The Path to Cisco SD-WAN Mastery

Cisco recently expanded its Cisco SD-WAN training portfolio with the Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Security and Cloud Solutions (SDWSCS) course. This new SDWSCS course covers critical Cisco SD-WAN solutions and the foundational knowledge necessary to implement those solutions in the real world.

Before we dive into the highlights of the new SDWSCS course, it’s important to note that SDWSCS is an advanced Cisco SD-WAN course. That being said, the purpose of this blog is to help you navigate to Cisco SD-WAN mastery — regardless of your current skill level. So before we hone in on the steps you can take towards becoming a Cisco SD-WAN expert, let’s take a closer look at what advanced Cisco SD-WAN training looks like.

Cisco SD-WAN Security and Cloud Services Training

SDWSCS is an advanced course that trains learners on essential Cisco SD-WAN technologies, including:

• On-premises security.
• Cloud security with Cisco Umbrella and Umbrella SIG.
• Cloud OnRamp for SaaS, Multicloud, and colocation.
• Cisco ThousandEyes for Internet and WAN visibility.
• Cloud Interconnect with Megaport and Equinix for optimized branch-to-cloud connectivity.
• Cisco vAnalytics 3.0 for cloud-based analytics and insight into application and network performance across the SD-WAN fabric.

You’ll learn about on-box security services, including application-aware enterprise firewall, intrusion prevention, URL filtering, malware protection, and Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Socket Layer (SSL) decryption. SDWSCS also covers cloud integration with multiple cloud service providers across various use cases.

SDWSCS introduces learners to the world of Cisco SD-WAN Security and Cloud services. Here are some of the tasks you can expect to practice as you learn about Cisco SD-WAN:

• Protect the SD-WAN network by deploying firewall, IPS, SSL/TLS decryption, URL filtering, and AMP
• Inspect DNS and cloud-bound traffic with Cisco Umbrella
• Optimize Microsoft 365 traffic delivery
• Test SaaS performance with Cisco ThousandEyes.

Cisco SD-WAN training, powered by Cisco SD-WAN technologies

Like most Cisco courses, SDWSCS includes a series of guided hands-on labs. And excitingly, we partnered with Cisco dCloud to deliver the SDWSCS course labs. Cisco SD-WAN labs typically take 10-15 minutes for the virtual environment to spin up and converge. Not in this course.

With Cisco dCloud infrastructure, the SDWSCS course’s SD-WAN labs offer an always-on functionality. You can instantly access the SDWSCS course labs, making it easy and convenient to quickly jump in and out of any SDWSCS lab at any time.

We built the SDWSCS course’s lab environment using:

• Catalyst 8000V virtual routers running IOS XE 17.7 code.
• Cisco ThousandEyes enterprise agents.
• Cisco FirePOWER Thread Defense virtual firewall.
• Cisco Umbrella.
• Cisco SD-WAN controllers running 20.7 code.

Learners can rest assured knowing their Cisco SD-WAN learning experience aligns with the most up-to-date Cisco SD-WAN devices and software code.

Cisco SD-WAN 17.7/20.7 includes an update to vManage UX 2.0. The SDWSCS course allows you to explore this new UX as you configure, manage, and monitor the entire SD-WAN fabric more visually and intuitively.

One example of this is in the built-in Day 0 automated workflows that allow you to quickly connect IOS XE SD-WAN devices via ZTP and PNP.

There are a few different training options for the SDWSCS course, including a 3-day in-person instructor-led class or e-learning from the Cisco Learning Network Store. In addition, SDWSCS allows you to earn 24 Continuing Education credits regardless of your chosen training method.

Again, since SDWSCS is an advanced Cisco SD-WAN course, it’s critical that you are ready for the challenge. If you’re new to Cisco SD-WAN, let’s explore what the path to Cisco SD-WAN mastery might look like for you.

The path to Cisco SD-WAN mastery

Before becoming a master of Cisco SD-WAN, you must understand enterprise WAN design and interior and exterior routing protocol operation. In addition, you should be familiar with Transport Layer Security (TLS) and IP Security (IPsec).

If you don’t have a solid IT networking foundation to build upon, consider starting with the CCNA. The Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA) course is a fantastic way to build essential networking, security, and automation skills. The CCNA course also prepares you to pass the 200-301 CCNA exam and earn the CCNA certification.

If you’re looking for an introduction to Cisco SD-WAN, check out the Cisco SD-WAN Operation and Deployment (SDWFND) course. SDWFND is a 2-day course that provides learners with a solid introduction to Cisco SD-WAN.

You’ll learn the SD-WAN fundamentals, including terminology, components, deployment options, and functionality. SDWFND is perfect for network operators who want to start exploring software-defined networking.

If you’re ready to go from SD-WAN zero to SD-WAN hero, take a look at the Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (ENSDWI) course. During a 5-day deep dive, you’ll learn about deploying Cisco SD-WAN Edge devices, controllers, feature and device templates, control and data policies, security, Cloud OnRamp, DIA, and AAR. You’ll also learn how to migrate from a traditional WAN network to a Cisco SD-WAN overlay.

With these courses, the Learning & Certifications team has you covered for all your Cisco SD-WAN training needs to ensure you get the most out of your Cisco SD-WAN infrastructure.

Start Your Journey Into Software-Defined Networking

“Getting Started with Cisco SD-Access and Cisco DNA Center” Read now.

Certify your Cisco SD-WAN skills

Consider validating your knowledge as you build your SD-WAN skills. For example, if you have completed the ENSDWI course, you have also completed the recommended training for the 300-415 ENSDWI: Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions exam. That ENSDWI exam is all that stands between you and the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise SD-WAN Implementation certification.

The ENSDWI exam also satisfies the concentration exam requirement within the CCNP Enterprise certification track. The CCNP Enterprise certification requires candidates to pass the 350-401 ENCOR core exam and one concentration exam of their choice. (There are six concentration exam options in the CCNP Enterprise track.)

Suppose you’re curious about what’s on these exams. In that case, you can find all of the CCNP Enterprise certification exams and download the exam topics on the Cisco Learning Network.

If you are an active Cisco certification-holder, the last thing you want is to miss your recertification deadline after all of that time and effort you invested in preparing. Once you certify (or recertify), your active certification status is valid for three years. That gives you three years to complete specific recertification requirements.

A 3-year recertification window can sound like a long time when you have just passed your certification exam. But, as your recertification deadline grows closer, those three years may not feel like they were very long at all — especially if you wait until the last minute.

Consider recertifying your Cisco certifications via Continuing Education (CE) credits. Each course I’ve mentioned in this post is eligible for Continuing Education credits that you can apply towards recertification. As you build new skills and complete training activities eligible for Cisco CE credits, why not let those knowledge gains re-up your 3-year “active” certification status? This way, you stay focused on the push to keep learning — and less on whether your certification status will become jeopardized by a short runway to recertify.

Bookmark the Cisco Recertification Policy to quickly reference all of the ways you can recertify active Cisco certifications, fulfill Continuing Education requirements, check your Cisco certification status, and more.

As you progress to Cisco SD-WAN mastery, these courses and recommendations will help you solidify and validate your SD-WAN skills. Whether you’re starting at zero or already an SD-WAN hero, you can trust Cisco Learning & Certifications to provide the path to take your skills to the next level.

Dig deeper into SD-WAN: How does SD-WAN in real life compare to the SD-WAN in the lab? Find out how to start SD-WAN planning in a green field network on the Cisco Learning Network. Read now: Cisco SD-WAN in real design – Part 1 | Part 2

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