Comprehensive Difference Between Routing-Switching and Security

Cisco Routing and Switching vs. Cisco Security

This question has been raised many a times to the Networkers from our fellow Networking aspirants. When a candidate develops an interest in Networking and is taking his first step towards examination, this question is asked. Which domain is better and why? Which should they choose and why? How are these two different from each other?

This article aims to answer these questions and help our candidate exploring their career opportunities.

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What is Cisco?

Cisco Systems is an American Multinational largest networking company in the world. It is the biggest manufacturer of Networking hardware and developing technology. It manufactures, develops and sells Networking hardware, communication technology and other high end technology.

Cisco products have been spread out across the world making organizations requiring Cisco technicians for maintenance, troubleshooting and support. That then, when Cisco launched its certifications for Networking.

Cisco Certifications

Cisco introduced its certifications in various levels of Networking domains. These certifications helped networking aspirants choose their domain according to their interest.

There are 3 major levels of certifications and 7 major domains of Networking.

Unlike any other IT Certifications, Cisco Certifications are Industry leading Networking Certifications. They are one of the most renowned and prestigious certifications round the world, making the hiring of Networkers easy for organizations on the basis of their certifications.

Difference between Cisco Routing and Switching and Cisco Security

Cisco Routing and Switching

Cisco Routing and Switching not only covers the foundation on Networking but also deals with the data transition in the network. This domain is all about deigning of the network and flow of data. It creates the base of all the other domain certifications.

There are three levels to become Cisco Routing and Switching Expert.

1. CCNA R&S
2. CCNP R&S
3. CCIE R&S

CCNA R&S

CCNA Routing and Switching is the Cisco’s Associate Level Certification for Routing and Switching domain. It lays the foundation of other certifications and is a prerequisite of many. In this certification, you will learn about the network transition and designing of the network.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this certification.

Examination: 200-125 CCNA or 100-105 ICND1 and 200-105 ICND2

CCNP R&S

CCNP Routing and Switching is the Cisco’s Professional Level Certification for Routing and Switching domain. It is a second level certification in R&S and comparatively difficult than CCNA R&S.

CCNP Routing and Switching certification validates the professional to plan, design, implement and troubleshoot the networks. These professionals can work in the collaboration work with the specialist of Voice, Video, Wireless and Security.

This certification is appropriate for candidates with at least one year of professional experience.

Prerequisites: CCNA Routing and Switching or any CCIE Certification

Examination: 300-101 ROUTE, 300-115 SWITCH and 300-135 TSHOOT

CCIE R&S

CCIE Routing and Switching is the Expert Level Certification for Routing and Switching domain. It is the toughest level certification of Routing and Switching in the Networking. This certification is an achievement in itself.

Candidates should have the experience of at least 5 years on field before for passing this examination of this certification.

Experts with CCIE Certification are experts who can plan, configure and implement complex networks.

Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE R&S but one must have in depth knowledge and skills of Routing and Switching before attempting this certification.

Examination: CCIE Routing and Switching Written Exam and CCIE Routing and Switching Lab Exam.

Cisco Security

Cisco Security domain of Cisco networking deals with the security of the network. In this domain, the networking aspirants have the skills and knowledge of finding complex Cisco solutions for security the network against malicious threats, risks and vulnerabilities.

There are three levels to become Cisco Secuirty Expert

1. CCNA Security
2. CCNP Security
3. CCIE Security
4. CCNA Security

CCNA (Cisco Certified Newark Associate) Security is the first level of Cisco Security Certification. In this certification, the candidate learns to secure the Network and maintain interiority and confidentiality of data. This certification validates the candidate to install, configure and monitor the network devices and secure the network from any threats.

Prerequisite: CCENT or CCNA R&S or Any CCIE is the prerequisites for this certification.

Examinations: 210-260 IINS

CCNP Security

CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) Security is the second level Cisco Security Certification. This is difficult than CCNA Security. In this certification, the professionals have the skills to secure routers, switches and other networking devices and can deploy, support and troubleshoot Firewalls, VPNS, and IDS/IPS solutions.

Prerequisite: CCNA Security or any CCIE is the prerequisites for this certification.

Examinations: 300-208 SISAS, 300-206 SENSS, 300-209 SIMOS, 300-207 SITCS v1.0 Last day to test: December 31, 2016 OR 300-210 SITCS v1.5

CCIE Security

CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) Security is the highest level of Network Security Certification. The experts with this certification can plan, design, implement and support the security of complex networks using Cisco Suite security technologies. These experts have the latest industry practices.

Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE Security but one must have in depth knowledge and skills of Network Security before attempting this certification.

Examinations: CCIE Security Written Exam and CCIE Security Lab Exam

One can choose any domain according to their interests and skills.