Cisco Products Training in 2026 – Which Skills Should We Prioritize?

The networking industry has always looked at Cisco Products as the benchmark for learning, but 2026 feels like a transition year. Cisco is now pushing harder into automation, AI-driven insights, and cloud-first tools through platforms like DNA Center and Meraki. That leaves IT professionals with a question: which Cisco learning paths actually matter most for long-term career growth?

For example, if you focus on Catalyst switches and core routing, you’re covering the traditional backbone of enterprise networks. But more companies are adopting cloud-managed Cisco Products like Meraki, where configuration and management are centralized online. Then there’s Cisco’s expansion into security, with Firepower appliances and Umbrella.

From a professional learning standpoint, I’m curious how you’re prioritizing your skills. Are you still preparing for CCNA and CCNP with the focus on traditional Cisco infrastructure? Or are you exploring SD-WAN, cloud security, and automation through DevNet?

I also wonder about real-world deployments — are organizations you work with leaning more toward modern solutions, or sticking with the tried-and-true core networking gear?

For those who are investing in professional learning this year, which Cisco Products do you feel will remain most valuable five years down the line?