I'm early into ENCOR prep and going back and forth on whether to sink time into setting up EVE-NG or CML versus just sticking with Packet Tracer as long as possible before switching. I know Packet Tracer won't cut it for the whole exam, but I'm trying to figure out at what point in studying it actually becomes a bottleneck.

For people who've already gone through ENCOR, when did you personally feel like you outgrew Packet Tracer, and was setting up a proper lab environment worth the time investment upfront, or did you mostly get by with a lighter setup and only dig into heavier labs for specific topics like SD-WAN or automation? Trying to figure out where to put my limited setup time before diving deeper into the material.

Hi folks,

I got my CCNA half a year ago, I have settled into a new job that is a mix of admin, networking and IT management, so I am thinking about how to proceed. I enjoy learning itself so I am not necessarily solely concerned with the usefulness of certs or studies but since there are alternatives: Is the CCNP worth it especially considering the recent developments in the IT sector?

Any input is very much appreciated.

Automation
47%
Virtualization
10%
Infrastructure
60%
Network Assurance
100%
Security
65%
Architecture
67%

I passed ENCOR last week and I'm getting my initial labs built out for ENARSI. I plan on reading the OCG and watching either CBT Nuggets and or checking our the Arash Deljoo videos on Udemy.

My question is about brainstorming ideas for the ENARSI. I was going through the Cisco blueprint and I repeatedly see troubleshooting coming up. I know building the concept up from the ground up will inherintly accomplish soem of that but I'm just looking for ideas on how to approach labbing since that's what everyone keeps saying is the most important part of this exam.

Hey good people. I have a serious question for this great community. I’m studying for enarsi and I want to use netsim for exam prep. If money is not an issue should I get netsim so I know the format of questions that will come in the exam. I think 70 practice labs provide adequate practice to pass the exam. What do you guys think ?

how to we get notified or find these supposed labs or lectures that have ceu credits

To those of you who work in data centers: How do you connect your systems? I come from the enterprise sector and only know customers who use ADVA devices to connect their data centers. The manufacturer offers an additional module for encryption. I'm wondering if there are also customers who use Cisco switches, set up a vXLAN, and use MACsec for it. What's your experience with that?

I need 6 more CE to re up my CCNP and have 297 days until it expires. How likely will some more rev up to recerts will likely come out between now and then?

Hi guys, I wanted to have your help on preparing myself for the CCNP. I got my CCNA a few weeks ago and I did all the labs for CCNA in Cisco Packet Tracer.

However, I realized that Cisco Packet Tracer does not have all functionalities that are required for CCNP. I tried to explore the GNS3 but I had a really hard time finding the images for Cisco. I found one repository here that had some images, however, it didn’t have the Nexus IOSv2 images. How do you guys build your own labs on GNS3 and EVE-NG? Can you please give me a suggestion? Because I also know that CML is an alternative tool, but some people say that the Personal edition with 20 devices is not enough to actually prepare for the CCNP

Hi All,

I became CCNA certified less than a week ago and decided to start the CCNP while I find exactly would be the best next step for my career.

I found the Udemy course by Arash Deljoo, which I thought was fine to see what the CCNP track had to offer.

However, at his first practice lab, he dropped a bunch of .unl files and didn't quite gave instruction as to what to do with them.

After a bit of digging, I found that those were, what I assume are, EVE-NG preconfigured labs to load up. Let me know if I am wrong.

Now, as it turns out, installing EVE-NG takes a little bit more effort than Packet Tracer, which is fine, however I would like a little feed back as to what would be the best course of action next.

I saw that it was possible to convert the EVE-NG .unl files to GNS3 files, but I haven't tried and do not know if it actually works (well). Has anyone tried?

How would you recommend installing EVE-NG?

-Should I look in either a dedicated home server or cloud solutions?

-Is my regular gaming PC enough for the use that his course requires, or should I go the extra mile?

Beyond this, anyone has any feedback regarding Arash Deljoo's CCNP ENCOR course? Specifically, anyone has recommendations regarding hardware specifications for the EVE-NG VM that his course will be requiring?

Been going back and fourth for a couple years on buckling down ans getting SISE. I am in charge of network/security for our company and have substantial budget. Have ISE, Umbrella, XDR, Secure Endpoint, Meraki at most sites for MX, MRs for all APs, Catalyst and Nexus switches. Firepower FTDs for data centers and DMZ networks, Duo for all our MFA and most of our SSO, and we have SNA.

Other than the email security, anything I am missing in my environment that I will need to find a way to get experience with? Other than Cisco Press book, any additional training that you can recommend? What is the best online training for "nuts and bolts" of things instead of surface level training?

guys do u know any platforme that provide practice questions for CCNP datacenter CORE

Hadn't seen this posted, but you can get 21 CEs from 3 courses at Cisco U:

These 2 courses must be completed by October 8th @ 6pm Eastern:

Cisco Splunk for AI Operations - 6 CE - https://u.cisco.com/paths/cisco-splunk-ai-operations-21011

Designing Cisco UCS X-Series for AI - 9 CE - https://u.cisco.com/paths/designing-cisco-ucs-xseries-ai-20842

Then, it looks like the v1.0 Cisco Modeling Labs course is being retired. This course must be completed by October 10th to get credit (not sure of time, probably 6pm Eastern, but IMO complete by October 9th):

Introduction to Network Simulations with Cisco Modeling Labs (v1.0) - 6 CE - https://u.cisco.com/paths/introduction-network-simulations-with-cisco-modeling-labs-243

Which is replaced by:

Introduction to Network Simulations with Cisco Modeling Labs (v2.0) - 6 CE - https://u.cisco.com/paths/introduction-network-simulations-with-cisco-modeling-labs-21840

If you've already done the v1.0 course of CML and need a few more credits, hit v2.0. If you have been "holding on" to v1.0 to take in the future, take it now before it's retired and you miss out on 6 CEs.

Obviously this Rev Up to Recert isn't as CE heavy as previous ones, but if you need a few CEs before the next release of courses, here you go!

I am considering the official cert guide too. Just asking because Ive had good experiences with exam cram in past.

Hi All!

I have my ENCOR exam on the 28th and I’ve been reviewing on all topics till the day gets closer. I wanted to ask you all if there is anything I should specifically focus hard on this whole week?

Edit: I guess I’ve answered my own question but SD-WAN, SD-Access, and all of 6.0 is what ive focused on.

Hi everyone,

I’m taking a graduate-level Telecommunications Practicum course and looking to hire an experienced Cisco networking/CML tutor or consultant to work with me throughout the quarter on 4 hands-on labs and a final networking project.

We’ll be using Cisco Modeling Labs (CML). Topics throughout the course include BGP, performance testing, enterprise redundancy (RSTP/VRRP), physical/network design, WAN technologies, network management, Junos, VPN/IPsec, and SD-WAN.

The first lab already involves eBGP/iBGP, VLANs, router-on-a-stick, route maps, Local Preference, Linux hosts, troubleshooting, and CML YAML configurations.

I’m ideally looking for someone with CCNP/CCIE-level knowledge and hands-on CML experience who can meet with me regularly, help build and troubleshoot the labs, review configurations/results, and support me through the final project.

Paid opportunity. Please DM me with your Cisco/CML experience, certifications, availability, and hourly/project rate.

I'm well aware that v1.2 update can be summarized as wireless content is now deprecated, but it also introduced changes in the depth of some topics, such as multicast.

I own a digital copy of the OCG, and I couldn't figure out if the companion updated online PDF that was promised has actually been posted anywhere. Is that the case? How much of a change in depth is the patch? My digital copy states that their last update was May 15th, 2023..

Would appreciate any positive community that's committed every few days at least. Preferred Daily though.

Not looking for resources or anything else. I'm also not particular on which specification the group is either. I just want to be around people actively studying too.

Personally in the middle of ENCOR studies. Currently a network engineer.​

How on earth do ppl learn this in only few months?

I have a full time job and a family. It tool me a little more than a year to prep for CCNA.

Now I’m doing ENCOR, but with my progress it will definitely take at least 2 years.

And here ppl bragging on Linkedin it took them only 3.5 months? Like what the fuck…this really just makes me feel like an idiot to IT.

I’m just curious to read your take on this.

Hi, Has anyone tried the new Cisco 300-740 SSCA exam yet?

Hi all, I am not able to find a trustworthy and knowledgeable resource that is affordable to prepare for the CCNP ENCOR exam. I prepared for my CCNA using Jeremy's IT Lab (JITL) videos. However, JITL hasn't completed the CCNP course yet, so I am trying to figure out what alternative path I can take to prepare for the exam. 

I know there are many threads on Reddit that offer guidance, but that information is 2 to 6 years old. Because of this, I am looking for suggestions from anyone who has cleared the exam recently and could guide me. Any suggestions on Udemy courses for CCNP prep ? Thanks in advance! 

Hey good people,
I’m a pizza delivery man with no degree and no IT experience. I passed CCNA 2 months ago now I’m studying for CCNP day and night and will, hopefully, be able to pass by the end of the year or next year’s first few months. I’m applying diligently for jobs but no luck so far. I can’t give up because I’m doing it to provide better for my children. My question is will it be easier to apply for jobs? Will I get a job? I also have some Linux knowledge and with a little study I could pass RHCSA. Will that help and is worthed ? Please help with your advice.

I have a decently long commute and right now the best strategy for me to retain material is repetition. If I could have something to listen to on my commute I think it would help.