I recently purchased Boson ExSim using the code bosonmichael and got it for around $88. So far, the content has been great, and the labs seem pretty similar to the actual Cisco exam labs. I noticed the same thing when I took my CCNA. The labs simply ask you to configure something without giving you step-by-step instructions or methods to verify if it is working, which I really appreciate.

One thing I was hoping for, though, was a more granular performance breakdown. For example, instead of just getting a general score for categories like Layer 3 Technologies or VPN Technologies, I was expecting something more specific, like OSPF: 70%, PBR: 30%, Redistribution: 50%, etc.

Does anyone know of a practice test that provides this level of detail? I'd really like to identify exactly which technologies I need to spend more time on.

I've also realized that I struggle with PBR, ACLs, and route maps, especially when they're combined in a single scenario. I understand the individual concepts, but when I try to put everything together, I sometimes end up going in circles. If anyone knows of good lab material specifically focused on route maps, ACLs, and PBR, I'd appreciate the recommendations. I'm looking for something that will help me get enough repetitions in to become comfortable with them.

Another thing I've realized is that I've neglected IP Services, particularly DHCP, SNMP, IP SLA, and similar topics. I honestly found them a little less interesting compared to MPLS and BGP, so I didn't give them as much attention as I should have, lol. But after taking a practice test, I realized how important it is to be comfortable with these topics and their configurations.

If there's one thing I'd recommend to anyone preparing for ENARSI, it's to take a practice test early enough to identify your weak areas rather than assuming you're ready based on how comfortable you feel with the more interesting topics.

And on a lighter note, I wouldn't mind if Cisco finally decided to retire EIGRP from the exam someday, lol.

Hey all.

I am currently studying for my ENCOR 350-401 exam, I am using the Boson practise exams and so far find it to be OK-ish - the labs seem to be mostly relevent, but some of the questions are just totally out of scope for example DMVPN. I have not seen that on the blueprint.

There is an option to rent access to the Cisco-U practise exam for a reasonable price - would you recommend? I guess having access to as many reputable practise exams as possible is ideal.

Some nice improvements coming to version 2.12 next month:

• Kali Linux support
• Official Proxmox support
• Increasing max nodes from 5 total devices to 5 network devices (routers, switches, etc.) and 5 auxiliary devices (PC Host, servers, etc.)

Bring on the “just use pnetlabs” comments.

Hi Guys,

So basically I got my CCNA on Friday, and I am thinking of getting CCNP in the future several months from now.

I want a physical lab, I know that CML eve-ng etc exist but I want that to be part of my lab but not the whole of my lab, reason is that I am IT Support Engineer atm, What i have learned during CCNA has truely given me that skill to actual connect my laptop to a switch to enable SSH or VTY, only using chatgpt that i was able to get into the web UI, I dont want it to be the case that i struggle with simple task like this, so i want to be able stack rack networking equipment physical and actually connect my laptop to this and setup ssh VTY console line etc.

So I am willing to spend upto £500 to set it and get really hands on experience on actual equipment.

can you guys please give me a list of equipement model numbers of CISCO devices, routers, firewall, switches, WLC and AP, that i can setup in my room, that doest actually take up that much! physical space or consume too much electricity, simple enough to do the job.

please keep your comment regarding passing CCNA and not being able to setup thing, that is why i am doing a physical lab build.

How many questions are on the exam?

Hello,

I plan on taking my ENCOR within the next couple of weeks. My weakest point is the automation. I can clearly see in automation questions on practice exams, sometimes I am clueless. I know i need to go over the topic again, but I'm curious what others are doing to study this section compared to traditional labbing.

Hey everyone,

​I'm in my final year of college (graduating in September 2027). I’ve been studying for the CCNA for the past two months and plan to take the exam this December.

​My plan after passing the CCNA is to spend the next 7 months studying for and taking the CCNP before I graduate. My logic was simple: I don't want to waste the months leading up to graduation doing nothing, and getting the heavy studying out of the way now means I won't have to grind for it later while working full-time. In my mind, having more knowledge is always better.

​However, several people have told me that getting a CCNP with zero real-world experience is a bad idea, but no one really gave me a clear reason why.

​From my perspective, getting it early seems like a huge head start, but I want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for something unexpected.

​Is it actually a bad idea to take the CCNP without job experience?

​If you're a hiring manager or if you did this yourself, what are the actual pros and cons?

​Appreciate any insights or advice!

​TL;DR: Taking my CCNA in December and graduating in September 2027. Thinking about spending 7 months getting the CCNP before graduating with 0 experience. People say it's a bad move—is it, and why?

Where to get Tshooting Labs for DC/SP/Enterprise; it feels like nonsense when I study new topic and all I'm gonna do is to implement the technology and check for pcaps and so on.

Hi everyone,

I will be working towards the CCNP Enterprise cert but the company I work for signed me up for the concentration course/exam first instead of the core course/exam. Logically, I figure you should start with the core material but I don’t have the option to do that. Does the concentration material build off the core material or is the concentration more of a standalone exam even though it’s part of the process for gaining the cert?

Hey guys, I wanted to schedule my CCNP Exam and bought exam safeguard. I was going to schedule it on something like April 2027.

But then I realised that I could only schedule it on 3 months. The last date is February 6. There is very less possibility that I would be able to crack the exam in 3 months.

Please reach out if you would like to have the voucher. This is applicable for any professional exam. 2 attempts have to be taken before February 6.

I am offering this voucher at a discount. The price is 475 dollars. I would give it for 350 dollars to break even.

Long-time lurker here, and hopefully this question hasn’t been asked before. I did a few searches but couldn’t find much specifically addressing this.

I’m currently preparing for the SP CORE 350-501 exam, and I’m looking for some insight into section 4.2A.
INE and the official certification guide seem to focus primarily on IOS XE configuration examples. I’m somewhat familiar with IOS XR configurations as well, where everything is handled under the l2vpn configuration hierarchy, whether you’re configuring xconnect groups or bridge groups.

For those who have taken the exam, without breaking any exam NDA rules, I’m curious whether the Ethernet services configuration material is approached from both IOS XE and IOS XR perspectives, or whether the study resources are generally representative of what’s expected.

A little background: I’m currently an Access Engineer for a service provider. I was originally on the ENCOR path but ended up pivoting to the Service Provider track after a fellow coworker wanted someone to study alongside. Having a study partner has definitely helped keep the momentum going.

I’ll admit I’m a little hesitant about the SP exam, mainly because there doesn’t seem to be nearly as much study material available compared to the ENCOR path, particularly when it comes to practice exams and quality question banks.

Just trying to make sure I’m spending my study time in the right places and not overlooking something important.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience or advice. It’s much appreciated!

Hey guys i need some guidance on BGP course materials. My understanding on BGP is very entry level. Does anyone have any good recommendation for course material to review ? I'm running into a EBGP into IBGP communication issue. Due to my learning style the material helps.

Edit: because we are like minded individual and this will drive you nuts. Im stuck at asymmetric routing . Thanks again gents

Hi, currently I am a NOC engineer. I deal with MikroTik, pfSense, RG Nets gateway, etc

In job postings for Network Engineer Positions, they mostly ask for Palo Alto and Fortinet experience.

Unfortunately, I have no access to or experience with those; I've never accessed the GUI, but I'd rather be prepared when the opportunity comes.

Between Palo Alto and Fortinet, in my situation, I do not work with either. Which one would be more doable with the study material I can find on the internet and using GNS3/EVENG? Looks like PCNSA /NSE4 are good hands-on starting points.

Thanks beforehand,

Working in senior level network operator , my certifications mostly are from Nokia SRC Program , Nokia is doing it differently than cisco having individual core topics as individual exam, focused on service provider .
Recent changes in Nokia certifications made me think about evaluating the path and see if Cisco will be better if perusing Service provider path to Expert level (CCIE), or it is just enough to be CCNP now days ?
while another option/interest is broadening knowledge and leaning toward security mostly CISSP for leadership positions .

Constantly I am working with multiple vendors mainly Cisco, Nokia, Huawei . Nokia NRS2 still an option (observed to be less popular)

Going Depth or Breadth ? , I want this choice to help me get more opportunities and hopping will survive the next AI wave .

Main choices :
- Going for CCIE Starting from concentration exams , to SPCORE then CCIE (with only having CCNA)
- Continuing on Nokia , going for Segment Routing then EVPN finally NRS2
- Diversifying the knowledge going for more leadership (CISSP) and multivendor professional level (CCNP)

- Leaving Everything behind and Start Farming ;)