Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)
1 **Foundation**
1-1 **Networking Fundamentals**
1-1 1 OSI and TCPIP Models
1-1 2 Network Devices and Their Functions
1-1 3 IP Addressing and Subnetting
1-1 4 Routing and Switching Basics
1-1 5 Network Security Fundamentals
1-2 **Enterprise Architecture**
1-2 1 Enterprise Network Design Principles
1-2 2 Network Segmentation and Zoning
1-2 3 Network Services and Protocols
1-2 4 Network Management and Monitoring
1-2 5 Network Automation and Programmability
2 **Design**
2-1 **Network Design Methodologies**
2-1 1 Design Life Cycle
2-1 2 Requirements Gathering and Analysis
2-1 3 Design Documentation and Validation
2-1 4 Design Implementation and Testing
2-1 5 Design Maintenance and Optimization
2-2 **Enterprise Network Design**
2-2 1 Campus Network Design
2-2 2 Data Center Network Design
2-2 3 WAN Design
2-2 4 Wireless Network Design
2-2 5 Security Architecture Design
3 **Implementation**
3-1 **Network Implementation Planning**
3-1 1 Implementation Strategies
3-1 2 Resource Allocation and Scheduling
3-1 3 Risk Management and Mitigation
3-1 4 Change Management
3-1 5 Post-Implementation Review
3-2 **Network Services Implementation**
3-2 1 IP Address Management (IPAM)
3-2 2 DNS and DHCP Implementation
3-2 3 Network Access Control (NAC)
3-2 4 VPN and Remote Access Implementation
3-2 5 Network Security Services Implementation
4 **Operation**
4-1 **Network Operations Management**
4-1 1 Network Monitoring and Performance Management
4-1 2 Fault Management and Troubleshooting
4-1 3 Capacity Planning and Management
4-1 4 Network Change and Configuration Management
4-1 5 Network Compliance and Auditing
4-2 **Network Security Operations**
4-2 1 Incident Response and Management
4-2 2 Threat Detection and Mitigation
4-2 3 Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
4-2 4 Vulnerability Management
4-2 5 Security Policy Enforcement and Monitoring
5 **Optimization**
5-1 **Network Optimization Techniques**
5-1 1 Traffic Engineering and Load Balancing
5-1 2 Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation
5-1 3 Network Performance Tuning
5-1 4 Energy Efficiency and Green Networking
5-1 5 Network Optimization Tools and Technologies
5-2 **Network Automation and Orchestration**
5-2 1 Network Programmability and Automation
5-2 2 Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
5-2 3 Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
5-2 4 Automation Tools and Frameworks
5-2 5 Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CICD) for Networks
6 **Leadership**
6-1 **Leadership and Management Skills**
6-1 1 Strategic Planning and Vision
6-1 2 Team Leadership and Development
6-1 3 Communication and Stakeholder Management
6-1 4 Financial Management and Budgeting
6-1 5 Project Management and Execution
6-2 **Professional Ethics and Standards**
6-2 1 Ethical Decision-Making
6-2 2 Industry Standards and Compliance
6-2 3 Intellectual Property and Licensing
6-2 4 Professional Development and Continuous Learning
6-2 5 Global and Cultural Awareness
2.2.3 WAN Design Explained

2.2.3 WAN Design Explained

Key Concepts

Wide Area Network (WAN) Design involves creating a network that spans large geographical areas, connecting multiple local area networks (LANs) and other networks. Key concepts include:

WAN Topologies

WAN Topologies define the physical and logical arrangement of network components. Common WAN topologies include:

An analogy for WAN topologies is a transportation network. Just as roads connect cities, WAN topologies connect different sites.

WAN Technologies

WAN Technologies enable data transmission over long distances. Common WAN technologies include:

Think of WAN technologies as different modes of transportation. Just as cars, trains, and planes move people, WAN technologies move data.

WAN Optimization

WAN Optimization improves the performance and efficiency of WAN connections. Techniques include:

An analogy for WAN optimization is traffic management. Just as traffic lights and lanes improve road efficiency, WAN optimization techniques improve data flow.

Security Considerations

Security in WAN Design ensures data protection and integrity. Key considerations include:

Think of security considerations as locks and alarms for your home. Just as locks protect your house, security measures protect your WAN.

Scalability and Redundancy

Scalability and Redundancy ensure the WAN can grow and maintain availability. Techniques include:

An analogy for scalability and redundancy is a power grid. Just as a grid provides multiple power sources, a WAN provides multiple data paths.

Understanding WAN Design is crucial for creating efficient, secure, and scalable network architectures. By mastering these concepts, network architects can design robust WAN solutions that meet the needs of modern organizations.