What is JNCIS-SP and how to prepare for it
JNCIS-SP (Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist) has been designed for the qualified networking professionals who have knowledge - on routing & switching implementations of Junos - ranging from the novice to middle-level. This certification verifies the fundamental knowledge of routing & switching technologies, platform configuration & troubleshooting expertise. The certification is provided after passing a written exam under exam code JN0-360 that is monitored by Pearson VUE. JN0-360 has 2-year validity.
To get prepared for the JNCIS-SP written exam, a candidate needs to focus on the subject matters of this exam. JN0-360 exam topics include:
- Spanning-Tree Protocols
- Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
- High Availability
- Protocol-free Routing
- Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS)
- Tunnels
- Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
- IPv6
- Layer 2 Bridging
- VLANs
- Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
- MPLS VPNs
These exam-topics are designed following the course-contents that are suggested by some advanced-level training courses - such as, JIR, JSPX and JMV - instructed by erudite mentors. It is essential to take those training courses to make a good score in the JNCIS-SP certification.
1. Junos Intermediate Routing (JIR)
This 2-day course provides knowledge on intermediate-level routing & configuration examples including, protocol-free routing attributes, OSPF, load balancing, IP tunneling, filter-based forwarding, BGP, high availability (HA) attributes, etc. It costs $1,400.00 or 1400 Training Credits.
This course applies SRX Series of Services Gateways of the Juniper Networks for providing the practical knowledge. This course has been designed on the basis of the Junos OS Release 12.2R1.9. The facility of hands-on labs enables the students to gain useful experience in configuration & monitoring of the Junos operating system, monitoring device, protocol operations, etc.
2. Junos Service Provider Switching (JSPX)
This two-day long training course focuses on the intermediate switching issues as well as examples regarding configuration. This course applies Universal Edge Routers along with MX Series 3D Ethernet for the practical sessions. This course has been designed on the basis of the Junos OS Release 12.3R1.7. It costs $1,400.00 that is equivalent to 1400 Training Credits.
The outline of the course-content includes:
- Switching concepts, including, LANs, Maintenance (OAM), Layer 2 address, spanning-tree protocols, bridging, virtual LANs (VLANs), VLAN translation, provider bridging, Ethernet Operation, Administration, etc.
- Junos operating system-based implementations of virtual switches, integrated routing & bridging (IRB) interfaces, routing instances, port mirroring, load balancing, etc.
- Fundamentals of Multiple VLAN Registration Protocol (MVRP), multi-chassis LAG (MC-LAG), link aggregation groups (LAGs), etc.
- Using the hands-on labs, the candidates will gain skill in configuring & monitoring the Junos OS & device operations.
3. Junos MPLS and VPNs (JMV)
This five-day long course aims to instruct students on the knowledge of MPLS-based virtual private network (VPN) as well as configuration examples. This course has been designed on the basis of Junos OS Release 12.3R2.5. It costs $3,500.00 that is equivalent to $3,500.00 Training Credits.
The course includes:
- MPLS concepts overview, including, Layer 3 VPNs, control & forwarding plane, carrier-of-carrier VPNs, RSVP Traffic Engineering, virtual private LAN service (VPLS), LDP, LDP Layer 2 Circuits, BGP Layer 2 VPNs, etc.
- Junos operating system-based implementations regarding the Layer 2 controlled instances & active interface for VPLS.
- Using the hands-on labs, the candidates will gain skill in configuring & monitoring the Junos OS & device operations.
For the preparation of the JNCIS-SP certification, some supplementary resources are also helpful. They are:
a) Junos documentation
- It includes, CLI User Guide, Junos OS Release Notes 12.3R6, Download Software, System Basics, Junos OS Installation and Upgrade Guide, J-Web Interface User Guide
- System Administration includes, Public Sector Certifications, Day One Booklets, Network Management
- Features includes, MPLS Applications, VPNs, Access Privilege, Services Interfaces, Routing Protocols, Class of Service, Routing Policy, Firewall Filters and Traffic Policers, Network Interfaces, High Availability, Multicast Protocols, Logical Systems
- Network Configuration Examples
- Junos API and Scripting including, Junos XML API Operational Reference, NETCONF Java Toolkit Guide, Configuration and Operations Automation Guide, NETCONF XML Management Protocol Guide, Junos XML API Configuration Reference, Junos XML Management Protocol Guide
- References include, Routing Protocols & Policies Command Reference, System Log Messages Reference, Interfaces Command Reference, SNMP MIBs and Traps Reference, System Basics & Services Command Reference, Standards Supported by the Junos OS
b) Real-world practical experience is another essential fact that enables the candidates to take strong notions on the subject matters of the course contents.
With the help of the above mentioned trainings and resources, a candidate is expected to take a strong preparation for the JN0-343 and get the JNCIS-SP certification successfully.
