CCNP Enterprise Certification: ENCOR and ENSLD Exam Guide
The CCNP Enterprise certification is a professional-level Cisco credential designed for network engineers aiming to advance their careers in enterprise networking. This certification validates the candidate’s expertise in core enterprise technologies, such as dual stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation. It includes two mandatory exams: the ENCOR (350-401) core exam and a concentration exam, such as ENSLD (300-420), which focuses on designing enterprise networks.
Objectives of the ENCOR and ENSLD Training
The primary objective of the ENCOR training is to build foundational skills required to implement and operate core enterprise network technologies. This includes configuring and troubleshooting technologies such as VRF, GRE, VLANs, RSTP, MST, NTP, IPSec VPNs, routing protocols, and Cisco DNA Center functionalities. On the other hand, ENSLD training aims to develop the learner’s capabilities in designing advanced enterprise network solutions, including campus architecture, WAN design, security integration, and software-defined networking.
Course Structure and Exam Preparation
This course offers a comprehensive pathway to prepare for two major Cisco exams. The ENCOR (350-401) exam is focused on implementing and operating Cisco enterprise network core technologies. The ENSLD (300-420) exam is a concentration exam covering the design aspects of Cisco enterprise networks. Learners have the option to enroll in the course with or without a voucher. The voucher provides prepaid access to sit for the certification exams after fulfilling the course requirements.
Skills Developed in ENCOR Training
Students will gain practical knowledge in configuring and verifying Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instances to enable multiple routing tables on the same device. Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) tunnels are configured and verified to support protocol encapsulation. The configuration and management of VLANs and Trunks are covered in depth, along with secure VPN setups using IPSec.
Advanced Routing Protocols and Management
The course covers dynamic routing protocols, including OSPF and BGP. Students learn to configure, verify, and troubleshoot routing instances, including OSPFv2 network types, LSAs, and metric tuning. Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) best path selection, address families, and route filtering are discussed comprehensively. Students are also introduced to NAT, multicast routing, and inter-VLAN routing.
Cisco DNA Center and Automation Tools
Students explore Cisco DNA Center and gain insights into SD-Access, LISP, and VXLAN technologies. Python scripting and automation tools like Chef, Puppet, Ansible, and SaltStack are introduced. Emphasis is placed on data formats and modeling using YANG and network configuration interfaces like NetConf and RestConf.
Skills Developed in ENSLD Training
Enterprise Network Addressing and Routing Design
Learners study advanced techniques in designing IPv4 and IPv6 addressing plans and migration strategies. Design considerations for routing protocol scalability, redistribution, and summarization are included. The integration of IS-IS, EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP with advanced features such as filtering, route reflectors, and load balancing is addressed.
Campus and WAN Network Design
The course provides detailed design methodologies for enterprise campus networks, including Layer 2 and Layer 3 considerations. Topics include spanning-tree enhancements, high availability mechanisms like FHRP, and the use of VRF for segmentation. WAN design covers Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN options, metro Ethernet, SD-WAN architectures, and high availability solutions.
Software-Defined Networking and Security Design
Students learn to describe and design software-defined architectures, including SD-Access and SD-WAN. The design of secure network service, including AAA, ACLs, control plane protection, and segmentation using TrustSec, is emphasized. End-to-end QoS strategies and multicast services are also covered.
Practical Implementation and Lab Scenarios
Hands-on labs are an integral part of this training program. These labs allow students to practice configuration and troubleshooting tasks in a simulated enterprise network environment. The labs include tasks such as configuring VRF, implementing GRE tunnels, deploying OSPF and BGP routing, configuring NAT, and setting up IPSec VPNs. Students also get practical experience with Cisco DNA Center, NetFlow, and SNMP.
Exam Readiness and Benefits
Upon completing this course, students will be well-prepared to take the Cisco CCNP Enterprise core exam (350-401 ENCOR) and the concentration exam (300-420 ENSLD). Earning the CCNP Enterprise certification not only validates one’s technical skills but also enhances career opportunities in roles such as enterprise network engineer, systems engineer, and network consultant. Additionally, certified professionals are often considered for more advanced roles in network design, implementation, and automation.
Course Requirements and Learning Environment
The course is accessible on various platforms, including PC, Mac, and Chromebook. Windows 8 or later and macOS 10.6 or later are supported. Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is recommended for the best experience, although Safari and Microsoft Edge are also compatible. Students need to have Microsoft Word Online and Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.
Additional Learning Tools
Students must have access to email and a personal email account for course-related communications. Instructional materials are provided online and included with enrollment. The course content is designed to be comprehensive and self-contained, supporting both self-paced and guided learning formats.
The CCNP ENCOR course syllabus provides a structured approach to mastering the implementation and operation of core enterprise network technologies. It focuses on foundational technologies that every enterprise network engineer must understand, including Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities, dynamic routing, VPNs, security, network management, and automation.
Campus Architecture and Device Fundamentals
The campus architecture section introduces students to the fundamental components and hierarchical design of enterprise networks. This includes core, distribution, and access layers. Understanding device roles within each layer is crucial to optimizing traffic flow and redundancy.
Device Architecture
This section examines the internal structure of Cisco devices, including CPU, memory, and interface components. It explains how device hardware and software architectures impact network performance, availability, and scalability.
VLAN and Spanning Tree Protocols
Students learn to configure VLANs on switches and create trunk ports for inter-switch VLAN propagation. Key configurations include assigning ports to VLANs, creating VLAN interfaces, and verifying VLAN propagation across trunk links.
VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
VTP allows for centralized management of VLANs across switches. The course teaches VTP modes, domain configuration, versioning, and the importance of revision numbers. Students practice VTP pruning and troubleshooting.
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
STP Overview and Algorithm
This section dives into the STP algorithm, explaining how it prevents Layer 2 loops by blocking redundant paths. It includes root bridge election, port roles, and timers.
STP Convergence and Manipulation
Students learn the process of STP convergence and how to manipulate STP behavior using features like root guard, loop guard, and port priority. These configurations help control root bridge elections and optimize failover times.
PortFast and BPDU Guard
PortFast enables the fast transition of ports to forwarding state, ideal for end devices. BPDU Guard protects the network by disabling ports that receive unexpected BPDUs. These tools are essential for securing access ports.
Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP)
MSTP allows multiple VLANs to be mapped to a single spanning tree instance, enhancing efficiency and scalability. Students learn to configure and verify MST instances, region parameters, and VLAN mappings.
EtherChannels and Inter-VLAN Routing
EtherChannels bundle multiple physical links into a single logical link to increase bandwidth and redundancy. This section covers static and dynamic EtherChannel configuration using PAgP and LACP. Inter-VLAN routing is also introduced using router-on-a-stick and Layer 3 switching methods.
First-Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP)
This topic introduces redundancy protocols such as HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP. These protocols ensure gateway availability by providing automatic failover in the event of a device failure. Students learn configuration, priority settings, and verification commands.
Routing Fundamentals
Introduction to Routing
The routing introduction covers packet forwarding, administrative distances, and route lookup processes. Static and dynamic routing concepts are introduced as a foundation for advanced protocols.
Dynamic Routing Overview
Students explore the need for dynamic routing and differences among protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS, and BGP. The section explains protocol metrics, convergence, scalability, and policy-based routing.
OSPF Deep Dive
OSPFv2 Overview, Packets, States, and Design
This section explains OSPF’s link-state approach, packet types, neighbor states, and area design considerations. Students learn to build and verify OSPF neighbor relationships and area hierarchies.
OSPF Configuration and Verification
Learners configure OSPF on routers using interface and network commands. They verify configurations using commands such as show ip ospf and debug outputs.
OSPF Network Types and DR/BDR Election
The course covers OSPF network types, including broadcast, non-broadcast, point-to-point, and point-to-multipoint. DR and BDR elections are explained with examples and verification commands.
OSPF LSAs and Metrics
Students learn the types of LSAs and how OSPF uses cost metrics to determine optimal paths. This knowledge is vital for efficient network design and troubleshooting.
OSPF Summarization and Filtering
Learners practice route summarization to reduce the routing table size and implement filtering for route control. ABRs and ASBRs are configured with summary routes and filter lists.
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
BGP Overview, Configuration, and Verification
BGP is introduced as a path-vector protocol used for inter-domain routing. Students configure eBGP peerings, advertise networks, and verify BGP tables and routes.
BGP Best Path Selection
This section explains BGP’s decision-making process based on attributes such as weight, local preference, AS-path, and MED. Learners analyze path selection and manipulation using route maps.
Network Address Translation (NAT)
NAT allows private IP addresses to communicate with external networks. Students explore static, dynamic, and PAT configurations. NAT is verified using translation tables and debug outputs.
Multicast Routing Protocols
This module introduces multicast concepts, including group addressing, IGMP operation, and PIM modes. Students learn to configure PIM-SM and verify multicast routing tables and interfaces.
GRE and IPSec VPNs
GRE Tunnel Configuration and Verification
Students learn to create point-to-point GRE tunnels for encapsulating a variety of Layer 3 protocols. They verify tunnel states, source and destination settings, and routing behavior.
IPSec Introduction and Site-to-Site Configuration
IPSec fundamentals are explained, including encryption, authentication, and key exchange. Learners configure and verify site-to-site VPNs using transform sets, crypto maps, and ISAKMP policies.
GRE over IPSec
Combining GRE and IPSec allows for secure transport of routing protocols over encrypted tunnels. Students practice encapsulating dynamic routing over secure VPNs and validate tunnel integrity.
Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)
VRF allows multiple instances of a routing table to coexist on the same router. This enables logical segmentation of networks. Configuration includes VRF instances, route distinguishers, and interface assignments.
Network Time Protocol (NTP)
NTP ensures synchronized time across all network devices, which is vital for accurate logging, security, and performance monitoring. Students learn how to configure NTP clients and servers, verify synchronization status, and understand NTP authentication.
Syslog Configuration and Verification
Syslog enables centralized logging of system messages, which aids in monitoring and troubleshooting. The course teaches how to configure syslog levels, facilities, and destinations. Verification commands help ensure that logs are reaching the correct server.
Network Debugging and Testing Tools
Students use tools such as ping, traceroute, and various debug commands to diagnose network issues. Conditional debugging is introduced for targeted analysis, reducing resource impact during troubleshooting.
SNMP Configuration and Verification
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) allows centralized monitoring and management of network devices. Learners configure SNMP versions, community strings, and trap destinations. Verification techniques ensure accurate communication with network management systems.
NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow
NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow collect and analyze IP traffic information for monitoring and capacity planning. Students configure flow exporters, monitors, and record formats. Use cases include identifying top talkers and traffic patterns.
SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN
Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN), Remote SPAN (RSPAN), and Encapsulated RSPAN (ERSPAN) allow traffic mirroring for analysis and monitoring. Students configure these features for local and remote packet captures.
IP SLA Configuration and Verification
IP SLA enables measurement of network performance metrics like latency, jitter, and packet loss. Learners configure various operation types and schedule tests to validate service-level agreements.
Quality of Service (QoS) Fundamentals
QoS ensures optimal performance for critical applications by managing bandwidth, delay, and packet loss. This section introduces classification, marking, queuing, policing, and shaping techniques. Configuration examples include priority queuing and traffic policies.
Embedded Event Manager (EEM)
EEM automates device responses to specific events using policies. Students create event detectors and action sequences to automatically handle network changes, log events, or generate alerts.
Device Access and Authentication
Securing access to network devices is a core aspect of enterprise security. This section covers local and remote access configurations, including password policies, secure shells, and user privilege levels.
Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA)
AAA centralizes security management using servers like RADIUS or TACACS+. Students configure AAA methods for login and command authorization. Verification includes authentication tests and log reviews.
Access Control Lists (ACLs)
ACLs filter traffic based on IP addresses, protocols, and ports. Learners create standard and extended ACLs, apply them to interfaces, and verify traffic filtering. This is critical for implementing security policies.
Control Plane Policing (CoPP)
CoPP protects the control plane from traffic floods by policing packets destined for the CPU. Students configure class maps, policy maps, and service policies to enforce CoPP.
Next-Generation Network Security Features
Topics include advanced security tools such as Next-Generation Firewalls, MACsec for data link layer encryption, and TrustSec for scalable access control. These features are discussed in the context of evolving security threats.
Campus networks are evolving toward software-defined architectures that support agility, automation, and scalability. This section provides an overview of key concepts and technologies.
Software-Defined Access (SD-Access)
SD-Access simplifies network design and operation using segmentation, policy automation, and centralized control. Students learn about underlay and overlay networks, control and data planes, and role-based access control.
Location Identifier Separation Protocol (LISP)
LISP separates the routing locator and endpoint identity to enable scalable and flexible addressing. Learners understand how LISP supports mobility and overlays in enterprise environments.
VXLAN in Campus Networks
VXLAN enables Layer 2 overlay networks across Layer 3 infrastructure. The section introduces VXLAN headers, encapsulation, and use cases for extending VLANs over IP fabrics.
SD-WAN Overview
SD-WAN provides intelligent WAN routing and centralized policy control. This section introduces the architecture, components, and operational planes of SD-WAN, along with use cases for hybrid networks.
Cisco DNA Center
Cisco DNA Center is the management platform for SD-Access and SD-WAN. Students explore its capabilities in automation, assurance, and analytics. The course includes demonstrations of device provisioning and policy application.
Introduction to Network Automation
Automation improves efficiency, consistency, and scalability. This section introduces key technologies and data models used in automating enterprise networks.
Data Formats for Automation
Students explore commonly used data formats, including JSON, XML, and YAML. Each format is compared in terms of readability, use cases, and integration with tools.
Data Modeling with YANG
YANG is used for modeling configuration and state data. The course covers IETF, OpenConfig, and Cisco-native YANG models. Learners recognize how these models are used with network controllers.
NETCONF and RESTCONF Protocols
These protocols enable automated interaction with network devices. Students compare features of NETCONF and RESTCONF, learn basic operations, and analyze use cases for each.
Telemetry and Model-Driven Monitoring
Telemetry allows real-time monitoring through periodic or event-driven data publishing. Students learn how model-driven telemetry improves visibility and reduces polling overhead.
Python for Network Automation
Python is a popular scripting language used in network automation. Students write simple scripts to configure devices, collect data, and interact with APIs.
Configuration Management Tools
This section introduces Chef, Puppet, Ansible, and SaltStack as tools for configuration automation. Students learn core concepts, strengths, and use cases for each platform.
LAN Essentials and IPv4/IPv6 Addressing
A robust LAN design begins with effective IP addressing. Learners are guided through creating detailed IPv4 and IPv6 address plans that align with organizational needs. Address planning ensures proper subnetting, avoids overlap, and supports future growth. Migration strategies between IPv4 and IPv6 are also covered.
Routing Protocol Design
Routing protocol design focuses on scalable, secure, and efficient traffic handling across large networks. Topics include:
Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS)
IS-IS is presented as a link-state routing protocol suitable for large, complex networks. Students understand its operation, hierarchy, and deployment in multi-area environments.
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
EIGRP is Cisco’s proprietary protocol offering fast convergence and scalability. The course covers metric calculation, DUAL algorithm operation, and advanced EIGRP features.
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
Learners explore OSPF’s area structure, neighbor relationships, LSA types, and cost metric. Emphasis is placed on design strategies for area boundaries, summarization, and network efficiency.
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
BGP design covers enterprise edge deployment and multi-homing strategies. Learners study address families, attributes (AS-PATH, NEXT-HOP, LOCAL_PREF), route filtering, and traffic engineering. Route reflectors, load balancing, and route symmetry are introduced for scalability and efficiency.
Enterprise Campus Network Design
A well-structured campus network must support high availability, scalability, and manageability.
High Availability Design
HA strategies include graceful restart (GR), first-hop redundancy protocols (FHRP), and device-level redundancy to prevent service disruption. Students analyze different HA deployment models and failure scenarios.
Layer 2 Design
L2 design considerations involve spanning-tree enhancements (Rapid PVST, MST), loop prevention, and convergence improvement. Concepts such as root bridge placement and STP manipulation are addressed.
Layer 3 Design
L3 design improves routing convergence and network segmentation. VRF implementation, route redistribution, summarization, and route filtering are key focus areas. Learners practice building stable and maintainable L3 topologies.
SD-Access Architecture and Design
SD-Access provides a programmable network fabric. Its architecture includes:
Underlay and Overlay
The underlay offers basic IP connectivity using IS-IS or OSPF, while the overlay uses VXLAN for policy-based traffic forwarding.
Control and Data Planes
The control plane (LISP) manages endpoint identity, while the data plane (VXLAN) forwards traffic. Students study the interactions of control, data, and policy planes.
WAN Technologies and Design
WAN designs extend connectivity between sites using secure, reliable, and cost-effective technologies.
WAN Connectivity Options
Options include Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs, Metro Ethernet, DWDM, and SD-WAN. Learners compare these based on performance, cost, scalability, and deployment use cases.
Site-to-Site VPN Design
Designs include GRE, DMVPN, and GET VPN. These technologies are used to secure inter-site communication. Students analyze the use cases and limitations of each.
WAN High Availability
HA designs use single, dual, and multi-path strategies. Topics include backup links, failover mechanisms, and dynamic path selection.
SD-WAN Architecture and Design
This section details SD-WAN planes (management, control, data), and design considerations like QoS, topology, and segmentation. Students explore application-aware routing and centralized policies.
End-to-End Quality of Service (QoS)
End-to-End QoS ensures that traffic is prioritized based on business requirements.
QoS Strategies
The course compares the IntServ and DiffServ models. Students design classification, marking, policing, shaping, and queuing strategies across the network.
QoS Deployment
Students configure QoS policies at ingress and egress points, ensuring end-to-end traffic performance for critical applications such as voice and video.
Network Management and Monitoring Design
Effective network management involves both proactive and reactive tools.
Management Techniques
Design includes both in-band and out-of-band management strategies. SNMP, Syslog, NetFlow, and telemetry data support fault and performance monitoring.
Monitoring and Visibility
Learners implement visibility through SPAN, RSPAN, ERSPAN, and model-driven telemetry. These tools support real-time and historical traffic analysis.
Multicast Design and Services
Multicast supports the efficient delivery of data to multiple receivers.
Multicast Concepts
Students understand source and shared trees, Reverse Path Forwarding (RPF), and Rendezvous Points (RP). These concepts are critical for loop prevention and efficient traffic flow.
Multicast Routing Services
Design includes Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) modes such as Sparse Mode, Bidirectional PIM, and Source-Specific Multicast (SSM). MSDP is covered for inter-domain multicast.
Network Automation and Programmability Design
Network design now incorporates programmability and automation from the ground up.
YANG Model Recognition
Students recognize the structure of IETF, OpenConfig, and Cisco-native YANG models, understanding how each supports configuration automation. YANG models act as blueprints for configuration elements, enabling consistent and scalable configuration across multiple devices. By mastering these models, network designers can simplify the management of complex infrastructures and improve integration with external automation tools.
NETCONF and RESTCONF Comparison
These APIs are compared in terms of encoding (XML/JSON), capabilities, and use cases in enterprise design. NETCONF supports structured communication with detailed configuration verification and rollback, while RESTCONF is better suited for lightweight, REST-based applications. Learners apply both interfaces to automate configuration, ensuring security, reliability, and agility in deployment practices.
Telemetry Publishing Models
The impact of periodic and on-change telemetry publishing is evaluated. Periodic publishing provides regular data samples, useful for long-term trend analysis, while on-change publishing offers real-time alerts for critical events. Dial-in versus dial-out models are compared for scalability and integration, with dial-out being ideal for cloud-based collectors and dial-in being better for on-premise, secure environments. These methods are essential for building a proactive monitoring framework.
Integration with Automation Tools
Network designers learn to align YANG, NETCONF, and RESTCONF with automation frameworks such as Ansible, Puppet, and Chef. These tools use playbooks or manifests that interact with network devices programmatically. Such integration reduces configuration errors, accelerates deployment timelines, and supports version-controlled changes in line with DevOps practices.
Security and Governance in Automation
Automation must be designed with strict governance and security controls. Secure communication protocols like SSH and HTTPS must be enforced. Designers are taught to incorporate RBAC (Role-Based Access Control), logging, and policy enforcement within automated workflows to prevent unauthorized changes and to meet compliance requirements.
Model-Driven Telemetry in Enterprise Design
Model-driven telemetry enables efficient data collection tailored to operational needs. Designers explore use cases like network anomaly detection, SLA monitoring, and root-cause analysis. These insights help align performance metrics with business outcomes and guide proactive network optimization strategies.
Future of Programmable Networks
Finally, the evolution of programmable networks is explored. This includes intent-based networking, self-healing systems, and AI-driven analytics. Understanding these trends helps network professionals future-proof their designs and align with strategic IT goals.
Final Thoughts
Completing the CCNP Enterprise ENCOR and ENSLD training provides a comprehensive understanding of both implementation and design aspects of modern enterprise networks. With a deep dive into core topics such as advanced routing, campus and WAN design, quality of service, security, SD-Access, and network automation, learners are now equipped with the knowledge required to build resilient, scalable, and future-ready infrastructures.
This course prepares professionals not just for certification exams but for real-world challenges in network engineering and architecture. Mastery of concepts like VXLAN overlays, programmable interfaces, and high-availability frameworks will enable professionals to contribute meaningfully to their organizations’ digital transformation initiatives.
As enterprise networks continue to evolve with increased demand for automation, security, and efficiency, the skills acquired through this training will remain foundational to success. With confidence in design principles and operational strategies, learners are now ready to take the next step in their networking careers whether through certification or direct application of these skills in dynamic, mission-critical environments.