When it comes to Email Security, no other product is as powerful as Cisco IronPort. Therefore, we opted Cisco IronPort C370 as our email security gateway. Since its inception into our network, I am searching for a great reference and study guide for the Cisco IronPort products.

At the beginning, I was depending more or less on Cisco Web Site resources, which are great. However, the moment I discovered that Chris Porter is writing a book with a title “Email Security with Cisco Iron Port” I was excited. Immediately I contacted Jamie Adams at Cisco Press, as usual she arranged a copy of book for me for a review and reference.

The title “Email Security with Cisco IronPort” is tailored made for those professionals who have a good understanding of  basic networking concepts.  The author Chris Porter did an amazing job especially with the Introduction part. I really loved it, be it the overview or history of AsyncOS versions. I think the author is quite smart in addressing his readers, be they are beginners or experts of the subject. He knows how to keep them intact.

The title “Email Security with Cisco IronPort” consists of 15 chapters covering the concepts like ESA products, the WEB user interface, Command Line interface in IronPort, and much more in detail and in simple language.

The main highlight of “Email Security with Cisco IronPort” book is the configurations recommended by Chris Porter.

After reading this title, it really enriched my knowledge and made my quite competent in managing Cisco IronPort devices, I would definitely recommend this title to all those professionals who are keen to know more about Email Security with Cisco IronPort devices.

Those folks who are already ready or in the processes of final prep to write an exam they don’t need to panic as the current CCNA Wireless Certification track 640-721 are available until May 11, 2012.

The new CCNA Wireless Certification track 640-722 IUWNE comprises of the current version of software program such as Autonomous, wireless LAN controller (WLC), and Clients.

So gear up for the new exam and always there is Cisco press to offer self-study guides , let’s hope Cisco Press will come out soon with the study material for the new track.

Especially when CCDA exam is much more about understanding the topics from Design perspective, this title serves you to understand the topics in great detail in much simpler and easy to understand language. The greatest thing about this the title CCDA Official Cert Guide is the way each chapter is presented with very detailed out line of “Foundation Topics” in very organized manner. And this title covers the design of Cisco Internetwork Infrastructure from the General Network Design, LAN and WAN Design, Wireless Networks, Routing Protocols Design to Security, Voice and video design.

One more interesting fact I notices is the title CCDA Official Cert Guide covers all the new advancements in Network Technologies, it covers topics such as Cisco Data Center 3.0 Architecture framework, virtualization technologies implied by Cisco Systems on various Cisco devices.

With this title CCDA Official Cert Guide Cisco Systems came out with a new testing Engine for practice exam.  This title comes with a CD which contains the Pearson Cert Practice Engine which allows you to take practice exams as well as the “Do I know This Already?” Quiz. The Pearson Cert Practice Engine is great, it does have some practice questions it would have been if Cisco Press enhanced the test Engine by adding even the practice question which are available only in book at the end of each chapter.

Overall this title is a great asset and for sure a helping guide for those who are planning to pass Cisco CCDA 640-864 exam. I rate this of title 4 out of 5 stars.

When it comes to study guides still Cisco Press titles are far superior to other publications.  The Cisco Press title “CCNP TSHOOT 642-832 Official Certification Guide” follows the typical Cisco Press approach, each chapters begins with “Do I know this Already?” quiz and then followed by the subject. This approach is good as it lets you know to determine the knowledge level of the topic; it gives a brief idea to plan out the approach for each chapter. The title comprises of 15 chapters and the final chapter deals with the final preparations for the exam.

The good thing I like about this title is the way how author “Kevin Wallace” presented the known topics from different perspective. Yeah he was quite successful in engaging with his readers and presenting the troubleshooting techniques. The inclusion of many case studies enhanced the author’s presentation and he was quite successful in reaching out the mass. Especially for those who passed CCNP Route and Switch exam they find not much in this title, but they will learn the troubleshooting and maintenance techniques for complex networks. The troubleshooting scenarios and methodology grabbed my attention and I like the way troubleshooting tickets were presented.

I have few suggestion to Cisco Press is to include the pdf version of the title with the CD. The CD also came with the Boson Exam Environment Engine (BEE), it was a huge disappointment for me as the practice exam failed to contain the simulated scenarios. The BEE contained only multiple choices, single choice, drag and drop style questions.

Overall the Cisco Press title “CCNP TSHOOT 642-832 Official Certification Guide” is a good source for anyone who is preparing for Cisco CCNP TSHOO 642-832 exams and a helpful guide for those who wants to master troubleshooting.

The best thing I like about this lab manual is all configuration files can be downloaded from Cisco Press website. Practice makes man perfect; by troubleshooting various scenarios, which you can build using the above mentioned resource can help you in mastering CCNP TSHOOT topics and can, learn the various approach adapted to trouble shoot more complex Cisco networks. Of course nothing can replace the practical experience but when you simply don’t have that privilege, you can make use of GNS3.

I am hopeful by simply passing Route and Switch exam; you will gain enough confidence and expertise to pass the Cisco TSHOOT exam. Better luck for those who are appearing for the TSHOOT exam, make sure you watch THSOOT Strategies on YouTube by Kevin Wallace which does give you an idea how the real exams look like and do practice the CCNP TSHOOT demo exam available at Cisco web site.

The secret behind passing the Cisco CCNP Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Network (CCNP TSHOOT, 642-832) exam depends on how good you are at troubleshooting, your experience on maintain and managing complex networks, and of course the courage to challenge yourself by focusing and thinking logically on tickets appear on the real TSHOOT exam.

Since I passed the Cisco CCNP Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Network (CCNP TSHOOT, 642-832) exams I was mentally ready to take the challenge of Cisco TSHOOT exam, but my busy schedule was preventing me. Finally I set the date when should I appear for the Cisco TSHOOT exam and I came out passing the exam. Believe me, it was the easiest Cisco Certification exam I appeared till date in my life.

When it comes to exam preparation I got hold of Cisco Press title “CCNP TSHOOT 642-832 Official Certification Guide” and checked the latest exam topology published by Cisco Systems. Yes Cisco System does reveal the topology which appears on the real exam, which itself will ease your burden of preparations. Since I possess over a decade of experience on maintaining and managing Complex Cisco Networks I didn’t find myself reading the Cisco Press title from cover to cover. Just read first two chapters for the sake of curiosity. But prepared the GNS3 topology based on the exam topology published by Cisco Systems and practiced few scenarios. I will cover the approach need to be adopted by CCNP aspirers who are pretty new to Cisco Networks in the upcoming post.

As we all know CBT nuggets happens to provide world class training for IT Certifications. They hire best trainers in the industry and deliver excellent training materials for aspiring IT Professionals. When it comes to Cisco Certifications Jeremy Cioara is my favorite. Why? You will discover soon.

He has authored various Cisco books some of them are CCNP Voice Official Certification Guide, Cisco IP Telephony (CIPT), CCNA Exam prep and CCNA Practice questions.  Most important contribution to Cisco Certifications he has made is his affiliation with CBT nuggets to produce world class Cisco training stuff staring from CCNA, CCNP, to CCIE.

When it come the Cisco CCNP Route 642-902 CBT Nuggets Series it’s an awesome series with 28 videos covering all the topics required to pass the CCNP Route exam. What make this series outstanding are the speaking skills of Jeremy Cioara and the in-depth technical knowledge he possess. Jeremy connects with audience as if he is talking to you directly; the way he teaches any concept is amazing. Especially his personalized stories and tips he shares make this series outstanding.

I don’t want to emphasize on the contents of this series as its covers A to Z of CCNP route exam, one thing I would like to highlight about this series is the inclusion of GNS 3 labs , it does gives hands on experience for the CCNP route exam starting from EIGRP to OSPF, BGP and IPv6.  One more key element of this series is inclusion of MP3 files which are quite handy while you are driving or travelling, again it’s the quality of great speaker who manages you to learn the concept even without watching them.

A valuable asset for CCNP aspirer, I strongly recommend all CCNP aspirers to buy this series.

On 28^th of September 2011, renowned Cisco Press author Kevin Wallace will present the second of a two-part live webcast series on voice over IP (VoIP) Fundamentals. During this 30 minute webcast, you are introduced to digital voice ports, including T1 and E1 ports. You will learn the difference between Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) and Common Channel Signaling (CCS), and why you never want to use CAS on an E1 circuit. After learning the meaning behind such acronyms as ESF, AMI, and B8ZS, you will see how to configure and troubleshoot an ISDN PRI circuit in this action-packed 30 minute webcast.

Who knows by registering and attending you might even get an opportunity win a free title of your choice published by Pearson IT Certification.

Details of Webcast

Cisco CCNP Voice (CVoice): VoIP Fundamentals: Digital Voice Ports

Presented by Kevin Wallace, CCIE
Wednesday, September 28 • 3:00 p.m. Eastern • FREE

I thought let me review this title for the benefit of Cisco Certification aspires. No doubt the CCNP ROUTE 642-902 Official Certification Guide is an excellent title with lot of info available in depth. As promised by Cisco Press this title is covers all the topics of Cisco CCNP Route 642-902 exam. This title too follows the typical Cisco Press Style; each chapter begins with “Do I know this Already? Quiz? Which is good to assess your knowledge and accordingly you can prepare for the exam. The best thing I personally liked about this title is the author started by reviewing EIGRP from CCNA perspective.

When I first Wendell Odom’s ICND 1 and 2, I was zapped with his technical writing skills and the way he presented the topics were simply awesome. I was expecting similar interesting wring from Wendell in   title CCNP ROUTE 642-902 Official Certification Guide, but rather it was bit boring and lengthy. There are few typos as well in this title. It would have been a great title if the concepts were explained in short and concise.

However I think this title has a lot of great information in it which is sufficient to pass the Cisco CCNP Route 642-902 Exam. Wendell Odom does a great job of explaining things in detail. I just wish it was an error free title especially when it comes from Cisco Press.

Recently I passed the CCNP Route 640-902 (Implementing Cisco Route) Exam. My approach pretty simple, I did the following

1)First and foremost set the deadline for the exam when you are planning take, mark your calendar ( Goal setting)

2)Read and master the Cisco Press title CCNP ROUTE 642-902 Official Certification Guide by Wendell Odom, as well the practice the Boson Exam Engine questions came with the Cisco Press Title.

3)Watch Cisco CCNP Route 642-902 CBT Nuggets Series are great especially the way Jeremy connects with his audience, I love it. Watch these nuggets until you master the topic; the best part is listening to them while you are driving to work or while you are on the road. Make use of time.

4)Set up the GNS3 labs (an open-source Cisco Emulator) and practice them. When you buy the Cisco CCNP Route 642-902 CBT Nuggets Series you are entitled to get the topologies used by Jeremy.( Practice as much you can, more practice masters you and make you more familiarize with Cisco Routers Configurations)

By the time you’re done with reading the Cisco Press CCNP ROUTE 642-902 Official Certification Guide by Wendell Odom, watching the Cisco CCNP Route 642-902 CBT Nuggets Series and practicing the GNS3 labs you’ll be ready to take the challenge of Cisco CCNP Route Exam 642- 902(Implementing Cisco Route) Exam.