Routing and Switching: A Comprehensive Overview

In networking, routing and switching are considered as basic functions without which network communication cannot be done the right way. The purpose of routing is to route packets between different Local Area Networks (LAN). On the other hand, switching is used to switch data packets within the same network. A router generally operates at the Layer 3 of the OSI model and largely relies on the network part of the destination IP address when it comes to sending a packet.

Unlike routing, switching works on layer 2 of the OSI model. Here, the data packet is sent by using the hardware address of the network adapter. Switches are categorized into two types, managed and unmanaged. Unmanaged switches are usually used in homes and work out of the box. It does not give the liberty to make changes. However, in managed switches, there is flexibility. The switch can easily be monitored and also adjusted locally.

Both the functions have enabled the companies to boost productivity, reduce costs, enhance customer service, and also improve the security of the data. Routing and switching  have allowed every employee in the work space to have an equal and better access to the company’s tools, information, and information resulting in an improvement in employee productivity.

Considering the complex nature of businesses today and high advancements in the information technology sector, there are now various IT training services and certifications that aim to enhance routing and switching skills for better results. One of the very eminent ones includes the CCIE routing and switching certification. Majority start their CCIE journey with routing and switching compared to other areas in the certification. By 2017, there were 30,000 candidates who signed up for routing and switching. (Source)

The certification, no doubt, has unlocked numerous avenues for engineers all over the world. Interestingly, the estimated percentage of CCIE certified personnel around the globe is very less. As of 2017, there were 45000 individuals who successfully cleared CCIE certifications.  (Source). Clearly, this is not even 1% of the world’s total population and this shows the value this specific certification holds in IT training. With an increase in awareness and requirements by the IT sector, the number has been increasing since then.

What is CCIE Routing and Switching:

If you are mainly associated with routing and switching then know that having a CCIE routing and switching certification can land you in a job with the highest rank. Passing the certification requires energy, hard work, and a lot of dedication, of course. The amount of hard work it requires is also evident by the total number of CCIE holders present in the world right now. The CCIE routing and switching certification is designed to make the engineers masters of what they do. It teaches the individuals the art of detangling the complexities in network infrastructure. It boosts the ability to plan, analyze, implement, and troubleshoot and basically, this is everything required by an expert level engineer.

For an engineer, it is a perfect opportunity to enhance technical skills and get secure and highly paid jobs. Apart from adding value to your own professional life, CCIE routing and switching certified individuals also become a source of unlimited value addition for their workplace.

This very certification has become necessary for the new-age engineers and network architects due to the aggressively changing global trends in the technology and IT sector. With so many fluctuations in trends and advancements in technology, the risk for complexities automatically picks up the pace. The technology of today is beyond the control of basic skills. Certifications like CCIE have made it possible to understand the complicated dynamics of network situations and come up with smart solutions for communication between different networks regardless of the distance.

CCIE Routing and Switching Eligibility Criteria:

In order to appear in the CCIE routing and switching exam, the individuals must possess a set of certain skills. According to Cisco, the candidate needs to have three to five years of experience in the networking area. It is important for the candidate to have some degree of knowledge regarding implementing, operating, and troubleshooting complicated Cisco networks. More than that, the individual should have a ‘can do’ attitude because the exam tests the individual’s ability to work in difficult networking situations and the capability of coming up with innovative and creative solutions for the detected problem. The fact that the CCIE lab exam is 8-hour long well explains the idea of working on a tricky situation until you come up with the right solution.

However, you become eligible for the CCIE routing and switching lab only if you pass the written. The difficulty level of CCIE is considerably high, hence, there are only a few right now in the world.

CCIE Routing and Switching Exam- Breakdown:

The CCIE routing and switching exam is divided into two parts. The first part includes a written exam and once you pass that, you become eligible for the next step which involves an 8-hour long lab exam. The written exam tests the candidate’s knowledge regarding basic and important networking concepts along with some equipment commands. It is also very important to know that the written exam is valid for not more than 18 months. After this time span, one cannot sign up for the lab exam.

The CCIE written exam covers the following areas:

• Network Principles
• Layer 2 Technologies
• Layer 3 Technologies
• VPN technologies
• Infrastructure Security
• Infrastructure Services
• Evolving Technologies

In the lab exam, the individuals are supposed to work on actual equipment. This lab exam basically tests configuration and troubleshooting skills. In case of failure, the candidate can choose to reappear in the lab exam within exactly after the previous attempt. The exam is taken in different Cisco locations around the globe.

How to Prepare for CCIE Routing and Switching Exam:

The world right now is full of facilities. All thanks to the innovations in technology which have made the world go online allowing people to study, work, and even get training from the comfort of their home. Similarly, individuals can now opt for training for CCIE routing and switching online . Currently, there are a number of institutions providing CCIE routing and switching online training programs. Individuals can register, pay, and even take the preparatory exams without having to travel several miles away from their residence.

Online IT training courses do not only focus on making you familiar with the content of the exam but also on the do’s, don’ts, and comprehensive tips and tricks to get awarded with this expert-level certification. Many individuals choose to self-study for the exam as well. However, keeping in mind the complicated nature of CCIE certification, going for specially designed preparation programs is always a better and safer option.

An online training course for CCIE Routing and Switching comprises different stages that equip you with every bit of the required knowledge for the exam.  Usually, a training course is split into two parts where candidates are given comprehensive training for the written and lab exam respectively.

CCIE Online Training Course Objectives:

CCIE training courses are designed by trained professionals with hands-on experience in the relevant field. The objectives are always specific and great attention to detail is given in order to equip the individuals with the right knowledge to sail through the CCIE journey with ease.

By the end of CCIE routing and switching online training, here is what an individual will learn and able to implement in the future.

• Configure and Troubleshoot Complex Networking Conditions
• Explain Networking Challenges, IP Operations, and TCP Operations
• Learn about LAN Switching Technologies
• Basic Routing Concepts
• Implementing and Troubleshooting end-to-end QoS
• Network Optimization
• Multiprotocol Label Switching
• IP Multicast Routing

And there is so much more that a candidate can learn and identify by choosing to go for a professional and reliable training course for CCIE Routing and Switching Written and Lab Exam.

That said, as an engineer, enhancing your routing and switching skills is highly important in the modern age where internetworking is increasingly picking up pace in becoming sophisticated than ever. Not only does expert-level routing and switching skills make it easier to get the job done but it is also a great way to expand cash inflow and find better career prospects. Right now, individuals with expert-level routing and switching certifications are earning $125k a year which is a lot more than the ones with basic knowledge of the two networking functions (Source).

Conclusion:

That said, as an engineer, enhancing your routing and switching skills is highly important in the modern age where internetworking is increasingly picking up pace in becoming sophisticated than ever. Not only does expert-level routing and switching skills make it easier to get the job done but it is also a great way to expand cash inflow and find better career prospects. Right now, individuals with expert-level routing and switching certifications are earning $125k a year which is a lot more than the ones with basic knowledge of the two networking functions (Source).