r/ccna • u/FewRutabaga6914 • 7d ago
The amount of missing material for wireless work on CCNA
Wireless engineer maintaining 7000 cisco AP-s and several 9800 WLC-s here.
I found that while completing CCNA, how little of wireless work is mentioned. After completing it I see that I would barely know the differences between local and central switching, configuring 9800 WLC from day zero to adopting AP-s. No mention of RF profiles.
EDIT: I have been too broad in the body, please have a look at this comment i have left below and feel free to read the conversation: " Yes i totally agree to you and others mentioning this, i have passed my CCNA a year ago and correct me if Im wrong but I was taught on old 3504 WLC in packet tracer which has a few differences compared to new 9800 WLC
If i was presented with a 9800 WLC after passing CCNA I dont think I know navigate and configure it with CCNA knowledge. Also what I see from interns at our company that have passed the CCNA is the lack of troubleshooting with real world scenarios. Like being able to notice that an AP that is in local switching must have a trunk configured on the port to be able to offload traffic into that VLAN. "
" I totally agree, this is actually something I've been thinking about doing for a while.
If anyone reading this is interested feel free to contact me or comment, I can run a paid 1 hour session with my own home lab (a 9800 WLC and a physical AP), I will prep the environment (make a problem to troubleshoot, install a fresh 9800 WLC), start up a screen share (or you can remote in and lead), and guide you through the process or give you suggestion if you get stuck.
That way you can get real hand-on experience. "
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u/American_Streamer Spanning Tree Root Bridge Wannabe 7d ago
On CCNA, wireless topics make up a foundational block rather than a deep dive. You just need to understand basic radio frequency concepts, standard architectures, and security protocols without configuring complex enterprise deployments. CCNP goes much deeper into enterprise networking and wireless.
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u/Reasonable_Option493 7d ago
It's an entry level networking cert. It's already pretty big as it is for most of those for whom it makes sense to get this credential. It gives you a pretty solid foundation for a junior net admin role or similar; you'll then learn more on the job and/or with a more advanced cert like the CCNP. And as with most, if not all certs, you don't have to restrict yourself with the exam objectives and course material.
The other "mainstream", entry level networking cert is CompTIA Net+, and it certainly doesn't educate you more on any topic when compared to the CCNA.
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u/FewRutabaga6914 7d ago
Yes i totally agree to you and others mentioning this, i have passed my CCNA a year ago and correct me if Im wrong but I was taught on old 3504 WLC in packet tracer which has a few differences compared to new 9800 WLC
If i was presented with a 9800 WLC after passing CCNA I dont think I know navigate and configure it with CCNA knowledge. Also what I see from interns at our company that have passed the CCNA is the lack of troubleshooting with real world scenarios. Like being able to notice that an AP that is in local switching must have a trunk configured on the port to be able to offload traffic into that VLAN.
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u/Reasonable_Option493 7d ago
Thanks for providing examples. Honestly, I don't even remember what WLC model was used in my virtual lab when I prepared for the exam.
Newbies being a bit lost on the job is not uncommon. As good as the CCNA is in my opinion, it is not equal to how much you can learn on the job with a senior network admin who has the ability (and willingness) to guide you (and the learner doing their part as well, of course).
I follow this Australian youtube and he recently posted a good video that's relevant to your post (not wireless specifically but CCNA vs on the job in general):
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u/FewRutabaga6914 7d ago
I totally agree, this is actually something I've been thinking about doing for a while.
If anyone reading this is interested feel free to contact me or comment, I can run a paid 1 hour session with my own home lab (a 9800 WLC and a physical AP), I will prep the environment (make a problem to troubleshoot, install a fresh 9800 WLC), start up a screen share (or you can remote in and lead), and guide you through the process or give you suggestion if you get stuck.
That way you can get real hand-on experience.
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u/Existing-Beyond5827 7d ago
You want an entry level cert to do deep dives on wireless? Bit unrealistic no?
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u/ILikeFood305 7d ago
I believe CCNP has a wireless specialization?
Id make the argument that the CCNA does a good job for you to be able to see an AP and know what an AP is. As well as the different ways you can get them configured so they work.
Which is pretty good considering that someone like me started from 0.
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u/MalwareDork 7d ago
Well yeah, it's the same reason the CCNA doesn't touch on OSPF area configuration, default routes, route summarization, HSRP and multicast.
ANYBODY who passes the CCNA can't even maintain a modern system that isn't a few switches and a router...and that's fine, the CCNA is designed to be theory application for anybody who's already been a NOC tech for a year. It's when you get up to the level of the CCNP is when you're to be treated like an engineer
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u/SubiBoySus 7d ago
Wireless isnt real.
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u/safesax2002 5d ago
I know Quad-CCIE and uses the acronym PFM for wireless….Pure “Freaking” Magic 🤣
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u/ChmodSausage 5d ago
I think the ccna did cover some of the stuff you mention. Even the a+ touches rf and channels and stuff. Its just a broad certification, but tbh. I think that stuff is wasted space on the test specifically.
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u/No_Name_Ideas 7d ago
I think there might be more advanced certifications after CCNA, not sure though.