Path Control for CCNP Routing and Switching 300-101 ROUTE
Path control is where CCNP candidates separate from the pack—it’s the difference between understanding routing and architecting it. This focused Pluralsight course cuts through the noise to teach you how to manipulate traffic flow using policy-based routing, route maps, and prefix lists. You’ll move from theory to lab-ready confidence in under 2.5 hours.
AIU.ac Verdict: Essential for anyone sitting the 300-101 ROUTE exam or managing production Cisco networks where traffic engineering matters. Ben Piper’s teaching style is direct and practical, though you’ll need solid CCNA-level routing fundamentals beforehand—this isn’t a beginner’s entry point.
What This Course Covers
You’ll master policy-based routing (PBR) mechanics, including match criteria and set actions that control packet forwarding decisions independent of destination IP. The course covers route maps in depth—their role as the Swiss Army knife of Cisco routing—plus prefix lists as a modern alternative to access lists for filtering. Expect hands-on labs on traffic engineering, load balancing across unequal-cost paths, and real-world scenarios where path control solves business problems.
The practical angle matters here: you’ll learn when to use PBR versus other mechanisms, how to troubleshoot path control failures, and how these concepts apply to both traditional routing and modern network designs. Pluralsight’s sandbox environment lets you test configurations immediately, reinforcing exam readiness and job-ready skills simultaneously.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- CCNP ROUTE candidates: Direct alignment with 300-101 exam objectives; Ben Piper’s content is exam-focused without sacrificing depth.
- Network engineers managing Cisco infrastructure: Path control is production-critical for traffic engineering and load balancing; this course translates directly to your lab.
- Senior network technicians bridging to CCNP: If you’ve mastered CCNA routing, this fills the advanced gap and prepares you for enterprise-level design decisions.
May not suit:
- Networking beginners: Assumes solid CCNA-level routing knowledge; jumping in without BGP, OSPF, and RIP fundamentals will leave you frustrated.
- Non-Cisco network professionals: Vendor-specific content; limited value if your environment runs Juniper, Arista, or open-source routing stacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Path Control for CCNP Routing and Switching 300-101 ROUTE take?
2 hours 28 minutes of video content. Plan 4–6 hours total if you’re working through labs and reviewing concepts.
Do I need CCNA certification before taking this course?
Not officially, but you’ll need CCNA-equivalent knowledge of routing protocols, access lists, and basic Cisco CLI. This course assumes you can read a routing table and understand why packets take certain paths.
Will this course prepare me for the 300-101 ROUTE exam?
Yes—path control is a significant exam domain, and Ben Piper’s content directly addresses exam objectives. Combine it with other ROUTE study materials and hands-on lab time for comprehensive prep.
What hands-on labs are included?
Pluralsight provides sandbox access to configure and test policy-based routing, route maps, and prefix lists in a live Cisco environment. You’ll practice real scenarios, not just watch demonstrations.
Course by Ben Piper on Pluralsight. Duration: 2h 28m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
