Globalconfig.net

It was not as tough as the first one. No DMVPN. NTP Authentication never worked on 3 of the routers but I know the NTP Server was working.

One of my VPN tunnels did not appear to function, but the solution guide matched my config so I gave in.

In the Morning I start Lab 3. Only 17 days until my lab. I’m getting nervous and I want this to be over.

A week ago I did a Webinar detailing the topics of the CCNA Wireless.  The video has now been posted, minus the sample chapter.  I will try to record the sample chapter in the near future, however must get permissions before posting a recording of it.

Finished IPexpert CCIE Security 1-week lab experience- Exam One.  That was tough.  The biggest issue I had was that the ASA2 is backwards in the diagram (inside vs- outside) so nothing I configured matched the solution; it was all backwards.  Oh well.  I learned that there are certain things that will require proctor verification.

Another thing I learned is that I hate NAC.  So much work!

Tomorrow morning I’ll reset the rack and load the starting configurations for Exam two.  This next one I want to be done with by Friday.

That’s it for now.

Well it’s Sunday night and my wife is crashed out on the couch next to me.  I’ve spend most of the afternoon trying to finish up the IPexpert 1-Week Lab Experience Lab 1.  I’ts not going to happen tonight but I am confident that it will be done by tomorrow evening.  Last week was really hectic and I didn’t get in nearly as much lab time as I wanted to.  I sat the CIPT1v6.0 course, and while it was a lot of fun, I should have spent my time on the labs.  But alas, work has to happen- and I have to teach CIPT1 in the next few months.

Another thing that impeded the flow of my week has been the guest blogging at Network World.  Don’t get me wrong- I like blogging there and I will probably continue on after the month is over, but again, it cut into my study time.

Oh, and then there is the Webinar that I held on Wednesday afternoon regarding the CCNA Wireless.  That was a blast!  If you attended (or missed it) and want to know where the recording is just hang in there. It will be posted this coming week.

Anyhow- some milestones this week:

• DMVPN just got a lot easier.
• I couldn’t stand the fact that my pod was running 8.x on the ASA’s so I downgraded them to 7.2.  Anyhow take the lab lately?  If so, are the pods still running 7.2?  Someone mentioned that they may upgrade them in preparation for the new blueprint.  I hope not.
• My 9 month old (almost 10) started taking steps.  If you are a friend on Facebook you may have seen the video….that was a highlight of my weekend.
• I’m sure there are more but I cant think straight.

That’s about it for this post.  By the end of the week my goals are:

• Finish 2 more labs, probably Lab 2 and 3 of the 1-week Lab Experience.
• I’m teaching CCNP1 (BSCI and BCMSN) so I want to get lab time in early morning- that means I need to be up by 5am.
• 2 more posts on NetworkWorld.  I have to take care of the CCNA wireless candidates.
• Work on CiscoLive Presentation. I think I’m doing a Tech Session in SF this year.

And finally- I need to book flights for a trip to Phoenix next week and Lake Oswego, Oregon the week after.  Man I’m swamped!

Cheers!

Last week I posted a brief announcement that IPexpert, the CCIE training company, was to launch a “Sister Company” called IPexpert Training.  I didn’t have a lot of time last week to sum up any real thoughts on the subject.  Today, I still don’t, but I will anyhow. Where to begin?

Lets begin with the announcement (all quotes from http://ipexpert.ccieblog.com):

Over the next few months you’ll begin seeing the following:A separate brand named “IPexpert Training” (at www.IPexpertTraining.com) that will be focused on CompTia, VMWare, CCENT, CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCSP, CCVP and MCSE training products.

My first thought was….wow!  If anyone can do it right it would certainly be IPexpert.  They did however mention the following”

These classes will *NOT* be Cisco authorized and neither business unit will endorse or offer the Cisco 360 CCIE Lab offering.  After understanding the 360 program, products and Cisco’s initiative – I have made the decision that the current CCIE Lab offerings we have (already shipping) are much more mature, proven, more up-to-date and more cost-effective for our clients.

This will make things interesting.  What about Cisco Learning Credits (CLC)?  Many people that take Cisco training have budgetary constraints and the CLC program helps alot.  Will IPexpert find a workaround?  Well, regardless I still think they can do it right.  Lets examine some more of the announcement:

These classes / products will include self-study materials (Blended Learning), lab workbooks, Audio, Video on Demand, eBooks, quizzers, iPhone applications, ILT (traditional classroom-based training), online mentoring and online training classes – and will be priced very competitively.  Students taking these classes will be eligible for a *significant* discount on all IPexpert, Inc. CCIE lab products as that will be their next progression (eventually).  These classes will be delivered during the week – as our CCIE Lab classes are (from IPexpert) – however, we will also have weekend and even classes available online and at various locations.

As a user of the IPexpert BLS I have to say that this will be sweet!  The CCIE BLS is a fantastic product.  I can only imagine that the lower level certs would be as well.

Next:

An online community for these students.

I don’t know how this will compare to the Cisco Learning Network, but I can tell you that the Cisco Learning Network doesnt let you blog there.  They do however cover ALL categories of Cisco Certification including the CCNA, NP, SP, VP, and IE.

While this sounds pretty cool I have to point out my favorite part of the announcement, and what I believe to be the best feature for a student:

Proctor Labs vRack rental for these certifications (Cisco and Microsoft – VMWare down the road in Q2).

I can’t stress enough how big of a gap this is for students.  Think about it, you take a class, work on the gear for a week, go back home and book study until you take the test.  Usually you lose the practical knowledge and end up with lopsided book knowledge.  If you can use the PL equipment to make a topology that supports ANY certification class you may have a corner on a market that is lacking.

Anyhow, it looks like it could be a great option for students, however I dont know how Cisco will handle it.  I’m sure that Learning @ Cisco folks are not happy about another “non-certified” solution but I do know that IPexpert takes care of their customers and will certainly produce a quality product.

You can read the entire announcement on the IPexpert blog.

And now back to my studies!  Cheers.

IPexpert just made a new announcement. It’s something that I had a feeling was coming for some time now.

You can read about it here:

IPexpert, Inc. Plans to Launch Sister Company – “IPexpert Training, Inc.” Focusing on the Lower-Level Certification Training Market

On another note, if you are in the Glendale, Ca area tonight at 6:30pm Ascolta will be hosting a “Meet the Author.”  Ping me for more info!

Cheers!

Brandon