CCIE R&S v4.0 Lab Exam Demo

After passing the CCIE R&S Written qualification exam over 1 week ago, I have been busy tending to post celebratory duties, which include scheduling the Lab and finalizing a solid study schedule. With regards to the latter, some research was required, which led me to watch an interesting video from The Human Network. This video is an overview of the CCIE Lab 4.0 interface one might expect to see at lab time.



CCIE R&S v4.0 Lab Exam Demo (12:40 min)
This demo will familiarize candidates with the online interface that has replaced paper exams, which presents the virtual topology, test questions, documentation and tools. Strongly recommended for all candidates.

The main page can be found here.

Passed the Written today....

As the title states, I passed the Written today...

My Background:
Approximately 4 years in networking, 9 years in IT.
CCNA, with no higher level certs.
5 months of preparation for this exam.

Thoughts:
I can't tell you if it was a fair or unfair exam. You either know enough to pass, or you don't. I can, however, tell you about the prep material I used and whether they were worth it or not. So, in rating these materials, I'll use the 5 ping scale (borrowed from Sean E. Connelly) with 5 being the best. (These are listed in no particular order.)

Materials:
1. CCIE Routing & Switching Certification Guide, Fourth Edition
It's tough to aggregate all the information that the CCIE R&S blueprint covers, but Odom & friends (Healy & Donohue) have done it (for the most part).

Positives:
In this tome is over 95% of the information you will need to pass the Written. However, your ability to retain all that information is the real challenge. The book can't help you there, but at least the information is aggregated in one central location. It's really the best bang for your buck.

Negatives:
The book contains almost everything you need, but not everything. Some topics are a little too light. But, I'm not sure how much better a book can get when the test is updated at a faster rate. The Boson questions that came with this book are sub-par for testing purposes, and I cannot recommend them to anyone in that regard. Perhaps you could use them to retain some info, but I believe you are better off creating flashcards in Mnemosyne.

Rating:
4 pings out of 5
!!!.!


2. Boson ExSim-Max for Cisco 350-001 v4.0
For the money, this is the best test engine out there. I tried three but only mention two, if you count INE's.

Positives:
There are three exams (A, B, & C) contained in it, and I found the information to be detailed and accurate. The questions have great explanations which are all cited, and many of which are cited directly from Cisco's website.

Negatives:
None of the practice tests I took matched the overall difficulty level of actual exam, including this test engine. I also wish some of the book sources they used were derived from CCIE Routing & Switching Certification Guide, Fourth Edition versus whatever edition they used.

Rating:
4 pings out of 5
!!!.!


3. INE's CCIE Routing & Switching Written Exam
I wouldn't purchase this bootcamp again unless I had no desire to read CCIE Routing & Switching Certification Guide, Fourth Edition. Even with a discount, it cost too much.

Positives:
If you're not a reader, this bootcamp is for you. Anthony Sequeira will walk you most of the technologies on the blueprint. The topics are broken down into separate modules, which is convenient. He periodically updates the bootcamp with newer modules. Also, there are two test banks, one with 100 questions, and another with 40 (at last count). Test bank two gets updated. These are online based, but have no explanations.

Negatives:
It cost too much. Also, the depth for some of the modules felt more like CCNA or CCNP level modules versus CCIE. The BGP module was like this, for example. Prior to the exam, I assumed he was trying to bring the bootcamp more in line with the actual test. Then I took the exam.

Rating:
3 pings out of 5
!.!.!


4. R&S Short-Notes v4
Remember when I said, "I'm not sure how much better a book can get when the test is updated at a faster rate,"? Scratch that. Ruhann's R&S Short-Notes delivers.

Positives:
Covers the full CCIE R&S blueprint with configuration examples and reference links. It's pretty sick how thorough it is. I read the entire book. Also, he updates it and sends out the updates at no further cost.

Negatives:
Well, none, unless you bought this product as an OEQ buster.

Rating:
5 pings out of 5
!!!!!

I'd like to rate the DocCD, but that pretty much speaks for itself. Know this, you will need it. I'll post some of the links I used in my studies in another post.

That's pretty much it. Now it's time to go to work!

For those who needed to hear Cisco say it...

Core Knowledge Questions Removed for CCIE R&S and Voice Lab Exams

With more than six months of exam results now available, Cisco is able to report that the troubleshooting components of the CCIE R&S v4.0 and CCIE Voice v3.0 lab exams are performing well in validating expert level networking skills. Considering these results, Cisco has decided to eliminate the Core Knowledge questions from the current CCIE R&S v4.0 and CCIE Voice v3.0 Lab Exams. Beginning on May 10, 2010, CCIE R&S and CCIE Voice Lab Exams, in all global locations, will no longer include the four open-ended Core Knowledge questions. The total lab time will remain eight hours. For the CCIE R&S Lab Exam, this means candidates will begin with the two-hour Troubleshooting section, followed by a six-hour Configuration section. For CCIE Voice, candidates will have the full eight hours to complete the integrated exam. At this time, only the R&S and Voice tracks will be eliminating the Core Knowledge questions.

OEQs: You're Out!

OEQs are going the way of the Dodo on May 10, 2010.

The information is from a Cisco CCIE Quarterly Call, but
you can read more here:

Bye-Bye Core Knowledge Section!
Cisco Announces OEQs (Core Knowledge) Gone May 10th for R&S and Voice Labs

It will be very interesting to see how the the remaining sections will
now stack up, and also how the vendors change their approach.

UPDATE:

The sections are projected as follows:

* Troubleshooting - 2 hours
* Configuration - 6 hours

Good fun!

Packet Pushers

As I was cleaning up the leftovers from building a Juniper Olive using a Nokia IP440, I saw a new blog posting for:

Packet Pushers Podcast

Greg Ferro, Ethan Banks, and Dan Hughes, all CCIEs, have joined forces to deliver a weekly podcast on the Networking industry.

I just finished the first "Lab Scenario" or podcast, and I thought it was pretty good. I jotted a few of the things I liked about it below.

- Great mix of topics
- Knowledge shows but isn't overwhelming to novice-levels
- Good moderation
- It's not delivered by Cisco, which allows for a different (re: non-marketing based) perspective.

Surfing

I bumped into a Spanish blog post a while ago which was pretty cool:
CCIE en Español

The blog posting contained some great links, which pointed in the direction of two blogs I like:

1. Routing Bits : Which, if you didn't already know, has probably the best "Notes-style Prep"
I've ever seen, including the Cisco Press version. (And yes, I did purchase a copy.)

CCIE R&R Short-notes

2. 111 Articles to Help You Pass the CCIE Routing and Switching Lab Exam: Another great review for when your tired and want a quick read on various subjects. Excellently organized and sourced from the CCIE Study Wiki.

CCIE Study Resources: Interview with Roman Rodichev!!!!

If you haven't heard of Roman Rodichev, he's a CCIE 6x, and all of those bad boys are for current CCIE tracks. That's sick. We'll, he talks about his experiences at CCIE Study Resources, a new CCIE resource blog operated by Larry Hadrava, CCIE #12203. You can read the entire interview here.

Here are a few of Rodichev's insights (I just had to post here for my own benefit if nothing else):

Prior to the Lab:

Find time to read. Print out a 10-20 page section of a configuration guide or a tech note and read it the same day. Do this every day. There are plenty of moments in your day, wherever you are, when you are idling and could spend that time reading. Finally, again, it’s all about INTEREST and ENJOYMENT. If you are truly interested in the technology, if you are really enjoying studying, you will find time how to balance work, wife (can’t speak for kids) and studying. People who “can’t find time for studying”, don’t actually enjoy studying that technology.


If you are going to do CCIE, why waste time on CCNP? If you are ready for CCIE, you can go and take all CCNP tests in one day, and you’ll pass them. Getting CCNP might get you a $10-20K salary increase, but probably only if you switch jobs. If you think that CCIE is your ultimate goal, go for CCIE, don’t think about CCNP. These two certifications require a different approach in studying. Some people choose to study with pass4sure and pass the CCNP within a week. I would rather prepare first for a CCIE, and then take CCNP tests without preparation a week before the CCIE lab.

After the Lab:

Past experience taking these labs taught me a lesson:
1. Document the entire lab even if you think you passed it. This takes about 3 days. Don’t be lazy!!
2. Practice your lab at home and research every topic even if you believe you will get a different lab next time
3. Don’t wait after failing, schedule the lab for the soonest date possible. The most studying you will do is between the attempts.

Narbs Anyone?

Looks like Narbik is having a fire sale for his lab books.

http://www.net-workbooks.com/workbooks.html#routingswitching

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

CCIE Lab View - See What Its Like!

Check out the Virtual Tour of the CCIE Lab here!

Nice!

Multicast then Narbik Sample Chapter

Completed Bryant Advantage Multicasting lab. Not bad, but brief. Will move on to a brief overview of switching (Narbik CCIE Foundations sample chapter).

Lab Challenges

Where were blogs like these in 2000? Here's a couple of lab challenges from Just another CCIE
CCIE #20728. Pretty nice, and also free! So go ahead, lab it up!


http://ccie20728.wordpress.com/2008/08/26/lab-challenge-eigrp/#more-205
http://ccie20728.wordpress.com/2008/05/11/lab-challenge-igp-eigrp-ospf-and-rip/

Groupstudy's CCIE Discussion list:

Groupstudy's Cisco CCIE Certification Discussion list is another great resource, especially for those who haven't yet completed the CCIE Written portion. As I have only one 3550 switch to practice routing on, and 3 2950s, I wondered how I could route across the 2950s. The following posting entitled "Routng between 3550 and 2950" explains it. See below:



HI Experts,


Following is my topology:-

R1(2611) <---> R2(2611) <---->SW1(3550) ======SW2(2950) <----->
R3(2611) <----->R4(2611)

Note:- Link between the SW1 & SW2 is etherchannel

My query is:-

1. Can the routes be received from R1 to R4.If yes then how should be
the Switches configured coz one of them is Layer 2 and the other is
Layer 3

What I have done so far:-

1. I tried configuring SW1 as layer 3 interface and sw2 as layer 2 on
one of the Interface . the link came up but still couln't get routes
from R1 to R4. I did this configuration by deleting the etherchannel
between the 2 switches. I think this is a wrong configuration but I
don't knowhow I should make the packets reachable in this scenario.



--
Warm Regards
Raghav


RESPONSE:



One option creat whaterver L3 SVi on 3550 say
!
Int vlan 33
ip addr 33.33.33.1/24
!

On the interface connecting to the L2 switch.. just say sw acc vl 33 and the
same command on the interface connecting to R3

On R3.
int eth0/0
ip add 33.33.33.3/24
!

You should be able to ping between Sw1 and R3 then. You could also leave the
link between sw1 and sw2 to be a trunk and just make changes on the link
connecting to R3.

Do read Lan Switching by Clark should help you out with most switching tech.

-Hoogen

IPv6

Worked through most of IPv6 in Doyle's Routing TCP/IP. That's a great book! Took thorough notes, will finish tomorrow morning and move on to RIPv2 (finally), then on to EIGRP. Hopefully I can get some time in to work on my lab before the week is out. Plan to run through those RIP labs from the Bryant Advantage and Mohamed Ouamer. These are just basic labs, but I'm doing them to reinforce concepts as I progress. I plan to continue on that route building up my understanding for the Written, and at the same time, preparing for transition to Soup-to-Nuts (S2N) once I have completed the written. I plan to take the written by the end of November, beginning of December before this project at work ramps to full speed. Anyway, that's the basic gist of my plan. I'll place a real outline later.

TCP/IP/VLSM/Summarization/CIDR

Well, never made it to RIPv2 : (. Spent the day taking thorough notes on TCP/IP/VLSM/Summarization/CIDR. Read the first three sections of the Bryant Advantage BSCI Study Guide: IP Routing, DV Routing, & VLSM, Summarization, and CIDR. Will go back through to make flash cards for reminders. Will follow up with IPv6 from Routing TCP/IP Volume I, either tonight and tomorrow, or just tomorrow.

Free Labs

Looks like a new site is up by Mohamed Ouamer. I'll run through a few of his labs and post my thoughts afterward. It actually could be a good find as I am spending the day running through RIP, and he has several RIP labs up.

Skipping the CCNP, and straight to the CCIE?

Yep! I have decided not to pursue the CCNP. (I actually earned the CCNP and CCDP in 2001-02). I will instead start preparing for the CCIE Written and then the lab. There are some arguments as to why you should skip the CCNP, but I am skipping it simply to bypass the rehashing. I have a full lab setup, though not as fancy as most, but enough to get 85-90% of the topics done. I can rent rack time after that.

10 TIPS FOR TAKING THE LAB EXAM

STUDY TIPS

Assessing Strengths
Using the content blueprint, determine your experience and knowledge in the major topic areas. For areas of strength, practicing for speed should be your focus. For weak areas, you may need training or book study in addition to practice.

Study Materials
Choose lab materials that provide configuration examples and take a hands-on approach. Look for materials that are approved or provided by Cisco and its Learning Partners.

Hands-On Practice
Build and practice lab scenarios on a per topic basis. Go beyond the basics and practice additional features. Learn the show and debug commands along with each topic. If a protocol has multiple ways of configuring a feature, practice all of them.

Cisco Documentation CD
Make sure you can navigate the Cisco documentation CD with confidence because this is the only resource you will be allowed during the lab. Make the CD part of your regular study; if you are familiar with it, you can save time during the exam. As of March 2006, the documentation can only be navigated using the index; the search function has been disabled.

Home Labs
Although acquiring a personal home lab is ideal, it can be costly to gather all the equipment you will need. For the hardware devices that are costly to obtain, you may be able to rent the equipment online at a more reasonable cost.

TEN TIPS FOR TAKING THE LAB EXAM

1. Read the entire exam first and check for addressing issues. Do not skip any details or sections.



2. Manage your time. Make a plan to cover all the sections in the time provided. Work out how much time you will spend on each section, keeping in mind the point value of the questions. Don’t forget to allow time at the end to verify your solutions.



3. Clarify the requirements of each question. Don’t assume requirements that aren’t mentioned in the question. During the lab, if you are in any doubt, verify your understanding of the question with the proctor.



4. Do each question as a unit. Configure and verify before moving to the next question. You may want to redraw the topology with all the details available. This will help you visualize and map the network.



5. Troubleshoot. You must know how to troubleshoot using the tools available. Although troubleshooting is important, don’t lose too much time working on a 2- or 3-point question. If you’re caught off-guard by an unfamiliar topic, don’t let it absorb too much time. Work on the things you are more comfortable with and go back to difficult items later.



6. Keep a list. During the exam, make notes on configurations and settings as you move through the exam. Make a separate list for items you have not been able to address or where you have not achieved the desired result which you’ll need to revisit.



7. Test your work. Never rely on a configuration done in the early hours of the exam. There is a possibility that an item you configured a few sections earlier can become broken and non-functional. Keep in mind that points are awarded for working configuration only.



8. Save your configurations often.



9. Don’t make any drastic changes in the last half hour of the exam.



10. Speed is vital on the exam. Review and practice core material the week before the exam to ensure you can move quickly through the less challenging questions.