Cisco Certification-CCNP Overview
Cisco certifications allow aspiring professionals such as engineers or technicians to better grasp the concepts of networking and gain a further insight into the realm of Cisco networking, internetworking and an assortment of internet services and capabilities.
As Cisco certifications are increasingly becoming popular it is important to mention that Cisco Systems has now become a proficient, integrated information infrastructure that provides end-to-end networking solutions.
The CCNP tests may be taken in any order as the candidate desires, but the passing of CCNA exam before pursuing CCNP is compulsory.
Once you have achieved your CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certificate, you are now adequate to opt for a higher certification called the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). The learning process however does have to stop there and Cisco provides individuals with CCNP certification a chance to gain valuable practical experience and expertise by attempting CCIE labs.
If you want to become a CCIE in Routing and Switching which is currently the most popular Cisco certification then obtaining a CCNA certification and then passing four more tests to achieve the CCNP certification is an ideal way to ensure your success. The four exams an individual must take in order to get his or her CCNP certification are as follows:
Exam 640-503: Routing
Exam 640-504: Switching
Exam 640-506: Support
Exam 640-505: Remote Access
The CCNP program basically aims to further enhance the potential candidate’s knowledge and skill set pertaining to networking and increases it to the level of internetworking. Unlike the CCNA certification, CCNP focuses on the realm internetworking to a greater depth and is not limited to the Cisco world and services only.
What skills are required to become a CCNP?
In addition to the basic networking skill set required for CCNA, CCNP demands a certain level of proficiency in the following fields:
· Installation, configuration and operation of complex routed LANs accompanied by sufficient troubleshooting concepts. Basic knowledge and cognition regarding switched LAN networks, and Dial Access Services.
· Apprehension and discernment of complex networks such as IP, IGRP, IPX, Async Routing etc.
· Proficiency in route summarization, OSPF, Frame Relay, ISDN, Ethernet, ATM LAN-emulation, access lists, and transparent and translational bridging is also needed.
· In order to achieve the Cisco Certified Network Professional certification you must be able to install, shape and configure a network to increase its information measure and data transmission rate, improve the quality of service by enhancing the network response time and minimizing the delays.
· The candidate must also be fully apt to improve the reliability of the system by proper implementation of concepts derived from LAN, routed WANs, and remote access.
· Moreover, as network security strikes as one of the most important and crucial field in the increasing trends of cyber crimes, the certification also requires that the proficient candidate must improve the network security by providing access security to the network switches and routers.
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