From: Ben Toyoda (bentoyoda@xxxxxxxx)
Date: Thu Jul 13 2000 - 00:56:07 GMT-3
I would like to first thank everyone for their kind words on my
finally achieving CCIE status. This list contains, in my opinion, the
finest network engineers on the planet and it's nice to be in such
great company. Anyway, many have asked what I did to prepare, so here
are some comments and suggestions:
Books - You know what the essentials are, Caslow, Doyle, Halabi. I'll
also add Configuring Cisco Routers for Bridging, DLSW+ and Desktop
Protocols by Tan Nam-Kee. And of course, the CD documentation which is
a must. There's info on the CD that you won't find anywhere else.
Also, if you have trouble getting through the Halabi book, I found
that the BGP section in the Case Studies section on the CD to very
good.
Lab Scenarios - I purchased the CCIE Boot Camp labs and I think they
are a great investment. However, it's important to not rely solely on
these labs in preparation for the real thing. I used these labs simply
as a foundation to build on. For example, there may a lab that focuses
strictly on IP stuff such as OSPF and BGP. After completing the lab, I
would add additional complexity by incorporating other routed and
routing protocols such as IPX, Apple, Dec, etc. using the CD as a
reference. I also would incorporate scenarios that were presented on
this list. Be sure to turn on debug, do "what if" scenarios to see
what the results are, etc. This is where the real learning happens.
Once you understand how a technology really works, you're getting
close to being ready for the lab. I also used the labs at Fatkid.com
which also are very good. You have to be little more careful on what
they provided for answers and some errors, but overall I think they
are well done.
Hardware - I have a combination of 2500's, 2600's, a 4700, and a Cat5k
switch. The above routers supported Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token,
serial, isdn, and voice. I also have a couple of MAU's and a Teltone
ISDN simulator. My company allowed me to use the hardware to setup the
lab both for my studies and to simulate/prepare for some major network
changes we will be making soon. For ATM, I used CCIE Boot camp remote
access to acquire these skills.
Classes - I've attended most of the Cisco core classes, but not in
preparation for CCIE. I simply had attended these classes over the
years to help me in my job. However, one class that I did attend
specifically to prepare for the lab was ECP-1. This class was
excellent. Many have raved about Bruce's "Spot the issue" technique
and it works. A couple of times, the light bulb went on over my head
as I realized some of the gotchas that could arise during the exam.
It's also great to interact with other individuals that are pursuing
the same goal. Up until this point, I had never even met anyone that
was pursuing the CCIE. Great class, I highly recommend it.
General suggestions - I'm in agreement with what others that have
passed the lab have suggested, such as being well rested, stay calm
during the exam, be mindful of the time, etc. While you're preparing
for the exam, here are a couple of things that were helpful to me.
While I was preparing, I often could feel the sensation of burnout
approaching. When you detect this, it's important to stop and rest or
do something else. You're not going to learn when you feel completely
fried. I would go to the gym or play volleyball at least once a week.
This really helped to keep my sanity during the periods of intense
study. If you failed the lab once before, the result was probably one
of two things - either it was a complete crash and burn or you felt
pretty good about most of the topics, just blew it on a couple of key
items. If it was the crash and burn, you need to step back and really
analyze what you did wrong. Do you REALLY understand how a particular
technology works? Or were you simply typing in commands that you
thought were correct because that was how it was done in some lab
scenario you practiced? However, if you missed it by only a few points
and know what you need to work on, get on the waiting list
immediately. Work on those weak points and take the test again while
you have the momentum up.
Wow, I just did a lot of typing. Sorry for making it so lengthy, just
want to contribute where I can to a great list.
Take care everyone and good luck!
Ben
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