cisco Network Programmability Engineer Specialists.

Which Cisco Network Programmability certification draws your attention? Any plans to boost your career with one of them?

What’s The Story With Brocade Networking?

Brocade is really pushing its virtual routing products – both software and routers. This is definitely worth looking into since Brocade Vyatta vRouters and VCS Fabric technology enable NFV in data centers and support efficient and elastic network architectures that can scale up or down to match current application needs in dynamic workload situations. Obviously, this results in significant reduction in hardware costs for network infrastructure – according to Brocade, these savings can go up as high as 90%. It also allows for better usage of the data center and networking resources. More info about Brocade technology is available here.

So, for now, becoming Brocade Certified vRouter Engineer (BCVRE) is free. This offer also includes a 60-day free trial of the Brocade Vyatta vRouter software plus free online training. Then you take the exam and end up with a Brocade Certified vRouter Engineer (BCVRE) credential.

Once you register for the exam, you will get access to the online course materials and study guides for your exam preparation.

BCVRE Exam Objectives:

Brocade Vyatta vRouter System Operations

• Describe show command system usage
• Identify key CLI operations
• Describe the commit and save processes

Ethernet Concepts

• Identify Ethernet operations
• Identify VLAN operations and settings
• Identify bonded interface operations
• Demonstrate knowledge of configuration and operation using show commands

TCP/IP

• Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between Layer 2, IP and TCP/IP
• Identify TCP and UDP differences
• Identify address subnets

DHCP and DNS Troubleshooting

• Describe troubleshooting of DHCP operations
• Describe troubleshooting of DNS forwarding

Routing

• Identify uses for routing
• Identify show commands for use with routing
• Identify configuration of different types of static routes

Firewalls

• Describe firewall operations and troubleshooting using show commands
• Describe firewall rulebase operations

NAT

• Describe NAT concepts

Upgrades

• Describe the Brocade Vyatta upgrade process

Logging and Packet Captures

• Identify logging options for firewall and NAT operations
• Identify methods to verify operations and troubleshooting

OSPF Single-Area

• Describe OSPF show command output
• Describe how to configure OSPF

From what we can see this is a good NFV certification – even if the exam hadn’t been free. There is a lot of potential to this latest Brocade technology, so if you are interested in software defined networking, just go and register for the exam now!

Background info:

Brocade is a San Jose, CA based technology company that specializes in data and storage networking products. Founded in 1995 and gone public in 1999, Brocade’s product portfolio includes network-attached storage, storage area network (SAN) directors and switches, data center switches, Virtual Cluster Switching, software-defined networking, network virtualization, and more. Brocade’s certification program validate the knowledge and skills in the company’s products, as well as overall understanding of the networking landscape, data and storage concepts and other related fields.

The last day to test for both the CCIE Written exam v4.0 (350-001) and Lab exam v4.0 will be June 3, 2014. The CCIE R&S Written and Lab exam v5.0 will be available from June 4, 2014 onwards. So, if you’ve been preparing for the current version of CCIE exams, you still have 6 months to register and take CCIE exams v4.0.

The new Cisco expert level training materials are planned to be released next month.

New Exam Topics and Changes

The new exam curriculum organizes the topics into 6 large domains, which basically means full restructuring (note that v4.0 currently has 11 sections). V5.0 curriculum will include the following domains:

• Network Principles – foundational topics covered on the Written exam only.
• Layer 2 Technologies – LAN switching and WAN circuit technologies.
• Layer 3 Technologies – interior and exterior routing protocols (RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, ISIS, BGP), addressing, Layer 3 multicast, fundamental routing concepts.
• VPN Technologies – tunneling (MPLS’sL2andL3 VPN, DMVPN, IPv6Tunneling) and encryption (IPsecwithpre9 shared key for both the Written and Lab exam and GET VPN for the Written exam only) sub-domains.
• Infrastructure Security – Device Security and Network Security (both focusing on features supported on ISR routers and Catalyst 3Ks witches). Excludes topics that rely on dynamic crypto (PKI) or on any remote servers
• Infrastructure Services – System Management, Network Services, Quality of Services(QoS) and Network Optimization. Layer2 QoS topics are included in the Written exam only,supporting the Lab exam to focus on platform independent concepts.

You should also keep in mind the weighting factors for each of the six domains. They represent the relative amount of subject knowledge and focus that should be expected in each area for either the Written or the Lab exam. The most important domain is Level 3 Technologies, with 40% weight.

Topics Added to the CCIE Routing and Switching v5.0 Written Exam:

• Describe basic software architecture differences between IOS and IOS XE
• Identify Cisco Express Forwarding Concepts
• Explain General Network Challenges
• Explain IP, TCP and UDP Operations
• Describe Chassis Virtualization and Aggregation Technologies
• Explain PIM Snooping
• Describe WAN Rate-based Ethernet Circuits
• Describe BGP Fast Convergence Features
• ISIS (for IPv4 and IPv6)
• Describe  Basic Layer2 VPN-Wireline
• Describe BasicL2 VPN-LAN Services
• Describe GET VPN
• Describe IPv6 Network Address Translation

Topics Added to the CCIE Routing and Switching v5.0Written and Lab Exams:

• Use IOS Troubleshooting Tools
• Apply Troubleshooting Methodologies
• Interpret Packet Capture
• Implement and Troubleshoot Bidirectional Forwarding Detection
• Implement EIGRP (multi-address) Named Mode
• Implement, Troubleshoot and Optimize EIGRP and OSPF Convergence and Scalability
• Implement and Troubleshoot DM VPN (single hub)
• Implement and Troubleshoot IP sec with pre-shared key
• Implement and Troubleshoot IPv6 First Hop Security

Lab Equipment and IOS Software List

Cisco’s new CCIE Lab exam tests any feature that can be configured on the following equipment and the IOS Software releases indicated below. You may see equivalent platforms and more recent IOS versions installed in the lab, but you will not be tested on the new features of a release unless indicated below.

• Cisco ISR 2900 Series routers running IOS version 15.3T Universal Software release
• Catalyst 3560X Series switches running IOS version 15.0SE Universal (IP Services) Software release

As this is the case with modern Cisco exams, the CCIE Routing and Switching Lab exam environment is fully virtualized and no actual hardware platform is being used.

Do visit Cisco website for more details and best of luck for your CCIE R&S certification.

Let’s take a closer look at them to reply the query: CCNA or Network+? Is it worth having both? If yes, then why and in which order? But first, what’s the difference between the two?

Scope

• CompTIA Network+ Certification: demonstrates one’s knowledge of networking features and functions, including network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management, and security.

• Cisco’s CCNA Routing and Switching Certification: validates the candidate’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.

Not to jump to any conclusions just yet, but the descriptions suggest Network+ being a fundamental certification, with CCNA R&S validating more advanced knowledge and proven hands-on experience.

Vendor Relationship

The biggest difference between these certifications is the fact that Network+ has been developed as a vendor neutral certification. It provides candidates with knowledge and understanding of networking in general, and you can apply this knowledge to most networks.

CCNA, on the other hand, was specifically designed for Cisco’s networking technology and products. Although the program does cover other networking topics too, the difference and the focus are obvious.

Exam Difficulty

Many network specialists tend to choose Network+ certification because it’s said to be easier to pass. In truth, it does provide more basic knowledge and understanding of concepts compared to CCNA. Similarly, those who have passed Network+ with flying colors may be seriously disappointed if they expect the same level of difficulty from CCNA.

Let’s face it: CCNA isn’t a joke. It is hard. This is why it is so valued by employers. Even though it is an ‘entry level’ test, you should have 1-3 years of networking experience to attempt it. CCNA requires lots of studying, as well as practical experience (and you should really get your hands on some Cisco routers and switchers, even if those low end ones – to have some experience with their technology. It’s not something to get away with looking up a few articles online). In contrast, many users share their experience of passing Network+ after ‘reading a book or two’.

Yet, don’t be fooled into thinking that Network+ is a no-brainer, because it isn’t. CompTIA recommend having an A+ certification and nine months networking experience before trying to pass Network+ certification. But it’s always good to know that at least somebody didn’t have much trouble with it, right?

Keeping Your Experience in Mind

If you don’t have much networking experience and want an entry level yet professionally recognized certification, Network+ is a smart way to go. It is a very well-organized and structured program that aims to fill the knowledge gaps most people have in the beginning of their networking career.

Network+ teaches you what networking technology is. It may be a good foundation for Cisco’s CCNA (or Microsoft, or other vendor specific certifications for that matter), which teaches you to configure and troubleshoot this technology. So, if you are a beginner, don’t look in the CCNA direction for now. Your time will come.

For those who have a few years’ networking experience and understanding, CCNA may be a very logical and career boosting way to go. It is a very in depth study of networking as a whole, including routing, protocols, network design and more. Even companies that don’t use Cisco equipment value the CCNA for the depth and complexity of the certification. It is nearly impossible to achieve a CCNA without hands on lab experience, and this practical experience, combined with advanced knowledge, is extremely valuable.

Industry Penetration

As the Network+ is vendor-neutral, it is recognized by almost all companies. Many of them, including Dell, HP, Ricoh, Sharp and Xerox require it.
Highly valuable as they are, Cisco’s certifications occasionally cause some frustration. ‘What if I invest in my certification, and my next employer does not use Cisco technology?’ some candidates think. While this is a valid point for any vendor-based approach, Cisco have made a name for themselves – not only in terms of their technology, but with regards to the quality and level of their certifications, too. Last but not least, with well over 50% of market penetration of Cisco technologies, chances are that your next employer will use it.

Conclusion

Whichever certification you opt for, you need to start with evaluating your career goals, as well as the current level of experience and knowledge. Even those who have years of experience under their belt should remember to clear their schedule for lots of studying time, since the exams are tough. Yet, hard as it all may be, your effort will definitely pay off, whether you choose the foundational Network+, or CCNA certification as a more advanced option.