Checkpoint Exam: Emerging Network Technologies Exam

The Checkpoint Exam: Emerging Network Technologies Exam is a major milestone in the CCNA 3 course, which is also known as Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation (ENSA). This exam is taken after completing Module 14, covering both Modules 13 and 14. It helps test your understanding of advanced topics such as cloud computing, server virtualization, software-defined networking (SDN), network automation, and APIs. These are critical subjects in modern networking careers.

This comprehensive guide explains every part of the exam in a simple, student-friendly way. It provides real-world context, examples, and exam tips to help you understand—not just memorize—the concepts. Whether you’re a CCNA student or preparing for a similar exam, this resource will help you master everything step by step.

Introduction to the Exam

The Checkpoint Exam: Emerging Network Technologies Exam serves as a knowledge check for students enrolled in Cisco’s CCNA 3 course (ENSA v7.x). It typically contains around 20 to 25 multiple-choice questions, and it’s timed for about 30 minutes. You must pass it to proceed confidently toward the final PTSA (Practice Skills Assessment) and eventually your CCNA certification.

This exam assesses your understanding of newer technologies in networking that go beyond traditional switching and routing. You are expected to be familiar with modern concepts like cloud services, hypervisors, data center design, automation frameworks, and programmable network devices. It’s not just about how networks work, but how they are evolving in the real world.

Cloud Computing and Cloud Service Models

One of the foundational topics in Module 13 is cloud computing. Cloud computing allows businesses to access and use computing resources like storage, servers, databases, and applications over the internet instead of buying and maintaining physical infrastructure.

There are three primary cloud service models, and you need to understand each of them for the exam:

Cloud Model	Full Form	Description	Example
SaaS	Software as a Service	Ready-to-use software applications delivered over the internet	Google Docs, payroll software
PaaS	Platform as a Service	A platform for developers to build, test, and deploy apps	Microsoft Azure App Service
IaaS	Infrastructure as a Service	Virtualized computing resources like servers and storage	Amazon EC2, Google Compute Engine

You should also know the deployment models:

Public cloud – accessible by many users via the internet
Private cloud – hosted for a single organization
Hybrid cloud – combines both public and private
Community cloud – shared by organizations with similar interests

Understanding these differences is crucial for answering scenario-based questions on the checkpoint exam: emerging network technologies exam.

Virtualization and Hypervisors

Virtualization is a technology that allows multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical device. It’s a core concept in modern networking and data centers.

There are two main types of hypervisors:

Type 1 Hypervisors – Also known as “bare-metal,” these run directly on hardware. They’re used in large data centers.
Example: VMware ESXi.
Type 2 Hypervisors – These are installed on top of an existing operating system. They’re ideal for desktop use.
Example: Oracle VirtualBox.

Feature	Type 1 Hypervisor	Type 2 Hypervisor
Performance	High	Moderate
Installation	On hardware directly	On host OS
Use case	Enterprise environments	Personal use and testing

The exam may ask you to identify which type is used in a scenario or what benefits virtualization brings, such as reduced hardware cost and improved resource utilization.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) changes the traditional approach to network management by separating the control plane (decides how packets should move) from the data plane (forwards the packets). In SDN, a central controller decides traffic paths, making the network programmable and dynamic.

Some terms you should know:

OpenFlow: A protocol used in SDN to allow the controller to communicate with switches.
Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure): Cisco’s SDN solution for data centers.
APIC (Application Policy Infrastructure Controller): Central controller in Cisco ACI.

Here’s a simplified view of SDN layers:

Layer	Function
Application	Defines business requirements
Control	Makes decisions based on policies
Infrastructure	Forwards the actual traffic

The checkpoint exam: emerging network technologies exam may test your understanding of how SDN works, its benefits, or how it differs from traditional networking.

Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF) and Packet Forwarding

CEF is a high-performance Layer 3 switching technology used by Cisco devices to improve packet forwarding efficiency.

Here’s how packet forwarding works in a device using CEF:

Routing Table populates the FIB (Forwarding Information Base).
ARP Table provides MAC addresses to populate the Adjacency Table.
The combination of the FIB and Adjacency Table allows the router to forward packets efficiently without interrupting the CPU for each packet.

This part is especially important for understanding how traditional routers handle data compared to SDN-based networks.

Network Automation and APIs

Automation is becoming a critical part of modern networks. Instead of configuring devices manually, network engineers now use automation tools to configure multiple devices efficiently.

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the backbone of automation. The most common type is the REST API, which uses standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to interact with network devices.

The exam will test you on these HTTP methods:

Method	CRUD Operation	Description
GET	Read	Retrieves information
POST	Create	Adds new data
PUT	Update	Replaces existing data
DELETE	Delete	Removes data

You will also see data formats such as:

JSON – Lightweight and used in REST APIs.
YAML – Human-readable and used in tools like Ansible.
XML – Tag-based format, heavier and more structured.

It’s important to understand how each format looks and how they are used in real-world configuration tools.

Configuration Tools and Programming

Several tools are used in network automation, and each is associated with a particular scripting language:

Ansible (written in Python)
Puppet (written in Ruby)
Chef (also written in Ruby)
SaltStack (Python-based)

These tools allow configuration to be defined in simple scripts or playbooks, which can then be deployed across many devices quickly.

Intent-Based Networking and Cisco DNA Center

Intent-Based Networking (IBN) is Cisco’s vision of future networking. In IBN, the network understands your intent and configures itself accordingly. Cisco’s DNA Center is the key platform for IBN.

The IBN lifecycle includes:

Translation – Converting business intent into network policies
Activation – Applying configurations across the network
Assurance – Monitoring and verifying that intent is achieved

For the exam, know how this differs from traditional network configuration and how IBN simplifies complex environments.

Sample Questions and Practice

Here are examples of the types of questions you may face:

A company uses a web-based payroll application hosted on a third-party server. What type of cloud service model is this?
- Correct answer: SaaS
Which type of hypervisor is installed directly on the hardware?
- Correct answer: Type 1
Which two OSI layers are typically involved in SDN’s control plane?
- Correct answer: Layer 2 and Layer 3
Which configuration management tool is written in Python?
- Correct answer: Ansible or SaltStack

By understanding these scenarios, you’ll be better prepared to pass the checkpoint exam: emerging network technologies exam with confidence.

Final Tips and Strategies

To prepare successfully:

Revisit your NetAcad Module 13 and 14 content
Take the practice quizzes
Work on labs using Packet Tracer if available
Use flashcards for cloud models, hypervisors, and APIs
Read JSON and YAML examples to spot syntax differences

Conclusion

The Checkpoint Exam: Emerging Network Technologies Exam is not just a school quiz—it’s a stepping stone to becoming a certified network engineer ready to work in real-world IT environments. The technologies covered—like SDN, APIs, virtualization, and cloud computing—are essential knowledge for anyone entering the field today.

By studying this guide, practicing actively, and understanding the core concepts rather than memorizing answers, you will be well-equipped to succeed in the exam and move one step closer to your CCNA certification.