Taking the CCNP ENCOR 350-401? Here are the Topics!

I am currently preparing for the CCNP ENCOR 350-401 exam, and as part of my study journey, I’ve put together this comprehensive yet easy-to-follow guide. If you’re also working toward this certification, I hope this helps make the complex topics clearer and the preparation process a little more enjoyable. Let’s master this one topic at a time and earn that CCNP badge together!

1.0 Architecture (15%) – Building the Digital City

1.1 Enterprise Network Design Principles
Step into the role of a digital architect and design your network empire. Whether it’s a simple two-tier setup or a grand three-tier skyscraper of connectivity, learn how modern networks stand tall with fabric and cloud solutions. Explore how high availability techniques like redundancy, FHRP, and SSO keep your network always open for business—no downtime allowed.
1.2 Wireless Network Design Principles
Ever wondered how Wi-Fi blankets a stadium or a busy airport? Dive into wireless deployment models from centralized to cloud-based solutions and uncover the secrets behind location services and managing massive crowds of connected devices. Yes, it’s possible to keep everyone happily connected, even at a sold-out concert!
1.3 Cisco SD-WAN Solution
Forget about old-school WAN headaches. With SD-WAN, controlling remote sites becomes as easy as managing apps on your phone. Learn how this powerful technology brings centralized control, optimized performance, and serious cost savings to your network, all while sipping your morning coffee.
1.4 Cisco SD-Access Solution
Imagine walking into a building where everything—from access permissions to security—is automated and seamless. That’s the magic of SD-Access. Learn how this futuristic solution transforms traditional campuses into smart, secure, and self-healing environments.
1.5 Wired and Wireless QoS Configurations
In the battle for bandwidth, only the most important apps should win. Learn how to become the referee by configuring QoS policies that ensure your critical business apps run smoothly while background cat videos wait their turn.
1.6 Switching Mechanisms
Ever wondered what’s really happening inside a switch? Peek behind the curtain to discover how data zooms through networks using CEF, CAM, TCAM, FIB, RIB, and adjacency tables. It’s like traffic management, but at the speed of light.

2.0 Virtualization (10%) – Enter the Virtual World

2.1 Device Virtualization Technologies
Why be stuck in the physical world when you can create entire digital environments? Explore hypervisors, virtual machines, and virtual switches that turn a single device into a multi-purpose powerhouse. It’s like magic—only cooler and very, very real.
2.2 Data Path Virtualization Technologies
Create secret passageways across the internet using VRFs and tunneling technologies like GRE and IPsec. Think of them as private highways that keep your data safe from prying eyes as it travels across the public web.
2.3 Network Virtualization Concepts
Stretch your network’s capabilities beyond imagination with LISP and VXLAN. These technologies allow you to move devices and extend networks effortlessly, like having the power to rearrange entire cities with a click.

3.0 Infrastructure (30%) – The Core of Networking

3.1 Layer 2 Technologies
Master the foundational layer that keeps your network connected and loop-free. Troubleshoot VLAN trunking like a pro, tame EtherChannels, and rule over Spanning Tree Protocols to ensure your network doesn’t tie itself into knots.
3.2 Layer 3 Technologies
Become the GPS of your network by directing data packets to their destination efficiently. Understand the rivalries between EIGRP and OSPF, set up eBGP like a diplomat handling international relations, and control traffic flows with policy-based routing.
3.3 Wireless Technologies
Uncover the mysteries of wireless signals—why they sometimes drop and how to fix them. Learn about RF power, interference, and roaming principles. Plus, troubleshoot like a hero without even touching the CLI.
3.4 IP Services
Discover the essential services that keep your network alive and synchronized. From NAT configurations to making sure everyone agrees on what time it is with NTP and PTP, this section covers the unsung heroes of your infrastructure.

4.0 Network Assurance (10%) – Keeping Networks Healthy and Happy

4.1 Troubleshooting Tools
When the network cries for help, you’ll be the first responder. Master tools like ping, traceroute, SNMP, and syslog to hunt down issues and fix them before anyone notices.
4.2 NetFlow and Traffic Monitoring
Ever wonder what’s hogging your bandwidth? Flexible NetFlow reveals who the real culprits are, helping you keep network performance smooth and efficient.
4.3 Network Taps and Monitoring
Mirror your network’s traffic like a behind-the-scenes security camera. SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN help you watch everything without disrupting the show.
4.4 IPSLA for Performance Monitoring
Proactively test and monitor your network’s health. Think of IPSLA as running simulated “health checks” for your network to avoid future headaches.
4.5 Cisco DNA Center
Simplify complex network management with a few clicks. Cisco DNA Center makes applying configurations and monitoring network health feel as easy as managing a playlist.
4.6 NETCONF and RESTCONF
Step into the world of modern network automation and control. These protocols help you manage devices efficiently using structured data, saving time and reducing errors.

5.0 Security (20%) – Becoming the Network Bodyguard

5.1 Device Access Control
Keep unwanted guests out of your digital party. Master user authentication with local credentials and the powerful AAA framework to lock down access like a pro.
5.2 Infrastructure Security
Enforce ironclad security rules using ACLs and protect your control plane with CoPP. These are the shields and swords of your network defense strategy.
5.3 API Security
As APIs open new doors for automation, make sure those doors aren’t left unlocked. Learn how to secure REST APIs and prevent them from becoming a hacker’s playground.
5.4 Wireless Security Features
Protect your wireless kingdom with modern security techniques. From 802.1X to EAPOL handshakes, keep your data safe even over the air.
5.5 Network Security Design
Design security from the ground up with a complete arsenal of defenses—firewalls, endpoint protection, MACsec encryption, and advanced access control methods. Build a fortress no attacker wants to mess with.

6.0 Automation (15%) – Let the Network Do the Work for You

6.1 Python Scripting Basics
Take your first steps into the world of automation by learning how to script with Python. Automate repetitive tasks and become the efficiency wizard every team dreams of.
6.2 JSON Files
Get comfortable with JSON, the language of APIs and automation. It’s like learning the secret code that makes automation magic happen.
6.3 Data Modeling with YANG
Organize and standardize your data like a true architect. YANG helps you bring order to chaos in large, complex networks.
6.4 APIs for Cisco DNA Center and vManage
Supercharge your automation skills by using APIs to control Cisco’s powerful network platforms. Manage, monitor, and optimize networks without breaking a sweat.
6.5 REST API Responses
Understand the cryptic messages that APIs send back. Decoding these is the key to knowing exactly what’s happening in your automated workflows.
6.6 EEM Applets
Create smart little programs within your devices that automatically fix problems, collect data, or run diagnostics. It’s like having a mini-network engineer living inside every router.
6.7 Automation Tools
Explore the battle between agent-based tools like Chef and Puppet, and agentless wonders like Ansible and SaltStack. Find out which one rules your automation kingdom.