Rowell Dionicio

Husband, Father, & Tech Nerd

Professional

Passing CCNA Wireless 200-355

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For almost a year I’ve had a goal of passing the CCNA Wireless exam. With a smile, I can say that I’ve successfully passed the CCNA Wireless exam after spending 40 minutes in the testing center. My Cisco certifications have been renewed until 2022.

My Cisco certifications date back 10 years ago when I first passed the CCENT.

The version of the exam I studied for was the 200-355 WIFUND,  Implementing Cisco Wireless Network Fundamentals. While this exam is dated, being that I passed in 2019, the study material still contained good information on Cisco controllers. I believe WIFUND came out late 2016 or early 2017.

Either way, the exam is overdue for an update to include the latest Cisco wireless technologies. There are still references to the failed Converged Wireless based on 3850 switches. Even old lingo to marketing terms we barely hear about now.

But nonetheless, having to get one step closer to CCIE Wireless is good in my books.

Why CCNA Wireless

My wireless journey started with Cisco wireless controllers. At some point in 2018, I decided to pursue CCNA Wireless. At Cisco Live Orlando 2018, I nearly sat the CCIE Wireless written. I later changed my mind at the last minute and sat CCNA Wireless without studying. Failed miserably.

Turns out I didn’t know much of the language that is used and some of the really detailed values or exact GUI locations for configurations on autonomous APs.

My intent on taking CCNA Wireless was to increase my knowledge and teach others in the form of blog and video.

Study Materials

The primary method of studying was self-study utilizing the Cisco Press CCNA Wireless Official Certification Guide by David Hucaby.

The book covered the objectives for the most part. It’s detailed and easy to follow.

Other than the textbook I had access to different Cisco wireless controllers which made it easy in terms of having a “lab” for my studies. At the home lab, I also have a Cisco WLC 2504 and old Cisco AP3502i for autonomous AP labbing.

Following any study guide with labs is the best way to solidify a topic in your head. I highly recommend it.

For almost a year I was doing on and off studying. In December 2018 the studies became more formal and planned because I aimed for taking the exam by January 31st, 2019. The CCNA Wireless exam got pushed out multiple times until mid-February 2019.

What’s Next

The next logical step would be starting CCNP Wireless, 300-365 WIDEPLOY, but I may save that for Cisco Live 2019 in San Diego. I don’t intend to study for it beforehand.

My real goal, after passing, is to now focus on learning Python and developing blogs and videos based on CCNA Wireless.

What Does It Mean To Be A Cisco Champion

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I’ve thrown my hat into the Cisco Champion program for another year. I’m returning for 2019! I’ve been part of the program since the beginning which I believe is late 2014 or early 2015. Since then I’ve seen the program evolve.

It’s similar to being an advocate or evangelist of Cisco solutions. But I’m not required to sell my soul to Cisco. In fact, being a Cisco Champion gives me an advantage as a network engineer. While I still work on various vendor equipment, I can identify Cisco solutions more easily.

My history with network engineering started with Cisco and grew with Cisco. Which is why it’s the primary technology I work with. This is why becoming a Cisco Champion made sense.

What Does It Mean To Me

What does it mean to me, to be a Cisco Champion? It means having more engagement with different teams within Cisco. Increasing my knowledge of Cisco technologies. Which in turn allows me to deliver value to others in different forms of communications such as blogs, podcasts, etc. Additionally, it means I can provide input into Cisco’s solutions. It’s a two-way conversation.

Chuck Robbins at Cisco Live
Getting to meet Chuck Robbins at Cisco Live

Community is a big driver. The Cisco Champion program has done a phenomenal job growing a community. There’s the Cisco Champions Radio to hear about new products and to teach others as well, events during Cisco Live in which we get together, meet new people, and learn new things. We use WebEx Teams to communicate with each other and help each other out.

Attending Cisco DevNet Create in Mountain View. 2018.
Attending Cisco DevNet Create

It really has evolved from its inception.

Benefits as a Cisco Champion

There are many upsides when you’re a Cisco Champion. You get access to certain people in the business unit. They talk to you, ask you for feedback, and you provide input. There are pre-briefings for new releases and future announcements. Sometimes there are events you can attend such as Cisco DevNet Create – where I got the urge to learn programming.

At Cisco Live there are many opportunities for a Cisco Champion. You get a World of Solutions tour before it’s completely set up and get a behind the scenes look at NOC. I’ve been to the Whisper Suites and VIP Suites – which you have to follow an NDA. As a podcaster, I recorded episodes with various people for Clear To Send at the Podcast Domain. And in 2018, I had front row seats to the keynote, along with other Cisco Champions, and took a selfie with Chuck Robbins. He also hung out for a while and spoke to us which as a nice touch.

I got interviewed on theCube at DevNet Create

How To Apply

You can tell, I like being in the Cisco Champion program. You don’t have to give anything up to be in this group. You don’t have to work solely on Cisco technologies. But it does bring you closer to Cisco.

To become a Cisco Champion, every October/November you have the chance to apply. Start up your blog, publish your thoughts regularly, and join the community (could be Twitter, Facebook, whatever social media of your choice) and then head over to Cisco Champions Public – Cisco Community to be on the look out for the application window.