Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (350-401 ENCOR)
Course Overview
Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (350-401 ENCOR) develops that broader understanding. It is Cisco’s core professional course for enterprise networking and the recommended preparation for the 350-401 ENCOR exam.
A large part of the course focuses on availability. You will learn how first-hop redundancy protocols such as HSRP and VRRP protect the default gateway, how EtherChannel and Spanning Tree keep Layer 2 loop-free and resilient, and how OSPF areas and eBGP peerings give the routed network predictable behaviour. High-availability concepts such as SSO and well-structured tiered designs tie these pieces together.
The course also looks ahead. Software-defined networking is now part of everyday operations, so you will study the control and data planes of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Cisco SD-Access, along with the VXLAN and LISP technologies behind them. VRF, GRE, and IPsec tunnels show how traffic can be isolated and carried securely between sites.
Network security and visibility are woven throughout. You will configure AAA, ACLs, and CoPP, and use tools such as Flexible NetFlow, IP SLA, and ERSPAN to observe what is really happening on the wire.
Finally, the course introduces the network automation skills that modern teams depend on: Python, JSON, YANG, NETCONF, RESTCONF, EEM, and the APIs of Cisco Catalyst Center and SD-WAN Manager. Together, these topics give learners a practical, current foundation in Cisco ENCOR training.
Course Objectives
- Analyse enterprise network designs and the redundancy and high-availability techniques that keep critical services online.
- Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VLANs, 802.1Q trunks, EtherChannel, and Spanning Tree (RSTP and MST) in campus environments.
- Implement IPv4 and IPv6 routing with OSPFv2 and OSPFv3, compare OSPF with EIGRP, and configure eBGP with an understanding of path selection.
- Deploy HSRP, VRRP, NAT/PAT and time services, and describe multicast concepts including PIM sparse mode, IGMP and SSM.
- Use VRF, GRE and IPsec for data path virtualization, and explain how SD-Access and Catalyst SD-WAN operate.
- Secure management and control planes with AAA, ACLs and CoPP, and identify the building blocks of a secure network design.
- Interpret Python scripts and REST API responses, and use NETCONF, RESTCONF, and EEM to automate common network tasks.
Target Audience
- Network engineers who design, configure and troubleshoot routed and switched networks.
- Network administrators responsible for daily operations and change management.
- Data center engineers who need a firm grasp of virtualization, overlays and redundancy.
- IT operations professionals moving towards monitoring, assurance and automated workflows.
- Engineers working with SDN, including Cisco SD-Access and Catalyst SD-WAN deployments.
- Candidates preparing for 350-401, whether aiming for the Enterprise Core specialist credential, CCNP Enterprise or CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure.
Course Content
2 modules · 63 topics01Course Outline32 topics
- Examining Cisco Enterprise Network Architecture
- Exploring Cisco Switching Paths
- Implementing Campus LAN Connectivity
- Building Redundant Switched Topology
- Implementing Layer 2 Port Aggregation
- Implementing OSPF
- Optimizing OSPF
- Explaining EIGRP
- Exploring EBGP
- Implementing Network Redundancy
- Implementing NAT
- Introducing Virtualization Protocols and Techniques
- Exploring Virtual Private Networks and Interfaces
- Examining Wireless Deployment Options
- Examining Wireless AP Operation
- Implementing Wireless Client Authentication
- Troubleshooting Wireless Client Connectivity
- Implementing Network Services
- Introducing Multicast Protocols
- Introducing QoS
- Using Network Analysis Tools
- Implementing Infrastructure Security
- Implementing Secure Access Control
- Discovering the Basics of Python Programming
- Introducing Network Programmability Protocols
- Explaining Wireless Principles
- Exploring Wireless Roaming and Location Services
- Exploring Enterprise Network Security Architecture
- Exploring Cisco Catalyst Center—Network Automation and Management
- Examining the Cisco SD-Access Solution
- Exploring the Working Principles of the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Solution
- Introducing APIs in Cisco Catalyst Center and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager
02Lab Outline31 topics
- Investigate the CAM
- Analyze Cisco Express Forwarding
- Troubleshoot VLAN and Trunk Issues
- Tune STP and Configure RSTP
- Configure Multiple STP
- Troubleshoot EtherChannel
- Implement Multiarea OSPF
- Implement OSPF Tuning
- Apply OSPF Optimization
- Implement OSPFv3
- Configure and Verify Single-Homed EBGP
- Implement HSRP
- Configure VRRP
- Implement NAT
- Configure and Verify VRF
- Configure and Verify a GRE Tunnel
- Configure Static VTI Point-to-Point Tunnels
- Configure Wireless Client Authentication in a Centralized Deployment
- Troubleshoot Wireless Client Connectivity Issues
- Configure Syslog
- Configure and Verify Flexible NetFlow
- Configure Cisco IOS EEM
- Troubleshoot Connectivity and Analyze Traffic with Ping, Traceroute, and Debug
- Configure and Verify Cisco IP SLAs
- Configure Standard and Extended ACLs
- Configure Control Plane Policing
- Implement Local and Server-Based AAA
- Write and Troubleshoot Python Scripts
- Explore JSON Objects and Scripts in Python
- Use NETCONF Via SSH
- Use RESTCONF with Cisco IOS XE Software
Schedule Dates
4 upcoming batches| Batch Dates | Duration | Batch Options | Language | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 November 2026 - 20 November 2026 | 5 Days | 4 hours & 8 hours | English/ Arabic | |
| 22 February 2027 - 26 February 2027 | 5 Days | 4 hours & 8 hours | English/ Arabic | |
| 24 May 2027 - 28 May 2027 | 5 Days | 4 hours & 8 hours | English/ Arabic | |
| 30 August 2027 - 03 September 2027 | 5 Days | 4 hours & 8 hours | English/ Arabic |
Can’t find a suitable date? Request a schedule that fits your team.
Request More InformationQatar’s advanced digital infrastructure, from large venues and transport systems to financial services and government platforms, depends on networks that stay available and secure around the clock. Our Cisco ENCOR training in Qatar equips network engineers in Doha, Lusail, Al Wakrah and across the country with the skills to build and run that kind of high-availability environment. The 350-401 ENCOR course covers first hop redundancy with HSRP and VRRP, resilient Layer 2 design with EtherChannel and Spanning Tree, OSPF and eBGP routing, VRF and IPsec virtualization, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and SD-Access, infrastructure security with AAA and CoPP, and network automation using Python, REST APIs and RESTCONF. Mapped to the current 350-401 ENCOR v1.2 exam, this CCNP Enterprise training in Qatar is ideal for engineers aiming to earn the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core and progress towards CCNP Enterprise.
FAQs
What is Cisco ENCOR?
ENCOR stands for Enterprise Core. The Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies course and its 350-401 exam cover the essential technologies used to build, secure, monitor, and automate Cisco enterprise networks.
What are the main topic areas of the 350-401 exam?
The v1.2 blueprint has six domains: Architecture (15%), Virtualization (10%), Infrastructure (30%), Network Assurance (10%), Security (20%), and Automation and Artificial Intelligence (15%).
What background knowledge do I need?
You should understand networking fundamentals at the CCNA level, including subnetting, VLANs, basic routing, and the Cisco IOS command line. Some practical experience with enterprise networks is helpful but not required.
How long is the 350-401 ENCOR exam?
Cisco lists the 350-401 ENCOR v1.2 exam as a 120-minute exam. Exam booking is handled separately from the training course.
What happens after I pass ENCOR?
You earn the Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise Core certification. You can then pass one CCNP Enterprise concentration exam to complete CCNP Enterprise, or use ENCOR as the qualifying exam for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab.
Will this course help me with SD-WAN?
Yes, at a foundational level. You will learn the working principles of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, its control and data plane elements, its benefits and limitations, and the APIs of SD-WAN Manager. Deeper SD-WAN skills are covered in a separate concentration track.
Which skills will I take back to my job?
You will be able to troubleshoot Layer 2 and Layer 3 issues more methodically, build redundant and secure designs, monitor network performance with NetFlow and IP SLA, and automate repetitive tasks with Python and APIs.
Does completing the course guarantee certification?
No. The course prepares you for the exam, but certification depends on passing the 350-401 exam, and full CCNP Enterprise requires an additional concentration exam.
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