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CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER v5.0 VS CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER v4.1

A. WHAT IS CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER V5.0?

Objective & Syllabus:

The service providers or carriers are the most important link in the chain which binds the internet availability and access together. More and more enterprise applications are migrating to the cloud with demand for rich data such as video streams rising exponentially. According to the VNI study (CISCO VNI Global IP Traffic Forecast 2017-2022 Feb 2019), total internet traffic has exploded in the last two decades. In 1992, global internet traffic was approx. 100GB/Day. In 2002, it amounts to 100 GBps. In 2017, global internet traffic reached more than 45000 GBps. Keeping up with this momentum, IP traffic is expected to grow at a CAGR of 26% until 2022. Same report estimates approx. 4.8 billion global internet users, 28.5 billion Networked devices and connections with 82% of all traffic expected to be video. Now add 5.7 billion global mobile users, 12.3 billion mobile-ready devices and connections with 930 EB (in exabytes/EB) annual run rate of mobile data traffic. According to the Global Cloud Index (GCI) Forecast for 2021, 3.0x growth is expected in Data Center Traffic. Global Data Center Traffic is expected to be 20.6 ZB (Zettabytes) out of which 95% of all the Data Center traffic will come from the cloud.

CCIE Service Provider

Network Complexity of Hyperconnected Organizations

(Courtesy – Cisco Networking Trends Report 2020)         

We have not discussed exponentially growing business demands from the application availability and security standpoint. Service providers are looking at a very exciting future indeed. Most service providers are transforming from basic network connectivity providers to providers of intelligent networks and managed services. Their objective is to provide fully integrated personalized voice, video and data services to anyone, anywhere, anytime using any device. An additional challenge is to do so securely, reliably and seamlessly. Designing, configuring, managing and troubleshooting such next-gen intelligent networks is the key to success for the service providers.

Service providers across the globe are looking for professionals who can take care of changing dynamics of the initiatives to meet the above-mentioned trends. They are looking for skilled and certified professionals who can take care of the carrier-grade solutions and services end-to-end. Due to the ever-growing scope of innovative business applications and availability requirements, these professionals need to acquire new age skillsets. Cisco’s CCIE Service Provider v5.0 is a critical step in empowering Service Provider professionals to meet and surpass these expectations.

Cisco has launched updates to its flagship certification program to reflect the rapidly changing technology demands and adoption patterns in the industry.‘Be Job-ready Today, tomorrow and Beyond’ is the main theme behind the revamp of the certification program. The revamped certification program reflects the changing needs from the market and the way Cisco is catering to their demands and needs.

The CCIE Service Provider lab exam v5.0 was aimed at testing skillsets related to the service Provider solutions integration, interoperation, configuration and troubleshooting in complex networks and the challenges of Voice, video, and data.

With the evolving technologies and the sophisticated demands from the industry, Cisco has revised its focus on validating the competence and skillsets of a CCIE to reflect the changing dynamics and future needs of the industry.

Professionals with CCIE certificates can no longer afford to restrict themselves to the troubleshooting, Diagnosing and Configuring tasks in the network. The industry is demanding them to play a far bigger and complex role to set up, operate and maintain their ever-changing network needs. The new CCIE Service Provider lab exam v5.0 is aimed at assessing and validating the candidate’s skills through the entire lifecycle of designing, deploying, operating and optimizing complex Service Provider technology and solutions deployments.

As it is called, Cisco has rebooted the Certification program to enable a CCIE to take care of Day 0, Day 1 and Day 1 of the network life cycle. It means a CCIE should be able to look after design on day zero, they should be able to deploy and configure the solution on Day 1 followed by operating, managing and optimizing it on day 1. This is the entire philosophy behind the certification revamp. The other aspect which has played a very important role is the focus on Automation and Network Programmability.

It essentially means that the CCIE certification program has been revamped completely based on the updated syllabus to meet the present and future needs of the industry, examination method (lab structure) to validate skillsets across the network lifecycle and the marking system to match the difficulty rating and weightage.

CCIE Service Provider v5.0

Courtesy – Learningnetwork.cisco.com

The CCIE Service Provider v4.1 lab exam was aimed at covering the following topics:

Domain
Lab Exam(%)
  Core Routing30%
  Service Provider Architecture and Services22%
  Access and Aggregation21%
  High Availability and Fast Convergence15%
  Service Provider Security, Operation, and Management12%

Whereas the CCIE Service Provider v5.0 will assess the following topics:

Domain
Lab Exam (%)
  Core Routing25%
  Architectures and Services25%
  Access Connectivity10%
  High Availability and Fast Convergence10%
  Security10%
  Assurance and Automation20%

 

For detailed exam topics for CCIE Data Center v3 lab exam please visit:

B. THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER V5.0& CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER V4.1

The nature of the lab exam and the scoring method:

In the outgoing CCIE Service Provider lab exam v4.1, following is the structure of the lab exam:

The 8-hour CCIE Service Provider lab exam version 4.1 is composed of three independent exam modules:

2 Hour – Troubleshoot Module

1 Hour – Diagnostic Module

5 Hours – ConfigurationModule

In the first module i.e. Troubleshoot module, candidates are provided incidents that are independent of each other. The resolution of one incident does not depend on the resolution of the other. The topology used in this module is different than the topology used in the configuration module.

The diagnostic module is 60 minutes in length. This module focuses on the skills required to diagnose issues in the service provider network. Candidates are not provided with access to actual devices and applications. Candidates are provided with a set of documents that represent a realistic situation that the service provider engineer may have to face in the real-world scenario.

The Configuration module mirrors the actual production network at a typical service provider. During this module, the candidate may get access to virtual instances of Cisco appliances as well as physical devices. Configuration & Troubleshooting module in the CCIE Service Provider lab exam v4.1 tests hands-on practical capabilities. It improves the reliability of the lab exam by focusing on technology concepts, troubleshooting, diagnosing and configuring skills rather than testing specific hardware platform features, software knowledge, and management.

The sequence of the three lab modules is fixed. The Troubleshoot module is followed by the Diagnostic and Configuration Module. You cannot go back and forth between the modules and the Diagnostics module is fixed for 60 minutes.

CCIE Service Provider Training

Passing Marks –

To pass the CCIE Service Provider lab exam v4.1, candidates must meet two conditions

  1. The examinee must meet or exceed the minimum score on all the three modules

And

  1. The examinee’s total score (the sum of each of the three modules must meet or exceed the overall lab-exam cut score)

Failure to meet either of these criteria results in failing the lab exam. There are instances when the candidate has achieved the minimum score required in all the three modules and has still failed in the exam. This failure is due to not meeting the second criterion of the total score.

This criterion was aimed at making sure that the CCIE must have competency in all three areas (Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, and Configuration). Candidates cannot neglect one module and concentrate on the remaining to pass the exam.

CCIE Training in India

C. NATURE OF THE LAB EXAM CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER V5.0

The lab exam for the CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER v5.0 is as follows:

The lab exam is divided into 2 modules that have fixed time and sequence.

Module 1 – Design (3 Hours)

Module 2 – Deploy, Operate and Optimize (5 Hours)

The first section ‘Design – 3 Hours’ covers the applied design of the Service Provider network based on the technological requirement. It is different from the CCDE exam which focuses on high-level design based on business requirements. The second module is 5 hours which assesses your skills in ‘Implement. Operate (it includes troubleshoot) and Optimize’ aspect of the Service Provider solutions. Cisco intends to maintain the overall storyline while going through the two modules while making some add/revisions in between like adding a branch network for example. At the same time, both of these modules are separate.

Module 1: Design (3 Hours)

The objective of this module is to assess the ability to create, analyze, validate and optimize Service Provider network designs. Following skills will be validated:

  • Understand the capabilities of different technologies, solutions, and services
  • Translate client requirements into solutions
  • Assess readiness to support proposed solutions

This is a scenario-based module with no access to any devices. The examinee will be provided with documentation like email threads, high-level design, network topology diagrams, client requirements, and restrictions.

Regarding the passing threshold for the new CCIE Service Providerv5.0, there is no fixed number or percentage. Each lab exam is going to be different and each question will be weighted by a resident psychometrician for its difficulty level and passing marking weightage. This means each lab exam will have a different passing score based on an internal valuation by the Cisco team.

Point values associated with each item are not displayed in this module.

Module 2: Deploy, Operate and Optimize (5 Hours)

The objective of this module is to validate skill sets related to deploying, operating and optimizing Service Provider network technologies and solutions.

  • Deploy – Building the network according to the design specifications, client requirements and restrictions. It assesses successful service provider solution implementation including configuring, integrating and troubleshooting the commissioning of technologies and solutions based on the exam syllabus. The network implementation will be guided by the design specifications, client requirements, and restrictions.
  • Operate and Optimize – Monitoring network health, network performance, service quality improvement with reduced disruptions and outages. Other parameters to be tested are reducing operating costs, maintaining high availability, reliability and security. It also assesses the ability to diagnose potential issues, adjust/finetune configurations to meet changing business goals and technical requirements.

Point values associated with each item are displayed in this module.

Exam Score Evaluation

Both the modules will have a minimum score and a passing score based on the difficulty level.

The examinee must score higher than the aggregated pass scores of both the modules and score higher than the minimum score set on each of the modules individually.

If examinee scores less than the overall aggregated pass score of both modules, he/she fails. Or if the examinee scores less than the minimum score of 1 or more modules, he/she fails too.

Courtesy: Learningnetworks.cisco.com

Candidates who fail the exam will be given a report specifying the scoring percentages domain wise for the modules they passed or failed.

D. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER?

CCIE Service Providerv5.0lab exam and syllabus are designed in such a way that the skillsets of the examinee get validated most efficiently. The syllabus covers the topics which are most relevant for the candidates based on their job roles and organizational needs. The candidate’s skillsets get validated across the lifecycle of the network. Successful candidates are ready with the Automation and Network Programmability knowledge since both these buzzword modules are covered in the CCIE Service Provider lab exam.

Successful completion of the CCIE Service Provider lab exam puts you ahead of all the other candidates who are competing with you for the coveted post or the job. Large organizations and corporates are looking for candidates who can take care of the complete lifecycle of their networks while being ready for the upcoming technologies.

Achieving CCIE Service Provider certification after passing the lab exam means that the candidate is ready with the most advanced knowledge of the Service Provider solutions lifecycle. His capacity to be able to understand, practically apply and manage the Service Providertechnologies is validated.

E. MARKET DEMAND FOR THE CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER v5.0:

Markets are looking for capable, knowledgeable and certified Service Provider network engineers. CCIE Service Provider professionals can factor in emerging technologies along with in-depth technical skills and knowledge to support business-critical initiatives and contribute to business outcomes.

CCIE certification by Cisco has been the gold standard of the networking prowess for a long time. Revamped CCIE program such as CCIE Service Provider v5.0 is the next step in this direction. Markets have an idea about the skills and knowledge possessed by CCIE certified professionals. It helps candidates get better job opportunities across the globe.

CCIE certification opens up the global job market for professionals. The CCIE program is a well-known and well-received career certification across the continents.

F. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER v5.0:

CCIE candidates can get Service Provider solution Architect, Service ProviderSenior engineer, Service Provider engineer kind of roles. These are responsible and performance-oriented leadership posts that can fetch a good salary for the right candidates.

Irrespective of the industry verticals and domains, CCIEs are always in demand due to the rigor, integrity and brand value associated with the certification program and the candidate who has gone through the whole nine yards of preparation, practice, and examination to prove his mettle.

G. WHO SHOULD OPT FOR THE CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER?

This certification is for experienced professionals who are seeking future proof skillsets that are needed for technical leadership roles focussed on harnessing the in-depth IT Service Provider solutions and emerging technologies.

Candidates who are looking for a long term career in the Service Provider industry are the right candidates for the CCIE. CCIE is not something that can be attempted as a pastime if you are not committed enough. Professionals who have worked in the service provider function for 5-7 years are the right candidates for the CCIE provided they have enough fire and hunger in them to achieve this pinnacle of service provider networking certification in the world.

The CCIE certification is the best option for candidates who are expected to deliver expert-level problem-solving skills to support complex Service Providertechnologies and topologies.

It is the best career enhancement tool for the students and IT professionals who are looking for an internationally recognized certification to improve their job growth prospects.

H. PREREQUISITES FOR THE CCIE SERVICE PROVIDER v5.0:

As per the CISCO certification guidelines, there is no prerequisite for attempting the CCIE lab exam except the candidate needs to clear core technology exam SPCOR (350-501). Candidate need not complete CCNP or CCNA to appear for this CCIE lab exam.

I. MIGRATING TO THE NEW PROGRAM & RECERTIFICATION –

Many of us have been working towards CCIE Service Provider for a long time. We need to keep working on the same; we’ll receive the credit for work completed in the current program.

  1. If you have passed the current CCIE Service Providerv4.1written exam (400-201) before Feb 24th, 2020, you can go for the CCIE Service Provider v4.1 lab exam till April 26th, 2020. After 27thApril 2020, you are eligible to attempt the CCIE Service Provider v5.0lab exam within 3 years of passing the written v4.1 exam (400-201).
  2. If you pass SPCOR 350-501 which will replace the current CCIE Service Provider written v4.1 exam (400-201) on or after Feb 24th, 2020, you are eligible to attempt the CCIE Service Provider v5.0 lab exam within three years of passing the SPCOR exam.
  3. If you complete the entire CCIE Service Provider v4.1 certification on or before April 26th, 2020, then on April 27th, 2020 you will automatically receive the new CCIE Service Provider v5.0 certification. You will also receive the Cisco Certified Specialist – Service Provider Core certification.
  4. IF you have an active CCNP or have passed an exam that will be made equivalent to a technology core exam after migration, you will be able to attempt the CCIE lab exam within 3 years from the date of passing the exam equivalent to the core exam SPCOR (350-501). That means if you have cleared SPCORE (642-887) and SPROUTE (642-883) then you will receive the Cisco Certified Specialist – Service Provider Core certificate. After achieving this core certificate, you are eligible to attempt the CCIE Service Provider v5.0 lab exam within 3 years of passing these exams mentioned before.
  5. If you are an active CCIE Service provider v4.1as of April 26th, 2020, you will receive a new CCIE Service provider v5.0 certificate. The validity of the original CCIE Service provider v4.1 (two years) remains unchanged. With the new CCIE program, recertification will be required every three years. Current CCIE Service provider v4.1 recertification requirement is after every two years
  6. CCIE Suspended status will be retired as of Feb 24th, 2020. If you are in a suspended status as of Feb 24, 2020, your certification will be considered active for the remainder of the suspended term. To remain active after the suspended term, CCIEs will have to meet new recertification requirements. For example, if your suspended status ends on May 5, 2020, your CCIE will become active on Feb 24th, 2020 and will expire on May 5th, 2020 unless new recertification requirements are met.
  7. For recertification details, please get in touch with us at Octa Networks or visit the Cisco website.

 

J. WHAT IS OCTA NETWORKS?& WHY U SHOULD CHOOSE OCTA NETWORKS?

What is Octa Networks?

Octa Networks is one of the leading, trusted and preferred Training providers in India offering high-quality result oriented training for various courses like Cisco, AWS, Microsoft, VMware, AWS, Palo Alto, Huawei, Juniper to companies and clients all over the world.

The main objective of training students and professionals for the CCIE Service Provider is to make sure that they understand the subject and are ready to implement the knowledge in real-life scenarios. Making students job-worthy in the specific domain of technology and getting it validated in the form of CCIE certification is the core of the success of the Octa Networks team. The best CCIE training institute in India, Octa Networks provides expert training and robust infrastructure for developing your service provider networking specific technology and deployment skillsets supplemented with vendor-neutral industry knowledge. Octa Networks makes sure that the students get real-world network implementation and troubleshooting experience/skills that the market demands which in turn differentiates them from the rest of the crowd.

TRAINING APPROACH –

  • Assess Industry needs & trends
    • Select most relevant course material & delivery channels
    • Continuously assess & upgrade courses, equipment, and material
    • Identify & analyze student needs
    • Training solutions aligned to industry standards & student needs

TRAINING OFFERINGS –

  • Instructor-led Online Training
    • Classroom Training
    • Corporate Training
    • Fly Me a Trainer
    • 1 on 1 Training

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE OCTA NETWORKS?

Octa Networks is the most renowned institute for CCIE Service provider training in Mumbai. Faculties at Octa Networks are well trained and certified. Please visit our website for further details on the infrastructure availability and the equipment list.

Our training methodology is completely based on reference exam blueprints, equipment list and recommended study resources which are used to enhance networking skillsets such as Technology theory, problem-Solving, Configuration, Monitoring & Troubleshooting.

At the foundation of training delivery are three core deliverables:

  • Assess
  • Evaluate &
  • Validate

Octa Networks team is committed to following the critical trio in our training approach.

  • Knowledge
  • Adoption &
  • Retention

 Imparting relevant knowledge, assessing whether knowledge is received by the students followed by making sure that they retain and use the know-how in their daily routine work at their office is the ultimate goal of any training program.

We at Octa Networks train with the inherent objective of immersive and interactive training techniques which are based on reinforcement of theory &its practical implementation in real-world scenarios.

Octa Networks team is geared up to take care of students with different learning and communication styles followed by language barriers and cultural differences.

Octa Networks attracts students and professionals from diverse backgrounds and various nationalities from different parts of the world. Octa Networks has trained a lot of students from the Middle-East, Europe and a lot of African, Asian backgrounds.

Please feel free to visit our website www.octanetworks.com to get all the information related to the integrated course training program, placement assistance, soft-skills development, and other aspects.

Please feel free to get back to us for any clarifications/queries.

                We are looking forward to working with you on your CCIE training journey.