I woke up to the news that CCNP RS Version 2 is now live. As usual, there is no
reason to panic. If you have been studying for the old version, nothing has been
wasted. OSPF is still OSPF, EIGRP is still EIGRP. The new exams are:

Implementing Cisco IP Routing (300-101)
Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (300-115)
Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (300-135)

The last day to take the old exams will be January 29, 2015.

The good news with the new blueprint is that Cisco is doing what they have been
for a while now, producing more detailed blueprints on what to study. There is also
a weighting included, which shows how much weight each section holds of the entire exam.

Implementing Cisco IP Routing (300-101)

This is the new version of the ROUTE exam. The old version was 642-902. The
new blueprint is here.

The routing protocols are still there, as expected. Let’s go through the blueprint to
see what has been added or clarified from the old blueprint.

1.0 Network Principles 10%

1.1 Identify Cisco Express Forwarding concepts
1.1.a FIB
1.1.b Adjacency table
1.2 Explain general network challenges
1.2.a Unicast
1.2.b Out-of-order packets
1.2.c Asymmetric routing
1.3 Describe IP operations
1.3.a ICMP Unreachable and Redirects
1.3.b IPv4 and IPv6 fragmentation
1.3.c TTL
1.4 Explain TCP operations
1.4.a IPv4 and IPv6 (P)MTU
1.4.b MSS
1.4.c Latency
1.4.d Windowing
1.4.e Bandwidth-delay product
1.4.f Global synchronization
1.5 Describe UDP operations
1.5.a Starvation
1.5.b Latency
1.6 Recognize proposed changes to the network
1.6.a Changes to routing protocol parameters
1.6.b Migrate parts of the network to IPv6
1.6.c Routing protocol migration

This section seems entirely new to me. Although it would have been expected by a CCNP
candidate to know about TTL, CEF and MTU, Cisco is now making it clear that you must
know these concepts. This is great that topics like these are now specifically mentioned
in the blueprint.

The above concepts are all very important and we can also see that
IPv6 is getting more and more attention. Asymmetric routing, MSS, BDP, latency are all
important concepts that you will surely run into in a role as a network engineer.

2.0 Layer 2 Technologies 10%

2.1 Configure and verify PPP
2.1.a Authentication (PAP, CHAP)
2.1.b PPPoE (client side only)
2.2 Explain Frame Relay
2.2.a Operations
2.2.b Point-to-point
2.2.c Multipoint

This is also not really new but Cisco now includes them in the blueprint.
Frame relay is still there, which may seem surprising. However, it says explain Frame Relay,
so it seems only the concepts should be known and not the configuration.
This does make sense in a way because Frame Relay concepts are similar to MPLS, DMVPN etc.

3.0 Layer 3 Technologies 40%

3.1 Identify, configure, and verify IPv4 addressing and subnetting
3.1.a Address types (Unicast, broadcast, multicast, and VLSM)
3.1.b ARP
3.1.c DHCP relay and server
3.1.d DHCP protocol operations
3.2 Identify IPv6 addressing and subnetting
3.2.a Unicast
3.2.b EUI-64
3.2.c ND, RS/RA
3.2.d Autoconfig (SLAAC)
3.2.e DHCP relay and server
3.2.f DHCP protocol operations
3.3 Configure and verify static routing
3.4 Configure and verify default routing
3.5 Evaluate routing protocol types
3.5.a Distance vector
3.5.b Link state
3.5.c Path vector
3.6 Describe administrative distance
3.7 Troubleshoot passive interfaces
3.8 Configure and verify VRF lite
3.9 Configure and verify filtering with any protocol
3.10 Configure and verify redistribution between any routing protocols or routing sources
3.11 Configure and verify manual and autosummarization with any routing protocol
3.12 Configure and verify policy-based routing
3.13 Identify suboptimal routing
3.14 Explain ROUTE maps
3.15 Configure and verify loop prevention mechanisms
3.15.a Route tagging and filtering
3.15.b Split-horizon
3.15.c Route poisoning
3.16 Configure and verify RIPv2
3.17 Describe RIPng
3.18 Describe EIGRP packet types
3.19 Configure and verify EIGRP neighbor relationship and authentication
3.20 Configure and verify EIGRP stubs
3.21 Configure and verify EIGRP load balancing
3.21.a Equal cost
3.21.b Unequal cost
3.22 Describe and optimize EIGRP metrics
3.23 Configure and verify EIGRP for IPv6
3.24 Describe OSPF packet types
3.25 Configure and verify OSPF neighbor relationship and authentication
3.26 Configure and verify network types, area types, and router types
3.26.a Point-to-point, multipoint, broadcast, nonbroadcast
3.26.b LSA types, area type: backbone, normal, transit, stub, NSSA, totally stub
3.26.c Internal router, backbone router, ABR, ASBR
3.26.d Virtual link
3.27 Configure and verify OSPF path preference
3.28 Configure and verify OSPF operations
3.29 Configure and verify OSPF for IPv6
3.30 Describe, configure, and verify BGP peer relationships and authentication
3.30.a Peer group
3.30.b Active, passive
3.30.c States and timers
3.31 Configure and verify eBGP (IPv4 and IPv6 address families)
3.31.a eBGP
3.31.b 4-byte AS number
3.31.c Private AS
3.32 Explain BGP attributes and best-path selection

This is the meat of the exam, as expected from a ROUTE exam. What stands out is that
the blueprint holds much more detail. Things like ARP, DHCP and address types were
not specific items on the old blueprint. We also see a continued focus on IPv6 where
v6 is now included for BGP as well. A CCNP candidate now also needs to understand 4 byte
AS numbers and private AS, which is good for real life networks.

We have a very detailed blueprint which is good. Topics like route-maps and tagging are
now specific items. It’s clear that a CCNP candidate must know routing very well to pass
the ROUTE exam. A new topic is VRF lite, this is a good addition and something that is
very common in todays networks.

4.0 VPN Technologies 10%

4.1 Configure and verify GRE
4.2 Describe DMVPN (single hub)
4.3 Describe Easy Virtual Networking (EVN)

GRE was already there, so that is not new. The topics of DMVPN and EVN has been added.
DMVPN is getting more and more common, so that is a good addition. I haven’t seen
much EVN so far but it’s still a concept you should at least have heard of.

5.0 Infrastructure Security 10%

5.1 Describe IOS AAA using local database
5.2 Describe device security using IOS AAA with TACACS+ and RADIUS
5.2.a AAA with TACACS+ and RADIUS
5.2.b Local privilege authorization fallback
5.3 Configure and verify device access control
5.3.a Lines (VTY, AUX, console)
5.3.b Management plane protection
5.3.c Password encryption
5.4 Configure and verify router security features
5.4.a IPv4 access control lists (standard, extended, time-based)
5.4.b IPv6 traffic filter
5.4.c Unicast reverse path forwarding

I don’t see the above topics as new, it’s good that they are now included in the
blueprint though. These are all topics one needs to know for a CCNP level network
engineer.

6.0 Infrastructure Services 10%

6.1 Configure and verify device management
6.1.a Console and VTY
6.1.b Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, SCP
6.1.c (T)FTP
6.2 Configure and verify SNMP
6.2.a v2
6.2.b v3
6.3 Configure and verify logging
6.3.a Local logging, syslog, debugs, conditional debugs
6.3.b Timestamps
6.4 Configure and verify Network Time Protocol (NTP)
6.4.a NTP master, client, version 3, version 4
6.4.b NTP authentication
6.5 Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 DHCP
6.5.a DHCP client, IOS DHCP server, DHCP relay
6.5.b DHCP options (describe)
6.6 Configure and verify IPv4 Network Address Translation (NAT)
6.6.a Static NAT, dynamic NAT, PAT
6.7 Describe IPv6 NAT
6.7.a NAT64
6.7.b NPTv6
6.8 Describe SLA architecture
6.9 Configure and verify IP SLA
6.9.a ICMP
6.10 Configure and verify tracking objects
6.10.a Tracking objects
6.10.b Tracking different entities (for example, interfaces, IPSLA results)
6.11 Configure and verify Cisco NetFlow
6.11.a NetFlow v5, v9
6.11.b Local retrieval
6.11.c Export (configuration only)

Most of the topics here should be familiar. NAT between IPv4 and IPv6 has been added.
This will be something that will be used, whether we like it or not. It’s good to see
that IP SLA and NTP being included. Also, CCNP candidates must now know Netflow.

Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (300-115)

This is the new version of the SWITCH exam. The old version was 642-813. The
new blueprint is here.

1.0 Layer 2 Technologies 65%

1.1 Configure and verify switch administration
1.1.a SDM templates
1.1.b Managing MAC address table
1.1.c Troubleshoot Err-disable recovery
1.2 Configure and verify Layer 2 protocols
1.2.a CDP, LLDP
1.2.b UDLD
1.3 Configure and verify VLANs
1.3.a Access ports
1.3.b VLAN database
1.3.c Normal, extended VLAN, voice VLAN
1.4 Configure and verify trunking
1.4.a VTPv1, VTPv2, VTPv3, VTP pruning
1.4.b dot1Q
1.4.c Native VLAN
1.4.d Manual pruning
1.5 Configure and verify EtherChannels
1.5.a LACP, PAgP, manual
1.5.b Layer 2, Layer 3
1.5.c Load balancing
1.5.d EtherChannel misconfiguration guard
1.6 Configure and verify spanning tree
1.6.a PVST+, RPVST+, MST
1.6.b Switch priority, port priority, path cost, STP timers
1.6.c PortFast, BPDUguard, BPDUfilter
1.6.d Loopguard and Rootguard
1.7 Configure and verify other LAN switching technologies
1.7.a PAN, RSPAN
1.8 Describe chassis virtualization and aggregation technologies
1.8.a Stackwise

The blueprint is more detailed but I don’t see a lot of things added. There are
some real world additions, such as SDM templates and Stackwise. This will be useful
for CCNP candidates at their jobs. VTP version 3 has been added and also topics
on chassis virtualization such as VSS and vPC. All versions of STP are included which
is to be expected. Nothing major added here in my opinion.

2.0 Infrastructure Security 20%

2.1 Configure and verify switch security features
2.1.a DHCP snooping
2.1.b IP Source Guard
2.1.c Dynamic ARP inspection
2.1.d Port security
2.1.e Private VLAN
2.1.f Storm control
2.2 Describe device security using Cisco IOS AAA with TACACS+ and RADIUS
2.2.a AAA with TACACS+ and RADIUS
2.2.b Local privilege authorization fallback

Not many addidions in this area, private VLANs and storm control is there.
DHCP snooping, DAI, port security and IP Source Guard are all important concepts
to secure the layer 2 part of the network.

3.0 Infrastructure Services 15%

3.1 Configure and verify first-hop redundancy protocols
3.1.a HSRP
3.1.b VRRP
3.1.c GLBP

Nothing has been added here, these protocols are well known and they are the
FHRP protocols that we still use.

Overall, I don’t think much has been added to the SWITCH exam. There are no
topics on wireless, voice and video which could indicate that these topics
are getting moved to other CCNP tracks.

Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (300-135)

This is the new version of the TSHOOT exam. The old version was 642-832. The
new blueprint is here.

The new blueprint is a lot more detailed than the old one.

1.0 Network Principles 5%

1.1 Use Cisco IOS troubleshooting tools
1.1.a Debug, conditional debug
1.1.b Ping and trace route with extended options
1.2 Apply troubleshooting methodologies
1.2.a Diagnose the root cause of networking issues (analyze symptoms, identify and describe root cause)
1.2.b Design and implement valid solutions
1.2.c Verify and monitor resolution

Nothing new here really, these are all tools expected to be known by a CCNP candidate.

2.0 Layer 2 Technologies 40%

2.1 Troubleshoot switch administration
2.1.a SDM templates
2.1.b Managing MAC address table
2.1.c Troubleshoot Err-disable recovery
2.2 Troubleshoot Layer 2 protocols
2.2.a CDP, LLDP
2.2.b UDLD
2.3 Troubleshoot VLANs
2.3.a Access ports
2.3.b VLAN database
2.3.c Normal, extended VLAN, voice VLAN
2.4 Troubleshoot trunking
2.4.a VTPv1, VTPv2, VTPv3, VTP pruning
2.4.b dot1Q
2.4.c Native VLAN
2.4.d Manual pruning
2.5 Troubleshoot EtherChannels
2.5.a LACP, PAgP, manual
2.5.b Layer 2, Layer 3
2.5.c Load balancing
2.5.d EtherChannel misconfiguration guard
2.6 Troubleshoot spanning tree
2.6.a PVST+, RPVST +, MST
2.6.b Switch priority, port priority, path cost, STP timers
2.6.c PortFast, BPDUguard, BPDUfilter
2.6.d Loopguard, Rootguard
2.7 Troubleshoot other LAN switching technologies
2.7.a SPAN, RSPAN
2.8 Troubleshoot chassis virtualization and aggregation technologies
2.8.a Stackwise

Most topics here are definitely familiar, VTPv3 has been added. Stackwise has also
been added to the blueprint as well as SDM templates. The other topics are not really
new but are specifically mentioned in the blueprint, which is a good clarification.

3.0 Layer 3 Technologies 40%

3.1 Troubleshoot IPv4 addressing and subnetting
3.1.a Address types (Unicast, broadcast, multicast, and VLSM)
3.1.b ARP
3.1.c DHCP relay and server
3.1.d DHCP protocol operations
3.2 Troubleshoot IPv6 addressing and subnetting
3.2.a Unicast
3.2.b EUI-64
3.2.c ND, RS/RA
3.2.d Autoconfig (SLAAC)
3.2.e DHCP relay and server
3.2.f DHCP protocol operations
3.3 Troubleshoot static routing
3.4 Troubleshoot default routing
3.5 Troubleshoot administrative distance
3.6 Troubleshoot passive interfaces
3.7 Troubleshoot VRF lite
3.8 Troubleshoot filtering with any protocol
3.9 Troubleshoot between any routing protocols or routing sources
3.10 Troubleshoot manual and autosummarization with any routing protocol
3.11 Troubleshoot policy-based routing
3.12 Troubleshoot suboptimal routing
3.13 Troubleshoot loop prevention mechanisms
3.13.a Route tagging, filtering
3.13.b Split-horizon
3.13.c Route poisoning
3.14 Troubleshoot RIPv2
3.15 Troubleshoot EIGRP neighbor relationship and authentication
3.16 Troubleshoot loop free path selection
3.16.a RD, FD, FC, successor, feasible successor
3.17 Troubleshoot EIGPR operations
3.17.a Stuck in active
3.18 Troubleshoot EIGRP stubs
3.19 Troubleshoot EIGRP load balancing
3.19.a Equal cost
3.19.b Unequal cost
3.20 Troubleshoot EIGRP metrics
3.21 Troubleshoot EIGRP for IPv6
3.22 Troubleshoot OSPF neighbor relationship and authentication
3.23 Troubleshoot network types, area types, and router types
3.23.a Point-to-point, multipoint, broadcast, nonbroadcast
3.23.b LSA types, area type: backbone, normal, transit, stub, NSSA, totally stub
3.23.c Internal router, backbone router, ABR, ASBR
3.23.d Virtual link
3.24 Troubleshoot OSPF path preference
3.25 Troubleshoot OSPF operations
3.26 Troubleshoot OSPF for IPv6
3.27 Troubleshoot BGP peer relationships and authentication
3.27.a Peer group
3.27.b Active, passive
3.27.c States and timers
3.28 Troubleshoot eBGP
3.28.a eBGP
3.28.b 4-byte AS number
3.28.c Private AS

There is added focus on IPv6, as expected. As mentioned before, 4 byte AS numbers
and private AS has been added. VRF lite is also included and I think these are
good additions.

4.0 VPN Technologies 5%

4.1 Troubleshoot GRE

GRE is still there, it’s worth 5% of the exam which is good to know.

5.0 Infrastructure Security 5%

5.1 Troubleshoot IOS AAA using local database
5.2 Troubleshoot device access control
5.2.a Lines (VTY, AUX, console)
5.2.b Management plane protection
5.2.c Password encryption
5.3 Troubleshoot router security features
5.3.a IPv4 access control lists (standard, extended, time-based)
5.3.b IPv6 traffic filter
5.3.c Unicast reverse path forwarding

These topics should not be new, access lists are still there, maybe with the addition of
IPv6. The other topics seem quite straight forward.

6.0 Infrastructure Services 5%

6.1 Troubleshoot device management
6.1.a Console and VTY
6.1.b Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, SCP
6.1.c (T) FTP
6.2 Troubleshoot SNMP
6.2.a v2
6.2.b v3
6.3 Troubleshoot logging
6.3.a Local logging, syslog, debugs, conditional debugs
6.3.b Timestamps
6.4 Troubleshoot Network Time Protocol(NTP)
6.4.a NTP master, client, version 3, version 4
6.4.b NTP authentication
6.5 Troubleshoot IPv4 and IPv6 DHCP
6.5.a DHCP client, IOS DHCP server, DHCP relay
6.5.b DHCP options (describe)
6.6 Troubleshoot IPv4 Network Address Translation (NAT)
6.6.a Static NAT, Dynamic NAT, PAT
6.7 Troubleshoot SLA architecture
6.8 Troubleshoot tracking objects
6.8.a Tracking objects
6.8.b Tracking different entities (for example, interfaces, IPSLA results)

This section has some additions such as VTPv3, SNMPv3, NTP and IP SLA.
These are all good additions and something a CCNP level engineer would be expected
to know, at least at a basic level. All these topics are worth 5%, the same as GRE,
so they are not major topics.

Summary

CCNP RS version 2 is here, but there is no reason to panic. This post has taken a look
at the blueprint and it seems it is just a revamped version. It’s not a major overhaul.
A guesstimate would say that maybe 20% of the topics are new, the blueprint is mostly
the same but much more detailed and with weights, this makes it easer for a CCNP
candidate to build a study plan and study at the correct depth.

There are some additions such as VRF lite which are good real world additions.
In summary I think Cisco has done a good job of updating the CCNP curriculum.

CCNP RS Version 2
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22 thoughts on “CCNP RS Version 2

  • Pingback:Blog CloudCampus Networking Academy ยป Novo CCNP R&S (v2)

  • July 29, 2014 at 9:18 pm
    Permalink

    Really nice overview.

    I have to hurry up now, two more exams till January ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Thank you.

    Reply
  • July 30, 2014 at 12:25 am
    Permalink

    Wow, they “changed” the new 200 version already? Man, I remember when I was studying for the “regular” CCNA certification, and I was trying to beat the deadline as to when they were changing it to the new one. So now it’s changed twice in the last year or so. Before that, I think the cert I was studying for was good all the way since 2007. So now they’re changing the requirements almost yearly now.

    Reply
    • July 30, 2014 at 6:28 am
      Permalink

      Actually, I think it has been a couple of years at least since they changed the CCNP. They did change the CCNA a while back though. Generally the exams will be refreshed every 3 years or so.

      Reply
  • July 30, 2014 at 5:00 am
    Permalink

    Thank you Bro, for sharing us the details ๐Ÿ™‚ !!! Am already completed NP switch. Planned to take route within a couple of months. So, it put me in a dilemma that if i took Tshoot after Jan, then i should still knew the new switch and route concepts or i should take both before Jan.. Any suggestions please, on which way to go??

    Reply
    • July 30, 2014 at 6:27 am
      Permalink

      It depends a bit on what your future plans are. Any plans for the CCIE in the future? 6 months should be enough to pass both ROUTE and TSHOOT if you are focused in your studies. If you spend 3 months on ROUTE and 2 months on TSHOOT you could give the old exams first.

      Reply
      • July 31, 2014 at 6:05 am
        Permalink

        Thank you, Bro !! I planned the same to complete both before Jan. CCIE – Not at the moment.. I would like to explore other fields – Planned to go for Security after Tshoot.

        Reply
  • July 30, 2014 at 2:24 pm
    Permalink

    Surprised to not find QoS in blueprint…

    Reply
  • July 30, 2014 at 2:29 pm
    Permalink

    Being a CCNP and not knowing anything of QoS could be embarrassing… can’t find it in the blueprint..?

    Reply
  • July 31, 2014 at 7:17 am
    Permalink

    Hi Daniel,

    So, is it simply an “addition” of topics and or depth? Nothing got out of the blueprint? I take it with some relief your first sentences not to panic. As mentioned before, CCNA was updated a while ago, but that included removing some topics out of the old blueprint. As far as I understood that didn’t happen to CCNP R&S (even with Frame Relay, as you’ve put it) , is that it? (which doen’s mean it got easier, I have always thought of it as a great challenge, and I didn’t change my mind about that).

    Thanks, man.

    Regards,
    Elias

    Reply
  • August 5, 2014 at 5:48 am
    Permalink

    I have cleared CCNP old route and switch, can I go for new TSHOOT to complete my CCNP

    Reply
  • August 7, 2014 at 9:13 am
    Permalink

    Hi,
    Thanks for the detailed comparison.
    Actually, I have achieved the new CCNA one month ago. Now, I am planning to get the CCNP. However, I feel now a little hesitated, whether to go for the old exams, or target the new ones. My summary points are as follows:
    1) The new exams include new topics which are relevant to the new networking demands.
    2) There are yet no study resources (videos, books, etc …) for the new exams.
    3) Almost 5 months are remaining to the death of the old exams. Will this be enough?

    These are my ideas. If you can assist me, it will be great.

    Thanks,
    Mohamad

    Reply
    • August 7, 2014 at 10:21 am
      Permalink

      If starting out now I would focus on the new exams. Like you said they contain relevant updates for a network engineer of today. You can mix exams, so if you want to take old SWITCH but new ROUTE, you can do that.

      Study resources should be out soon if they are not already. However, there are plenty of study resources, everything does not have to come from an official cert guide. You could study the “old” topics first and wait for books to come out and then study the “new” ones but like I said, it’s not really difficult to find other study resources.

      5 months is enough if you focus 100% on it but even if you don’t make it you can take the new exams to complete the CCNP. Like I said though, I recommend to focus on new exams as they seem more relevant.

      Reply
      • August 7, 2014 at 12:00 pm
        Permalink

        Thanks a lot for your reply. It has really helped me.
        I liked your idea of utilizing the old resources (s.a. official guides, video courses, etc…), for the time being, and then use the new resources once they are out (according to Cisco soft copies will be there end of September)

        Reply
  • August 28, 2014 at 7:26 am
    Permalink

    My CCNP cert is still valid till 2016. Is the new version will affect existing cert?Thanks.

    Reply
    • August 29, 2014 at 5:42 am
      Permalink

      No, it will not. Your certification is still valid. The next time you recertify you will take new exam or any other professional level exam.

      Reply
  • September 19, 2014 at 9:27 pm
    Permalink

    frame relay is still there… maybe we should study IPX as well… PATHETIC

    Reply
  • August 24, 2016 at 12:13 pm
    Permalink

    Perfect tips. Good training is the key, You should always learn from the induatry experts who has good practical knowledge.

    Reply

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