From: Stanford M. Wong (stanford@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
Date: Sat Aug 25 2001 - 07:03:07 GMT-3
Well, after much ragging by my study partners I am writing the list.
The first attempt back in Sept 2000 was say the least a feeble attempt. I
basically was totally unprepared and had no business even attempting the lab
exam, but I did accomplish my primary task - "Find out how much I needed to
know to pursue this certification". I then proceeded to prepare for my
second attempt which occurred in Feb 2001. Once again I didn't have the
depth or breath of knowledge to pass the exam, but I did make it to day two.
Then it was back to the books/studying and on 19 Aug 2001 I was able to pass
the lab exam and receive my number. It wasn't pretty but I did pass.
Now for the secrets of becoming a CCIE. Sorry boys and girls there is none.
You just have to study study and study. When you think that you know the
technology, study study study more. You cannot be content on what you know.
The purpose of the CCIE and all types of pursuits is the search of
knowledge. Like in all fields of study the pursuit of knowledge is never
ending.
Being from Hawaii and an independent consultant my funds were limited and
therefore I opted to not buy any of those lab scenarios, nor did I rent lab
time, or go to any of those bootcamps/prep classes. Also with the
career/family the home lab was a must. So I used all of my financial
resources towards equipment.
Now for the real important stuff -
==============Things I did right=================
Get a home/work lab with the bare minimum (this took me about 6 months to
put together)-
1. Framerelay switch (used a 4500 with 4 serial interfaces)
2. ISDN simulator (Teltone) with at least two router with 2 ISDN capabl
e
routers
3. Catalyst 3920 ( this was really a weak area so I needed a lot of wor
k
here)
4. Catalyst 5000 switch (got this off of ebay)
5. 5 routers ( two of them having token ring interfaces, 4 of them havi
ng
serial interfaces, at least
one of them having a fastethernet interface capable of doing isl
trunking)
6. Two token ring capable workstations to test the DLSW stuff.
Formed a Study group -
Make sure they are all at different stages of their CCIE pursuit. By
you
explaining things to them it reinforced concepts/techniques that you already
know. Also the little tricks and styles will be spread to the rest of the
group. I was lucky to belong to two different groups.
With a group you can also share/pool equipment.
Know the CD inside and out -
Use this during the last month of your studying. Besides the proctors
(which were really great), this is your only resource that you will have
with you.
Subscribed to this group. Paul has done a great job in making this list an
amazing resource. Two thumbs up for everybody that is involved with this
group. In fact that is how I found all of the members of both of my study
groups.
Also if you are on Oahu/Hawaii and want to join up with one of the two study
groups just drop me an email and I will put you in contact with those
groups.
==============Things I did wrong====================
1. Not forming a study group until about 2 months prior to my second
attempt. In retrospect had I joined a study group I would have passed this
test back in Feb 2001. Don't make the same mistake I did. Find a study
partner and meet at least 1-3 times a week.
2. Trying to attempt the lab without a solid foundation in RIP, EIGRP, OSPF,
BGP, ISDN, Frame Relay, Trunking, Token Ring, DLSW, IPX, Redistribution, and
Filtering. This is what most people call the core of the CCIE. Don't even
attempt to do the lab without a complete understanding of the above
technologies.
Things like QOS, Multicast, HSRP, Mobile IP, DHCP, NTP, NAT, IPSEC, Mobile
IP, etc have to come after you know the core stuff.
I did this mistake on my first two attempts.
=====================================================
In retrospect the journey was 100% worth it. For me it was never about
money but about a personal goal. The studying has improved my ability to
perform my job. The study groups have forged long term friendships. Also I
wanted to mention that I started as a Cisco Network Academy instructor here
at the local regional academy and the instructor classes were really a great
CCIE preparation for me. So if any of you have a Cisco Academy in your
area, you may want to consider this as a part of your preparation
(http://cisco.netacad.net). It sure helped me.
Best wishes to all of you that are still in pursuit of this certification.
Don't forget to tell your spouse, significant other, children, or
employer/customer that you do appreciate them supporting you during pursuit.
Stanford
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