Cisco CCIE EI v1.1 · Blueprint, design and lab practice
This page helps you choose the right CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure training path: full blueprint study, configuration-heavy lab preparation, or final multi-technology lab practice. It compares the Cisco courses by starting point, depth, lab style, design coverage, and fit for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 lab exam.
All 8 CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure courses on this page are included in one membership: the full blueprint course, J.P. Cedeno's Layer 2, Layer 3, EIGRP, tunneling and network security modules, the mega lab course and the network automation course. You can study the blueprint, rebuild the labs, and move between design, implementation, troubleshooting, SD-WAN, SD-Access, and automation without buying separate courses.
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure is not a renamed CCIE Routing and Switching track. The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 courses on this page still go deep on Layer 2, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, multicast, MPLS, QoS, IPv6, NAT, VPNs, and infrastructure security, but they add the domains that changed enterprise operations: Cisco SD-WAN, SD-Access, network assurance, and automation.
The largest exam shift is the design module. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun states that 40% of the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 exam is a 3-hour scenario-based design module, similar in style to CCDE questions. That changes how you study: command syntax is not enough; you must justify topology choices, convergence behavior, scalability trade-offs, high availability, route control, and operational simplicity.
The implementation side still punishes weak fundamentals. You need to configure and troubleshoot BGP path selection, OSPF area behavior, EIGRP metrics, redistribution, summarization, filtering, multicast RPF, MPLS L3VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, VRF-Lite, port security, CoPP, DHCP snooping, and IPv6 behavior under time pressure. The lab courses here train those topics as interacting systems rather than isolated feature checklists.
Software-defined infrastructure adds a controller and policy operating model. In the Cisco SD-WAN sections you work with vManage, controller onboarding, vEdge and cEdge onboarding, OMP routes, TLOCs, service VPNs, templates, centralized policies, localized policies, NAT, and zone-based firewall. In SD-Access you study fabric concepts and lab tasks instead of treating the campus as only VLANs, trunks, STP, and routing protocols.
Automation is also part of the blueprint coverage in CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun. The curriculum includes JSON, XML, YAML, Jinja, EEM, Guest Shell, Python, vManage automation, Cisco DNAC, NETCONF, RESTCONF, YANG, Postman, ncclient, requests, and model-driven telemetry. For the exam and for production networks, that means you must understand both packet forwarding and how network state is modeled, changed, and validated.
| Area | Older routing-and-switching study habit | CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 expectation in these courses |
|---|---|---|
| Exam mindset | Prioritize feature configuration and CLI recall. | Combine implementation, troubleshooting, and design reasoning across multi-domain scenarios. |
| Design | Know best practices as theory. | Evaluate reliability, scalability, convergence, topology choice, redistribution, QoS, multicast, VPN, and automation scenarios. |
| Campus and WAN | Operate VLANs, STP, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS, and VPNs as separate topics. | Integrate campus, service provider, data center, headquarters, and branch routing in larger topologies. |
| Software-defined infrastructure | Often outside the classic CCIE R&S scope. | Study Cisco SD-WAN, SD-Access, vManage, OMP, TLOCs, templates, policies, Cisco DNAC, and assurance. |
| Automation | Manual CLI configuration dominates. | Understand EEM, Python, NETCONF, RESTCONF, YANG, model-driven telemetry, YAML, and Jinja where the blueprint requires it. |
| CCDE overlap | Limited design-style exam pressure. | CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun includes CCIE and CCDE-style enterprise design scenarios to train the 40% design module. |
| Lab readiness | Practice topic labs independently. | Use multi-technology labs, mega labs, troubleshooting workflows, and final design questions to build speed and accuracy. |
The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification has two steps: the CCNP ENCOR 350-401 qualifying exam and the 8-hour CCIE EI v1.1 lab exam. Before you choose a course, review the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure exam blueprint. If Cisco SD-WAN is your weakest lab domain, start with our Cisco SD-WAN training page. If you prefer live classes, join the instructor-led CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure bootcamp.
Related guides
Pick the path by your current gap: full blueprint and design, feature-level implementation depth, or final exam-style lab execution.
Full blueprint and design
Use this path if you need the broadest CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 coverage, starting from CCNA-level foundations and moving into design, SD-WAN, SD-Access, automation, multi-technology labs, workbooks, and design scenarios.
Start with this courseImplementation and troubleshooting depth
Use this path if you already know the blueprint areas but need sharper configuration and troubleshooting across Layer 2, routing, multicast, IPv6, infrastructure security, MPLS L3VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, and VPN technologies.
Start with this courseFinal lab execution
Use this path when you want scenario-driven repetition across service provider, data center, headquarters, branch, MPLS VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, SD-WAN onboarding, SD-WAN troubleshooting, and design questions.
Start with this courseCompare the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure courses below by instructor, video duration, curriculum scope, and lab focus.
Best first course for a full CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 path, especially if you need design, SD-WAN, SD-Access, automation, workbooks, charts, multi-technology labs, and design scenarios.
For candidates near lab readiness who need scenario-driven repetition across SP, data center, HQ, branch, BGP, MPLS VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, SD-WAN onboarding, troubleshooting, and design questions.
For CCIE EI candidates who want J.P. Cedeno's focused Layer 3 Technologies module, with hands-on labs for the v1.1 lab exam.
For CCIE EI candidates who want J.P. Cedeno's focused Layer 2 Technologies module, with hands-on labs for the v1.1 lab exam.
For CCIE EI candidates who want J.P. Cedeno's dedicated EIGRP module, with hands-on labs for the v1.1 lab exam.
For CCIE EI candidates who want J.P. Cedeno's tunneling and GRE module, with hands-on labs for the v1.1 lab exam.
For CCIE EI candidates who want J.P. Cedeno's hands-on enterprise network security module for the v1.1 lab exam.
For engineers preparing the CCIE EI automation domain with Python and Ansible for Cisco enterprise networks.
You will be able to download all necessary tools, labs, and the workbooks to practice/hands-on CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure labs.
You can combine the long-form blueprint course, the structured lab course, and the mega lab course in one study plan instead of choosing only one format.
Use these situation-based recommendations to avoid wasting weeks on material that does not match your current gap.
If you want one primary course for the full CCIE EI v1.1 blueprint
→ CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun
Start here because it covers traditional enterprise technologies, Cisco SD-WAN, SD-Access, network assurance, automation, design scenarios, multi-technology labs, workbooks, charts, and lab configs in one long-form path.
If you are strong in theory but slow in CLI troubleshooting
→ CCIE EI Layer 2 Technologies Course by JP Cedeno
Choose this course because it breaks down implementation and troubleshooting across switching, routing, IPv6, multicast, security, MPLS L3VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, and VPN technologies with CCIE lab behavior in mind.
If your exam date is close and you need integrated practice
→ CCIE EI Lab Exam Course by Mohsin Mushtaq
Use the mega lab course after you have studied the blueprint. Its 23 scenario-driven labs force you to connect service provider, data center, HQ, branch, BGP, MPLS VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, and SD-WAN tasks.
If you come from CCNA-level knowledge and want to build upward
→ Orhan Ergun course first, then J.P. Cedeno labs
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun states that it starts from CCNA-level knowledge and moves into advanced topics. Add Course 378 after the foundations when you want more feature-level repetition and troubleshooting discipline.
If design is your weakest CCIE area
→ Orhan Ergun course with CCIE and CCDE-style scenarios
The exam design module is a major differentiator in this track. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun includes network design and architecture, design charts, CCIE Enterprise design scenarios, and CCIE or CCDE-style practical scenarios.
If SD-WAN is the gap in your enterprise background
→ Orhan Ergun course, then Mohsin Mushtaq mega lab
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun gives the larger Cisco SD-WAN theory and lab path: components, planes, OMP, TLOCs, service VPNs, templates, centralized policies, localized policies, NAT, and ZBF. CCIE EI Lab Exam Course by Mohsin Mushtaq adds SD-WAN troubleshooting, vManage registration, and VPN0, VPN1, and OSPF templates in an exam-style topology.
If you already studied CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun and need a second view
→ J.P. Cedeno for blueprint reinforcement
There is overlap in routing, switching, VPN, security, multicast, IPv6, MPLS, and DMVPN. The trade-off is useful: CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun is broader with design, SD-WAN, SD-Access, automation, and materials; Course 378 is more focused on structured feature implementation and troubleshooting.
If you want topology-first practice rather than lecture-first study
→ Mohsin Mushtaq mega lab after one blueprint course
Do not start here if you have not studied the technologies. Start with CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun or Course 378, then use CCIE EI Lab Exam Course by Mohsin Mushtaq to validate whether you can build and troubleshoot the combined topology under CCIE-style pressure.
These courses prepare you for the Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 lab exam and the certification it leads to.
CCIE EI v1.1
This expert-level Cisco certification validates enterprise infrastructure design, implementation, troubleshooting, automation, and software-defined infrastructure skills. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun is the broadest v1.1 blueprint path, Course 378 reinforces implementation and troubleshooting, and CCIE EI Lab Exam Course by Mohsin Mushtaq provides final scenario-driven lab practice.
Study for the certificationMeet the instructors who teach the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure courses on this page.
Teaches the main CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure course with a strong design emphasis: reliability, scalability, convergence, topology selection, QoS, multicast, VPN design, SD-WAN, SD-Access, automation, design charts, and CCIE or CCDE-style scenarios.
View Orhan's courseListed as an instructor on the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure course by Orhan Ergun. The course covers the full enterprise path from Layer 2 and routing to SD-WAN, SD-Access, assurance, automation, multi-technology labs, and design scenarios.
View the courseTeaches the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Lab Course focused on structured implementation and troubleshooting across switching, routing, IPv6, multicast, infrastructure security, MPLS L3VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, and enterprise VPNs.
View J.P.'s coursesTeaches the CCIE EI Lab Exam Course focused on 23 scenario-driven labs covering service provider builds, data center and branch configuration, BGP, MPLS VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, SD-WAN troubleshooting, vManage registration, templates, and design questions.
View Mohsin's courseReviews from learners who took the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure courses on this page.
“Fantastic overview of key design principles and essential for consideration as a design engineer/architect in our engagements”
“"I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video! The content was clear, well-organized, and extremely helpful for understanding the exam topics. The explanations were easy to follow, and I really appreciated the hands-on demonstrations. It provided valuable insights that will definitely aid in my preparation. I highly recommend this video to anyone studying for the CCIE EI exam. Full rating from me – excellent job!"”
“Excellent course, very well explained with real Life scenario’s. I highly recommend it.”
“Nice Course , i did all the tasks using the guide . thanks”
“So far so great! Great explanation and theory with a lot of key points to study”
“Top notch explanation.... I'm blown away how deep is Orhan's knowledge...”
If you want one main starting point, take CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun. It is the broadest path on this page and covers the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 blueprint, design, SD-WAN, SD-Access, automation, assurance, multi-technology labs, workbooks, charts, and lab configs.
If you already studied the blueprint and need more implementation repetition, add J.P. Cedeno's CCIE EI module series. If you are close to the exam and need integrated topology practice, finish with Mohsin Mushtaq's mega lab.
You must pass the 350-401 ENCOR qualifying exam before you can book the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 lab. Our CCNP ENCOR 350-401 training page compares the ENCOR courses; come back here when you are ready for the 8-hour lab.
Yes. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun is built for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 exam and includes a CCIE EI v1.1 update section. Its curriculum includes traditional enterprise technologies, Cisco SD-WAN, SD-Access, network assurance, automation, design scenarios, multi-technology labs, workbooks, charts, and lab configs.
Course 378 also states that it provides structured coverage of the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 blueprint with a lab-oriented focus. CCIE EI Lab Exam Course by Mohsin Mushtaq is a scenario-driven lab exam course rather than a full blueprint lecture course.
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure replaced CCIE Routing and Switching in February 2020 and adds Cisco SD-WAN, SD-Access, network automation, and programmability to the classic routing and switching topics. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun also states that 40% of the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.1 exam is a 3-hour scenario-based design module.
You still need strong routing and switching fundamentals, including Layer 2, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, multicast, MPLS, IPv6, QoS, VPNs, and security. The difference is that you must apply them in design, controller-based, and automation-aware enterprise scenarios.
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun includes network design and architecture sections covering reliability, scalability, OPEX, CAPEX, TCO, high availability, convergence, load sharing, redistribution, topology choice, security, simplicity, resiliency, fast convergence, and fast reroute. It also includes CCIE and CCDE-style enterprise practical scenarios and CCIE Enterprise design questions.
This does not make these courses a dedicated CCDE preparation path. It means the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure study path includes design-style thinking because the CCIE EI v1.1 lab has a major design module.
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun states that you can start with CCNA-level knowledge because it begins at that level and moves into advanced topics. That makes it the safer first course if you need to rebuild foundations before expert-level labs.
Course 378 and CCIE EI Lab Exam Course by Mohsin Mushtaq are better after you have enough routing, switching, and WAN background to troubleshoot without stopping at every command. The mega lab especially assumes you can work through multi-domain scenarios.
All three courses include practical work, but the lab style differs. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun combines theory, design, demonstrations, EVE-NG setup, lab configs, workbooks, multi-technology labs, and design scenarios.
Course 378 is best for structured feature-level implementation and troubleshooting across blueprint technologies. CCIE EI Lab Exam Course by Mohsin Mushtaq is the most topology-first option, with 23 scenario-driven labs covering service provider, HQ, data center, branch, BGP, MPLS VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, SD-WAN, and design questions.
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun includes EVE-NG Community and EVE-NG Pro setup lessons, lab demonstrations, config files, lab files, and course lab configs. All lab files are shared with students.
This page does not list hardware requirements for every lab in every course. Plan on using a lab platform capable of running Cisco enterprise topologies, and check the course material for the exact lab files and images referenced by that course.
Yes, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun includes Cisco SD-WAN and SD-Access sections. The SD-WAN lessons cover components, planes, OMP, TLOCs, service routes, VPNs, IPsec, BFD, templates, policies, controller onboarding, vEdge and cEdge onboarding, TLOC extension, centralized policy, localized policy, NAT, and zone-based firewall.
CCIE EI Lab Exam Course by Mohsin Mushtaq also includes SD-WAN troubleshooting, vEdge registration with vManage, and SD-WAN templates for VPN0, VPN1, and OSPF. Course 378 focuses more on classic lab blueprint technologies such as routing, switching, security, MPLS L3VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, and multicast.
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun includes a Network Automation and Programmability section aligned to CCIE Enterprise topics. It covers JSON, XML, EEM, Guest Shell, Python, vManage, Cisco DNAC, NETCONF, YANG, RESTCONF, Postman, ncclient, requests, model-driven telemetry, YAML, and Jinja.
If automation is your main gap, start with CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun rather than the mega lab. CCIE EI Lab Exam Course by Mohsin Mushtaq is better for integrated lab execution after you understand the automation and software-defined infrastructure domains.
The overlap is mainly in the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure core: Layer 2, routing, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, IPv6, multicast, security, VPN, DMVPN, IPsec, MPLS, and troubleshooting. The trade-off is depth style rather than vendor difference, because both are Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure courses.
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Course by Orhan Ergun is broader and includes design, SD-WAN, SD-Access, automation, assurance, workbooks, charts, and multi-technology labs. Course 378 is more focused on structured implementation and troubleshooting of blueprint technologies.
Take CCIE EI Lab Exam Course by Mohsin Mushtaq after you have studied the blueprint once. Its value is in integrated practice: SP1 and SP2 builds, HQ and data center devices, branch configurations, iBGP, eBGP, OSPF authentication, MPLS, MPLS VPN, BGP path manipulation, DMVPN with IPsec, SD-WAN troubleshooting, vManage registration, and SD-WAN templates.
If you start with the mega lab before you understand the technologies, you may spend your time decoding prerequisites instead of building exam speed. Use it as a validation and repetition phase.
The membership includes all 8 CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure courses on this page: the long-form v1.1 blueprint course, J.P. Cedeno's Layer 2, Layer 3, EIGRP, tunneling and network security modules, the mega lab course, and the network automation course.
You can view the membership option at /pricing. Open each course card to see the current lesson list before you build your study plan.
Use the membership to combine blueprint study, design practice, implementation labs, troubleshooting workflows, and mega lab repetition. Start with the course that matches your gap, then move through the remaining labs as your exam date gets closer.
Start your membership
