Starting February 7, 2025, the CCDE 400-007 (Cisco Certified Design Expert) will be updated to version 3.1.
Today, I will share the most effective 400-007 exam questions based on the latest version.
First, you need to understand the differences between CCDE 3.0 and CCDE 3.1, as this is crucial for aligning your study focus with the latest requirements.
The primary difference between CCDE v3.0 and CCDE v3.1 (400-007 exam) is the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) related topics in v3.1 to address modern network design requirements. Below are the specific differences based on the latest information:
Introduction of AI/ML-Related Content
AspectCCDE v3.0CCDE v3.1AI/ML-Related ContentNot explicitly included.Explicitly includes AI/ML-related topics.Focus AreasEmphasis on traditional networking technologies, such as routing protocols, SD-WAN, virtualization, and data center design.Includes traditional networking technologies plus new AI/ML-related topics:AI Infrastructure DesignNot covered.Designing networks to support generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and small language models (SLMs).AI Hardware and AccelerationNot covered.Tests understanding of GPU, SmartNICs, and DPU (Data Processing Unit).Lossless NetworksNot covered.Includes RDMA, RoCE/RoCEv2 for low-latency, high-throughput data transfer to support AI workloads.Data ManagementNot covered.Includes storage protocols (e.g., NVMe, NVMe-oF) and efficient management of large datasets.AI Security and ComplianceNot covered.Covers data sovereignty, privacy protection, legal compliance, and ethical boundaries.Sustainability and OptimizationNot covered.Focuses on green AI, cost optimization, and power/cooling requirements.
Changes in the Practical Exam
AspectCCDE v3.0CCDE v3.1Exam Duration8-hour, scenario-based exam with four modules.8-hour, scenario-based exam with the same four-module structure.Module StructureFour modules, with the final module offering a choice of specialization: Large-Scale Networks, On-Prem/Cloud Services, or Workforce Mobility.Retains four-module structure but adds AI Infrastructure as a specialization option.AI InfrastructureNo AI Infrastructure specialization.Introduces AI Infrastructure module, testing network design for AI/ML workloads, including hybrid solutions, data center connectivity, and business needs.
Exam Difficulty and Preparation
CCDE v3.0:
Primarily focuses on traditional network design skills, such as CCNP/CCIE-level knowledge, architecture design, and businessmapping.
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