From: atolstykh@atfam.com
Date: Sun Feb 26 2006 - 00:14:00 GMT-3
I just earned my double CCIE R&S/Security title. It took me a little
less than 12 months to complete both tracks, and it was all possible
thanks to the great instructors from CyscoExperts.
I will just repeat my comments posted after completing R&S track - you
guys rock!!!
My preparation technique:
1. Complete R&S track first, Security builds on top of this track.
Bottom line is: you can NOT secure what you can't deliver.
2. Read the following Cisco Press books: Network Security
Principles and Practices, CCIE Practical Studies: Security, CCIE
Security Practice Labs (excellent guide), Cisco ASA and PIX Firewall
Handbook, IDS training: as much as you can (Knowledge Net etc.), Cisco
Press: The Complete Cisco VPN Configuration Guide, Cisco Press: Advanced
BGP design (must have), Cisco Press: OSPF Command guide (very heavy
OSPF). This track is very intense; it's much tougher than R&S. So read
as much as you can, stress on IDS/VPNC/PIX - know PIX in and out - every
little thing that it does, every single feature. IDS - should be your
second nature. VPNC - you need to know every single tab and every little
feature. Routing is super heavy & elite scenarios.
3. Get as much practice as you can, I had a full Security rack at
work and was able to access it remotely on weekends/nights. Take care of
the basics and then book rack time / instructors at CXP.
4. Complete all CXP labs at least twice. Take as many notes as you
can. Ask Naren and Bahram to check your work - every single line. Test
it. Break it - ask for a different scenario/option. Ask them to modify
the configuration and introduce issues in your configuration. Perform
troubleshooting and explain the troubleshooting procedure. Bring your
laptop with you, install Cisco VPN client and test everything. I suggest
installing Kiwi Syslog, Cisco VPN Client, Websense URL filtering server,
PPTP, FTP client with passive/active support on one laptop and
DNS/IIS/Bullet Proof FTP Server /Telnet/Kiwi Syslog/SMB on another one.
Test all commands and its associated behavior. Know DOC CD in and out.
Learn how to use search function (new and old interface). Have mental
shortcuts for all areas, navigating to lets say PIX VPN section should
take you 10 seconds. Learn how to check your work.
5. Take and pass the lab :-)
6. Don't forget to have fun during this whole time and remember -
it's just a certification - nothing more.
7. Reward your family and yourself for all the hard work. Remember
- they also had to sacrifice a lot of things for this goal.
8. And the most important part: post on the Group Study and have a
few beers with the guys at CyscoExperts (I had about 4 - some have 10,
your mileage may vary).
Best of luck to all CCIE candidates! I hope to write another email when
I am done with the CCIE: Voice track.
Best regards,
Andrew
________________________________
From: Andrew Tolstykh
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2005 6:09 PM
To: ccielab@groupstudy.com
Subject: CCIE#14715 CyscoExperts
I passed on my first try last Tuesday in RTP. Compared to pretty much
any CXP study lab the real test was not that hard. I was able to
complete mine by the lunch time.
Following the advice of my instructors I did not leave earlier and
instead spent the rest of the day double/triple checking everything.
I have to thank all CyscoExperts instructors - Bacho, Mitch, Naren, Tom
and Bahram. Thank you for doing such a great job - I enjoyed learning
from the best.
There is not a single chance that I could have done it without your
guidance. You taught me how to decipher questions, verify my solutions
and detect complex hidden issues.
It was the best feeling when after 15 minutes into the lab I realized,
that I know every single concept in and out and that I am definitely
going to get my number on the first try.
To quote Bahram - "peace of cake :-)"
Best of luck to all CCIE candidates! I hope to write another success
email when I am done with the CCIE Security track.
Best regards,
Andrew Tolstykh
CCIE#14715
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