CCNP Encore (350-401-ENCORE-v1.1)
Course Description:
CCNP Encore (350-401-ENCORE) is an advanced networking certification offered by Cisco, designed for IT professionals who want to deepen their expertise in networking technologies, network automation, and troubleshooting modern enterprise networks. This course prepares students to implement, manage, and optimize enterprise networks, as well as to understand the latest trends in automation and programmability.
Why You Need It:
Modern enterprise networks are becoming increasingly complex, incorporating advanced routing, security, and automation features. CCNP Encore equips professionals with the skills to handle these complexities efficiently. It is essential for those aspiring to take on roles like Network Engineer, Network Administrator, or Network Consultant in large organizations.
How It Is Useful:
- Provides hands-on knowledge of routing, switching, security, and network automation.
- Helps in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting enterprise networks.
- Prepares for real-world networking challenges, including automation and programmability.
- Enhances career prospects by validating advanced networking skills recognized worldwide.
Course Benefits:
- In-depth understanding of advanced networking protocols and architectures.
- Skills to work with network automation tools and programmable networks.
- Ability to analyze and optimize network performance.
- Prepares you for the CCNP Enterprise certification exams.
Exam & Certification:
- Exam Code: 350-401-ENCORE-v1.1
- Format: Multiple-choice, simulation, and scenario-based questions
- Validity: Cisco certifications are valid for 3 years. Renewal can be done through recertification exams or continuing education credits.
- Prerequisites: While there are no mandatory prerequisites, a good understanding of networking fundamentals (such as CCNA or equivalent experience) is highly recommended.
Target Audience:
- Network engineers, system administrators, and IT professionals aiming to advance their careers.
- Professionals interested in mastering enterprise networking and network automation.
In Summary:
CCNP Encore bridges the gap between foundational networking skills and expert-level enterprise network management. It ensures professionals stay competitive in a rapidly evolving IT landscape, mastering both traditional and modern networking technologies.
Exam Objectives
Domain 1.0 – Architecture (15%)
1.1 Explain the different design principles used in an enterprise network
• High-level enterprise network design (2-tier, 3-tier, fabric, and cloud)
• High availability techniques (redundancy, FHRP, SSO)
1.2 Describe wireless network design principles
• Wireless deployment models (centralized, distributed, controller-less, controller-based, cloud, remote branch)
• Location services in a WLAN design
• Client density
1.3 Explain the working principles of the Cisco SD-WAN solution
• SD-WAN control and data plane elements
• Benefits and limitations of SD-WAN solutions
1.4 Explain the working principles of the Cisco SD-Access solution
• SD-Access control and data plane elements
• Traditional campus interoperability with SD-Access
1.5 Interpret wired and wireless QoS configurations
• QoS components
• QoS policy
1.6 Describe hardware and software switching mechanisms
• CEF, CAM, TCAM, FIB, RIB, and adjacency tables
Domain 2.0 – Virtualization (10%)
2.1 Describe device virtualization technologies
• Hypervisor type 1 and type 2
• Virtual machines
• Virtual switching
2.2 Configure and verify data path virtualization technologies
• VRF
• GRE and IPsec tunneling
2.3 Describe network virtualization concepts
• LISP
• VXLAN
Domain 3.0 – Infrastructure (30%)
3.1 Layer 2
• Troubleshoot static and dynamic 802.1Q trunking
• Troubleshoot static and dynamic EtherChannels
• Configure and verify Spanning Tree Protocols (RSTP, MST) and enhancements (root guard, BPDU guard)
3.2 Layer 3
• Compare routing concepts of EIGRP and OSPF (distance vector vs. link state, metrics, area types)
• Configure OSPFv2/v3 (multiple normal areas, summarization, filtering, neighbor adjacency, passive-interface)
• Configure and verify eBGP between directly connected neighbors (best path selection, neighbor relationships)
• Describe policy-based routing
3.3 Wireless
• RF power, RSSI, SNR, interference, noise, bands, channels, client device capabilities
• AP modes and antenna types
• AP discovery and join process (discovery algorithms, WLC selection)
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 roaming principles and use cases
• Troubleshoot WLAN configuration and client connectivity (GUI only)
• Wireless segmentation using groups, profiles, and tags
3.4 IP Services
• Interpret NTP and PTP configurations
• Configure NAT/PAT
• Configure first hop redundancy protocols (HSRP, VRRP)
• Describe multicast protocols (RPF check, PIM, IGMPv2/v3)
Domain 4.0 – Network Assurance (10%)
4.1 Diagnose network problems using tools (debugs, conditional debugs, traceroute, ping, SNMP, syslog)
4.2 Configure and verify Flexible NetFlow
4.3 Configure SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN
4.4 Configure and verify IPSLA
4.5 Describe Cisco DNA Center workflows for configuration, monitoring, and management
4.6 Configure and verify NETCONF and RESTCONF
Domain 5.0 – Security (20%)
5.1 Configure and verify device access control
• Lines and local user authentication
• Authentication and authorization using AAA
5.2 Configure and verify infrastructure security features
• ACLs
• CoPP (Control Plane Policing)
5.3 Describe REST API security
5.4 Configure and verify wireless security features
• 802.1X
• WebAuth
• PSK
• EAPOL (4-way handshake)
5.5 Describe components of network security design
• Threat defense
• Endpoint security
• Next-generation firewall
• TrustSec and MACsec
• Network access control (802.1X, MAB, WebAuth)
Domain 6.0 – Automation (15%)
6.1 Interpret basic Python components and scripts
6.2 Construct valid JSON-encoded files
6.3 Describe the high-level principles and benefits of a data modeling language (YANG)
6.4 Describe APIs for Cisco DNA Center and vManage
6.5 Interpret REST API response codes and payload results using Cisco DNA Center and RESTCONF
6.6 Construct an EEM applet to automate configuration, troubleshooting, or data collection
6.7 Compare agent vs. agentless orchestration tools (Chef, Puppet, Ansible, SaltStack)
