← Back to Blog
Certification2026-01-29

CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure: Complete Study Guide for 2026

Master the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification with this comprehensive study guide. Learn about exam format, resources, and strategies for success.

#CCIE#Cisco#Certification#Enterprise#Routing#Switching

CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure: Complete Study Guide for 2026

The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification remains one of the most prestigious and challenging certifications in the networking industry. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to help you succeed.

Understanding the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Exam

Exam Structure

The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification consists of two stages:

1. Qualification Exam (ENCOR 350-401)

  • Duration: 120 minutes
  • Format: Multiple choice, simulations, and drag-and-drop
  • Topics:
    • Architecture (25%)
    • Virtualization (10%)
    • Infrastructure (30%)
    • Network Assurance (15%)
    • Security (10%)
    • Automation (10%)

2. Lab Exam (8 hours)

  • Format: Hands-on configuration and troubleshooting
  • Topics:
    • Enterprise Campus LAN (25%)
    • WAN (20%)
    • Branch Access (15%)
    • Data Center (20%)
    • Security Services (10%)
    • Automation and Programmability (10%)

Essential Resources

Official Cisco Resources

  1. ENCOR 350-401 Official Cert Guide

    • Primary study material
    • Covers all exam topics
    • Includes practice exams

  2. Cisco DNA Center Documentation

    • Essential for enterprise automation
    • Software-defined networking concepts

  3. Cisco DevNet

    • Automation and programmability resources
    • REST API examples

Third-Party Resources

  1. INE Training

    • Comprehensive video courses
    • Hands-on labs
    • Expert instruction

  2. Network to Code

    • Automation-focused content
    • Practical examples

  3. Boson ExSim

    • Practice exams
    • Detailed explanations

Study Strategy

Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

Focus on core technologies:

Week 1-2: Layer 2 Technologies
├── VLANs and Trunking
├── STP (802.1s, 802.1w)
├── EtherChannel
└── Wireless Fundamentals

Week 3-4: Layer 3 Technologies
├── OSPF and EIGRP
├── BGP Fundamentals
├── Route Maps and Policy Routing
└── Multicast Basics

Phase 2: Advanced Topics (Weeks 5-8)

Week 5-6: Enterprise Campus
├── Campus Fabric Design
├── SD-Access Fundamentals
├── StackWise and VSS
└── High Availability

Week 7-8: WAN and Branch
├── DMVPN
├── FlexVPN
├── SD-WAN (Viptela)
└── QoS Mechanisms

Phase 3: Automation and Programmability (Weeks 9-10)

# Essential automation skills:
- Python basics for network engineers
- NETCONF and RESTCONF
- Ansible fundamentals
- Git for version control

Phase 4: Lab Practice (Weeks 11-16)

Daily lab schedule:

Morning (3 hours):
├── Complete one full lab scenario
├── Document configurations
└ └── Review topology design

Afternoon (3 hours):
├── Troubleshooting scenarios
├── Time-based practice
└ └── Review weak areas

Evening (2 hours):
├── Video training
├── Reading documentation
└ └── Flashcard review

Hands-On Lab Setup

Physical vs Virtual Labs

| Option | Pros | Cons | |--------|------|------| | Physical Hardware | Real experience | Expensive, space requirements | | Virtual (EVE-NG, GNS3) | Flexible, cost-effective | Performance limitations | | Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) | Official tool, good integration | Requires subscription | | Cloud-based (DevNet Sandboxes) | Free, accessible | Limited resources |

Recommended Lab Topology

                    ┌─────────────┐
                    │  Core       │
                    │  (CSR 1000v)│
                    └──────┬──────┘
                           │
              ┌────────────┼────────────┐
              │            │            │
        ┌─────┴─────┐ ┌───┴───┐   ┌────┴─────┐
        │  Dist-1   │ │ Dist-2 │   │   WAN    │
        │(Catalyst) │ │(Nexus) │   │  Router  │
        └─────┬─────┘ └───┬───┘   └────┬─────┘
              │           │            │
     ┌────────┼───────────┼────────────┤
     │        │           │            │
┌────┴────┐ ┌─┴────┐ ┌────┴────┐ ┌────┴────┐
│Access-1 │ │Acc-2 │ │ Access-3│ │  Branch │
└─────────┘ └──────┘ └─────────┘ └─────────┘

Key Technologies to Master

Enterprise Campus

  1. Switching

    • VLANs, VTP, DTP
    • STP optimizations (PortFast, BPDU Guard)
    • StackWise Virtual
    • StackWise-480

  2. Routing

    • OSPF in enterprise design
    • EIGRP optimization
    • BGP for enterprise WAN
    • Route redistribution

SD-Access

# Key SD-Access concepts:
- Fabric Underlay (IP transport)
- Fabric Overlay (LISP, VXLAN)
- Control Plane (DNA Center)
- Policy Engine (SGT tagging)
- Wireless integration (Fabric APs)

WAN Technologies

| Technology | Use Case | Key Features | |------------|----------|--------------| | DMVPN | Hub-and-spoke | NHRP, mGRE, IPsec | | FlexVPN | Site-to-site | IKEv2, DMVPN replacement | | SD-WAN | Enterprise WAN | Orchestration, SLA-based routing | | MPLS | Legacy WAN | L3VPN, Traffic engineering |

Automation

# Essential automation tools:
pip install ncclient netmiko textfsm

# Python example: Connect to device
from netmiko import ConnectHandler

device = {
    'device_type': 'cisco_ios',
    'host': '192.168.1.1',
    'username': 'admin',
    'password': 'password'
}

connection = ConnectHandler(**device)
output = connection.send_command('show ip interface brief')

Exam Day Strategies

Time Management

8-hour Lab Exam Breakdown:
├── Section 1: Setup (30 min)
├── Section 2: Core Infrastructure (2.5 hrs)
├── Section 3: Advanced Features (2 hrs)
├── Section 4: Troubleshooting (2 hrs)
└── Documentation and Review (1 hr)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. Don't over-engineer solutions

    • Simple is often better
    • Stick to exam requirements

  2. Read questions carefully

    • Note all requirements
    • Check for specific IOS versions

  3. Manage your time

    • Don't spend too long on one issue
    • Move on and return later

  4. Test your configurations

    • Verify as you go
    • Use show commands to confirm

Practice Labs and Scenarios

Scenario 1: Campus Design

Requirements:
- Dual-stack deployment (IPv4/IPv6)
- High availability with HSRP/GLBP
- Loop prevention with STP
- Wireless integration with FlexConnect

Scenario 2: WAN Migration

Requirements:
- Migrate from legacy to SD-WAN
- Maintain connectivity during cutover
- Implement traffic shaping
- Configure redundancy

Scenario 3: Automation Integration

Requirements:
- Deploy config via Ansible
- Verify with Python scripts
- Use Git for version control
- Implement rollback procedure

Maintaining Your Certification

Recertification Requirements

  • Pass any one professional exam, or
  • Pass one core exam, or
  • Pass one concentration exam, or
  • Complete 120 Continuing Education credits

Continuing Education

  • Take training courses
  • Complete certifications
  • Attend conferences
  • Publish technical content

Conclusion

The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure journey requires dedication, hands-on practice, and a strategic approach. Start with a solid study plan, leverage multiple resources, and prioritize hands-on lab experience.

Remember these key success factors:

  • Consistent daily study routine
  • Extensive lab practice
  • Active participation in study groups
  • Regular self-assessment

The journey to CCIE is challenging but rewarding. The knowledge and skills you gain will transform your career and position you as a leader in network engineering.

Need personalized guidance for your CCIE journey? We offer consulting and mentoring services. Get in touch to discuss your study plan.

Need Help With Network Automation?

We offer consulting services for network automation, security assessments, and infrastructure optimization.

Get In Touch