1. Network Infrastructure
OSI Model: In-depth understanding of the functions and protocols of each OSI layer, especially the transport and network layers.
TCP/IP Protocol Suite: Mastering IP addressing, subnetting, CIDR, VLSM, as well as the working principles of ARP, ICMP, and other protocols.
2. Routing and Switching
Routing Protocols: Expertise in configuring, optimizing, and troubleshooting IGPs (such as OSPF, EIGRP) and EGP (such as BGP).
Switching Technologies: Proficiency in VLAN, Trunking, STP (including RSTP, MSTP), as well as multi-layer switching implementation and troubleshooting.
3. Network Security
Security Devices: Understanding firewall configurations, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) management.
VPN Technologies: Mastery of IPsec and SSL VPN implementations, as well as designing site-to-site and remote access VPNs.
4. Quality of Service (QoS)
QoS Mechanisms: Understanding classification, marking, queuing, congestion avoidance, and traffic shaping to ensure the performance of critical applications.
5. Automation and Programming
Programming Skills: Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python and using libraries like Netmiko and Paramiko for network automation.
Automation Tools: Knowledge of Ansible, Chef, and Puppet for improving network operations efficiency.
6. Wireless and Data Center Technologies
Wireless Networking: Mastery of wireless network planning, implementation, RF management, and Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) configuration.
Data Centers: Understanding data center architectures, virtualization technologies (such as VMware and KVM), and storage networks (such as SAN and NAS).
7. Network Design and Architecture
Design Principles: Ability to design scalable, highly available, redundant, and fault-tolerant network architectures that meet enterprise needs.
8. Troubleshooting and Optimization
Troubleshooting Skills: Ability to systematically diagnose and resolve network issues using Cisco's troubleshooting tools and methodologies.
9. Emerging Technologies
SDN (Software-Defined Networking): Understanding SDN architecture, OpenFlow protocol, and its impact on traditional networking.
Internet of Things (IoT): Awareness of IoT device networking requirements, security challenges, and integration strategies with existing networks.
