Is Cisco’s SDN Online Training and Certification Worth Investing In?
The question of whether Software Defined Networking (SDN) is the future of networking has been a topic of discussion for several years. Despite doubts, the adoption of SDN in various industries has proven its success and increasing relevance. As networking trends continue to move towards automation and programmability, SDN has become a critical component. Investments in SDN-related training and certifications can provide significant long-term benefits for professionals in the networking field.
SDN Adoption Across Industries
Recent years have seen a significant adoption of SDN across different networking areas. According to industry data, over 60% of data centers, more than 55% of wide-area networks (WANs), and over 40% of access networks have implemented SDN solutions. These numbers were achieved before 2021, and by 2022, SDN has become the go-to technology for IT enterprises looking to embrace automation.
Why Invest in Cisco’s SDN Training and Certification?
Given the growing importance of SDN, it is indeed worth investing in Cisco’s SDN online training courses and certifications. These programs provide professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage SDN for network automation and programmability.
Getting Started with SD-WAN
If you are new to SDN, starting with SD-WAN (Software Defined WAN) would be advisable. SD-WAN is part of Cisco’s Concentration examinations under the enterprise track for Network Engineers. The certification name you mentioned is PRNE (Programming for Network Engineers). This program is specifically designed to introduce programming concepts to network engineers, preparing them for automation.
For Developers: NPDEV (Network Programmability Developer Specialist)
For developers interested in learning networking, the NPDEV (Network Programmability Developer Specialist) certification is highly recommended. This program equips developers with the necessary networking concepts to integrate automation into their work.
Choosing the Right Path
Both PRNE and NPDEV certifications are crucial for different roles. If your goal is to integrate programming into network engineering, PRNE is the way to go. Conversely, if you are a developer looking to enhance your skills in networking and automation, NPDEV is the more suitable choice.
Conclusion
The journey towards network automation with SDN offers a promising future. If you are considering investing your time and resources into SDN training and certification, it is highly advisable. These courses will not only keep you ahead of the curve but also open up new career opportunities in a rapidly evolving field.
Additional Considerations
While the trend towards SDN adoption is strong, it is worth noting that Cisco offers several SD-WAN products such as iWAN Viptela and Meraki SDWAN. These products cover a broad range of SDN WAN edge solutions, which might not be included in every certification program. However, the overall investment in these training courses will provide you with a solid foundation in SDN and network automation.
Bearing this in mind, investing in Cisco’s SDN online training and certification can be a strategic move for your career growth and future-proofing your skills.