Cisco Network Assistant/ CNA is an application designed for Windows PC in order to manage networks. It is designed to be compatible with wired and wireless networks and Small-Medium sized organizations. Cisco Network Assistant has an internal user friendly interface (GUI) that provides a centralized display of the network.

This implementation makes configuration, management and troubleshooting a simple every day task for network administrators. They also have the option to manipulate common services, create inventory reports and synchronize passwords over Cisco routers, switches, LAN Controllers and Access points.

Specifications of Cisco Network Assistant (CNA)

In the IT industry, Cisco Network Assistant has been an extremely reliable solution. The main specifications that makes it distinctive from the competition are described below:

• Network Configuration: The key advanced advantage of using Cisco Network Assistant is the ability it provides to network administrators to configure and support maximum 80 routers, switches, wireless controllers and access points at the same time. With a few clicks the user can execute the internal device manager or start a Telnet session, through the intuitive GUI interface.

• Network Management: Another very important advantage of Cisco Network Assistant is the ability to simplify ongoing Network Management. To be more specific, it allows network administrators to create inventory reports and reset passwords. Finally a great option is the embedded Cisco IOS software update, via a drag and drop process.

• Network Troubleshooting: Cisco Network Assistant offers a topology view of the associated network, where problems are highlighted. This technique helps troubleshooting from administrators to easily identify the cause of network problems on time. Another advanced technology feature is the graphical representation in trend charts. These charts represent automatically identified network problems, such as cable malfunctions and configuration errors.

• Network Optimization: One of the best functions that Cisco Network Assistant provides to the user, is the ability of network risk reduction. This service is accomplished by the review of network configuration. Then the software recommends changes on the quality of services (QoS), security implementations and network availability according to industry best practices.

• Device and Multilanguage Support: Finally, Cisco has designed Network Assistant with many valuable features such as Multilanguage and Device support. Apart from English, the GUI is implemented in German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese languages. In addition, Cisco keeps an updated list in the software for Catalyst Switches, LAN Controllers, ISR Routers and Access Points that can be found in the official Cisco website.

How Cisco Network Assistant works

Cisco Network Assistant is designed to provide two graphical views of a device group:

• Topology View: In this particular option, the software displays on screen devices that are in a community, in a cluster, or are potential eligible to join them, link information across devices and connected clusters.
• Front Panel View: In this category, the user can monitor the real time status of the devices. The devices and port LED’s in the front panel view are displayed exactly like the physical devices and the port LED’s in the network.

The main strategy of Cisco, is that all network devices that have IP addresses, such as routers, switches, and access points, can be assigned to a “community”. Now the main reason for creating a “community”, is the ability to manage Cisco cluster capable devices as well as non-cluster capable devices in the same logical group.

Cisco Introduced the term “cluster”, as a group that can contain up to 16 connected network devices. Notably, they have to be cluster capable catalyst devices. 

These devices are assigned exclusively to one cluster and they do not participate in other clusters. Then the user assigns an IP address to the main device that will become the “Command Device”. The IP address of the “Command Device” acts as the single point of access that the Cisco Network Assistant utilizes to set-up, manage, and monitor the command device and the grouped devices in the cluster.

Conclusion

To summarize the above shared content, we can now tell with confidence that Cisco Network Assistant/CNA provides enterprise-class, simplified configuration and management specifications while accessing crucial product life cycle information securely.

It helps many organizations to manage their networks with a reasonable cost, especially small-medium size where the budget is a big challenge.

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The present day job market is highly competitive and in this scenario, it is not simple to enter the tech industry. There is no doubt that career in this industry offer high rewards but for getting the identity different from crowd, the stakes are also equally high. This is the reason that makes industry certification stand as one of the best ways to begin and get into the tech industry whether you are a beginner in job market or the one who is looking to make alternate and better career choices.

Influence on perception of employers when you have Cisco certification:

There are chances that you can enter the job market without getting certified but it is not enough in the present scenario. When you include certifications on a resume, you will stand out from others and be noticed by recruiters.

Career benefits:

Getting Cisco certification is not just beneficial in the process of hiring but go way beyond this. If you are looking forward to enter in networking field and make a wonderful career then following are the benefits that you can get from Cisco certification:

Firm technical authority:

You get exposed to several technologies with the help of Cisco certification including CCNA, CCENT, CCIE or CCNP. Cisco certification also allows you to develop the skills that serves useful all through the networking career, regardless of the job role. In the course of certification, you will go through the steps for configuring, installing, troubleshooting and operating the switched and routed networks. This real world experience and knowledge will help you in your work.

Significant non-technical skills:

Just technical skills are not the limitation of Cisco certification. Candidates are also exposed to innovative thinking and problem solving. You need to go for something innovative if the topologies do not offer tested and tried results. It also includes team work communication with members of team. These all are the skills that always remain higher on the wish list of employers.

Related – CCNP SECURITY Interview Q&A

Bigger technology picture:

When you enter in a job, there are chances that just 1 or 2 technologies will be there on which you focus will slender. However, this is not the case when you get certification since variety of technologies and topics are there for which you get exposure. This is helpful in giving more expertise and wider perspective that will help athwart your career.  You will also be able to get hands on experience with the latest trends in development and innovation that makes your career shine.

Accelerate fast on growth track:

The process of promotion in your job is accelerated when you have Cisco certification and this allows you to enjoy much higher hikes in salary.

Persevere with learning:

You can go as far as your expectation with the help of Cisco certification. This certification is industry’s most prestigious one, with CCIE and CCENT essentials, that help you in pursuing and developing on professional front, keep alive you learning and stay on track with the constant technology and innovations updates.

Related – CCNP R&S Interview Q&A

Be prominent from crowd:

There is intensifying competition in market for jobs and the task of recruiters is to have the talent pool narrowed. When the applicants are filtered by hiring managers, there are chances of them getting attracted to the candidates who have reflected staying power, initiative and determination for certification completion. Your passion is also demonstrated with this regarding the subject along with the sticking capability athwart the project.

Official stamp:

From the perspective of recruiter, a candidate might make claims on resume of possessing core knowledge and skills but guarantee for the same is given by this certificate of industry standard. The trusted leaders of industry offer this official stamp about your knowledge claims: at the level of intermediate, entry or expert.

Preference to certified candidates by employers:

It is found in hiring manager’s survey that performance of certified employees is better than those who do not posses any certification. As per several hiring managers and recruiters as well, Cisco certification serves to be a remarkable method to enter in the industry and reflect your passion for the subject matter.

All these reasons clearly state why Cisco certification is important for getting prepared for successful networking career.

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