Cisco certifications have grown in popularity in recent years. Cisco credentials are among the most important in the IT sector today. There are several Cisco certification possibilities. One of the best qualifications to aim for if you want to work in cloud computing is the SD-WAN skill. It acquaints you with the environment of clouds. Being an SD-WAN Engineer might get you a high-paying position. Organizations can optimize network traffic, improve security, and cut expenses using SD-WAN.

Nonetheless, a lot of people who want to work in SD-WAN sometimes ponder if they may skip the requirements of certificates like CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) and start studying SD-WAN right away. This post will discuss if learning SD-WAN without prior CCNA or CCNP expertise is possible and what elements to take into account before making this decision.

Understanding the Role of CCNA and CCNP

Before delving into the possibility of learning SD-WAN without CCNA or CCNP, it's crucial to understand the significance of these certifications in networking.

CCNA:

CCNA serves as an entry-level certification that covers fundamental networking concepts. It equips candidates with a solid understanding of network protocols, routing and switching, and basic troubleshooting skills. CCNA is a stepping stone for those looking to establish a foundation in networking.

CCNP:

Building upon the CCNA certification, CCNP dives deeper into advanced networking topics. It focuses on specific areas such as routing and switching, wireless, security, or SD-WAN. Thus, the mid-level certification known as CCNP denotes the better phase competence in networking technology.

What is SD-WAN, exactly?

Cisco has certified SD-WAN. Software-Defined Wide Area Network, or SD-WAN, is an unconventional technology. It's the cutting-edge method of bringing- people connected to their apps from any device, at any time, anywhere.

Data gets sent to data centers over a standard wide-area network using Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), a time-consuming and inefficient technique. Before cloud computing emerged and took off, this technology was better.

Apps are shifting to the cloud these days thanks to cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), which is among the most popular cloud services. Sending software from the cloud back to the data centers to be accessed online was ridiculous. Thus, the term "Software-defined" was created. It meant utilizing the internet to access applications that are available online.

Is there a tech certification you must before obtaining your SD-WAN accreditation?

It is anticipated that an SD-WAN certification candidate, before- the Cisco SD-WAN course, holds the fundamental and standard networking industry credentials. It is necessary to maintain networking credentials if you want to become an extremely proficient SD-WAN expert.

Before getting SD-WAN certification, you should think about obtaining a few of the following significant technical certifications:

• Cisco Routing and Switching Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Wireless
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
• Certified Internet Professional (CCIP) from Cisco

Eventually, obtaining these kinds of professional qualifications will undoubtedly aid in the advancement of your job. Massive professional credentials as you can acquire. You would benefit from that!

Learning SD-WAN Without CCNA or CCNP

Although obtaining the CCNA and CCNP certifications provides a solid foundation in networking, it is not required to do so before learning about SD-WAN. Here are some reasons why learning SD-WAN is possible:

Diverse Learning Paths:

SD-WAN is not exclusive to Cisco technologies. Even though Cisco dominates the SD-WAN industry, Juniper, VMware, and Fortinet are among the other companies that provide SD-WAN solutions. Should you have no interest in obtaining certifications particular to Cisco, you might opt to focus on SD-WAN technology offered by other suppliers.

Online Resources:

The internet is a treasure trove of resources for self-learners. You can find massive online courses, tutorials, and documentation that cover SD-WAN concepts comprehensively. Many of these resources do not require a prior CCNA or CCNP certification as a prerequisite.

Real-World Experience:

Learning by doing is often the most effective way to gain expertise. If you can access SD-WAN equipment or virtual labs, experiment and gain hands-on experience without specific certifications.

Career Goals:

Your career aspirations and the specific job roles you're interested in may not require CCNA or CCNP certifications. If you aim for a role primarily dealing with SD-WAN technologies, you can focus your learning efforts on those skills.

Factors to Consider

While it's possible to learn SD-WAN without CCNA or CCNP, it's essential to consider the following factors:

Prerequisite Knowledge:

Assess your current knowledge of networking. With a solid understanding of networking concepts, SD-WAN can be a wonderful place to start. If you're new to networking together.

Job Requirements:

Check the job descriptions for the positions you're interested in. Some employers may require CCNA or CCNP certifications as a prerequisite for SD-WAN-related roles. Meeting these requirements can enhance your job prospects.

Vendor-Specific vs. Vendor-Agnostic:

Decide whether you want to specialize in a specific vendor's SD-WAN solution or prefer a more vendor-agnostic approach. Vendor-specific certifications may require vendor-specific knowledge.

Learning Resources:

Research the availability of SD-WAN learning resources that do not demand CCNA or CCNP prerequisites. Ensure you have access to quality materials and training courses.

Learning Pace:

Consider your learning pace and style. Some individuals may find it easier to grasp SD-WAN concepts directly, while others might benefit from the structured approach provided by CCNA or CCNP certifications.

Conclusion

Earning SD-WAN without CCNA or CCNP certifications is possible, but it depends on your current knowledge, career goals, and job requirements. SD-WAN is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field, and vast resources are available for self-learners. However, it is essential to select the path that aligns with your objectives and ensures you acquire the necessary skills to excel in your chosen career.

Whether you decide to pursue CCNA and CCNP certifications first or dive directly into SD-WAN, ongoing learning and staying updated with the latest industry trends are vital to success in the ever-changing networking and IT infrastructure. The decision is entirely up to you and should be influenced by your exact circumstances and aspirations.