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Leigh Bogardis

This course is a design overview on the different choices of WAN network connection types, VPN types, and high availability types, along with the exciting new paradigm of SD-WAN, architecture, and design.

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This course is a design overview on the different choices of WAN network connection types, VPN types, and high availability types, along with the exciting new paradigm of SD-WAN, architecture, and design.

In this course, Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks: WAN for Enterprise Networks, you will learn foundational knowledge of how to choose and design the WAN enterprise connection types. First, you will learn about the connection types, VPN types, and high availability types. Next, you will discover SD-WAN components and architecture. Finally, you will explore how to design your WAN connections to use SD-WAN. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge of enterprise WAN connection types and options needed to design those WAN connections for your clients and company.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Comparing WAN Connectivity Options
Designing Site-to-site VPN
Designing High Availability for Enterprise WAN
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches core skills for those in IT who design connections for enterprise WAN
Covers core knowledge and many choices in the field
Highlights vendor Cisco, which is known in the industry
Explores SD-WAN, which is a new concept in the field
May require existing experience and comfort in the field

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Reviews summary

Enterprise wan and sd-wan design

Prospective learners can expect this course to provide a design overview on different WAN network connection types, VPN types, and high availability types relevant to enterprise networks. It aims to comprehensively cover the SD-WAN paradigm, delving into its architecture and design considerations. The curriculum is structured to build foundational knowledge for selecting and designing enterprise WAN connections, including SD-WAN components and practical design strategies. This course is tailored for professionals seeking to enhance their network design skills in a Cisco environment, promising to equip them with the insights needed to design robust WAN solutions.
Equips learners with skills for real-world network design.
"The design focus of this course directly applies to challenges I face daily in enterprise networking."
"I believe I can now apply these WAN and SD-WAN design principles to my clients' needs immediately."
"This course seems ideal for network engineers looking to transition into or strengthen their design roles."
Explores Cisco SD-WAN architecture and design considerations.
"The dedicated sections on SD-WAN architecture were particularly insightful and relevant for current industry trends."
"I found the detailed look into Cisco SD-WAN design considerations very valuable for practical application."
"It's great that this course dives into SD-WAN; it's a critical technology I need to understand better."
Provides foundational understanding of enterprise WAN design.
"I appreciate how the course covers a wide range of WAN connectivity options, giving a solid overview."
"The material really helped me grasp the different VPN and high availability types for enterprise networks."
"It lays out a strong foundation for understanding WAN design choices, which is crucial for my work."
Focuses on design, may lack extensive hands-on labs.
"While the design theory is excellent, I wished there were more practical labs or configuration examples to solidify concepts."
"I learned a lot about design, but I feel I might need additional hands-on practice with the actual Cisco devices or simulators."
"For a design course, it's good, but hands-on demos would elevate it further for a practical learner."
Assumes foundational networking knowledge.
"This course seems to be tailored for those already familiar with core networking concepts and Cisco environments."
"As a beginner, I found some of the initial design discussions might require pre-existing knowledge to fully appreciate."
"It's definitely not for absolute beginners; an understanding of networking fundamentals is key."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks: WAN for Enterprise Networks with these activities:
Find a mentor who can guide you in WAN design
Having a mentor can provide you with valuable guidance and support as you learn about WAN design, helping you to accelerate your progress and achieve your goals.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors who have experience in WAN design.
  • Reach out to your mentors and ask for their guidance.
Follow a tutorial on SD-WAN architecture
This activity will provide you with a deeper understanding of SD-WAN architecture, which will complement the course materials and help you stay up-to-date on the latest technologies.
Browse courses on SD-WAN Architecture
Show steps
  • Find a reputable tutorial on SD-WAN architecture.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
  • Take notes and ask questions as needed.
Configure Cisco SD-WAN
Practice configuring Cisco SD-WAN to reinforce your understanding of its components and architecture.
Browse courses on SD-WAN
Show steps
  • Gather necessary hardware and software
  • Install Cisco SD-WAN software
  • Configure SD-WAN router settings
  • Verify SD-WAN configuration
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Configure a site-to-site VPN
This activity will give you hands-on experience configuring a site-to-site VPN, which will help you understand the concepts covered in the course and prepare you for real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on VPN Configuration
Show steps
  • Set up a test environment with two routers.
  • Configure the routers to establish a site-to-site VPN connection.
  • Test the VPN connection to ensure that it is working properly.
Explore Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN)
Explore DMVPN to broaden your knowledge of VPN technologies.
Browse courses on VPN
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on DMVPN
  • Follow the steps to configure DMVPN
  • Test and troubleshoot your DMVPN configuration
Attend a workshop on SD-WAN
Attending a workshop on SD-WAN will provide you with hands-on experience and allow you to learn from industry experts, which can greatly enhance your understanding of the topic.
Browse courses on SD-WAN
Show steps
  • Find a reputable workshop on SD-WAN.
  • Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.
  • Take notes and ask questions during the workshop.
Design a WAN network for a small business
Create a practical WAN design to apply your knowledge and skills in designing WAN connections.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Gather requirements from a small business
  • Research and select appropriate WAN connectivity options
  • Design a WAN network diagram
  • Document your design
Participate in a hackathon focused on WAN design
Participating in a hackathon will challenge you to apply your knowledge of WAN design to solve a real-world problem, helping you to develop your skills and creativity.
Show steps
  • Find a hackathon that is focused on WAN design.
  • Form a team and develop a solution to the hackathon challenge.
  • Present your solution to the hackathon judges.
Mentor other students who are learning about WAN design
Mentoring other students can help you to solidify your understanding of WAN design while also making a positive impact on the learning journey of others.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Identify other students who are interested in learning about WAN design.
  • Offer your guidance and support to these students.
  • Answer their questions and provide feedback on their work.

Career center

Learners who complete Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks: WAN for Enterprise Networks will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Engineer
Network Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. They ensure that networks are reliable, secure, and efficient. This course can help Network Engineers build a foundation in WAN design, which is essential for managing large, complex networks. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Network Engineers make informed decisions about the best WAN solutions for their organizations.
Network Architect
Network Architects design and implement network infrastructure for organizations. They work closely with Network Engineers to ensure that networks meet the organization's business needs. This course can help Network Architects develop the skills they need to design and implement WANs. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Network Architects design WANs that are reliable, secure, and efficient.
IT Manager
IT Managers are responsible for the overall management of IT systems and infrastructure. They work with other IT professionals to ensure that IT systems are aligned with the organization's business goals. This course can help IT Managers develop the skills they need to manage WANs. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help IT Managers make informed decisions about the best WAN solutions for their organizations.
IT Director
IT Directors are responsible for the strategic planning and management of IT systems and infrastructure. They work with other IT professionals to ensure that IT systems are aligned with the organization's business goals. This course can help IT Directors develop the skills they need to manage WANs. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help IT Directors make informed decisions about the best WAN solutions for their organizations.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer networks. They work with Network Engineers to ensure that networks are reliable, secure, and efficient. This course can help Network Administrators build a foundation in WAN design, which is essential for managing large, complex networks. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Network Administrators make informed decisions about the best WAN solutions for their organizations.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They work with other IT professionals to ensure that systems are reliable, secure, and efficient. This course can help Systems Engineers develop the skills they need to design and implement WANs. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Systems Engineers design WANs that are reliable, secure, and efficient.
Cloud Architect
Cloud Architects design and implement cloud computing solutions for organizations. They work with other IT professionals to ensure that cloud solutions are aligned with the organization's business goals. This course can help Cloud Architects develop the skills they need to design and implement WANs. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Cloud Architects design WANs that are reliable, secure, and efficient.
Data Center Manager
Data Center Managers are responsible for the planning, operation, and maintenance of data centers. They work with other IT professionals to ensure that data centers are reliable, secure, and efficient. This course can help Data Center Managers develop the skills they need to manage WANs. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Data Center Managers make informed decisions about the best WAN solutions for their data centers.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design and implement security solutions for computer networks. They work with other IT professionals to ensure that networks are protected from unauthorized access and attacks. This course can help Network Security Engineers build a foundation in WAN design, which is essential for managing large, complex networks. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Network Security Engineers make informed decisions about the best WAN solutions for their organizations.
Telecommunications Engineer
Telecommunications Engineers design and implement telecommunications networks. They work with other IT professionals to ensure that networks are reliable, secure, and efficient. This course can help Telecommunications Engineers develop the skills they need to design and implement WANs. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Telecommunications Engineers design WANs that are reliable, secure, and efficient.
IT Consultant
IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on IT matters. They work with organizations to help them plan, design, and implement IT solutions. This course can help IT Consultants develop the skills they need to advise organizations on WAN design. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help IT Consultants make informed recommendations to their clients.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts design and implement security solutions for organizations. They work with other IT professionals to ensure that organizations are protected from unauthorized access and attacks. This course can help Information Security Analysts build a foundation in WAN design, which is essential for managing large, complex networks. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Information Security Analysts make informed decisions about the best WAN solutions for their organizations.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts design and implement security solutions for organizations. They work with other IT professionals to ensure that organizations are protected from unauthorized access and attacks. This course can help Cybersecurity Analysts build a foundation in WAN design, which is essential for managing large, complex networks. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Cybersecurity Analysts make informed decisions about the best WAN solutions for their organizations.
Network Technician
Network Technicians install, maintain, and repair computer networks. They work with Network Engineers and Network Administrators to ensure that networks are reliable, secure, and efficient. This course can help Network Technicians build a foundation in WAN design, which is essential for managing large, complex networks. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Network Technicians make informed decisions about the best WAN solutions for their organizations.
Help Desk Technician
Help Desk Technicians provide technical support to users of computer networks. They work with users to resolve problems with hardware, software, and networks. This course may be useful for Help Desk Technicians who want to learn more about WAN design. The course covers topics such as WAN connectivity options, VPN types, high availability, and SD-WAN. This knowledge will help Help Desk Technicians better understand the networks they support and how to resolve problems related to WANs.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks: WAN for Enterprise Networks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of WAN design, implementation, and management. It good resource for anyone looking to learn about the different aspects of WANs.
Provides a comprehensive reference on TCP/IP, including chapters on WAN technologies. It valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the technical details of WANs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer networks, including WAN technologies. It good resource for anyone looking to learn about the fundamentals of networking.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer security, including network security. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about network security and how to implement it in WAN environments.

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