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Have you ever heard that strategy is huge when it comes to the CCIE lab? I have. In fact, I think thats what really pushed me over the edge when I passed. I found a number of interesting posts on the blogs that I read on a regular basis regarding strategy. Here is my official, unofficial list of links to CCIE strategy posts:

1. http://blog.internetworkexpert.com/2008/06/30/voice-lab-strategy/
2. http://blogoverip.sanguangueros.org/
3. http://www.andersonalves.net/2008/06/20/how-to-attack-a-full-ccie-security-lab-with-solutions/
4. http://www.blindhog.net/8-days-out…-11208/
5. http://www.ksu.ru/petr/CCIE-RS-Checklist-draft-part-1-v2.txt
6. http://www.sunpenguin.net/?p=86
7. http://cciepursuit.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/groupstudy-great-ccie-study-strategy/
8. http://cciekid.blogspot.com/2009/04/plan-of-attack.html
9. http://www.lessaid.net/ccie/index.php/2009/03/10/my-ccie-study-roadmap/
10. http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/41379
11. http://ipexpert.ccieblog.com/2008/12/26/ccie-security-version-30-study-path-during-this-transition/
12. http://www.wr-mem.com/?p=49

But what about my strategy?  Many have asked and I think that since I am currently working on my second CCIE I should mention how I did the first and how I am planning on doing the second.  So here goes:

The first- I used two vendors, IPexpert and Internetwork Expert.  I used both vendors labs and I ended up taking both vendors training classes.  What I found was that the material was pretty much equivalent since it was based on the same CCIE Blueprint but one vendor in my opinion had better customer service.  In the end I decided to use just one vendor.  I found that I spent too much of my time trying to figure out which vendor was better when I should have just chosen a vendor and put all my efforts into learning the material.  The first CCIE took me 3 attempts and 2 years.

The second- I am only using one vendor and I will focus all my efforts on learning the technology using nothing but the vendor material and the Cisco documentation that would be available in the actual exam.  I believe this to be the best way to prepare, based on my past experience, however time will tell.

One last recommendation I can make is to spend as much time on the labs as you can.  The VoDs are good, audio bootcamps are good, and reading is good also.  Here is the bottom line- the CCIE is a “Hands-on” exam.  you must have time on the gear.  For this I recommend a combination of rack rentals and the use of Dynamips.  Dynamips is good to make simple labs that you can use when traveling (great for plane trips with no internet access) and the live labs are best for most other situations.  By spending most of you time on the live labs you will not waste time messing with meaningless dynamips configurations/settings/tweaks.  Remember the key is the be working on the Cisco labs.

Well, thats it for now.  Keep up the studies- in the end it actually pays off!

I just purchased the IPEVO Internet Conference station. My plan was to use it in simulcast classes so the students in webex could hear the questions asked by the students in the classroom. So far I am really impressed! It us USB powered and does not require any drivers for Windows or Mac.

It has a volume control on it, a mic and headphone jack, a mute switch, and an on/off switch. Very Simple, clear, and easy. I also like the fact that it works with skype. Echo has not been an issue at all.

You can check out all the stats on Amazon by clicking the image below.

Anyhow, its got my thumbs up.  I Used it yesterday for a webex webinar and I think it worked well.

Today, as I stare at my challenge of CCIE in 90 days, I worked on IPexpert R&S Volume 1 Lab 2. I am currently only about 12 steps in but have realized that some things are just tedious. For example, one task asked to make sure all ports not in use are static access. This sounds like an easy task until you have to look at each port status. I have become fond of the command:
show interface status | in Name|Administrative Mode|Operational Mode

It’s still a lot to pick through but at least its filtered a but.

Another issue that I want to spend some time on is Etherchannel. I had an issue with one leg coming up. The fix ended up being that I had to remove the Etherchannel and create it again. Still I found a good Cisco doc on troubleshooting it.

Thats all for now….back to my studies.

You may think so after what you are about to read. As many of you know, I have recently passed the CCIE Security Lab Exam. My next venture was planned to be the CCIE Voice. After assessing the landscape I’ve changed my mind. Here is what I am doing. It’s actually a little challenge. Do you think I can do it?

CCIE R&S in 90 days only using IPexperts End-to-End Program and the Cisco Doc Cd

Yes, you read it correctly. I plan on doing the CCIE R&S in 90 days using nothing but IPexpert products and Cisco Documentation. My study materials will include:

• Volume 1 Lab Workbook & Proctor Guide
• Volume 2 Lab Workbook & Proctor Guide
• Lab Mentoring Kit with Video Tutorials
• Video on Demand Lecture Series
• Audio Lecture on Demand
• Proctor Labs™ Online Rack Access
• 10 days of intense training in an IPexpert classroom facility

I’ll also be using the Online Study List for R&S (Maintained by IPexpert), and of course, the Doc Cd.

I think its going to be interesting and I know others have gone down this path before. You may be familiar with Tassos who has done it in 3 months. The difference between us is that this will make two labs passed in one year. That is, if I can do it!

A few days ago I posted a list to the Cisco Press books on the CCIE Voice recommended reading list. There has been more conversation on the OSL regarding an updated list for the v3 Blueprint. Jason Granat, a list member, recommended the book “Deploying Cisco Unified Presence” by HouTong Luo.

I’ve ordered my copy and its on the way! Thanks Jason! Great Recommendation.

For a short while now those working on routing and switching have been talking about the new Core Knowledge questions that can now make or break your lab. On May 15th Cisco announced the same change to the CCIE Security Lab exam.

So what does this mean for current CCIE Security Candidates? Well, for one, it means that you will be asked a series of four open-ended questions that require a short, typewritten response. Cisco says these will typically be several words. They are not looking for you to write a book, rather prove that you know the fundamentals. Like the Routing and Switching, as a CCIE Security Candidate you will get 30 minutes to complete this section prior to starting the hands-on portion and once you leave this section there is no looking back. This makes it even more important for you to know the fundamentals.

So how can you remain sharp when it comes to the fundamentals? I would recommend augmenting your hands on time with a review of the CCIE Security Written Exam Study guide from CCBootcamp, a read through Network Security Technologies and Solutions, and listening to the CCIE Security Audio Bootcamp from IPexpert.

I am excited this morning to find that my post regarding the CCNP Wireless was chosen as top pick of the day on the Cisco Subnet.

Check it out if you haven’t read it yet: cisco subnet

Or

the actual post

This blog, GlobalConfig.net is now available on the Amazon Kindle. I am a fan of the Kindle, and you can read about it in my post on how to take 200 books on a trip with you.

Anyhow, its 1.99 a month and you can subscribe to it here.

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Go Astorino, over at the CCIE Journey Blog just got his digits and is now recognized as CCIE #24347 under the Cisco CCIE Program. Congrats Joe!

If you haven’t already, head on over and give Joe a pat on the back. Also, read about his experience. It’s a long road if you are just starting out but totally worth it in the end.

Again, Congrats Joe!

IPexpert is known for Great Material, Industry Leading Instructors, killer deals and excellent customer service. Today, I noticed a special that they have started advertising. Here is what the promotion that i recieved in Facebook states:

If you’re preparing for your CCIE R&S, Voice or Security, and your training budget is a concern, be sure to review our May 2009 promotion.
Throughout this month only, our online (live – instructor led) virtual classes (and bundled vClasses & our complete self-study end-to-end / BLS) are discounted if you reference the following discount code: MD05VSR (in order to receive this promotion pricing please contact one of our CCIE-focused Training Advisors directly.

• Telephone: 1.810.326.1444 x 206
• Email: mdown@ipexpert.com
• Live Chat: www.ipexpert.com/chat

Promotion Pricing:

Track vClass Pricing Bundled (BLS + vClass)
R&S * $999.00 $1,499.00
Voice * $1,499.00 $2,999.00
Security * $1,499.00 $1,999.00

* vClass dates priced at the promotional rates are as follows:
R&S: June 15th – 19th, August 31st – September 4th
Voice: September 7th – 11th, November 16th – 20th
Security: June 29th – July 3rd, October 19th – 23rd

So what’s the big deal?

Well, look at the R&S pricing. It’s 999.00 for the vClass but if you add the BLS you get it for only 500 bucks more.

Here is the big deal- thats all their workbooks, solutions, video-on-demand, and audio bootcamp plus an class in the vClass environment. This saves you so much money- you dont have to travel, you dont have to waste time just getting there, and you don’t have to worry about missing something an instructor said because the class is recorded.

Anyhow, the pricing on Voice and Security isn’t too bad either, but R&S really stood out for me.  If you haven’t seen the BLS, head over to the demo on the IPexpert web site.  Just click the image to go there now!

I have the CCIE Voice BLS, but maybe I’ll try to take the voice vClass. I could really use that!  I think I want to pass the R&S, Voice, and Wireless by end of 2010.  Anyone think I can do it?