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Back to NSE7_SDW-7.2 Exam

Study Plan Overview

Goals

  1. Successfully pass the NSE7_SDW-7.2 certification exam.
  2. Gain a deep understanding of core SD-WAN concepts, including configuration, routing, centralized management, best practice design, and troubleshooting.
  3. Master practical operational skills and become proficient with FortiGate and Fortinet tools.

Time Allocation

  • Total Study Duration: 4 weeks (2-3 hours per day).
  • Study using 4 Pomodoro sessions per day (25 minutes of focused learning + 5 minutes break), completing one core task module each day.
  • Review material from earlier in the week at regular intervals, reinforcing memory using the forgetting curve method.

Detailed Study Plan for NSE7_SDW-7.2 with Tasks and Methods

Week 1: SD-WAN Basics and Configuration

Objective: Understand the foundational concepts of SD-WAN and master its configuration basics.
Learning Focus: SD-WAN architecture, SLA configurations, load balancing, and application prioritization.

  1. Day 1:

    • Task: Learn the purpose and key advantages of SD-WAN by reviewing Fortinet documentation and watching introductory videos.
    • Details: Take notes on why SD-WAN is critical in modern networking, especially its role in cost reduction, reliability, and performance optimization. Create a mind map of SD-WAN architecture components (e.g., WAN links, SD-WAN rules, SLA).

  2. Day 2:

    • Task: Practice adding WAN interfaces and configuring SD-WAN members in FortiGate.
    • Details: Set up a lab environment (physical or virtual) with two WAN interfaces (e.g., WAN1, WAN2). Assign IP addresses to each interface, configure DHCP or static routes, and define these interfaces as SD-WAN members. Document each step and verify connectivity.

  3. Day 3:

    • Task: Configure SLA parameters and test performance monitoring.
    • Details: Define SLA thresholds such as latency (e.g., <50ms), jitter (e.g., <20ms), and packet loss (e.g., <1%). Simulate degraded performance by adjusting network conditions in the lab and observe SLA breach detection in real-time.

  4. Day 4:

    • Task: Set up load balancing rules and simulate path selection scenarios.
    • Details: Configure three load-balancing modes: session-based, volume-based, and application-priority-based. Monitor how traffic is distributed across WAN links. Simulate a link failure to observe automatic failover.

  5. Day 5:

    • Task: Configure application awareness and prioritize critical applications.
    • Details: Use FortiGate’s DPI features to classify traffic. Create rules that route Zoom and Teams traffic through low-latency links while deprioritizing non-essential traffic (e.g., social media). Test by generating real traffic using tools like iPerf or application simulators.

  6. Day 6:

    • Task: Consolidate knowledge by configuring a full SD-WAN setup.
    • Details: Combine all components (interfaces, SLA, load balancing, application awareness) in a single lab scenario. Document each configuration step and troubleshoot errors.

  7. Day 7:

    • Task: Conduct a weekly review and self-test using flashcards or practice questions.
    • Details: Revisit your notes and key concepts from the week. Create a list of common configuration pitfalls and their solutions. Use spaced repetition to reinforce memory.

Week 2: Rules and Routing

Objective: Develop a strong understanding of SD-WAN rules, static and dynamic routing, and their interaction.
Learning Focus: Static routing, OSPF, BGP, and routing policies.

  1. Day 1:

    • Task: Configure basic SD-WAN rules to control traffic flow.
    • Details: Set up conditions based on source/destination IP, applications, and services. Test the behavior of overlapping rules by adjusting their priorities. Observe how traffic matches the most specific rule.

  2. Day 2:

    • Task: Create and verify static routes.
    • Details: Define a destination network (e.g., 10.1.1.0/24) and set a next-hop gateway. Configure a default route (e.g., 0.0.0.0/0) to direct all other traffic to the WAN link. Use traceroute to confirm correct routing.

  3. Day 3:

    • Task: Implement OSPF and observe dynamic route learning.
    • Details: Configure OSPF between two FortiGates. Verify OSPF neighbors and routing table updates when a new network is added. Simulate a link failure and observe route convergence.

  4. Day 4:

    • Task: Set up BGP for inter-domain routing.
    • Details: Establish BGP peering between two sites. Advertise networks and observe BGP table updates. Test route preference adjustments using MED or local preference attributes.

  5. Day 5:

    • Task: Combine static and dynamic routing with SD-WAN policies.
    • Details: Create a hybrid routing setup with a static default route and dynamically learned OSPF routes. Configure policies to direct traffic based on SLA performance (e.g., switch to a backup link if latency exceeds 100ms).

  6. Day 6:

    • Task: Troubleshoot routing anomalies.
    • Details: Intentionally misconfigure a route and use diagnostic tools (get router info commands) to identify and fix the problem. Verify correct traffic paths after resolution.

  7. Day 7:

    • Task: Review routing concepts and practice exam-style scenarios.
    • Details: Test your knowledge with routing quizzes. Document lessons learned and unresolved challenges to address next week.

Week 3: Centralized Management and Best Practices

Objective: Master centralized tools like FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer, and learn SD-WAN design best practices.
Learning Focus: Configuration templates, traffic analysis, and overlay topology design.

  1. Day 1:

    • Task: Create and deploy configuration templates in FortiManager.
    • Details: Set up templates for interface settings, SD-WAN rules, and policies. Apply these templates to multiple FortiGate devices and verify consistency.

  2. Day 2:

    • Task: Configure FortiAnalyzer for centralized log collection and reporting.
    • Details: Enable log forwarding from FortiGate to FortiAnalyzer. Generate a report showing top bandwidth-consuming applications and link performance trends.

  3. Day 3:

    • Task: Design and implement a Hub-and-Spoke topology.
    • Details: Configure a central hub connecting multiple branch offices. Test traffic flow from branch to branch via the hub and monitor hub performance under load.

  4. Day 4:

    • Task: Set up a Full-Mesh topology using ADVPN.
    • Details: Enable ADVPN to dynamically establish direct tunnels between branch sites. Test dynamic tunnel creation during inter-branch communication.

  5. Day 5:

    • Task: Optimize application scenarios with SD-WAN rules.
    • Details: Route critical applications like video conferencing through the best-performing link while directing bulk transfers to backup links. Measure performance improvements.

  6. Day 6:

    • Task: Review best practices for redundancy and monitoring.
    • Details: Simulate failover scenarios to test redundancy. Use FortiAnalyzer dashboards to monitor SLA performance and identify potential bottlenecks.

  7. Day 7:

    • Task: Conduct a knowledge review with a focus on centralized management.
    • Details: Create a mock deployment scenario combining FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, and topology design. Document insights and challenges.

Week 4: Troubleshooting and Exam Preparation

Objective: Build troubleshooting expertise and consolidate knowledge for the exam.
Learning Focus: Diagnostic tools, common issues, and final review.

  1. Day 1:

    • Task: Identify and resolve rule misconfigurations.
    • Details: Simulate a misconfigured SD-WAN rule (e.g., incorrect IP range) and resolve it by testing traffic flow and using CLI diagnostics.

  2. Day 2:

    • Task: Investigate and fix SLA violations.
    • Details: Analyze SLA breaches using FortiAnalyzer logs. Adjust SLA thresholds or link priorities to resolve performance issues.

  3. Day 3:

    • Task: Use CLI commands for in-depth troubleshooting.
    • Details: Practice using diag sys sdwan and diag debug application sdwan to identify traffic flow problems. Document each diagnostic step and outcome.

  4. Day 4:

    • Task: Simulate complex failures (e.g., multi-link outages).
    • Details: Combine multiple issues like link failure and routing misconfiguration. Troubleshoot systematically, using logs and diagnostics.

  5. Day 5:

    • Task: Take a full-length mock exam.
    • Details: Simulate exam conditions by timing yourself and answering exam-like questions. Review incorrect answers and revisit weak areas.

  6. Day 6:

    • Task: Perform final spaced-repetition reviews of key topics.
    • Details: Focus on SD-WAN configuration, routing, centralized management, and troubleshooting. Use flashcards and self-quizzes.

  7. Day 7:

    • Task: Conduct a final end-to-end SD-WAN setup in the lab.
    • Details: Integrate configuration, routing, and troubleshooting in a single cohesive scenario. Validate everything works as expected.

Study Methods:

  • Pomodoro Technique: Break study sessions into focused 25-minute intervals, followed by 5-minute breaks.
  • Spaced Repetition: Review key concepts on Day 2, Day 4, and Day 7 after learning.
  • Active Recall: Test yourself frequently by explaining concepts aloud or solving practice questions.

By following this detailed and structured plan, you’ll be well-prepared for the NSE7_SDW-7.2 certification exam. Good luck!