7 WAN Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Discover WAN Books authored by industry leaders such as Jason Gooley, Ivan Iliev Ivanov, and Cheng Sheng, offering unmatched practical and architectural insights.

Updated on June 25, 2025
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What if I told you that understanding WANs—the backbone of modern networking—could transform your entire approach to connectivity? WAN technologies underpin global communications, powering enterprises and enabling digital innovation. Yet mastering WAN requires cutting through complex protocols and architectures that many find daunting.

The seven books showcased here are authored by seasoned professionals with decades of experience in designing, deploying, and troubleshooting WAN and SD-WAN solutions. From Cisco evangelists like Jason Gooley to Huawei's chief architect Cheng Sheng, each author brings authoritative insights that have shaped industry practices and certification paths.

While these expert-driven books offer proven frameworks and deep knowledge, if you want content tailored precisely to your background, skill level, and specific WAN interests, consider creating a personalized WAN book that builds on these insights. This approach can help you focus on exactly what you need to accelerate your learning journey.

Best for mastering Cisco SD-WAN design
Jason Gooley, CCIE No. 38759, brings over 25 years of hands-on industry experience to this detailed guide on Cisco SD-WAN. As a Technical Evangelist at Cisco Systems and an active contributor to Cisco certification development, Gooley’s expertise shines through in this book, designed to help you grasp complex WAN concepts and succeed in your certification exam. His passion for mentoring and educating network professionals adds depth to the learning experience, making this resource both authoritative and accessible.
2020·608 pages·WAN, SD-WAN, Cisco, Networking, Network Security

Unlike most WAN books that skim the surface, this guide dives into the complexities of designing and securing Cisco SD-WAN solutions with a practical, exam-focused approach. Jason Gooley and his co-authors, all Cisco experts, offer detailed coverage of architecture, controller and router deployment, policies, security, and quality of service, helping you master the skills essential for the Cisco ENSDWI 300-415 certification. The book’s structured chapters feature key topic tables and review questions that reinforce understanding, while the accompanying Pearson practice tests simulate real exam conditions. If you’re preparing to implement or manage Cisco SD-WAN environments, this book equips you with both the knowledge and the confidence you need.

Published by Cisco Press
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Best for practical SD-WAN lab exercises
Ivan Iliev Ivanov is a senior network engineer with over a decade of experience and multiple Cisco certifications, including CCIE #57783. He wrote this book to simplify complex networking concepts and help professionals grasp Cisco's SD-WAN technology with clarity. His deep expertise shines through in the detailed diagrams and practical lab examples that guide you step-by-step through deploying SD-WAN solutions.
2023·600 pages·WAN, SD-WAN, Cisco, Networking, Network Configuration

Ivan Iliev Ivanov draws on over ten years of hands-on experience and advanced Cisco certifications to illuminate the complexities of SD-WAN technology through a uniquely example-driven approach. Instead of abstract theories, you’ll explore more than 30 detailed lab exercises and over 250 diagrams that clarify how to configure and deploy Cisco’s Viptela-powered SD-WAN solutions. This methodical, visual style demystifies topics like home lab setup and core SD-WAN technologies, making it accessible whether you’re just starting or prepping for certifications. If you want practical skills grounded in real-world Cisco implementations, this book offers a solid pathway without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for custom WAN learning paths
This AI-created book on WAN mastery is tailored to your skill level and specific interests in wide area networks. You share your background, the WAN topics you want to focus on, and your learning goals, and the book is crafted to match exactly what you need. This personalized approach makes navigating complex WAN technologies more straightforward and relevant, helping you build practical knowledge efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·WAN, WAN Fundamentals, Network Protocols, SD-WAN, Routing Techniques

This tailored book explores the complex world of Wide Area Networks (WAN) with a unique focus on your specific background and goals, offering a learning experience that matches your skill level and interests. It covers foundational WAN concepts, emerging technologies, and practical scenarios with clear explanations that bridge expert knowledge and personal learning needs. The text examines protocols, architectures, and deployment techniques, weaving in personalized content that accelerates understanding and mastery of WAN technologies. By focusing on your priorities, this tailored guide reveals nuances and applications you find most relevant, making advanced WAN topics accessible and engaging.

Tailored Guide
Network Optimization
3,000+ Books Generated
Best for CCNA WAN hands-on labs
John Rullan, a seasoned Cisco Instructor since 1998 and director of the Cisco Academy for New York City’s Department of Education, brings unmatched expertise to this guide. His extensive teaching background spans CCNA, CCNP, and network security courses, positioning him uniquely to support learners tackling WAN technologies. This book reflects his commitment to practical education, combining theory with authentic lab exercises and Packet Tracer activities designed to prepare you thoroughly for certification and real-world networking challenges.
343 pages·WAN, Telecommunication Networks, Cisco Networking Equipment, Networking, Cisco Equipment

Drawing from decades as a Cisco Instructor, John Rullan crafted this guide to bridge the gap between theory and hands-on networking skills essential for CCNA candidates. You’ll find focused exercises that sharpen your troubleshooting, configuration, and conceptual understanding of converged network technologies, especially within WAN environments. The book’s unique structure blends study guides with labs and Packet Tracer activities, reinforcing real-world application rather than just memorization. If you’re preparing for CCNA certification or seeking practical mastery of WAN protocols and Cisco equipment, this book delivers targeted practice without fluff or unnecessary jargon.

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Best for Cisco WAN configuration essentials
Connecting Networks Companion Guide by Inc. Cisco Systems is a focused resource for anyone delving into WAN technologies within complex networks. It aligns tightly with the Cisco Networking Academy's CCNA Routing and Switching curriculum, breaking down essential WAN services, network device selection, and configuration methods. The guide's combination of chapter objectives, hands-on labs, interactive activities, and Packet Tracer exercises creates an effective learning pathway. Whether you're a student preparing for certification or a network technician refining your skills, this guide offers structured reinforcement of critical WAN concepts and practical troubleshooting techniques.
542 pages·WAN, Cisco Networking Equipment, Cisco, Networking, WAN Technologies

What happens when Cisco’s deep networking expertise meets WAN education? The Connecting Networks Companion Guide serves as a portable desk reference complementing the Cisco Networking Academy's CCNA curriculum, focusing on WAN technologies and network services critical for complex, converged networks. You gain practical understanding of selecting network devices and WAN technologies, alongside configuring and troubleshooting network devices, data link protocols, and implementing VPNs with IPSec. The book’s structured approach, featuring chapter objectives, labs, and Packet Tracer activities, guides you through mastering concepts like VPN operations and network device configuration. If you're aiming to strengthen your hands-on networking skills or preparing for Cisco certifications, this guide lays out the essentials clearly and accessibly.

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Best for IT leaders managing SD-WAN issues
Command Link is a recognized expert in IT infrastructure and SD-WAN technologies, providing strategic insights for IT leaders. Justin Chugg, a co-author, brings extensive experience in technology management and implementation, focusing on optimizing network performance and reliability. Their combined expertise drives this concise guide that helps IT professionals quickly identify and fix common SD-WAN challenges, making it a focused resource especially useful for those responsible for maintaining complex WAN environments.
2023·66 pages·WAN, SD-WAN, Networking, IT Infrastructure, Network Troubleshooting

The breakthrough moment came when Command Link and Justin Chugg, both seasoned experts in IT infrastructure and network management, recognized that despite SD-WAN's popularity, many IT leaders struggled with persistent operational challenges. This concise guide zeroes in on typical SD-WAN issues and offers clear methods to diagnose and resolve them effectively, such as troubleshooting connectivity bottlenecks and configuration errors. You gain practical knowledge on how to maintain network performance and reliability, making it especially valuable if you oversee complex WAN environments. While brief, the book’s focused approach suits IT professionals seeking to sharpen their SD-WAN problem-solving skills without wading through unnecessary theory.

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Best for rapid WAN improvements
This AI-created book on WAN optimization is tailored to your skill level and specific goals in WAN technologies. By sharing your current experience and the areas you want to focus on, you receive a book crafted to guide you through practical, actionable steps that fit your needs. Customizing the content helps you avoid unnecessary complexity and zero in on what truly matters for rapid WAN improvements.
2025·50-300 pages·WAN, Wide Area Networks, WAN Architectures, Performance Optimization, Network Troubleshooting

This personalized book explores step-by-step WAN tactics designed to deliver quick, measurable results tailored to your background and knowledge level. It focuses on your specific interests, addressing core WAN principles and practical techniques that accelerate your understanding and application. You’ll find clear explanations of WAN architectures, performance optimization, and troubleshooting methods, all woven together to create a pathway matching your goals. By synthesizing expert knowledge with your unique needs, the book reveals how to achieve tangible WAN improvements efficiently, making complex concepts accessible and actionable. This tailored guide transforms your WAN learning journey into a focused and rewarding experience.

AI-Tailored
Performance Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for deep CCNA WAN technology study
Allan Reid, serving as the Cisco Academy Main Contact and Curriculum Lead at Centennial College, brings over 20 years of experience in network design and education to this guide. His deep involvement with Cisco Systems in curriculum development and assessment ensures this companion aligns tightly with CCNA 4 course objectives. Reid's role as a professor and technical reviewer reflects his commitment to practical, clear instruction, making this book a reliable resource for anyone serious about advancing their WAN networking skills.

Drawing from over two decades in IT education and network design, Allan Reid crafted this guide to align closely with the CCNA 4 curriculum, offering you a focused companion to mastering WAN technologies. The book breaks down complex concepts like routing, switching, and remote access with clear chapter objectives framed as questions, encouraging active problem-solving. You'll find practical "How To" references, real-world scenarios, and challenge activities that sharpen troubleshooting and configuration skills. If you're preparing for Cisco certification or aiming to deepen your understanding of telecommunication networks, this guide provides a structured, example-rich path tailored to your learning pace.

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Cheng Sheng is the Chief Architect of Huawei’s SD-WAN Solution, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in network design and implementation. His deep expertise drives this book, which demystifies SD-WAN by explaining its system architecture, operating mechanisms, and practical deployment strategies. Readers benefit from his hands-on knowledge, gaining clear insight into Huawei's SD-WAN solution and how to apply it effectively in enterprise networks.
2021·460 pages·WAN, SD-WAN, Networking, Network Architecture, Network Planning

What if everything you knew about enterprise WANs was wrong? Cheng Sheng, with nearly two decades as Huawei’s Chief Architect for SD-WAN, alongside co-authors Jie Bai and Qi Sun, unpacks the complexities of software-defined wide area networks by focusing on practical design and deployment challenges. You’ll explore the architecture and operating mechanisms of Huawei’s SD-WAN solution, dive into real-world case studies, and gain insight into key technologies that shape modern WAN infrastructures. This book suits network engineers and ICT professionals eager to deepen their understanding of SD-WAN’s evolving role in enterprise environments, offering specific methods to design and implement these systems effectively.

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Conclusion

These seven books collectively highlight critical themes in WAN learning: practical deployment, hands-on troubleshooting, network architecture, and certification preparation. If you’re preparing for Cisco certifications, combining "Accessing the WAN" with "Connecting Networks Companion Guide" offers a solid foundation. For mastering SD-WAN design and architecture, Jason Gooley’s and Cheng Sheng’s titles provide in-depth expertise.

Facing operational challenges? "Troubleshooting SD-WAN" delivers focused strategies valuable for IT leaders managing complex networks. Alternatively, you can create a personalized WAN book tailored to your unique experience and goals to bridge general principles with your specific situation.

Whichever path you choose, these books can help you accelerate your WAN expertise and tackle real-world networking challenges more confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Accessing the WAN" for hands-on labs if you're new to WAN, or "Cisco Software-Defined Wide Area Networks" if you're focusing on Cisco SD-WAN design. These build a strong foundation before moving to specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to WAN?

Not at all. Titles like "Accessing the WAN" and "Wan Technologies Ccna 4 Companion Guide" cater to beginners with practical labs and clear explanations, while others dive deeper for experienced professionals.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts covering WAN basics and Cisco certifications, then progress to SD-WAN design and troubleshooting guides for a comprehensive learning curve.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast WAN changes?

These books cover enduring WAN principles and current SD-WAN technologies, including recent Cisco and Huawei architectures. For the latest trends, supplement with ongoing industry updates or personalized content.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Troubleshooting SD-WAN" offers concise, practical strategies to address common SD-WAN issues, making it ideal for immediate application in managing network performance.

Can I get a WAN book tailored to my specific needs?

Yes! While these expert books cover broad concepts, you can create a personalized WAN book that focuses on your background, skill level, and goals to bridge expert knowledge with your unique requirements. Learn more here.

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