Network technologies and trends:

Cisco Learning

Sep 14 2009   9:16PM GMT

Review for the CCNP BSCI Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
CCNP, BSCI, Review for the CCNP BSCI Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition, Cisco Press, Cisco Press Books, Cisco Certifications, BSCI Review, CCNP BSCI 642-901, Boson, BSCI electronics books, CCNP Study Guide, Cisco Learning, 642-901, CCNP Practice exams, CCNP Exams, BSCI practice exams

I am always inspired by the Cisco Press books which are my only source for my career success. When it comes to certification study guides, Cisco Press leads from the front.  In this article I will try to review the CCNP BSCI Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition, this study guide is a first and final step towards your CCNP success.

 

As promised by Cisco Press the CCNP BSCI Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition, is indeed a best breed of Cisco® exam study guide which specifically focuses on the objective of CCNP BSCI 642-901 exam. The study guide comprises of over 600 pages divided into 21 chapters.  Which covers essential routing principles, EIGRP, OSPF and IS-IS in dept as well as basic BGP configuration.

 

The study guide has concentrated a bit more on Multicasting and multicast routing and the IPv6 is explained well but not in too dept.  The best part I liked about the CCNP BSCI Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition, is the Cisco IOS® routing features.

 

The CCNP BSCI Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition, comes with a companion CD from boson which consists of an electronics books and more than 200 practice questions which also included simulation-bases questions available in study mode, practice mode and flash card format.

 

Some of the features which I liked most in the CCNP BSCI Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition,   “Do I know this already?” quizzes and “Foundation Summaries” that start off each chapter. These allow the reader to assess what they already know about an upcoming section and what they need to focus on. The end-of-chapter “Q&A” will solidify any knowledge you have gained or need to review. Also the scenarios provided at the end of the chapters are worth from exam point of view.

 

Overall a good supplement for the exam, but the CCNP BSCI Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition, cannot be a sole resource for the exam. It’s always good to use the resources available at the Cisco learning websites.  Finally I would rate 4 out of 5 for this study guide. Better luck folks and hope to see you all passing the CCNP BSCI 642-901 exam at first attempt. 

 

Sep 8 2009   9:45AM GMT

Remote Telnet useful tips!



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Switches, Cisco, Cisco Tips, Cisco 3560, Cisco Learning, Network Troubleshooting, IOS commands, Cisco Routers, reload, Cisco Switch, Cisco Troubleshooting, Router Troubleshooting, Telnet, SSH

 

We all work remotely with Cisco routers and Switches, we often do login to do some configuration changes in the Cisco routers and Switches. What if we configured wrongly in the live Cisco routers and Switches which are located in the remote sites, we don’t enjoy the liberty of resetting the devices unless we have control over the power distribution.

 

In this scenario the “reload” command proves to be very handy and useful. Just before making any changes to the configuration we can use the “reload” command as demonstrated below

 

ITKE-Cisco#reload in ?

Delay before reload (mmm or hhh:mm)

 

ITKE-Cisco#reload in 10

 

System configuration has been modified. Save? [yes/no]: no

Building configuration…

[OK]

Reload scheduled in 10 minutes by yasir on vty0 (10.0.0.5)

Proceed with reload? [confirm]

ITKE-Cisco#

ITKE-Cisco#

 

 

***

*** — SHUTDOWN in 0:05:00 —

***

 

The above demonstrated command will reload the device in 10 minutes. After applying the “reload” command we can proceed with the configuration changes. If things go wrong and we lost connectivity

to the device, then try back after 10 minutes as the device will get reloaded with the original startup-configuration which can helps us to restore the connectivity to the device.

 

Once we are sure about the new configuration and its working properly without any hassles there is always a way  “reload cancel” command is there to cancel the reload.

 

ITKE-Cisco#reload cancel

 

I find this command to be very handy and useful especially when we have to telnet or SSH to remote Cisco router or a Switch.


Jul 22 2009   6:13AM GMT

Review for CCNA 640-802 Network Simulator



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
CCNA, Cisco Learning, CCNA Network Simulator, CCNA 640-802, software, CENT, CCENT, Switch Navigation, LAN Switching, IP addressing, IP Routing, Switching, WAN, STP, VLANS, Network Troubleshooting, CCNA Labs, Cisco Certifications, Cisco Press, Pearson Education, CCNA ICND2 640-816, ICDN2, ICDN1, 640-802 CCNA Exam, Real Network, Review for CCNA Network Simulator, CCNA 640-802 Network Simulator

 

If you are preparing for the CCNA 640-802 Certification exam and you are not willing to invest on hardware to setup you own lab, then the CCNA 640-802 Network Simulator released recently by Cisco Press  is the right Simulator for you.

The CCNA 640-802 Network Simulator  is a state of the art, interactive simulation software, which allows you to practice your networking skills with more than 250 labs, specifically designed strengthen CCNA and CCENT exam topics, including router and switch navigation and administration, LAN switching, IP addressing, routing, WANs, Spanning Tree Protocols,  VLANs and trunking, IP routing protocols, scaling IP, and troubleshooting.

 

The CCNA 640-802 Network Simulator will surely allow you to discover the realistic network device response as you work through each of the labs developed by the bestselling author and an expert instructor Wendell Odom.

 

 

  Continued »


Mar 4 2009   9:02PM GMT

Review for CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
CCNA, Cisco Learning, CCENT 640-822, CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator, Cisco Certifications, Cisco Press, Pearson Education, CCNA ICND2 640-816, ICDN2, ICDN1, 640-802 CCNA Exam, CCNA Labs

CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator is a simply great simulator for the CCNA Certification aspirers covering all the ICND1 topics.

 The  state-of-the-art, interactive simulation software enables you to practice your networking skills with 98 structured labs designed to help you learn by doing, which is the most effective method of learning.

The CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator is divided into three categories, Skill Builder, Configuration Scenario and Troubleshooting Scenario.   The best part of the CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator is its very fast consumes less CPU processing power & it’s a java based application. The lab scenarios included in the CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator are far more complex, challenging you to learn how to perform realistic network configuration and troubleshooting tasks. The CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator is best for the CCNA Certifications aspirers especially for the guys who have less exposure to real environment.

The best thing about the CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator is the organization of labs. The Skill builder consists of three parts; even the Configuration Scenario consists of three parts where as Troubleshooting scenario has one part. These labs are quite handy and useful. The moment you open any lab the corresponding pdf file opens with the lab instructions. You are supposed to answer few questions in the labs, the LAB topology is explained well.

I would strongly recommend the CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator for anyone who is depended on the self study. CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator is available only as a download, and is a subset of the CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator, covering all the ICND1 topics.


Jan 22 2009   9:40PM GMT

Learn, Practice and prepare CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator - Now Available!



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
CCNA, Cisco Learning, CCENT 640-822, CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator, Cisco Certifications, Cisco Press, Pearson Education, CCNA ICND2 640-816, ICDN2, ICDN1, 640-802 CCNA Exam, CCNA Labs

Dear Friends,Today Cisco Press released

CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator: Software Download.
Good news for the
CCENT 640-822 certification aspirers.
Link can be found at
http://www.ciscopress.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=1587202174


CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator helps you develop and improve hands-on configuration and troubleshooting skills without the investment in expensive lab hardware. This state-of-the-art, interactive simulation software enables you to practice your networking skills with 98 structured labs designed to help you learn by doing, which is the most effective method of learning.LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER:

Purchase a copy of the

CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator and receive the CCNA ICND2 640-816 Network Simulator Upgrade
(ISBN: 1-58720-240-9) at no extra charge! This upgrade provides you with an additional 152 labs, a $74.99 value, absolutely free. But hurry, this limited time offer is only available to those who purchase the CCENT 640-802 Network Simulator before the CCNA ICND2 640-816 Network Simulator Upgrade is published.

CCENT 640-822 Network Simulator is available only as a download, and is a subset of the CCNA 640-802 Network Simulator, covering all the ICND1 topics.

www.ciscopress.com

Source: www.ciscopress.com

 


Jan 19 2009   5:43AM GMT

Cisco TV: Site-to-Site VPNs, January 20, 2009.Register Now



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Site-to-site vpns, CCNA Security, VPN, Cisco TV, Cisco News, Cisco Learning

Dear Friends, there will be a live presentation by John Rupf featuring Site-to-Site VPNs. John holds a variety of certifications including a CCNA and CCSP. He was formerly a software developer and is now a Technical Marketing Engineer with STBU at Cisco.


Date: January 20, 2009
Time: 8:00 am PST, 11:00 am EST
Duration: 1 hour

Agenda:
The show will cover the topics below and is designed to provide information that will assist you in passing the IINS exam. Following John’s presentation we’ll be taking your live calls during our Q&A session. You may also submit questions electronically.

Objectives:
During the show, Cisco Experts will discuss:

 

 

  • Examining Symmetric Encryption
  • Cryptographic Hashes
  • Digital Signatures

Please register yourself for this live event.


Dec 27 2008   6:19AM GMT

Cisco Etherchannel Overview and how it can be configured in Cisco Catalyst Switches – Series 3



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Networking, Switches, Cisco, IEEE, Switching, Cisco IOS, Cisco 2960, Cisco 2950, Cisco 6500, Cisco Tips, Cisco 3560, Cisco Learning, Cisco 3750-E, Cisco Systems, Etherchannel, Cisco 6500 Series Catalyst Switch, 802.3ad, Etherchannel configuration, Etherchannel restrictions, Protocol, PAGP, LACP, Port Aggregation Protocol, Link Aggregation Control Protocol

Dear Friends, hope everyone is having great holidays, have fun. In my previous post  I was focusing on some of the limitations of Etherchannel. Now let’s proceed a step ahead and figure out about the Etherchannel negotiation protocols. Etherchannels can be negotiated between two Cisco Catalyst Switches  to provide some dynamic link configuration.

 Basically there are two types of protocols are available, which can be used to bundled the automated creation of an Etherchannel in the Cisco Catalyst Switches.

Etherchannel3

In upcomming post I will try to concentrate on automating the creation of an Etherchannel . Have fun and happy new year 2009.


Dec 14 2008   7:04AM GMT

Cisco Systems announces CCIE Wireless Certification



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Wireless, Cisco, Certifications, Cisco Certifications, CCIE, Cisco Learning, Cisco News, Cisco Systems, CCIE Wireless Certification

Dear Friends Cisco Systems has announced the availably of CCIE Wireless Certification and it’s confirmed. So what are waiting for, you can start planning for the prestigious CCIE Wireless Certification, again Cisco proves they are concerned about the latest technological developments in the field of networking. Please do check a great article about CCIE Wireless Certification from Search Networking.Beta candidate registration should begin this fall, along with a blueprint release. Beginning early 2009 the Wireless CCIE beta testing will begin! As of now, topics of the test are expected to cover all aspects of wireless from design through implementation including the implications of security, routing and switching and voice technologies. Check back often for any additional information!Cisco CCIE Wireless Certification
The Cisco CCIE Wireless certification assesses and validates wireless expertise. Candidates who pass the CCIE Wireless certification exams demonstrate broad theoretical knowledge of wireless networking and a solid understanding of wireless local area networking (WLAN) technologies from Cisco, the market leader in WLAN technology.Benefits of CCIE Certified Wireless Certification

  • Greater opportunity for salary increase and job advancement in wireless networking industry
  • Validates expertise in major aspects of WLAN technology
  • Provides next step for individuals interested in a career in managing or working with Cisco wireless technologies

The written exam for CCIE Wireless will be made available through Pearson VUE on February 17th, 2009. The lab exam for CCIE Wireless will be made available in April 2009. To find out more about the CCIE Wireless Certification and access the latest blueprints and study materials, visit the Cisco Learning Network.


Dec 3 2008   5:58AM GMT

Switching Secrets for Multimedia by TechWise TV



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Switches, Switching, Routing and Switching, VSS, Netflow, Cisco Learning, Cisco News, Cisco Systems, Cisco Events, Switching Secrets, Cisco Virtual Switching System, PISA, TechWise TV

Dear Friends here is one more opportunity from Cisco Systems TechWise TV which reveals how to use the techniques, tools and innovations you might already have to effectively support rich communication and full service video without adding bandwidth. 

Industry

Large Corporations
Mid Size / Enterprise Business
Who Should Attend
Technology decision makers.
Details
TechWiseTV
Switching Secrets for Multimedia
Thursday, December 18, 2008, 10–11 a.m. Pacific Time, 1–2 p.m. Eastern Time

As networks become vital for connecting people and processes, full-service video and other rich media communications are quickly gaining adoption. In this environment, your network foundation becomes more important than ever. This TechWiseTV episode will show you how to make the most of the switching technologies you might already have to achieve the performance you need.

Carl Solder, Cisco Distinguished Marketing Engineer and one of only four Distinguished Switch Engineers in the world, joins TechWiseTV to reveal the valuable techniques, tools, and innovations that can help you make the most of your switching investments.

Discover how rich multimedia is affecting switch and network design. Find out how to architect a real-time network to support rich communication and full-service video through extensive whiteboarding sessions. Learn the most overlooked and underpublicized secrets for effective core security as well as:  How to use Generic Online Diagnostics (GOLD), NetFlow, and other built-in tools to identify and eliminate the sources of jitter   What makes a switch truly “stackable” and why the distinction is vitally important   How to use the Programmable Intelligent Services Accelerator (PISA) to achieve effective Layer 4–7 security   How to take advantage of the Cisco Virtual Switching System (VSS) to maximize availability, scalability, management, and ease of maintenance

Live Q&A

Our expert guests will be available to answer your switching questions during the broadcast.

Agenda
Segment 1: “A Switch Is Just a Switch, Right?”
Segment 2: Enhancing Core Security
Segment 3: Maximizing Redundancy
Segment 4: Switch and Network Design for Rich Media

Cisco only privacy policy: You are being invited to attend a Cisco-sponsored event. By providing your contact details, a representative may contact you regarding this event. All personal information will be handled in accordance with Cisco’s privacy notice. http://www.cisco.com/en/US/swassets/sw293/privacy_statement.html

 

Register


Dec 2 2008   7:30AM GMT

How to configure SPAN(Switched Port Analyzer ) feature in a Cisco Catalyst Switch



Posted by: Yasir Irfan
Switches, Cisco, Switching, Cisco IOS, Wireshark, Cisco 2960, Cisco 2950, Cisco 6500, Cisco Tips, Cisco 3560, Cisco 3745, Cisco Learning, Cisco 3750-E, Cisco 3560-E, Network Troubleshooting, Show commands, Cisco 6500 Series Catalyst Switch, Cisco 6503, Cisco Catalyst 6503-E Switch, Cisco Catalyst 6506-E Switch, Cisco Catalyst 6509-V-E Switch, Cisco Catalyst 6509-E Switch, Cisco Catalyst 6513 Switch, SPAN, Sniifer

It’s quite important for Network Engineers and an essential network troubleshooting technique to utilize the ability of Cisco Catalyst Switches to mirror the traffic and send it to a sniffer for analysis. All Cisco Catalyst Switches support the Switched Port Analyzer (SPAN) feature. The SPAN copies traffic from the specified interface or VLANs and mirrors this traffic to a specified destination interface (SPAN interface).  Then you can connect the PC with a sniffing tool (Wireshark) installed on the destination SPAN interface to capture all the mirrored traffic.Let’s see how to configure the SPAN in Cisco Catalyst Switches. SPAN To enable the switch SPAN mirroring feature configure the following on the catalyst switch: Configuration Example - Monitoring traffic from a specific interfaceITKEAS01#configure tITKEAS01(config) monitor session 1 source interface gigabitEthernet 0/5

ITKEAS01(config)#monitor session 1 destination interface gigabitEthernet 0/10 

The  above configuration will capture all traffic from interface gigabitEthernet 0/5  and send it to SPAN port interface gigabitEthernet 0/10 

Configuration Example - Monitoring an entire VLAN traffic
ITKEAS01(config)#monitor session 1 source vlan 100
ITKEAS01(config) monitor session 1 destination interface gigabitEthernet 0/10
The  above configuration will capture all traffic of VLAN 100 and send it to SPAN port interface gigabitEthernet 0/10

Use  show monitor session 1 to verify your configuration.