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Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO, NYSE: CSCO, SEHK: 4333) is an American-based multinational corporation that designs and sells consumer electronics, networking, voice, and communications technology and services. Headquartered in San Jose, California, Cisco has more than 70,714 employees and annual revenue of US$ 40.0 billion as of 2010. The stock was added to the Dow Jones Industrial Average on June 8, 2009, and is also included in the S&P 500 Index, the Russell 1000 Index, NASDAQ 100 Index and the Russell 1000 Growth Stock Index. Cisco is one of the world's biggest technology corporations.

Products and Services

Cisco’s current portfolio of products and services are focussed around three market segments – Enterprise and Service Provider, Small Business and the Home. The solutions for each market are segmented into Architectures, which form the basis for how Cisco approaches each market.
  • Corporate market: Enterprise networking and Service Providers
  • Borderless networks: for their range of routers, switches, wireless systems, security systems, WAN acceleration, energy and building management systems and media aware networks.
  • Collaboration: IP video and phones, Telepresence, Unified Communications, Call Center systems, Enterprise social networks and Mobile applications
  • Datacenter and Virtualization: Unified Computing, Unified Fabric, Data Centre Switching, Storage Networking and Cloud services.
  • IP NGN (Next Generation Networks): High-end routing and switching for fixed and mobile service provider networks, broadcast video contribution/distribution, entitlement and content delivery systems.
  • Small businesses
  • Routers and switches
  • Security and surveilance: IP cameras, data and network security solutions etc.
  • Voice and conferencing solutions: VOIP phones and gateway-systems, WebEx, video conferencing
  • Wireless: WiFi Access points
  • Network storage systems
  • Home user
  • Linksys product line of access points, switches etc
  • Broadband: cable modems
  • Cisco ūmi - video conferencing
  • Flip pocket camera (discontinued April 2011)

Detail:

Architectures

In an effort to allow their sales team to have more business-focussed conversations with customers, as opposed to focussing on discussions around products, Cisco announced a new focus around six ‘Architectures’ in 2009. These are:
  • Borderless Networks
  • Collaboration
  • Data Center and Virtualization
  • IP NGN (Next Generation Networks)
  • Small Business
  • Consumer
Under these architectures, Cisco intends to gradually knit together its various products, and introduce new products and features in order to provide a complete set of capabilities in each area.

Hardware



A Cisco ASM/2-32EM router deployed at CERN in 1987.

 

Software

 

VoIP services

Cisco became a major provider of Voice over IP to enterprises, and is now moving into the home user market through its acquisitions of Scientific Atlanta and Linksys. Scientific Atlanta provides VoIP equipment to cable service providers such as Time Warner, Cablevision, Rogers Communications, UPC, and others; Linksys has partnered with companies such as Skype and Yahoo to integrate consumer VoIP services with wireless and cordless phones.

 

Hosted Collaboration Solution

Cisco partners can now offer cloud-based services based on Cisco’s virtualized Unified Computing System (UCS). A part of the Cisco Unified Services Delivery Solution, it will include hosted versions of Cisco Unified Communications Manager (UCM), Cisco Unified Contact Center, Cisco Unified Mobility, Cisco Unified Presence, Cisco Unity Connection (unified messaging), and Cisco Webex Meeting Center.

 

Cisco Career Certifications

Main article: Cisco Career Certifications
Cisco Systems also sponsors a line of IT Professional certifications for Cisco products. There are five levels of certification: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, and recently Architect, as well as eight different paths, Routing & Switching, Design, Network Security, Service Provider, the newly introduced Service Provider Operations, Storage Networking, Voice, and Wireless.

 

Training

Traditional educational institutions that teach Cisco skills are called "the Cisco Networking Academy". Cisco Networking Academy Students can request exam vouchers that allow them to take the retired exam for an extended period of time. Cisco courses are also offered at collegiate institutions and training is available from Cisco Learning Partners such as the Cisco 360 Learning Program for CCIE and the Cisco Learning Network.

 

Re-certification

All CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCDP, CCSP, CCVP, CCENT, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CCNA Wireless and CCIP certifications are valid for 3 years. All CCIE certifications and Specialist certifications are valid for 2 years. Re-certification requires re-taking the current exam previously passed, or passing a higher level examination.

 

Entry-level certification

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician

The lowest level of Cisco's certification is CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician). CCENT covers basic networking knowledge. It is appropriate for entry-level network support positions. CCENT certified people can install, manage, maintain & troubleshoot a small enterprise network, including basic network security. CCENT is the first step towards a CCNA certification.
The CCENT certification is earned upon passing the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) Exam(640-822 ICND1).

 

Associate certifications

Associate Certifications is the 2nd of 5 levels of Cisco certs. This level divides all Cisco certifications into separate subject matter paths.

 

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

The CCNA validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size enterprise level router and switched networks. This includes design implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. New CCNA training includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking and Voice.
The CCNA certification is earned upon passing the ICND1 640-822 and ICND2 640-816 exams. Examinees may take the exams separately or the single 640-802 CCNA composite exam.
These exams are conducted by authorized test centers at a cost of USD$125 each for the ICND1 or ICND2 exams and, effective 06-23-2008, USD$250 for the composite CCNA exam.

Detail:

CCNA Paths

At the CCNA level, CCNA certified individuals will specialize in specific technologies. All specialized tracks require an individual to pass and maintain a CCNA certification.

 

CCNA Security

CCNA Security validates knowledge of security infrastructure, threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and threat mitigation. Skills include installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices. This certification is earned by passing the IINS 640-553 (Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security, or IINS) exam. The price of the exam is USD$250.

 

CCNA Voice

The Cisco CCNA Voice certification validates a skill set for specialized job roles in voice technologies such as voice technologies administrator, voice engineer, and voice manager. The CCNA Voice certification involves implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications. It validates skills in VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions. Candidates also get exposure to the Cisco Unified Communications architecture and design covering mobility, presence, and TelePresence applications.
The CCNA Voice certification is earned by passing the 640-461 ICOMM V8.0 (Introducing Cisco Voice and Unified Communications Administration)

 

CCNA Wireless

The CCNA Wireless certification validates the knowledge of professionals supporting wireless LANs including Networking Associates/Administrators, Wireless Support Specialists and WLAN project managers. The CCNA Wireless certification involves implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials.
The CCNA Wireless Certification validates candidate's skills in the configuration, implementation and support of wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. Students completing the recommended Cisco training are provided with information and practice activities to prepare them for configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks. Employers will be able to validate their staff have the skills needed for basic wireless networking on a Cisco WLAN in SMB and enterprise networks after completing certification.
The CCNA Wireless certification is earned by passing the 640-721 IUWNE (Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials) exam.

 

CCNA Routing & Switching

CCNA Routing & Switching validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks. Skills include making connections to remote sites via a WAN, mitigating basic security threats, and understanding the requirements for wireless network access.
This certification is earned by passing the 640-822 ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) and 640-816 ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2)) or 640-802 CCNA composite exam. The price of ICND1 and ICND2 exam is USD$125 for each and $250 for the CCNA composite exam.

 

CCNA (SP Operations)

CCNA Service Provider Operations validates basic knowledge and skills in a prescriptive troubleshooting environment within a carrier class IP NGN core network infrastructure.
This certification is earned by passing the 640-822 ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) and 640-760 SSPO (Supporting Cisco Service Provider IP NGN Operations (SSPO) ) or 640-760 SSPO (Supporting Cisco Service Provider IP NGN Operations (SSPO) )and possess any valid CCNA certification. The price is USD$125 each.

 

CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate)

CCDA certified people can design switched or routed networks of LANs, WANs, and broadband services.
A CCNA certification is not required to take the CCDA exam (640-863 DESGN), but Cisco recommends being familiar with CCNA-level material, as well as BCMSN-level knowledge of Cisco-based LANs.

 

Professional certifications

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification validates knowledge and skills required to install, configure and troubleshoot converged local- and wide-area networks with 100 to 500 or more end-devices. A valid CCNA certification is required to obtain and maintain a CCNP certification.

 

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

The CCNP certifies the ability to work with medium-sized networks with technologies such as QoS, broadband, VPNs, and security-oriented features. In addition to CCNA exams, professionals must pass either four separate exams, or a composite exam along with two separate exams.
  • 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
  • 642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)
  • 642-825 ISCW: Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)
  • 642-845 ONT: Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)
From July 31, 2010, the CCNP Certification will change back to incorporate the troubleshooting exam. Until that point both exam paths will be available from March 10, but candidates already in the process of certifying may use their passing scores on ISCW and ONT. This path is not recommended for candidates who have not yet attempted ISCW or ONT. These candidates should pursue the new path.
  • 642-902 ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE)
  • 642-813 SWITCH: Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH)
  • 642-832 TSHOOT: Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT)
The BSCI/ROUTE and BCMSN/SWITCH tests can be taken as one single composite test known as the 642-892 Composite
For a more detailed view of all the different CCNP certification paths up until July 31, 2010 - including release dates for the ROUTE, SWITCH and TSHOOT exam - see the CCNP website[25]

 

Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)

The CCDP certification is an advanced network design certification validating knowledge of Cisco devices and the way to interconnect them. With a CCDP certification, a network professional can discuss, design, and create advanced addressing and routing, security, network management, data center, and IP multicast complex multi-layered enterprise architectures that include virtual private networking and wireless domains. Active CCNA and CCDA certifications are required to earn this certification. As of Aug. 1, 2010, changes in the CCNP program have necessitated changes in the CCDP program. Notably, the routing-focused and switching-focused exams (642-901 BSCI & 642-812 BCMSN) have been discontinued (as has the 642-892 Composite). These have been replaced with updated versions.
There are two exams in common between the CCNP and CCDP (642-902 ROUTE & 642-813 SWITCH); thus one certified for CCNP and CCDA can attain CCDP certification by passing a single test (642-873 ARCH).
Required Exams:
  • 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) or 642-902 ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE)
  • 642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN) or 642-813 SWITCH: Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH)
  • 642-873 ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architecture
OR
  • 642-873 ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architecture
Last day to test for exams 642-812, 642-892 and 642-901 was July 31, 2010.

 

Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)

The CCIP certification is a professional certification covering the end-to-end protocols used in large scale networks.
To attain this certification tests must be passed in the areas of routing, BGP, MPLS, Quality of service and the routing exam from the CCNP track (642-901 BSCI) modified to 642-902 ROUTE.
Required Exams:
  • 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) or 642-902 ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing
  • 642-642 QOS: Quality of Service
  • 642-611 MPLS: Implementing Cisco MPLS
  • 642-661 BGP: Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers
There are two composite exams that can be done in place some of the above.
  • 642-691 BGP+MPLS: BGP + MPLS Exam (composite in place of 642-611 + 642-661)
  • 642-892 BSCI+BCMSN: Routing + Switching Exam (composite in place of 642-901) or 642-902 ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing
Last day to test for exams 642-901 and 642-892 is July 31, 2010.

 

Cisco Certified Network Professional-Security (CCNP-Security)

NOTE: CCSP certifications will not be issued after October 2011. Cisco encourages to take the new CCNP-Security exam in place of CCSP exam, but provides options for candidates who have already taken some exams of CCSP track. Reference: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/docs/DOC-9093
The CCNP Security certification program is aligned specifically to the job role of the Cisco Network Security Engineer responsible for Security in Routers, Switches, Networking devices and appliances, as well as choosing, deploying, supporting and troubleshooting Firewalls, VPNS, and IDS/IPS solutions for their networking environments.
CCNP Security Syllabus
CCNP Security Prerequisites CCNA Security or any CCIE Certification can act as a pre-requisite.
CCNP Security Exams & Recommended Training:
  • 642-637 SECURE v1.0 Secure v1.0 Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SECURE v1.0)
  • 642-617 FIREWALL v1.0 Deploying Cisco ASA Firewall Solutions (FIREWALL v1.0)
  • 642-647 VPN v1.0 Deploying Cisco ASA VPN Solutions (VPN v1.0)
  • 642-627 IPS v7.0
Available: 2010-11-26

 

Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)

The CCSP certification is an advanced network security certification. Candidates for the certification are tested for advanced knowledge of various Cisco security products.
To attain this certification several tests must be passed in the areas of VPN, IDS, PIX firewall, Secure IOS, the Cisco SAFE, as well as having a CCNA or higher level certification (e.g. CCNP or CCIP).
The common practice is to take four exams, one of which is selected from a list of electives.
Required exams:
  • 642-504 SNRS: Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches
  • 642-524 SNAF: Securing Networks with ASA Foundation
  • 642-533 IPS: Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System
And one of the following:
  • 642-591 CANAC: Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance
  • 642-545 MARS: Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System
  • 642-515 SNAA: Securing Networks with ASA Advanced

 

Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)

The CCVP is a certification covering all aspects of IP Telephony/VOIP networks and applications.
To attain this certification, five tests must be passed in the areas of Quality of service, Cisco VoIP, IP Telephony Troubleshooting, Cisco IP Telephony, and Gateway Gatekeeper and must have a valid CCNA Voice certification.
  • 642-642 QoS: Quality of Service (QoS)
  • 642-436 CVOICE: Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0)
  • 642-426 TUC: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications Systems (TUC v1.0)
  • 642-446 CIPT1: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager Part 1 (CIPT1 v6.0)
  • 642-456 CIPT2: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager Part 2 (CIPT2 v6.0)
CCVP has been changed to CCNP Voice, Last date for taking CCVP Exams is 2/28/11

 

Cisco Certified Network Professional Voice (CCNP Voice)

The Cisco Certified Network Professional for Voice (CCNP Voice) certification validates advanced knowledge and skills required by Network Engineers in order to determine the right technology and solutions in order to architect secure Cisco Unified Communications networks. With a CCNP Voice certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to implement and manage network infrastructures to provide unified communications services. The CCNP Voice curriculum emphasizes Cisco Router IOS and Catalyst Switch UC features as well as techniques to optimize these technologies in a single, integrated network UC solution. In addition, CCNP Voice leverages the CCNA Voice certification as a prerequisite.
The required exams for a CCNP Voice certification is as follows:
  • 642-437 Cvoice v8.0: Implementing Cisco Voice Communications and QoS Implementing Cisco Unified Communications
  • 642-447 CIPT1 v8.0: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Part 1
  • 642-457 CIPT2 v8.0: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Part 2
  • 642-427 Tvoice v8.0: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications
  • 642-467 CAPPS v8.0: Integrating Cisco Unified Communications Applications Exams]

 

Cisco Certified Wireless Professional (CCNP Wireless)

The CCNP Wireless is a certification covering all aspects of wireless networking principles and theory.
To attain this certification, four tests must be passed in the areas of Wireless Site Survey, Wireless Voice Networks, Wireless Mobility Services, Wireless Security and must have a valid CCNA Wireless certification. The required exams for a CCNP Wireless certification is as follows:
  • 642-731 CUWSS: Conducting Cisco Unified Wireless Site Survey (CUWSS)
  • 642-741 IUWVN: Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Voice Networks (IUWVN)
  • 642-746 IUWMS: Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Mobility Services (IUWMS)
  • 642-736 IAUWS: Implementing Advanced Cisco Unified Wireless Security (IAUWS)

Expert-level certifications

 

Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)

CCDE Assesses advanced Network Infrastructure Design Principles and Fundamentals for large networks. A CCDE can demonstrate an ability to develop solutions which address planning, design, integration, optimization, operations, security and ongoing support focused at the infrastructure level for customer networks.

 

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert is the highest level of professional certification that Cisco currently provides and is considered one of the hardest certifications in the world. There are six active CCIE tracks, as shown below. As of October 6, 2010 there are 25,810 people with active CCIE certifications in the world. and from 2002 to 2005 it was voted as such in CertCities magazine. It has also been voted the most technically advanced IT certification by CertMag, and is generally reported as the highest salaried certification in IT salary surveys.
Cisco began its CCIE program in 1993 originally with a two day lab, later changing it to the one day format used today. Fewer than 3% of Cisco certified individuals attain CCIE certification, and on average will spend thousands of dollars and 18 months studying before passing.Many candidates build training-labs at home using old Cisco equipment, selling it again to other candidates after passing. Alternatively candidates may rent "rack time" online and practice lab scenarios on Cisco equipment hosted on the Internet for that purpose.
The CCIE consists of a written exam and a "lab" exam (each in the specific area of the chosen track). The written exam is required to take the lab exam, and has a cost of $350 USD per attempt. The written exam consists of 100 questions that must be completed within 2 hours. [Candidates used to have 3 hours.] Upon passing the written exam, the candidate has eighteen months to take the lab exam. If the first attempt is unsuccessful the candidate has three years from the date the written exam was passed to successfully complete the lab. The lab is an eight hour hands-on exam designed to demonstrate that the candidate not only knows Internetworking theory, but also demonstrates advanced hands on mastery. If a candidate does not pass the CCIE lab in that time, they must pass the CCIE written exam again before making additional attempts at the CCIE lab exam. As many attempts can be made to pass the lab exam for up to three years after passing the written, so long as the first attempt is within 18 months. There is a minimum waiting time between attempts of one month.
The CCIE Lab is currently $1,400 USD per attempt and is offered only at ten Cisco lab exam locations worldwide. The locations may be found on the Cisco certifications website. Some CCIE tracks do not have lab exams available at all locations. For example, the Storage Networking lab is available only at the Research Triangle Park, NC and Brussels locations. In addition, according to a survey by Cisco the average cost to prepare for CCIE certification is $9,050 as of April 2006, spent mostly on practice equipment and self study material.
There are no formal prerequisites for the CCIE exam, but Cisco recommends one has at least 3–5 years experience in networking before attempting to become a CCIE. CCIE was the first Cisco Certified qualification, and as such there were no other certifications that could be taken prior. The development of the associate and professional certifications was due to recognition of the fact that a CCIE is overkill for many networking personnel, and also for the vast majority of businesses who employ such people, and that certifications needed to be offered at lower levels. Despite the development of the lower certifications, Cisco has chosen not to make them formal requirements for the CCIE certification.
It is possible to hold multiple CCIE certifications. This is done by passing both the written and the lab exam in a particular track. As of September 9, 2008, there are 1,729 individuals who hold multiple CCIE certifications. Of those, 274 hold three or more CCIE certifications.

 

CCIE Numbering and Recertification

Upon successful completion of the hands on lab exam, a new CCIE is awarded a CCIE number. The first CCIE number allocated (in 1993) was 1024, and has increased incrementally from there. A lower number indicates that the CCIE was awarded some time back, a higher number indicated a more recently awarded certification. As of January 2011, the highest CCIE number allocated was just under 28000.
Number 1024 was allocated to the first CCIE lab location, rather than to an individual, and featured as a plaque at the entrance to the lab. Number 1025 was awarded to Stuart Biggs, who created the first written exam and first lab exam. The first person to pass both CCIE written and lab exams was Terry Slattery, who was consulting to Cisco at the time when the lab was being devised. Terrance Slattery (CCIE 1026) was therefore the first CCIE who passed both exams, and the first CCIE who was not an employee of Cisco.
Any CCIE who obtains further CCIE certifications, is not awarded any further numbers, the new CCIE certification is awarded under the same number as the original.
Every two years a CCIE has to take a CCIE written test to retain the certification. If this is not done, the CCIE is in a suspended status. After one further year, if a written test has not been undertaken and passed, the CCIE is then revoked. The CCIE certification can then only be re-gained by taking the written exam and lab exam from scratch.
Recertification can be obtained by passing any CCIE written exam. Recertification can occur up to 2 years before a CCIE's expiration date. After passing a CCIE written exam for recertification, a CCIE must wait 6 months before re-taking the test to use for re-certification.

CCIE exam paths

 

CCIE Routing & Switching

Routing and Switching is by far the most popular track with 17,082 certified individuals as of May 18, 2009. The certification covers a variety of networking concepts and protocols.

 

CCIE Security

The Security track concentrates on network security and covers subjects such as ASA, IDS, IOS security, and many others.

 

CCIE Service Provider

The Service Provider track focuses on networking in the service provider industry. Subjects include Optical networks, DSL, WAN switching, Voice over IP, Content networking, Broadband Cable and Metro Ethernet.

 

CCIE Voice

The Voice track concentrates on voice solutions for the enterprise and includes subjects such as Quality of Service, MGCP, Call Manager (Cisco's VoIP PBX), Cisco Unity Connection (Cisco's Voice Messaging platform), Unity Express, Unified Contact Center Express and Cisco Unified Presence Server. Also Switching (Cisco's HWIC-4ESW and the 3750-24PS).
There are only 802 CCIE Voice certified people in the world as of September 9, 2008.
Most candidates pass the CCIE Voice certification after three or four lab attempts, but there have been cases in which candidates pass after more than six attempts. The low passing rate is attributed to the difficulty of the exam questions as well as the lack of time to complete everything in the allocated eight hours. As such, the lab exam is as much a test of time management and planning as it is a test of technical expertise.
What sets the CCIE Voice lab exam apart from typical CCIE lab exams is the widely dissimilar platforms that are used. Configurations will have to be done on the Windows 2003 Server environment, on a CallManager web-based GUI and on the IOS command line. As such, it is not an exam that involves a uniform method of configuration, and it involves a lot of back-and-forth fine tuning between the numerous platforms.

 

CCIE Storage Networking

CCIE Storage Networking validates expert-level knowledge of intelligent storage solutions using multiple transport options over long distances.

 

CCIE Wireless

The Cisco CCIE Wireless certification assesses and validates wireless expertise. Candidates who pass the CCIE Wireless certification exams demonstrate broad theoretical knowledge of wireless networking and a solid understanding of wireless local area networking (WLAN) technologies from Cisco, the market leader in WLAN technology.

 

CCIE Service Provider Operations (SP Operations)

CCIE Service Provider Operations candidates must be able to show skills of an expert level operations engineer who can troubleshoot and maintain complex service provider IP NGN core (PE-PE and PE-CE) network infrastructures in both IOS and IOS XR operating environments.

 

Retired CCIE tracks

Some previously awarded CCIE specializations are no longer offered and have been retired by Cisco. These are:
  • WAN Switching CCIE (Essentially a specialisation focusing on the IGX/BPX switch products, which had been acquired as part of the StrataCom acquisition)
  • ISP Dial CCIE
  • SNA/IP Integration CCIE (aka CCIE Blue)
  • Design CCIE (NOTE: The CCIE Design has been resurrected as the CCDE).
People who had held these now retired certifications can remain CCIE's, provided they continue to take recertification exams. They now simply hold the title "CCIE", rather than CCIE Security, or some other specialization.

 

Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)

Cisco announced a brand new certificate that exceed the level of skills needed to achieve CCIE. The newly announced Cisco Certified Architect certification recognizes the architectural experience and competency of network designers who can support the increasingly complex networks of global organizations and effectively translate business strategies into evolutionary technical strategies.
The Cisco Certified Architect certification is scheduled to be made available January 2010.

 

Cisco Certified Architect Certification Process

  • The Cisco Certified Architect certification will be administered as a board exam.
  • Candidates will propose and defend an architecture solution to a set of business requirements, and the candidates will be asked to modify their proposals "on the fly," based on additional requirements presented by the board.
  • Prerequisites include a CCDE certification, approximately 10 years of industry experience, and acceptance into the program via an application process.

 

Cisco Certified Architect Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Cisco Certified Architect
  • Lead creation and evolution of enterprise architecture
  • Analyze technology and industry market trends
  • Establish governing principles for Enterprise networks
  • Selection of technology and products
  • Identification of organization resource needs
  • Lead the development of communication and education plan for enterprise network architecture

 

Retired certifications

Over time, as technologies change and products are made obsolete, some certifications are retired. Retired certifications are no longer valid.
Certifications that fall into this category are listed below.
  • Business Ready Teleworker Solution Fundamentals
  • CCDP SNA/IP Integration
  • CCDP WAN Sw
  • CCIP Cable
  • CCIP Content Networking
  • CCIP DSL Networks
  • CCIP MPLS
  • CCIP Metro
  • CCIP Packet Telephony
  • CCIP Security
  • CCNA WAN Sw
  • CCNP LAN ATM
  • CCNP Network Management
  • CCNP SNA/IP Integration
  • CCNP VOICE Access
  • CCNP WAN Sw Certification
  • Cable Communications for Account Managers
  • Certification Test-Understanding PBX Systems and Technology - VOD
  • Cisco ATP Optical Metro Transport AM/EM - Japanese
  • Cisco Access Routing & LAN Switching Sales Specialist
  • Cisco Access Routing & LAN Switching Specialist
  • Cisco Cable Communications Sales Spec
  • Cisco Cable Communications Sales Specialist
  • Cisco Cable Communications Specialist
  • Cisco Call Manager Express Specialist
  • Cisco Content Networking Sales Specialist
  • Cisco Content Networking Specialist
  • Cisco Content Networking Specialization Exam for SE's and FE's
  • Cisco Customer Contact Support - Retired
  • Cisco Firewall Specialist - Net Academy
  • Cisco IDS Specialist
  • Cisco IP Communications Support Specialist
  • Cisco IP Telephony
  • Cisco IP Telephony Express Spec
  • Cisco IP Telephony Express Specialist
  • Cisco IP Telephony Operations Specialist
  • Cisco IP Telephony-Enterprise Voice Over Data Design
  • Cisco IP Telephony-Installation, Support and Maintenance
  • Cisco Internet Solutions Specialist
  • Cisco Multiservice Switching Specialist
  • Cisco MxU Specialist
  • Cisco Network Management Sales Specialist
  • Cisco Network Management Specialist
  • Cisco Network Management Specialist
  • Cisco Optical Specialist
  • Cisco Partner and Solutions Essentials for Account Managers 5.2
  • Cisco Partner and Solutions Essentials for Enterprise Account Manager 6.0 - Latin American
  • Cisco Products Solutions Essentials 7.0
  • Cisco Products Solutions Essentials 8.0
  • Cisco Public Access Design Specialist
  • Cisco Public Access Support Specialist
  • Cisco Remote Dial Access: Voice and Data Specialization for AM's
  • Cisco Sales Expert v1
  • Cisco Sales Expert v2
  • Cisco Security Specialist 1
  • Cisco Storage Networking Design Specialist
  • Cisco Storage Networking Support Specialist
  • Cisco VPN/Security Sales Specialist
  • Cisco Voice Over Frame Relay
  • Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialist
  • Cisco Wireless LAN Sales Spec
  • Cisco Wireless LAN Sales Specialist
  • Cisco Wireless LAN Support Specialist
  • Converged Business Solution Integration
  • DSL Specialization for Account Managers
  • DSL Specialization for SE's and FE's
  • EMEA SME v1.0
  • Enterprise
  • Enterprise - Japanese Language Version
  • Enterprise Skills Assessment
  • Enterprise for Account Managers
  • IPT Telephony Troubleshooting
  • Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional
  • Network Management Specialization
  • Network Management for Account Managers
  • Network Mgt.
  • Open Programmable Switching Engineer
  • PBX Fundamentals
  • QoS
  • SCM Operation and Maintenance
  • SNA/IP Design Specialist
  • SNA/IP Solutions
  • SNA/IP Support Specialist
  • SNA/IP for Systems Engineers
  • Security Solutions
  • Selling AVVID Architecture
  • Small-to-Medium Business
  • Switched WAN Solutions for the Enterprise
  • Unity
  • Unity Engineer Specialization
  • Unity Engineer Specialization v1.1
  • Voice Solutions for Account Managers
  • Voice Solutions for System Engineers
  • Wireless LAN for Account Managers
  • Wireless LAN for SEs
  • Wireless LAN for SEs and FEs