Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks: Routing Protocols from Pluralsight

This course will teach a number of the most commonly implemented Enterprise routing protocols including EIGRP, OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP and how they relate to Cisco network design recommendations.

Many engineers work their whole careers without ever really looking under the hood to understand why a network was designed the way it was. Some of this is because their day-to-day duties don't require this knowledge, and some of this is because an engineer chooses to focus their knowledge on becoming exceptional operational engineers. In this course, Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks: Routing Protocols, you will take a closer look at the routing protocols that are commonly implemented in Enterprise networks, specifically covering EIGRP, OSPF, IS-IS and BGP. First, you will review the basics of each of these protocols and some amount of the inner-workings of each of the protocols. Then, you will explore the basics of routing protocols including the different types and behaviors that are common between them. Next, you will learn about EIGRP, basic EIGRP concepts including neighborships, metrics, the topology table, summarization, and stub. After that, you will see basic OSPF concepts including neighborships, metrics, areas, the Link state database, summarization, and stub. Finally, you will explore IS-IS concepts including neighborships, metrics, and areas. You'll wrap up with a review of the basic BGP concepts including neighborships or peerings, and path selection. When you are finished with this course, you will have a firm base of understanding of the different routing protocols that are commonly implemented in an enterprise environment.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Covering IPv4/IPv6 Routing Concerns and Best Practices

Designing EIGRP for the Enterprise

Designing OSPF for the Enterprise

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces students to the most basic routing protocols used by businesses

Covers several routing protocols in detail, not just EIGRP

Requires no former course prerequisite

Emphasizes the design and operation of protocols in business networks

Reviews summary

Cisco enterprise routing design fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in designing Cisco Enterprise networks using key routing protocols. Students consistently praise the instructor's clear explanations and the inclusion of real-world examples, which greatly aid in understanding complex topics like EIGRP, OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP. The content is considered highly relevant for professionals aiming to deepen their network design knowledge. While generally well-received, a recurring point is that it is best suited for those with existing networking fundamentals, as the course moves beyond basic concepts at a professional pace.

Assumes existing knowledge of basic networking and routing.

"Be sure to have a solid grasp of networking fundamentals before taking this course, it moves fast."

"This isn't for beginners; you need to know your way around basic routing concepts already."

"I found it challenging at times because I underestimated the prerequisite knowledge needed for this level."

Thoroughly covers EIGRP, OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP design.

"The course does an excellent job covering the design aspects of all the main enterprise routing protocols."

"I appreciated the deep dive into EIGRP and OSPF specifically, going beyond just basic configuration."

"Learned a lot about BGP path selection and IS-IS, topics often glossed over elsewhere."

Instructor's clarity and real-world insights are highly valued.

"The instructor's explanations were incredibly clear, making complex routing concepts understandable."

"I really appreciated the real-world examples; they helped me connect theory to practical application."

"His deep knowledge of Cisco routing protocols shone through, making the lectures very engaging."

Content is directly applicable to enterprise network design roles.

"This course directly applies to my work as a network engineer; I can immediately use what I've learned."

"It helped me understand the 'why' behind network designs, not just the 'how'."

"Highly recommend for anyone involved in designing or optimizing enterprise-level networks."

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: Routing Protocols with these activities:

Review of 'Routing TCP/IP, Volume I'

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This book will provide a solid foundation for understanding routing protocols, including those covered in this course.

View Routing TCP/IP, Volume 1 on Amazon

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Read through the chapters of the book that cover routing protocols.
Take notes on the key concepts and technologies discussed.

Review Subnetting

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This activity will help you prepare to understand how network addresses are divided into subnets.

Browse courses on Subnetting

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Read through a tutorial on subnetting.
Complete practice questions on subnetting.
Practice configuring subnets on a router or switch.

Tutorial on BGP Concepts

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This tutorial will ensure BGP is not new to you when it's covered in the course.

Browse courses on BGP

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Find a comprehensive tutorial on BGP concepts.
Go through the tutorial and take notes on key concepts.
Complete any practice exercises or quizzes associated with the tutorial.

Five other activities

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Guided Tutorial on OSPF

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Go deep on how OSPF works to prepare for learning about routing in this course.

Browse courses on OSPF

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Find a reputable online tutorial or video series on OSPF.
Complete all the steps in the tutorial or video series.
Test your understanding by completing practice questions or configuring a basic OSPF network in a lab environment.

Peer Study Group

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Working with peers will help reinforce learning and provide multiple perspectives on routing protocols.

Browse courses on Routing Protocols

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Organize a study group with classmates or colleagues.
Choose a specific topic related to routing protocols to discuss each session.
Meet regularly to review course materials, share knowledge, and work through practice problems together.

EIGRP Practice Problems

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With EIGRP being a major topic in this course, these practice problems will reinforce how it works.

Browse courses on EIGRP

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Find a set of practice problems on EIGRP.
Solve the practice problems.
Review your answers and identify areas where you need more practice.

Design an Enterprise Network

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This project will provide practical experience in applying routing protocols to design a real-world enterprise network.

Browse courses on Network Design

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Gather requirements for the enterprise network design.
Choose appropriate routing protocols for different parts of the network.
Design the network topology and configure the routing protocols.
Document the network design and configuration.

Contribute to an Open-Source Routing Protocol

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Gain hands-on experience with routing protocols by contributing to an open-source project.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify a suitable open-source routing protocol project.
Study the project's documentation and codebase.
Identify a specific area where you can contribute.
Submit your contribution to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks: Routing Protocols will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Architect

Network Architects design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They use their knowledge of routing protocols to ensure that data is transmitted efficiently and securely across a network. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Network Architect. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when designing and implementing a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Engineer

Network Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. They use their knowledge of routing protocols to ensure that data is transmitted efficiently and securely across a network. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Network Engineer. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when designing and implementing a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer networks. They use their knowledge of routing protocols to ensure that data is transmitted efficiently and securely across a network. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Network Administrator. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when managing a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for the overall management of an organization's IT systems and resources. They use their knowledge of routing protocols to ensure that data is transmitted efficiently and securely across a network. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful IT Manager. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when managing an IT system.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for identifying and mitigating security threats to an organization's IT systems. They use their knowledge of routing protocols to understand how data is transmitted across a network and to identify potential vulnerabilities. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Security Analyst. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when securing a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use their knowledge of routing protocols to understand how data is transmitted across a network and to identify patterns and trends in data traffic. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Data Analyst. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when analyzing data traffic.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers use their knowledge of routing protocols to design and develop software applications that can efficiently and securely transmit data across a network. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Software Engineer. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when developing software applications.

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Web Developer

Web Developers use their knowledge of routing protocols to design and develop websites that can efficiently and securely transmit data across a network. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Web Developer. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when developing websites.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators use their knowledge of routing protocols to ensure that data is transmitted efficiently and securely across a network. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Database Administrator. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when managing a database.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators use their knowledge of routing protocols to ensure that data is transmitted efficiently and securely across a network. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Systems Administrator. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when managing a system.

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Help Desk Technician

Help Desk Technicians use their knowledge of routing protocols to troubleshoot and resolve network issues. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Help Desk Technician. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when troubleshooting and resolving network issues.

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Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists use their knowledge of routing protocols to provide technical support to users of computer networks. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Technical Support Specialist. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when providing technical support.

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Network Security Specialist

Network Security Specialists use their knowledge of routing protocols to design and implement security measures for computer networks. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Network Security Specialist. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when designing and implementing security measures for a network.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts use their knowledge of routing protocols to identify and mitigate security threats to an organization's IT systems. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful Information Security Analyst. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when identifying and mitigating security threats.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors use their knowledge of routing protocols to evaluate the security and efficiency of computer networks. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful IT Auditor. You will learn about the different types of routing protocols, how they work, and how to configure them. You will also learn about the security considerations that must be taken into account when evaluating the security and efficiency of a network.

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