Cisco Technologies, Skills, and Certifications

If you want to build the most successful career on network and security, walk with Cisco, -- there is no better choice. Cisco is the leading network infrastructure company. With Cisco-based skills, you can go all the directions in network filed. Some of the most valuable Cisco technologies are highlighted below:

Cisco Routers and Switches

Technologies on making up portfolio of intelligent routing solutions that scale up capacity and enable carrier-class IP/MPLS core and edge networks. Professionals in network field need to develop skills on planning and configuring Cisco routers and switches to build secure, optimized enterprise network systems.

VoIP/ IP Telephony

Cisco’s voice over IP technology leads IP communications way ahead. This technology leverage the data network investment and deliver cost effective, reliable systems that scale with the organizations needs. Network professionals need to build skills to implement Cisco VoIP technology in IP telephony call processing, IP video, unified communications, contact centers, and voice infrastructure.

Wireless/Mobility

As industry leader, Cisco’s wireless technology extends enterprise network beyond the desktop. As a network professional, you should acquire knowledge on Cisco mobility solutions including campus mobility, branch mobility, and teleworking. You also should understand design issues for deploying mobility solutions and technologies such as secure wireless LAN (WLAN), IP telephony, and voice and video enabled VPN (V3VPN).

Integrated Security solutions

Cisco’s integrated security solution technology is Cisco AVVID which derives SAFE Blueprint – a flexible, dynamic blueprint for security and VPN networks. Network professionals are in high demands in implementing SAFE Blueprint that enables businesses to securely take advantage of e-business opportunities and compete in the Internet economy.

Cisco Certifications

Cisco certifications are popular for network infrastructure professionals in IT industry.  Top level Cisco certifications are:

• Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)
• Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)
• Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE)

Certification Magazine recently published their Annual Salary Survey, which included surveys on every type of IT certification to determine the best ROI for the employer and the employee. One of their categories, Average Raises for First Year Certifications, rated each certificate on the actual increase in pay received after obtaining the certificate. Among the top 10 were the CCDP, CCNA and CCNP - all part of the Cisco lineup.

In another part of their survey, Percent of Salary Increase After Certification, the number two spot was another Cisco pride and joy - the CCIE. Recipients of the CCIE average a 14 percent raise.

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