I’ve mentioned that I will be at Cisco Live this year. I will be presenting at two technical breakout sessions on the topic of the SNAA (Securing Networks with ASA Advanced) CCSP course. Since I know a number of Cisco Bloggers will be at Cisco Live I thought I would take the opportunity to compile a list of Bloggers/Tweeters and the blog you represent/Twitter handle, so that we can have a meet-up sometime during all the festivities. I’m not planning anything fancy but was thinking Drinks somewhere local perhaps.

Anyhow, if you are going to be there lets get a list built. Fill out the form below and I’ll add you to my Official, “Unofficial” List of Cisco Bloggers/Tweeters at Cisco Live 2009. Ill be in contact with you regarding the location of the meet-up and any other ideas you may want to toss around.

This list will not be used for ANYTHING else. Your email address will NOT be shared with anyone. Your Name and Blog URL will be posted on http://www.globalconfig.net/ciscolive

Today I thought it would be nice to take a trip down memory lane with a post that highlights some of the archives.

Want to have a little fun with ACLs? Check out this post where I show some options for logging with ACLs.

• http://www.globalconfig.net/2008/02/18/fun-with-ios-access-lists/

Need a little motivation while working on the CCNA along with some fun facts?

• http://www.globalconfig.net/2008/05/26/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-getting-your-ccna/

Having troubles learning the BGP route selection process?

• http://www.globalconfig.net/2008/05/15/mnemonics-are-cool/

Check out some cool things you can do with the CLI show commands:

• http://www.globalconfig.net/2008/06/14/cli-shortucts/

Want to boggle your mind with Static Policy NAT on an ASA?

• http://www.globalconfig.net/2008/07/29/static-policy-pat/
  

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.

I really enjoy providing content that users find interesting. I have a few projects that will be announced here in the next few months so be sure to stay tuned. You’re gonna like these announcements if you are working on a Cisco Certification and need that extra push. Make sure you subscribe to the Newsletter in the top left of this page.