As of this writing, I’ve just begun CCNA3, the final course in Cisco’s Networking Academy sequence for the 200-301 certification. The journey so far has been both technical and transformative. The earlier phases of study—CCNA1 and CCNA2—focused heavily on foundational Layer 2 technologies: Ethernet LAGs, switching, VLANs, spanning tree, and wireless LAN configs.

Now, with CCNA3 underway, the shift toward Layer 3 routing and network automation has been refreshing. I’m currently working through topics like OSPFv2/v3, inter-VLAN routing, first-hop redundancy protocols, and IPv6—all with the added lens of programmable infrastructure. Cisco Packet Tracer and GNS3 have definitely helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, while CLI automation and structured troubleshooting frameworks have been pushing me to think more like an engineer than just a technician.

This new phase of study has brought my earlier hands-on experience from work into sharper focus. Working with real-world core switches, provisioning subnets across campus, and troubleshooting VLAN trunking issues is now transitioning into a broader understanding of routing domains, policy-based control, and ACLs.

The deeper I move into this discipline, the more I appreciate the architecture behind resilient networks, as well as the security protocols that allow for scalability without compromise. And while the CCNA curriculum only scratches the surface of programmability and automation, it’s been enough to ignite my interest in infrastructure as code and controller-based design—topics I plan to explore more as I pursue my degree and eventually advance toward CCNP-level material.

Thank you all for reading! God bless.