Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR)

In this Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies course provides an in-depth exploration of enterprise network architecture, focusing on the design, implementation, optimization, and security of modern Cisco-based networks. It is designed for experienced network professionals who need a deeper understanding of routing, switching, wireless, security, and automation technologies used in large-scale enterprise environments. The curriculum balances architectural theory with practical implementation and troubleshooting skills.

Students examine Cisco enterprise network architecture and switching and routing paths, progressing through campus LAN design, Layer 2 and Layer 3 redundancy, port aggregation, and dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP. Wireless topics include access point operation, client authentication, roaming, and troubleshooting, while services such as NAT, VPNs, multicast, QoS, and network management tools are covered to support end-to-end enterprise connectivity. Security concepts are integrated throughout the course, including infrastructure protection, access control, and enterprise security architecture.

The course also introduces modern operational and automation technologies, including Python fundamentals, network programmability protocols, APIs, and software-defined solutions such as Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco SD-Access, and Cisco SD-WAN. Extensive hands-on labs reinforce each topic, allowing students to configure, optimize, and troubleshoot enterprise networks using real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, learners are well prepared for advanced enterprise networking roles and the Cisco 350-401 certification exam.

How you’ll benefit

This class will help you:

• Configure, troubleshoot, and manage enterprise wired and wireless networks
• Implement security principles, automation, and programmability within an enterprise network
• Overlay network design by using Cisco SD-Access and SD-WAN solutions
• Prepare for the 350-401 ENCOR v1.1 exam
• Earn 64 CE credits toward recertification

After taking this course, you should be able to:

• Illustrate the hierarchical network design model and architecture using the access, distribution, and core layers
• Compare and contrast the various hardware and software switching mechanisms and operation, while defining the ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) and content addressable memory (CAM), along with process switching, fast switching, and Cisco Express Forwarding concepts
• Troubleshoot Layer 2 connectivity using virtual local area networks (VLANs) and trunking
• Implement redundant switched networks using Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
• Troubleshoot link aggregation using EtherChannel
• Describe the features, metrics, and path selection concepts of Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
• Implement and optimize Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)v2 and OSPFv3, including adjacencies, packet types, areas, summarization, and route filtering for internet protocol (IP)v4 and IPv6
• Implement External Border Gateway Protocol (EBGP) interdomain routing, path selection, and single and dual-homed networking
• Implement network redundancy using protocols including Hot Standby Routing Protocol (HSRP) and Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP)
• Implement internet connectivity within enterprise using static and dynamic Network Address Translation (NAT)
• Describe the virtualization technology of servers, switches, and the various network devices and components
• Implement overlay technologies, such as Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF), Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE), virtual private network (VPN), and Location Identifier Separation Protocol (LISP)
• Describe the components and concepts of wireless networking including radio frequency (RF), antenna characteristics, and define the specific wireless standards
• Describe the various wireless deployment models available, including autonomous access point (AP) deployments and cloud-based designs within the centralized Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) architecture
• Describe wireless roaming and location services
• Describe how APs communicate with WLCs to obtain software, configurations, and centralized management
• Configure and verify Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), WebAuth, and pre-shared key (PSK) wireless client authentication on a WLC
• Troubleshoot wireless client connectivity issues using various available tools
• Troubleshoot enterprise networks using services such as Network Time Protocol (NTP), Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Cisco Internetwork Operating System (Cisco IOS®) IP Service Level Agreements (SLAs), NetFlow, and Cisco IOS Embedded Event Manager
• Explain the use of available network analysis and troubleshooting tools, which include show and debug commands, as well as best practices in troubleshooting
• Configure secure administrative access for Cisco IOS devices using the command-line interface (CLI) access, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), access control list (ACL), and Secure Shell (SSH), and explore device hardening concepts to secure devices from less secure applications, such as Telnet and HTTP
• Implement scalable administration using authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) and the local database, while exploring the features and benefits
• Describe the enterprise network security architecture, including the purpose and function of VPNs, content security, logging, endpoint security, personal firewalls, and other security features
• Explain the purpose, function, features, and workflow of Cisco Catalyst Center™ Assurance for intent-based networking (IBN), network visibility, proactive monitoring, and application experience
• Describe the components and features of the Cisco SD-Access solution, including the nodes, fabric control plane, and data plane, while illustrating the purpose and function of the virtual extensible LAN (VXLAN) gateways
• Define the components and features of Cisco SD-WAN solutions, including the orchestration plane, management plane, control plane, and data plane
• Describe the concepts, purpose, and features of multicast protocols, including Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) v2/v3, Protocol-Independent Multicast (PIM) dense mode/sparse mode, and rendezvous points
• Describe the concepts and features of Quality of Service (QoS), and describe the need within the enterprise network
• Explain basic Python components and conditionals with script writing and analysis
• Describe network programmability protocols such as Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF) and Representational State Transfer Configuration Protocol (RESTCONF)
• Describe application programming interfaces (APIs) in Cisco Catalyst Center and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager

What to Expect in the Exam

Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (350-401 ENCOR) v1.1 is a 120-minute exam associated with the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core certification and satisfies the core exam requirements for the CCNP Enterprise, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, and CCIE Enterprise Wireless certifications. 

This exam tests your knowledge of implementing core enterprise network technologies, including: 

• Dual stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture
• Virtualization
• Infrastructure
• Network assurance
• Security
• Automation

The job roles best suited to the material in this course are:

• Entry to Mid-level Network Engineers
• Network Administrators
• Network Support Technicians
• Help Desk Technicians

There are no prerequisites for this training. However, the knowledge and skills you are recommended to have before attending this training are: 

• Understanding of how to implement enterprise LAN networks
• Basic understanding of enterprise routing and wireless connectivity
• Basic understanding of Python scripting

These skills can be found in the following Cisco Learning Offerings:     

• Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA)
• Programming for Network Engineers (PRNE)

Module 1: Examining Cisco Enterprise Network Architecture  

Module 2: Exploring Cisco Switching Paths  

Module 3: Implementing Campus LAN Connectivity  

Module 4: Building Redundant Switched Topology  

Module 5: Implementing Layer 2 Port Aggregation 

Module 6: Implementing OSPF 

Module 7: Optimizing OSPF 

Module 8: Explaining EIGRP  

Module 9: Exploring EBGP  

Module 10: Implementing Network Redundancy  

Module 11: Implementing NAT  

Module 12: Introducing Virtualization Protocols and Techniques 

Module 13: Exploring Virtual Private Networks and Interfaces 

Module 14: Examining Wireless Deployment Options 

Module 15: Examining Wireless AP Operation  

Module 16: Implementing Wireless Client Authentication 

Module 17: Troubleshooting Wireless Client Connectivity  

Module 18: Implementing Network Services 

Module 19: Introducing Multicast Protocols 

Module 20: Introducing QoS  

Module 21: Using Network Analysis Tools  

Module 22: Implementing Infrastructure Security  

Module 23: Implementing Secure Access Control  

Module 24: Discovering the Basics of Python Programming  

Module 25: Introducing Network Programmability Protocols 

Module 26: Explaining Wireless Principles 

Module 27: Exploring Wireless Roaming and Location Services  

Module 28: Exploring Enterprise Network Security Architecture  

Module 29: Exploring Cisco Catalyst Center—Network Automation and Management 

Module 30: Examining the Cisco SD-Access Solution 

Module 31: Exploring the Working Principles of the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Solution 

Module 32: Introducing APIs in Cisco Catalyst Center and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager 

LAB OUTLINE

• Lab 1: Investigate the CAM
• Lab 2: Analyze Cisco Express Forwarding
• Lab 3: Troubleshoot VLAN and Trunk Issues
• Lab 4: Tune STP and Configure RSTP
• Lab 5: Configure Multiple STP
• Lab 6: Troubleshoot EtherChannel
• Lab 7: Implement Multiarea OSPF
• Lab 8: Implement OSPF Tuning
• Lab 9: Apply OSPF Optimization
• Lab 10: Implement OSPFv3
• Lab 11: Configure and Verify Single-Homed EBGP
• Lab 12: Implement HSRP
• Lab 13: Configure VRRP
• Lab 14: Implement NAT
• Lab 15: Configure and Verify VRF
• Lab 16: Configure and Verify a GRE Tunnel
• Lab 17: Configure Static VTI Point-to-Point Tunnels
• Lab 18: Configure Wireless Client Authentication in a Centralized Deployment
• Lab 19: Troubleshoot Wireless Client Connectivity Issues
• Lab 20: Configure Syslog
• Lab 21: Configure and Verify Flexible NetFlow
• Lab 22: Configure Cisco IOS EEM
• Lab 23: Troubleshoot Connectivity and Analyze Traffic with Ping, Traceroute, and Debug
• Lab 24: Configure and Verify Cisco IP SLAs
• Lab 25: Configure Standard and Extended ACLs
• Lab 26: Configure Control Plane Policing
• Lab 27: Implement Local and Server-Based AAA
• Lab 28: Write and Troubleshoot Python Scripts
• Lab 29: Explore JSON Objects and Scripts in Python
• Lab 30: Use NETCONF Via SSH
• Lab 31: Use RESTCONF with Cisco IOS XE Software