What’s new in the ENCOR Version 1.1 exam? – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

The Cisco ENCOR (Enterprise Network Core) certification exam, part of the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) track, has long been an essential credential for networking professionals aiming to validate their skills in modern enterprise network technologies. In 2023, Cisco released a major update to the exam, You Can check this 350-401 ENCOR v1.1 representing the most current iteration. This revision brings some key changes, enhancing the exam’s focus to ensure it aligns with the latest trends, tools, and technologies in networking.

If you’re preparing for the ENCOR exam or considering the certification as a career goal, understanding the new elements in ENCOR v1.1 is crucial for ensuring success. In this article, we will explore what has changed between the previous version and ENCOR 1.1, the new topics added, and how these changes reflect the evolving needs of the enterprise network landscape.

A brief overview of the ENCOR exam

Before diving into the specifics of the changes in version 1.1, let’s quickly review the scope and purpose of the ENCOR exam. The ENCOR exam (350-401) is a professional-level test offered by Cisco that covers a broad range of core enterprise networking topics. It serves as a prerequisite for various Cisco certifications, including the go CCNP dumps right here and the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Infrastructure.

The exam is designed to test your knowledge of networking technologies that are essential to building and managing scalable, secure, and efficient enterprise networks. These areas include:

• Routing and Switching
• Infrastructure and Network Architecture
• Security
• Automation and Programmability
• Wireless Networking
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Network Troubleshooting

The update to version 1.1 builds on this foundation while incorporating more modern technologies and practices.

Key updates in ENCOR v1.1

1. Enhanced focus on automation and network programmability

One of the most notable changes in the ENCOR 1.1 exam is an increased emphasis on automation and network programmability. This is in response to the growing importance of automation in modern network management. Network automation tools help reduce the manual configuration workload, improve consistency, and support rapid changes that modern businesses require.

In ENCOR v1.1, there is a stronger focus on the following concepts:

• Cisco DNA Center (DNAC) for automation and network management.
• Network Configuration Protocols (NETCONF) and RESTful APIs.
• The concept of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and how it integrates with network management.
• Python scripting for automating tasks like configuration management and data collection.

Candidates can expect to see more questions that deal with automation frameworks and the configuration of network devices through APIs, compared to the previous version. A deeper understanding of automation protocols, tools, and languages such as Python will be essential.

2. Expanded coverage of security technologies

In today’s cyber threat landscape, security is more important than ever. ENCOR 1.1 reflects this reality by expanding the exam content related to security technologies and practices.

Notable changes include:

• Zero trust security models: Cisco’s implementation of a Zero Trust model is gaining traction in enterprise environments, and this concept is now covered in the ENCOR exam. You will be tested on how to implement Zero Trust strategies using Cisco security products such as Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine).
• Advanced threat mitigation: The exam now delves deeper into tools and techniques for mitigating security threats, such as advanced firewalls, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and secure VPN configurations.
• Security automation: The automation of security tasks like threat detection and response is a hot topic. ENCOR v1.1 includes more emphasis on automated security solutions and their integration with network management.

Incorporating these security practices into the exam ensures that network engineers are equipped to design networks that not only deliver performance but are resilient to security threats.

3. Improved coverage of wireless networking

Wireless technologies continue to evolve at a rapid pace, and ENCOR v1.1 updates reflect the increasing importance of wireless networks in the enterprise environment. Key updates to wireless topics in the ENCOR 1.1 exam include:

• Wi-Fi 6 and 6E: Cisco has placed a greater emphasis on Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Wi-Fi 6E (which extends Wi-Fi 6 to the 6 GHz band) due to their adoption in enterprise environments. ENCOR 1.1 candidates must now be familiar with the capabilities, configuration, and troubleshooting of these newer Wi-Fi standards.
• Cisco wireless LAN controllers: More in-depth questions on configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs) will be featured in the updated exam. Wireless management platforms such as Cisco Meraki and Cisco DNA Wireless will also be highlighted.
• Advanced wireless security: Questions related to securing wireless networks, including the implementation of WPA3, will now be a part of the curriculum.

The wireless section in ENCOR 1.1 has been updated to reflect the growing reliance on advanced wireless technologies, making it essential for network engineers to stay current on the latest wireless standards and security practices.

4. New emphasis on network design and architecture

While the previous version of ENCOR touched on network design principles, ENCOR v1.1 has added more content related to designing and architecting scalable and efficient networks. This includes:

• Hybrid Cloud Architectures: A significant portion of modern networks is now cloud-based, and the exam reflects this shift. Candidates should expect to answer questions on hybrid cloud designs, the integration of on-premise and cloud resources, and the management of network traffic between cloud environments and data centers.
• SD-WAN and Network Virtualisation: The continued adoption of SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) technologies has led Cisco to emphasise these concepts. Candidates will need to understand how SD-WAN works, its benefits, and how it integrates into enterprise networks.
• Intent-Based Networking (IBN): Cisco’s Intent-Based Networking strategy is now a larger focus in the ENCOR 1.1 exam. Candidates will need to understand how IBN uses automation, analytics, and machine learning to deliver proactive network management.

The increased focus on network design and emerging technologies demonstrates the changing needs of enterprise networks and the importance of keeping up with the latest innovations.

5. Updated troubleshooting and network monitoring techniques

Troubleshooting is always a critical aspect of any network engineer’s skill set, and ENCOR v1.1 has updated its coverage of network monitoring and diagnostic tools. New content includes:

• Telemetry and data collection: Tools for monitoring network performance, including the use of network telemetry, are emphasised. Cisco’s tools like Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco DNA Center are included in questions related to network monitoring.
• AI-driven insights: The growing use of AI and machine learning to predict and troubleshoot network issues is reflected in the exam’s content. ENCOR 1.1 candidates will need to understand how AI is being integrated into network monitoring for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection.

These updates ensure that candidates are prepared to address the complex challenges of maintaining modern networks.

Conclusion

The ENCOR 1.1 exam represents a significant shift toward a more modern and comprehensive approach to enterprise networking. With enhanced coverage of automation, security, wireless technologies, network design, and troubleshooting, the updated exam ensures that networking professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for the future of enterprise networks.

By aligning the exam content with the latest technological developments—such as automation tools, SD-WAN, and the Zero Trust security model—Cisco ensures that the ENCOR certification remains relevant in a rapidly evolving networking landscape. If you’re preparing for the ENCOR 1.1 exam, be sure to familiarise yourself with these updated topics and technologies to maximise your chances of success and demonstrate your expertise in cutting-edge networking practices.