Dear Secret Santa...

My family celebrates the Xmas holidays by giving gifts via Secret Santa.
Here was my letter.... I'm sure they'll love it...


Dear Secret Santa:

I'd like a Cisco 3560, but those are going for $800 used right now. So I'd like
a Cisco 3550. You'd have to buy it used from eBay. It can be 24 or 48 ports. They
go for around the same price. See a sample below.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CISCO-3550-CATALYST-48-PORT-SWITCH-DUAL-WS-G5484_W0QQitemZ270286891237QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270286891237&_trkparms=72%3A1205|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps646/index.html

I just need the following specs:

Cisco WS-C3550-48-SMI Switch 3550 with EMI Image
or
Cisco WS-C3550-24-SMI Switch 3550 with EMI Image
or
Cisco WS-C3550-24-SMI Switch 3550 with SMI Image

Don't let these specifications frighten or confuse you. The hardware is the easiest
part of networking. Please be sure that once you get the Cisco 3550, test it to
make sure it works. (For testing you will need to "console" in; please see {Dad's name}
for details). It would stink if you gave a me a switch that didn't work.

Many Thanks Santa!

I'm stuck studying Strategic Management.

Check out this article though:

Cisco launches first-ever authorized CCIE training program

My Favorite Interview Question - Jeff Doyle

Check out this little jewel...

My Favorite Interview Question - Jeff Doyle

Today’s post is about one of the most basic OSPF rules.

I was often called upon, in past jobs, to conduct technical interviews with applicants to network engineering and professional services positions. A CCIE and experience commensurate with that certification was typically a gateway to just being considered for a technical interview, so these job candidates were no slouches in what they knew.

CCIE SP Mini-Scenarios

Anyone thinking of going for the CCIE SP? Check out these free
mini scenarios from Antonio Soares, CCIE #18473.

CCIELab has passed the CCIE!

Read all about CCIE Lab Preparation's experience here:

CCIE #22262
My Lab Experience - Part I
My Lab Experience - Part II

CCIE Pursuit's 1st Lab Attempt - Write Up

A two part series (at this point) that gives one an excellent view into the lab (without NDA violation). IMO, one of the more thorough descriptions out there.

Check them out here:

CCIE Pursuit Blog

My Lab Experience - Part I
My Lab Experience - Part II

The dangers of nonpassive router interfaces

Been a little busy with interviews and getting set for two of my last four
classes (Graduate Accounting and Strategic Management). Meanwhile just
read a cool article by Stretch at Packetlife. Give it a read:

The dangers of nonpassive router interfaces

By default, any network interface advertised by an IGP is considered active for that protocol. This means that the router will send information out that interface in an attempt to advertise routes or form adjacencies with neighboring routers. While this provides a bit of convenience to the administrator, it also presents a gaping security hole if neighbor adjacencies are not securely authenticated...