How is CCNA Different from CCNA DevNet?

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of IT and networking, certifications are a vital way to validate your skills and stay competitive in the job market. Among the most recognized certifications in networking are CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNA DevNet (Cisco Certified Network Associate - DevNet). While both fall under the umbrella of Cisco certifications, they cater to different skill sets, career paths, and areas of expertise. 

So, if you're wondering, "How is CCNA different from CCNA DevNet?" you're not alone. This post will break down the key differences between these two certifications and help you decide which path aligns with your career goals. We’ll dive into what each certification covers, who it's for, and why you might choose one over the other.

Understanding CCNA: The Foundation of Networking 

The CCNA certification is one of the most well-established credentials for IT professionals in the networking space. It focuses on network fundamentals and equips you with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand, manage, and troubleshoot networks.

Key Areas Covered in CCNA: 

• IP Addressing: Understanding IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting, and how data is routed across networks. 


• Routing and Switching: Setting up, managing, and troubleshooting routers and switches to ensure the smooth flow of data. 


• Network Security: Configuring security measures like firewalls, VPNs, and understanding network vulnerabilities. 


• Wireless Networking: Configuring and securing wireless networks, including Wi-Fi standards and deployment methods. 


• Automation and Programmability: Basic exposure to the role of automation in networks.

Who is it for?

CCNA is ideal for those who want to pursue a career as a network engineer, network administrator, or IT technician. If you're aiming to manage enterprise networks, configure routers and switches, and ensure network reliability, the CCNA course is a perfect starting point.

Why You Should Pursue CCNA: 

• Career Advancement: It opens doors to foundational roles in network management and administration. 


• Industry Recognition: CCNA is globally recognized and respected as a benchmark for network professionals. 


• Practical Skills: The certification is designed to equip you with practical, hands-on experience that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Understanding CCNA DevNet: The Future of Networking

While CCNA DevNet training offers foundational knowledge in networking, it takes things a step further by focusing on network automation and software development for network professionals. DevNet, short for Developer Network, emphasizes the intersection of software development and networking, particularly as automation becomes an increasingly critical component in modern network infrastructures. 

Key Areas Covered in CCNA DevNet: 

• Network Automation and APIs: How to use RESTful APIs to automate network tasks, configure devices, and monitor networks. 


• DevOps and CI/CD in Networking: Incorporating DevOps practices into network operations, focusing on continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) for network applications. 


• Programmability: Writing scripts and using programming languages like Python to automate network tasks and manage network devices. 


• Cisco DevNet Tools: Working with Cisco’s DevNet sandbox, learning about Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Meraki, and Cisco IOS XE, and using automation platforms to streamline operations. 


• Security in Software Development: Securing automation tools and software to protect the network from security breaches.

Who is it for? 

CCNA DevNet is geared toward professionals who are interested in the software-defined networking (SDN) world and want to blend networking with software development skills. If you're interested in automating networks, integrating APIs, or working with cloud technologies, this certification will set you on the right path.

Why You Should Pursue CCNA DevNet: 

1. Automation is the Future: As networking becomes increasingly automated, this certification will give you a skill set that’s in high demand. 


2. Bridge the Gap Between Networking and Development: This certification helps professionals understand both the networking and software development sides of modern IT infrastructures. 


3. Boost Your Earning Potential: Knowledge of network automation and programming can elevate your salary prospects, particularly in roles related to network automation engineer, DevOps, and cloud solutions architect.

Key Differences Between CCNA and CCNA DevNet

Focus and Skillset

• CCNA is primarily focused on traditional networking skills: routers, switches, network security, and IP addressing. It’s a hands-on certification for those managing physical devices and ensuring that networks are functional and efficient. 


• CCNA DevNet, on the other hand, emphasizes network automation, programming, and software development. It’s designed for network professionals who are interested in the integration of software-driven networking and automation tools, which is becoming the future of IT infrastructure management. 

Career Path

• With CCNA, you’re more likely to work as a network administrator, network engineer, or systems administrator. You will be configuring hardware, managing routers, switches, and ensuring the integrity of the network. 


• CCNA DevNet paves the way for roles like network automation engineer, cloud solutions architect, or DevOps engineer, where you’ll be automating tasks, managing APIs, and possibly writing scripts to manage and monitor the network infrastructure. 

Approach to Network Configuration

• In CCNA, you will focus on manual configurations, such as setting up IP addresses, VLANs, routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP), and managing the performance of physical network devices. 


• CCNA DevNet, by contrast, focuses on automating those very tasks using software tools, writing scripts to interact with APIs, and integrating networking devices into a larger software-defined network. 

Tools and Technologies

• CCNA doesn’t require any specific programming skills. It deals primarily with networking protocols, security mechanisms, and configuration tools that operate on physical devices. 


• CCNA DevNet requires knowledge of programming languages like Python, as well as working with automation platforms, APIs, and DevOps tools such as Cisco DNA Center and Ansible.

Which Certification Should You Choose?

The decision between CCNA and CCNA DevNet ultimately depends on your career goals and interests: 

• If you are just starting out in networking and want to focus on network management, configuration, and troubleshooting, then the CCNA course is the right choice. This certification gives you the fundamental skills needed for a wide range of roles in network administration. 


• If you already have a strong foundation in networking and are interested in network automation, cloud solutions, and programmable networks, CCNA DevNet is the better choice. It equips you with cutting-edge skills to drive network automation, develop custom network solutions, and bridge the gap between networking and software development. 

Both certifications are valuable, but they serve different purposes in the IT and networking landscape. As networking becomes more integrated with cloud technologies and automation, CCNA DevNet will position you at the forefront of the industry's shift towards software-defined and automated networking.

Conclusion

In summary, CCNA and CCNA DevNet both offer valuable skills, but they cater to different needs in the networking and IT world. CCNA is a great starting point for those new to networking, while CCNA DevNet is ideal for those who want to dive deeper into network automation, cloud services, and programmable networks. 

At PyNet Labs, we offer comprehensive CCNA DevNet training and CCNA courses that help you master the foundational skills or automation tools necessary for success in today’s dynamic networking environment. 

Whether you’re interested in traditional network management or the future of network automation, PyNet Labs provides the tools, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to help you achieve your career goals.