forming an expert preparation strategy cisco 360

CIELIB

Cisco 360 CCIE R&S Reference Library Introduction

The Cisco 360 CCIE Routing and Switching Reference Library is a collection of technical articles written on topics related to those found in the Routing and Switching CCIE® lab.

Many of these articles attempt to explore not just specific internetworking technologies. The articles attempt to explore and present different problem solving and verification methods used when deploying specific technologies. Specifically, many articles attempt to apply the issue spotting/options analysis problem solving approach.

Forming an Expert Preparation Strategy Cisco 360

2 Cisco 360 CCIE R&S Reference Library © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc.

COPYRIGHT. 2008. CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL CONTENT AND MATERIALS, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, RECORDINGS, COURSE MATERIALS, HANDOUTS AND PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PAGE, ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAWS. THESE MATERIALS ARE LICENSED EXCLUSIVELY TO REGISTERED STUDENTS FOR THEIR INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION IN THE SUBJECT COURSE. DOWNLOADING THESE MATERIALS SIGNIFIES YOUR AGREEMENT TO THE FOLLOWING: (1) YOU ARE PERMITTED TO PRINT THESE MATERIALS ONLY ONCE, AND OTHERWISE MAY NOT REPRODUCE THESE MATERIALS IN ANY FORM, OR BY ANY MEANS, WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM CISCO; AND (2) YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO SAVE ON ANY SYSTEM, MODIFY, DISTRIBUTE, REBROADCAST, PUBLISH, TRANSMIT, SHARE OR CREATE DERIVATIVE WORKS ANY OF THESE MATERIALS. IF YOU ARE NOT A REGISTERED STUDENT THAT HAS ACCEPTED THESE AND OTHER TERMS OUTLINED IN THE STUDENT AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED BY CISCO, YOU ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO ACCESS THESE MATERIALS.

© 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. Cisco 360 CCIE R&S Reference Library 3

Table of Contents Forming an Expert Preparation Strategy Cisco 360 ................................................................. 1

Forming an Expert Preparation Strategy Cisco 360 ................................................................................ 4 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 4 PART ONE: Formulating an Overall Strategy for Developing Expert Level Skills and Preparing for the

Routing and Switching CCIE Lab ............................................................................................................... 4 PART TWO: Formulating a Strategy for Mastering the Core Foundational Topics ............................................ 9 A Suggested Set of Opening Moves Mental Simulations to Perform at the Beginning Any R&S CCIE

Lab ........................................................................................................................................................... 17 STAGE #1 of 3: ATTAINING UNIVERSAL IPV4 UNICAST CONNECTIVITY ON A PER-SUBNET/LINK

BASIS. ...................................................................................................................................................... 24 STAGE #2 of 3: ATTAINING UNIVERSAL IPV4 UNICAST CONNECTIVITY ON A PER IGP BASIS............ 40 STAGE #3 of 3: ATTAINING UNIVERSAL IPV4 UNICAST CONNECTIVITY ON AN INTER-IGP BASIS

VIA REDISTRIBUTION ............................................................................................................................ 44 STAGE #4: ATTAINING UNIVERSAL IPV4 UNICAST CONNECTIVITY ON AN INTER-AS BASIS VIA

BGP .......................................................................................................................................................... 46 IP Multicast – Get in the Multicast “Tree” Frame of Mind ................................................................................. 50 VERIFY!!! VERIFY!!! VERIFY!!!!Formulate a Massive Verification TCL Script ................................................ 54 SUMMARY: ..................................................................................................................................................... 55


Forming an Expert Preparation Strategy Cisco 360

Introduction This document is designed to help anyone who is attempting to formulate a cohesive and logical learning strategy to attain expert level skills and critical thinking in the field of routing and switching internetwork technologies. The document will refer to the following tools and resources from the Cisco 360 Learning Program for the Routing and Switching CCIE: 1). The general structure of the learning web-portal 2). Lessons in VoD format 2). The Reference Library 3). The Exercise Workbook 4). A set of Graded Assessment Labs Also, this document introduces the student to the Cisco 360 learning and problem problem solving method known as “know your options, make no assumptions, spot the issues”. This document is divided into two sections: 1). Formulating an Overall Strategy for Developing Expert Level Skills 2). Formulating a Strategy for Mastering the Core Foundational Topics Once a student has developed an expert level of skills and critical thinking in the field of routing and switching internetwork technologies, a by-product of this development will be the ability to pass the Routing and Switching CCIE Lab. Consequently, this document will make several references to the parallels between developing the above stated level of expertise and successfully preparing for the Routing and Switching CCIE Lab.

PART ONE: Formulating an Overall Strategy for Developing Expert Level Skills and Preparing for the Routing and Switching CCIE Lab Ever since it was introduced, attaining CCIE certification can be an overwhelming endeavor. In order to make a CCIE certification effort more manageable, it is recommended to modularize your CCIE preparation effort. Furthermore, it is recommended to modularize your CCIE preparation effort along clear demarcation points of the different types of internetworking technology that might be encountered in the actual CCIE lab. When you consider modularizing your CCIE study efforts along the demarcating points of different technologies, consider the following CCIE “Cluster of Topics” diagrams. Let’s take a look:


Notice that at the heart and center of this “cluster” of CCIE topics, is the topic of “Connectivity”. The connectivity core can be further modularized. See the diagram below. When you examine the “connectivity cluster of topics below, please note that there is an order of dependence of the different technologies found within this cluster. The technologies on the outer rings of the diagrams rely on the technologies on the inner rings. MODULARIZE!!!! The Connectivity Cluster

Multicast Connectivity

Per Link Connectivity

Connectivity per BGPInter AS

Connectivity RedistributionInter IG

P

Connectivity

per IGP

When you count the number of layers in each of the cluster diagrams displayed above, you come up with eight key CCIE level topics. These eight topics are: 1). Per-link Connectivity 2). Per IGP Connectivity 3). Inter-IGP Connectivity via Redistribution 4). Inter-AS Connectivity via BGP


END Unicast Connectivity 5). Multicast Connectivity END Connectivity in General 6). Quality of Service 7). Security 8). IP Services and IOS Features A ninth topic that can be added above is IPv6. The IPv6 structure can run parallel to the entire modular, layered structure above. It would entirely replace IPv4 for each of the categories above. NOTE: The eight topics listed above, along with IPv6, parallel the seven categories of topics listed in the official CCIE Routing and Switching Lab Exam Blueprint. Click here to review the official Blueprint: http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/ccie/rs/lab_exam_blueprint.html The eight topics displayed in the previous “cluster” diagrams, plus IPv6, can be grouped a number of ways to form a modular CCIE preparation plan. A commonly used three phase CCIE preparation process is: Phase One: Master the IPv4 Unicast Connectivity Topics. These topics are often referred to “the core foundational topics”. Phase Two: Attain Critical Mass in Your CCIE Preparation Effort – Master Four Expansive and Complex Topics: IP Multicast, QoS, Security and IPv6 Phase Three: Master the Remaining “Smaller” Topics – Master IP Services and IOS Features When attempting to weight the relative importance of the different phases listed above, the following can be asserted: Phase Two and Phase Three are dependent on Phase One. Phase One is often called the “core foundational” phase. Therefore, it is not recommended to move onto Phases Two and Three until a high level of mastery is attained in Phase One. A high level of mastery can be measured by performing a progression of Cisco 360 Assessment labs. To better understand what is included in Phase One – “the core foundational topics”, let’s review the following categories of topics:

1. Attaining Universal Connectivity on a Per-Link Basis - Point-to-Point Interfaces - Multi-access Interfaces (Switched Ethernet/Catalyst 3550/3560) - Point-to-Multipoint Interfaces (Frame-Relay) - IP Address Assignment Methods

2. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an IGP Basis - OSPF - EIGRP - RIPv2

3. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an inter-IGP Basis via Redistribution 4. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an inter-AS Basis via BGP

NOTE: To attempt to completely cover all IOS configuration tools and techniques that relate to the foundational subject of IPv4 unicast connectivity, it is suggested that the following IP Services and IOS Features be studied as well: Network Address Translation (NAT)


DHCP The First-Hop Routing Protocols (HSRP, VRRP, GLBP, IRDP) ODR Policy Routing However, do not study these smaller “unicast connectivity”related topics until the four major categories of “unicast connectivity” topics are studied and mastered first. These four topics are so important and foundational to success in CCIE certification, they are listed one more time below: 1. Attaining Universal Connectivity on a Per-Link Basis 2. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an IGP Basis 3. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an inter-IGP Basis via Redistribution 4. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an inter-AS Basis via BGP These four topics, and the sub-topics included within each of them, comprise 40-50% of the total points allocated in the entire actual CCIE lab. These topics, and the sub-topics included within each of them, will comprise 80-100% of the topics encountered in the morning of the actual CCIE lab. All other topics will build upon the configurations created for these four topics. Therefore, in order to have a realistic chance at passing the actual CCIE lab, a candidate most be strong in the four categories of topics listed above. When it is noted that the passing score in the CCIE lab is “80”, one must consider the following: If a CCIE candidate loses 10-12 points in configuring these core foundational topics, this means that the candidate can lose no more than another 8-10 points in the remaining topics. Given the type and number of topics that can be encountered in the CCIE lab that build upon the above listed “core foundational topics”, there is a high probability that an additional 8-10 points will be lost. In conclusion, a CCIE candidate that is not very strong in the core foundational topics possesses a low probability of passing the actual CCIE lab. While it is possible that such a candidate can pass, statistics compiled by the Cisco 360 Learning Program reflect that the probability is low. At the very most, CCIE candidates that have a balance of strength throughout all CCIE topics – for example, a CCIE candidate that has a moderate strength in both the core foundational topics as well as the topics the build upon this foundation – the best such a candidate can hope for is to come “close” to passing the actual CCIE lab. Such candidates must heavily rely on a lot of luck to pass the actual CCIE lab. A CCIE candidate must not only possess “moderate” strength in a range of topics. A CCIE candidate must show a “high level” of strength in a range of topics. Two things must be said of the statements above: 1). You do not want to rely primarily on luck to pass the actual CCIE lab. 2). While “coming close to passing the CCIE lab” is an admirable accomplishment, it is not the CCIE candidate’s end goal. Obviously, the CCIE candidate wants to pass the actual exam. Also, it must be noted that unlike many university courses, there is no “curve” in the grading of CCIE lab scores. If the CCIE team needs to fail the entire group of CCIE candidates that take the lab on a given day, they will do so if all candidates receive failing grades. In conclusion, the CCIE program extends no sympathy to candidates that come close to passing the CCIE lab. While this is an admirable achievement, it in no way translates into attaining the actual CCIE number. A Commonly Asked Question by CCIE Candidates: “How Close Am I to Passing the CCIE Lab?” The Cisco 360 Learning Program helps CCIE candidates answer this question by having them perform a series of Assessment labs. After a series of Assessment labs have been performed, the Cisco 360 Learning Program


can apply its “ongoing trended assessment” methods to help the CCIE candidate determine how close they are to passing the actual CCIE lab. This brief section will be dedicated to explaining what “ongoing trended assessment” is. If you know this already, you can skip this section. If you don’t, it is suggested you read this two paragraph section. Ongoing trended assessment is applied by having a CCIE candidate perform a series of Assessment labs. Assessment labs are practice CCIE-level labs that attempt to simulate the actual CCIE Lab experience. After performing a series of Assessment labs, a trend of performance is established. From this trend of performance, a determination of the candidate’s level of readiness to take the actual CCIE lab is attained. When analyzing a candidate’s trend of Assessment results, the level of importance in configuring the “core foundational” topics is so crucial that two primary lines appear in the summary graph representing the overall trend of performance of any CCIE candidate that has taken multiple Assessment labs. This graph is found in the personal web-portal of every Assessment user. These two lines are represented in the graph below.

In the graph above, a CCIE candidate has taken a total of five Assessment labs. The lighter line (it is a red line when viewed from the web-portal or a PDF file) reflects the trend of the total Assessment scores recorded for all five labs. The darker line (it is a blue line when viewed from the web-portal or a PDF file) reflects the subtotal score for all of the core foundational topics included within the score of each Assessment lab. If the darker line (the blue-line) is low, obviously it will also cause the lighter line (the red-line) to be low. A CCIE candidate that is trending with a low “blue-line” after performing a series of Assessment labs must focus his or her primary study efforts on improving performance in configuring the “core foundational topics”. PART ONE: Conclusion To conclude this section, the following must be stated:


For anyone beginning their CCIE preparation effort, they must first focus on topics related to attaining IPv4 Unicast Connectivity – the “core foundational topics”. It is not recommend that a CCIE candidate study any topics outside of this category until a high level of mastery is attained with the “core foundational topics”. It will be determined whether a high level of mastery is attained with the “core foundational topics” after a CCIE candidate has performed a series of Cisco 360 Assessment labs. Once a series of Assessment labs are performed, a trend of performance will be established (similar to the line-graph displayed in the previous section). This trend of performance will be compared against a special group of Assessment users – the group of Assessment users that have taken the same labs and have gone on to pass the actual CCIE lab. After a Cisco 360 Mentor analyzes your trend (provided that you have paid for mentoring services) and compares your trend to the group of Assessment users that have gone on to pass the actual CCIE lab, your Mentor will then make a recommendation on whether you should move into Phase Two of CCIE Preparation – attaining critical mass in your CCIE preparation effort by mastering four key topics – IP multicasting, QoS, Security and IPv6.

PART TWO: Formulating a Strategy for Mastering the Core Foundational Topics When discussing how to formulate a strategy for mastering the Core Foundational Topics, the Cisco 360 Learning Program has compiled an on-line Reference Library. Some of the initial sections of the Reference Library are: 1). Link-Layer 2). IGP’s 3). Redistribution 4). BGP These four sections directly map to the following sub-categories found within the overall goal of mastering the “core foundational topics”: 1. Attaining Universal Connectivity on a Per-Link Basis 2. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an IGP Basis 3. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an inter-IGP Basis via Redistribution 4. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an inter-AS Basis via BGP


As mentioned in the previous section of this document, these four sub-sections can be further sub-divided into the following sub-categories:

1. Attaining Universal Connectivity on a Per-Link Basis

1. Point-to-Point Interfaces 2. Multi-access Interfaces (Switched Ethernet/Catalyst 3550/3560) 3. Point-to-Multipoint Interfaces (Frame-Relay) 4. IP Address Assignment Methods

2. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an IGP Basis

1. Configuring OSPF 2. Configuring EIGRP 3. Configuring RIPv2

3. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an inter-IGP Basis via Redistribution

1. Methods of Performing Redistribution – One-Way, Two-Way Redistribution 2. Tools for Controlling Redistribution – Distribute-lists, Route-Maps and the Distance

Command 4. Attaining Universal Connectivity on an inter-AS Basis via BGP

1. Forming BGP Neighbor Relationships 2. Manipulating the Mandatory BGP Attributes 3. Filtering BGP Updates by Prefix, AS Path, Communities or a Combination of these Methods 4. Aggregating BGP Updates 5. Manipulating BGP Path Selection 6. Miscellaneous BGP Configuration Issues

As you can see, while we began with only four categories related to the “core foundational topics”, we now see that there are many more sub-categories within each of these categories. And it must be noted that the list provided above is only a partial list of the sub-categories found within the “core foundational topics”. A more complete list of all of the sub-categories found within the “core foundational topics” can be found in the Cisco 360 Reference Library. When CCIE candidates see the number of sub-categories increasing within this mere sub-set of the CCIE preparation effort, many oftentimes begin to feel overwhelmed again. How can we avoid this feeling of being overwhelmed? Once again, the suggested answer lies in one word: MODULARIZE!!! This time we are going to modularize on a per-topic/per-technology basis. Modularizing on a Per Topic/Per-Technology Basis: Separate Out the Necessary and Invariant Configuration Tasks from the Non-Essential Configuration Tasks: FORMULATING AN “OPENING MOVES” CONFIGURATION ALGORITHM ON A PER-TOPIC/PER-TECHNOLOGY BASIS Now, our modularization effort has been sub-divided down to a per-topic/per-technology basis. Furthermore, we are also performing additional modularization on a per-topic/per-technology basis – this micro-modularization attempts to separate out the necessary and invariant configuration tasks from the non-essential configuration tasks. As examples, ask yourself the following questions: What are the necessary and invariant configuration tasks associated with:


1). Configuring Frame-Relay 2). Configuring a Catalyst 3550 or 3560 switch 3). Configuring and Creating a Point-to-Point Interface 4). Assigning an IP Address to an Interface 5). Configuring RIPv2 6). Configuring EIGRP 7). Configuring OSPF 8). Performing Redistribution 9). Forming BGP Neighbor Relationships Attempting to answer these questions will generate many spirited discussions. First, many may argue and debate about what configuration tasks are categorized as “necessary and invariant” and what tasks are not. Second, many may argue and debate about what configuration options exist at each step of each task performed. These discussions and debates are not a waste of time. These discussions and debates are not unconstructive. They are very constructive and valuable. In many respects, these discussions and debates constitute one of the most important steps in CCIE preparation. It is during these discussions and debates that a CCIE candidate will internalize his or her “opening moves strategies” for configuring the major topics that will be encountered in the CCIE lab. Furthermore, these discussions and debates will also help the CCIE candidate to internalize the Cisco 360 CCIE analysis method known as the “consider all configuration options, make no assumptions, spot the issues” technique. The short name for this analysis method is the “issue spotting and analysis” method. This method is graphically represented in several places in the Technical Library what are called “decision diagrams” or “options analysis diagrams”. To view some of these diagrams search on the following bolded phrases in the Reference Library. Also, you can view these diagrams in Appendix A of this document (Use CTRL+F in MS-Word to search for the specific Diagram by entering in “Diagram #<number> listed next to the name below):

Diagram #1: An Interface Classification Options Analysis Diagram Download the Link Layer VoD Series – Block 0 VoD #1 Diagram #2: A Frame-Relay Options Analysis Diagram Download the Frame Relay VoD Series Diagram #3 A Catalyst 3550/3560 Port Assignment Options Analysis Diagram Download the Link Layer VoD Series – Block 1-2 Diagram #4: A Catalyst 3550/3560 Trunk Configuration Options Analysis Diagram Download the Link Layer VoD Series Block 4-7 Diagram #5: A Catalyst 3550/3560 IP Address Assignment Options Analysis Diagram Download the Link Layer VoD Series Block 1-2 Diagram #6: A Catalyst 3550/3560 Spanning Tree Implementation Options Analysis Diagram Download the Link Layer VoD Series Block 9 Diagram #7 A Catalyst 3550/3560 Port Aggregation Options Analysis Diagram


Download the Link Layer VoD Series Block 8 Diagram #8 An IP Address Assignment Options Analysis Diagram Download the Link Layer VoD Series – Block 0 Vod #5 Diagram #9: A Suggested RIPv2 Opening Moves Options Analysis Diagram Download the IGP VoD Series Diagram #10: A Suggested EIGRP Opening Moves Options Analysis Diagram Download the IGP VoD Series Diagram #11: A Suggested OSPF Opening Moves Options Analysis Diagram Download the IGP VoD Series Diagram #12: A Redistribution Options Analysis Diagram Download the IGP VoD Series

You can access over 40 Decision Diagrams on-line in the Cisco 360 Reference Library by accessing the “My Decision Diagrams” sub-tab. Also, three recently created IGP Opening Moves Decision Diagrams have also been posted to the Reference Library PDF repository. If you briefly review each of the pages containing the Decision Diagrams mentioned above, you will see approximately 16 Decision Diagrams for topics found within the “core foundational” topics category. By reviewing these 16 Decision Diagrams, you should be getting a feel for what is involved with building an “opening moves configuration strategy” for a specific topic. Any opening moves configuration strategy decision diagram that a CCIE candidate creates should cover all of the necessary and invariant steps for configuring a specific technology AND all of the options available at each step. This general structure can be represented with the following diagram:

In the diagram above, notice that not only configuration steps and options are represented in an “opening moves configuration strategy” decision diagram, verification tools should be listed as well. By reviewing the Cisco 360 Learning Program’s “opening moves configuration strategy” decision diagrams and then creating some of your own, you will begin to formulate and internalize per-topic “configuration


algorithms” that will guide you through any CCIE scenario, whether they are CCIE level practice labs like those found in the Cisco 360 Exercise Workbook labs or the actual CCIE lab. While some of these “opening moves configuration strategy” decision diagrams may not allow you to complete an entire section related to a given topic, they will allow you to rapidly penetrate any section related to a given topic. This will dramatically improve the time and energy spent on configuring the necessary and invariant tasks related to a given topic. You will then have the maximum amount of time and energy to configure the remaining tasks. Ideally, your “overall configuration strategy” for a specific topic will cover all tasks related to configuring a given technology. However, make as your initial goal this: FOR A GIVEN TECHNOLOGY, MASTER THE NECESSARY AND INVARIANT CONFIGURATION STEPS FIRST! Common General Structures Found in Many “Opening Moves Configuration Strategy” Decision Diagrams After you review many of these “opening moves configuration strategy” decision diagrams and you begin to create some of your own, you will begin to notice some common general structures. Here are some of the more commonly used general structures used in many decision diagrams: First, there is the “static” versus “dynamic” configuration option:

Second, two sub-options are often found when a “dynamic” configuration option exists:

The two structures above: (1) the static versus dynamic configuration option followed by the (2) the two dynamic configuration options of (2.1) a Cisco proprietary configuration option and (2.2) an open standards configuration option can be seen in many “opening moves configuration strategy” decision diagrams. Here are two examples. The first example is from the Catalyst port assignment options analysis diagram. Please make note of the options represented with the dotted lines:


The second example is from the Catalyst Port Aggregation Options Analysis Diagram:

Other commonly found general decision tree sub-nodes found in many of the “opening moves configuration strategy” decision diagrams are:


The overall effect of a CCIE candidate formulating his or her own “opening moves configuration strategy” decision diagrams should be that the candidate can visualize each step in the configuration process of a given technology as well as the available options at each step. As crazy as this may sound, this should allow the CCIE candidate to almost become one with configuring a given technology on a Cisco router or switch. The candidate should be able to create a collection of mental simulations of the technologies encountered in the Routing and Switching CCIE lab. Therefore, when a candidate has reached this level of internalization of his or her “opening moves configuration strategy” decision diagrams, he or she should be able to rapidly penetrate any configuration task related to the technology that the decision diagram was created for. The CCIE candidate will reach a point where he or she can match his or her “opening moves configuration strategy” decision diagrams with any and all CCIE level scenarios. When such a candidate encounters any vague or confusing language in a CCIE level task, regardless of the number of the following words and phrases that may be encountered – “do not use method x”, “without using method y” and/or “only using technology z” – the CCIE candidate will see this language as merely eliminating possible configuration options and by doing so, direct the candidate to the correct solution or set of solutions. By formulating and applying one’s “opening moves configuration strategy” decision diagrams, a CCIE candidate can apply the following highly recommended two step CCIE problem solving method:


STEP ONE: For any given configuration task, consider ALL possible configuration options first. STEP TWO: After carefully reading and re-reading the specific configuration task provided in the particular lab that is being performed and applying one’s mental simulation to the steps in the task, determine which options have been eliminated and determine what solution or solutions remain. This two step problem solving approach can be summarized in the following phrase: “Know your options, make no assumptions, spot the issues” Conclusion: Frequent Hands-on Self-Assessments Are Essential As we conclude this paper, it is worth noting that one of the most important steps that a CCIE candidate must perform frequently are self-assessments on the effectiveness and the degree of completeness of their “opening moves options analysis/decision diagrams”. It is highly recommended to perform these self-assessments while also performing hands-on CCIE level practice labs. By doing this, two objectives will be achieved:

(1) A Validation of the effectiveness and completeness of one’s “opening moves options analysis/decision diagrams”

(2) As much hands-on practice time with the IOS. It can never be stated enough, the vast majority of CCIE preparation time should be spent performing hands-on preparation activities. Anyone’s “opening moves options analysis/ decision diagrams” are of minimal value if they have not been applied and tested many, many times with actual hands-on configuration scenarios (like those found in the Cisco 360 Exercise Workbook). There is absolutely no substitute for logging as much hands-on time working with the IOS as possible. This concludes this paper. Please let us know if the contents in this paper has helped you more clearly formulate a “modular” CCIE preparation strategy. Thank you!


Appendix A

Sample Options Analysis Diagrams and Analyzing a CCIE Lab Diagram Exercise

“Practice Does Not Make Perfect. Perfect Practice Makes Perfect”

A Suggested Set of Opening Moves Mental Simulations to Perform at the Beginning Any R&S CCIE Lab The following notes in Appendix A are compiled to help a CCIE candidate begin to learn a suggested method of critical thinking that has been effective for solving CCIE level problems for many CCIE candidates. This method of thinking is based upon formulating mental simulations of specific technologies and clusters of technologes. Once the mental simulation is constructed, the CCIE candidate can mentally step through the implementation of a given technology. While doing so, the candidate will consider all configuration options and the impact of each option. The candidate will also verify each step. In a sense, the candidate becomes “one” with the technology when he or she applies the mental simulation approach. To assist CCIE candidates in constructing their mental simulations, the Cisco 360 Learning Program has created a series of options analysis diagrams. These options analysis diagrams act as frameworks for creating mental simulations. Several of these options analysis diagrams are displayed in this Appendix. When formulating your mental simulation, think in a very structured manner. Think in stages and steps. Subdivide your steps into: (1) required steps and (2) optional steps. Think of every possible option per step. Commonly recurring options that occur at many steps are: And also:

General Configuration Options

Static Dynamic

Cisco Proprietary Open Standards

Dynamic Configuration Options


The Gladiator’s Chamber In any Routing and Switching CCIE lab, you are provided with the following: A Routing and Switching CCIE pod composed of: Six routers under your complete control A total of 4 Catalyst switches under your complete control. It may be 1 Catalyst 3550 and 3 Catalyst 3560’s or it may be 2 Catalyst 3550’s and 2 Catalyst 3560’s. 1-3 Backbone routers feeding routing traffic into your pod All cabling is preconfigured for you. An IP address plan is assigned to all interfaces used in the pod. The above listed devices are connected together using the following interfaces: 10/100/1000 Ethernet Frame-Relay Synchronous Serial The Frame-Relay switch is preconfigured. All Cisco devices are running the IOS version 12.X. See the following for more details: http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/ccie/rs/lab_exam_blueprint.html Be Aware of What Control Plane Traffic May Be Running on Your Pod by Default At the beginning of the Lab, you should be aware of what default control plane traffic is or might be traversing your test pod’s links. For example, consider the following control plane traffic: 1) Ethernet Spanning Tree CDP DTP VTP PagP FastEtherChannel (FEC) 2) Frame-Relay LMI Inverse ARP between attached routers CDP for p2p subinterfaces Autoinstall (the 0.0.0.0 dynamic Frame-Relay map entry) 3) Dedicated Synchronous Serial Interfaces with HDLC Encapsulation Keepalives


CDP Given this general lab environment, let’s make some opening moves suggestions: When you begin a CCIE lab, you know you want to get to the Golden Moment as soon as you can. The “Golden Moment” is defined as attaining universal unicast connectivity within your pod. When you get to the Golden Moment in any CCIE lab, you have completed three stages of configuration: Stage #1: You have attaining universal IPv4 unicast connectivity on a per-subnet/link basis. Stage #2: You have attaining universal IPv4 unicast connectivity on a per IGP basis. Stage #3: You have attaining universal IPv4 unicast connectivity on an inter-IGP basis using redistribution. Visually think of these three stages as jumping over three hurdles in a race: Let’s break the “analysis paralysis” and create a structured set of opening moves that can be used on any CCIE lab to estimate the amount of work that needs to be done to get to the Golden Moment. Here are some suggested opening moves: Performing an Initial Estimation on the Tasks Needed to be Performed to Attaining Universal Connectivity on a Per Subnet/Link Basis STEP 1). Count the number of Subnets in the diagram excluding loopback interfaces. STEP 2). Count the number of Attached Routers and Switches to Each Subnet – a substantial number of the subnets will have only 2 devices attached. STEP 3). Classify each interface using the following options analysis table in an initial and quick scan. STEP 4). Perform a “magic finger” analysis. Taking your finger, touch each router and switch and walk the following interface classification tree. This is a more detailed step than Step Three above.

Three Hurdles to the Golden Moment

GOLDENMOMENT

Universal Connectivity on a Per-link

Basis

Universal Connectivity on a Per-IGP

Basis

Universal Connectivity

on a Inter-IGP Basis


Performing an Initial Estimation on the Tasks Needed to be Performed to Attaining Universal Connectivity on a Per IGP Basis STEP 5: After you have performed a quick estimate on the amount of work needed to be performed to attain universal connectivity on a per subnet basis for a given CCIE level lab, perform the following estimate for each IGP in your lab: IGP # of Routers # of Links Type of Links (P2P, P2MP, M-Access) OSPF EIGRP RIPv2 After performing Step #5, estimate what routing protocols are going to be easier to configure in the lab that you are analyzing and what routing protocols will be more challenging. Also, you might want to ask the following questions regarding the Layer 3 topology as well: 1). How are the addresses allocated? Are they allocated in an aggregatable manner? 2). What devices are stub devices? What devices are transit? 3). What networks are stub devices? What networks are transit?


Performing an Initial Estimation on the Tasks Needed to be Performed to Attaining Universal Connectivity on an Inter-IGP Basis Using Redistribution


Draw the Following Two Diagrams and Construct the Following Table: 1). A Layer 3 Diagram for your Lab 2). A Layer 2 Ethernet Switching Diagram for your Lab 3). A CCIE Lab Task Tracking Table Let’s start with constructing our CCIE Lab Task Tracking Table 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (optional) Topic Section Points Configured Verified Comments Time You might want to classify tasks in the comments section with a single letter for: Baseline (B) Enhanced (E) Or Required (R) Optional (O) Also, you might want to rate your comfort level with the task in the comments section with a 0-5 scale. 0 = totally uncomfortable; 5 = very comfortable. While you are in a learning mode, you might also want to record the amount of time you spent on a given task. This “Task Tracking” table will be extremely useful at three particular times in your CCIE lab: 1). Lunchtime (Reference Your CCIE Lab Timeline) 2). The Moment of Reckoning (Reference Your CCIE Lab Timeline) 3). The End of the Lab Here is an example of a section of a Task Tracking Table Frame-Relay Points Config Verified Comments 2.1 2 x x b-5 2.2 2 x x b-5 2.3 2 e-0 FRTS challenge – skip! We will discuss your CCIE Lab Timeline later in this presentation. Also, we will discuss constructing your two diagrams later – the Layer 2 diagram and the Layer 3 diagram.


Detailed Opening Moves and Verification Tools for Specific Technologies Grouped by the Following Three Configuration Stages: Stage #1: Attaining universal IPv4 unicast connectivity on a per-subnet/link basis. Stage #2: Attaining universal IPv4 unicast connectivity on a per IGP basis. Stage #3: Attaining universal IPv4 unicast connectivity on an inter-IGP basis using redistribution. REMEMBER TO DIVIDE ALL CCIE CONFIGURATION TASKS FOR A SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGY INTO TWO GENERAL CATEGORIES: 1). Baseline or Required Tasks 2). Enhancements to the Baseline or Optional Tasks At the very least you should possess clear and well thought out mental simulations for the baseline or required configuration tasks for each of the main technologies encountered in the CCIE lab.


STAGE #1 of 3: ATTAINING UNIVERSAL IPV4 UNICAST CONNECTIVITY ON A PER-SUBNET/LINK BASIS. Let’s revisit the following Options Analysis Diagram used for Interface Classification: Diagram #1:

Of the interface types listed above, there are three general classifications of interfaces that interconnected two or more physical devices: 1). Point to Point Interfaces – the one-to-one connection type. 2). Point to Multipoint Interfaces (Frame-Relay) – the one-to-many connection type. 3). Multi-Access Interfaces (Ethernet) – the one to all connection type. Of these three, Point-to-Point interfaces are the simplest type of interfaces. We will explain why shortly. Also, it is important to state that Point-to-Multipoint technologies are traditionally WAN technologies. Second, Point-to-Multipoint interfaces are really extensions of Point-to-Point technologies. We will explain this later as well. Also, it is important to remember that Point-to-Point technologies are traditionally WAN technologies. Finally, multi-access technology has evolved from being “one to all” broadcast technology” to a switched technology that optimizes the original broadcast behavior. It is important to remember that Multi-Access technologies are traditionally LAN technologies.


From both a learning and analysis perspective, it is recommended to address interface types in the following order: 1). Point-to-Point 2). Point-to-Multipoint 3). Multi-Access Therefore, let’s begin with analyzing Point-to-Point interfaces. Point-to-Point Interfaces

Point-to-Point Links

R2R1

S0/1 S0/0

You know where the packet is going

You know where the packet came from

A Point-to-Point Options Analysis Diagram

Building a Mental Simulation for an HDLC Implementation Get in an “HDLC” Frame of Mind


Building a Mental Simulation for a PPP Implementation Get in a “PPP” Frame of Mind


Building a Mental Simulation for a Baseline GRE Tunnel Implementation Get in a “GRE Tunnel” Frame of Mind

Options Analysis Diagram for a GRE Tunnel


NOTE: We are not done with Point-to-Point interfaces. Here are some more possible instances of Point-to-Point interfaces that we might encounter in the next sections: 1). Point-to-Point Frame-Relay 2). PPP over Frame-Relay with Virtual-Templates 3). Full-Duplex Ethernet Ports 4). Ethernet Trunk Ports 5). EtherChannel Interfaces Also, many of the enhancements of Rapid Spanning Tree are based upon the point-to-point nature of Full-Duplex Ethernet ports Building a Mental Simulation for a Baseline Frame-Relay Implementation Get in a “Frame-Relay” Frame of Mind Taking a physical point-to-point interface and converting it to a logical multipoint interface using “virtual circuits”. Diagram #2

Key Verification Commands: Show fram lmi Show frame pvc | i STAT Show frame map Debug frame packet Ping x.x.x.255 Debug ip packet Debug interface X/Y


Building a Mental Simulation for a Baseline Switched Ethernet (Catalyst 3550/3560) Implementation Get in a “Switched Ethernet Catalyst 3550/3560” Frame of Mind Taking a multi-port Ethernet switch and sub-dividing it into several isolated “VLAN” broadcast domains. Building a mental simulation between Switched Ethernet “edge” operations and “internal” operations.

Building a Layer Two Topology Map – The Four Boxes Diagram The Starting Point Begin with drawing the following four box diagram. When drawing this diagram, get in the mindset of “What links are at the edge of my Catalyst topology? What links are internal to my Catalyst topology?”

Once the four boxes above are drawn, then perform the following steps: Step One: List all routers and switches used in the Exam on the left hand side of the page.


Step Two: Starting with router R1, determine how many Ethernet interfaces are used by R1 and how many VLAN’s are associated with each interface. This can only be performed by referencing diagrams and tables supplied in the actual lab exam booklet. This step will result in a list of Ethernet interfaces used by each router and the VLAN’s associated with them. Some Ethernet interfaces may have no VLAN associated with them, but they are directly attached to a Catalyst switch. These ports may be Layer 3 enabled CAT ports. Step Three: On the right hand side of the diagram above, assign each unique VLAN identified in Step Three with its own color. Step Four: Using other exam diagrams, like a physical topology diagram, or show cdp neigh, determine what router ports are connected to what switch. Also, determine what interswitch ports exist. With each connection discovered and verified, enter a dotted line connection between a switch and a router or a switch and a switch. This dotted line represents an access port. Once it is determined that a port is a trunk port, convert the dotted line to a solid line. Once it is determined that a port is a Catalyst routed port, convert the dotted line into a +++ line. All of these lines should be drawn with a standard black pencil. Step Five: Once the connections are drawn in Step Five, begin tracing the path of the VLAN’s through the four box switch topology with the colors assigned in Step Four. Represent any SVI interfaces on a switch with a bold colored dot representing the terminating point of the VLAN on the specific switch. The following diagram is a sample of a completed diagram.


The Ending Point of the Four Boxes Diagram NOTE: Once you construct this diagram, ask yourself, are there any physical loops in the topology? If yes, is a common VLAN or set of VLAN’s running over the loop(s)? If the answer to both of these questions is “yes”, then you have a Spanning Tree issue. For every loop you identify under these conditions, you will have the same number of blocked ports.

The Four Boxes Complete Diagram

CAT1 CAT2

CAT4CAT3

SVI 30

SVI 40

TRUNK ISL

TRUNK dot1Q

R2 R3 R5 R6 R1 R3 R4 FR

VLAN 10

VLAN 20

VLAN 30

VLAN 40

L3-Channel


Catalyst Port Assignment (Diagram #3)

Show interface status Show interface X/Y switchport Show interface trunk Catalyst Trunk Negotiation (Diagram #4)

Show interface status Show interface X/Y switchport Show interface trunk Advertising VLAN’s over Trunk Ports: VTP


Limiting Traffic Over Trunk Ports

IP Address Assignment on a Catalyst (Diagram #5)

Providing IP Connectivity Beyond the Local Subnet on a Catalyst


Spanning Tree

An 802.1D Spanning Tree Options Analysis Diagram (Diagram #6)

A Basic Spanning Tree Example and Some Follow Up Mental Simulation Questions: Given the following diagram, determine the following:


Bridge1

Bridge2 Bridge3

Bridge5Bridge4

Segment_A Segment_B

Segment_DSegment_C

Segment_E In summary, there are 5 bridges and 5 bridge segments (collision domains) in the in the topology above. Question: How many of the following devices and ports are in the diagram above. How many Root Bridges are in the topology? How many Designated Bridges are in the topology? How many Root Ports are in the topology? How many Designated Ports are in the topology? How many Blocked Ports are in the topology? Answer: There is 1 Root Bridge for the Spanning Tree topology. Rule: There is one Root Bridge for a given Spanning Tree topology. There are 5 Designated Bridges in the topology above. Rule: There is one and only Designated Bridge per segment. Rule: The root bridge is the designated bridge for all segments that it is attached to. There are 4 root ports in the topology above. Rule: There is one and only one root port per Non-root Bridge. There are 5 Designated Ports in the topology above. Rule: There is one and only Designated Port segment. The Designated Bridge for a given segment maintains the Designated Port. There is 1 blocked port for the topology above. Rule: There is one block port for each loop that exists in a spanning tree domain.


Rule: For all non-root bridges, if a port is not THE root port and if a port is not a designated port, it is a blocked port. Question: How many different types of Spanning Tree BPDU's are there? Answer: There are two types of Spanning Tree BPDU's: (1) the configuration-BPDU And (2) the Topology Change Notification-BPDU. Spanning Tree Root Port and Designated Port Selection

802.1T And the Re-Writing of the Spanning Tree Bridge-ID

Show spanning vlan XXX Show spanning blocked Port Aggregation (Diagram #7)


Show etherchannel summary Address Assignment (Diagram #8)

Using Debug IP Packet to Troubleshoot Reachability Problems Debug ip packet encapsulation failed sending. unroutable Debug interface Debug arp wrong cable Debug frame packet no map entry-link


STOP YOU HAVE ATTAINED UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY ON A PER SUBNET BASIS!!!! YOU HAVE COMPLETED STAGE ONE OF THREE IN GETTING TO THE “GOLDEN MOMENT”.


STAGE #2 of 3: ATTAINING UNIVERSAL IPV4 UNICAST CONNECTIVITY ON A PER IGP BASIS. Now that you have attained universal connectivity on a per-subnet basis, now enable the specified IGP’s on these subnets. Remember to begin with the baseline or required IGP tasks. Here are three Options Analysis Diagrams outlining suggested opening moves for each IGP. RIPv2 Do you have an initial picture of RIPv2 to help you begin your mental simulation of RIPv2? Perhaps one is: RIP is the simplest of all routing protocols. It’s metric is simple, its update mechanism is simple. Unlike EIGRP or OSPF, RIPv2 has no neighbor relationship requirement. (Diagram #9)

Sh ip rip database Debug ip rip Debug ip routing Here is a suggested RIPv2 baseline configuration: Router rip Network 172.16.0.0


Passive interface default No passive interface X/Y No auto-summary Version 2 EIGRP Do you have an initial picture of EIGRP to help you begin your mental simulation of EIGRP? Perhaps one is: each EIGRP peer maintains a topology table of the metrics used by its neighbors. Also, EIGRP is the routing protocol that calculates a composite metric. EIGRP is more closely related to RIP than OSPF. EIGRP should be viewed as an “enhanced distance vector” routing protocol. (Diagram #10)

router eigrp <AS-number>

1

2

Select router-id

Assign Internal EIGRP Network

3Link Type

Dynamic

Static

Network command with wildcard mask

Network command without wildcard mask

Non-Broadcast (Frame-Relay)

Point-to-Point

Broadcast (CAT 3550/3560)

Hub & Spoke

EIGRP Opening Moves Decision Diagram

4 Destination Address Used

Hello Timer: 5 sec (default)

Check for Split-Horizon Issues at Hub

Multicast

Unicast Neighbor statement – DO NOT make interface passive!

Hello Timer: 60 sec (default)

Sets TTL=2

224.0.0.9

5Verify

show ip eigrp interface <type> <number>show ip eigrp neighborshow ip eigrp topology

(config-router)# eigrp router-id X.X.X.X

Show ip eigrp interface Show ip eigrp neighbor Show ip eigrp topology Debug ip eigrp Debug ip routing Here is a suggested EIGRP baseline configuration: Router eigrp XXX Network x.x.x.x y.y.y.y No auto-summary OSPF


Do you have an initial picture of OSPF to help you begin your mental simulation of OSPF? Perhaps one is: OSPF is a link-state routing protocol. For each area configured on an OSPF router, the router maintains a complete map of the area as well as a map that is identical with all other routers in the area. This is what makes OSPF so complex – maintaining its database, not calculating the Dikjstra algorithm. (Diagram #11)

Show ip ospf interface Show ip ospf interface brief Show ip ospf neighbor Show ip ospf database Show ip ospf database | b Ex Show ip ospf virtual-link Debug ip ospf hello Debug ip routing


IGP Enhancements

© 2008 Netmasterclass, LLC. All rights reserved. CIERS1 v1.0—2-23

Protocol Comparison

Update Filters

Authentication

Summarization

Defaults

Feature

Distribute-list inFilter-list between areas for Type 3

Distribute-list in/out Distribute-list in/out

Type configured for Area or Interface, Key on interface

Uses Key-ChainClear text or MD5

Uses Key-ChainClear text or MD5

Manual summary at boundary routers

Auto-summary, interface summary

Auto-summary, interface summary

Default-inf originatestub

Redistribution, default-network, summary

Redistribution, default-network, default-inf originate, summary

OSPFEIGRPRIP

STOP YOU HAVE ATTAINED UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY ON A PER IGP BASIS!!!! YOU HAVE COMPLETED STAGE TWO OF THREE IN GETTING TO THE “GOLDEN MOMENT”.


STAGE #3 of 3: ATTAINING UNIVERSAL IPV4 UNICAST CONNECTIVITY ON AN INTER-IGP BASIS VIA REDISTRIBUTION Do you have an initial picture of Redistribution to help you begin your mental simulation of Redistribution? Perhaps one is: think of redistribution in terms of constructing a tree like a Spanning Tree. Also, think of redistribution in terms of multiple people attempting to speak to each other in different languages. It is confusion. In order for both people who are speaking different languages to communicate as well as different routing protocols to communicate, some type of translation must occur. Redistribution performs this form of inter-routing protocol communication.

First, let’s review the three step initial analysis of any redistribution requirement (Diagram #12):

If you determine that there are multiple loops spread over multiple IGP’s, perform the following “tree building” analysis: 1). Take a blank sheet of paper and list all of the routers and IP enabled switches in the topology at the top of the page in a row. 2). Take your lucky finger and touch each router and determine how many routing processes they are running. If it is more than two circle the router in the list at the top of your page. Underneath the circled router or switch, list the number of routing processes running on the router. If one of the routing processes is a stub, write the letter “S” to the right of the number.


3). Once all of the routers and switches are classified in the manner discussed above, begin constructing a tree of routing domains with the circles routers and switches. With each router inserted in the tree, strike it off the list of routers at the top of the page. Represent a looped line with a dotted line connecting the device creating the loop to its respective IGP processes. 4). When all routers are inserted, in the tree, there should be exactly the same number of dotted lines as there are loops that are spread over multiple IGP’s. 5). Once the diagram is constructed, perform two redistribution at every point where redistribution is specified by the diagram. DO NOT PERFORM REDISTRIBUTION WHERE THE DOTTED LINES ARE. 6). Once the redistribution is performed, initiate a ping TCL script to test for universal connectivity. Universal connectivity should be attained over the loop free tree of IGP’s you have created. 7). Once universal connectivity is attained using a tree structure, add in the looped links only to the extent the Exam requires. Once all additional redistribution is performed, run the TCL scripts again. Controlling the Distribution of Routing Updates During Redistribution

Redistribution Filtering and Tagging Tools Distance xxx Distance xxx 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.255 <ACL-#> Distribute-list in <ACL-#> Distribute-list route-map XXXX in Redistribute XXXX route-map YYY Run Your TCL Script Foreach addr { x.x.x.x y.y.y.y } {ping $addr} STOP YOU HAVE ATTAINED UNIVERSAL CONNECTIVITY ON AN INTER-IGP BASIS!!!! YOU HAVE ACHIEVED THE “GOLDEN MOMENT”.


STAGE #4: ATTAINING UNIVERSAL IPV4 UNICAST CONNECTIVITY ON AN INTER-AS BASIS VIA BGP Do you have an initial picture of BGP to help you begin your mental simulation of BGP? Perhaps one is: Perform a “show ip route bgp” and notice that a BGP routing table entry does not possess an exit interface. This is because BGP is only concerned about forwarding packets to the next-hop AS and not necessarily out a specific interface. BGP relies on other routing information in the routing table to make the exit-interface decision. Enabling the BGP Process

Forming Neighbor Relationships

For any BGP neighbor relationship

Is it an E-BGP neighbor relationship ?

Is it an I-BGP neighbor relationship ?

Not directly connected

Directly connected

Confederation

Full-mesh ? No Full-mesh ?

Route-Reflector

Confederation member

pearing with Internal AS


pearing with External

Public AS


pearing with External

Private AS

neighbor X.X.X.X disable-connected-check

neighbor X.X.X.X ebgp-multihop H

neighbor X.X.X.X update-source Y{z}

NOTE: Remember, think of forming a BGP neighbor relationship as like forming a pre-arranged marriage. A router will only form a BGP neighbor relationship with a target BGP peer that explicitly forms a neighbor relationship with the source router. To assure that these configurations are performed properly, type up the baseline BGP configuration in a text editor such as Notepad. Once all configurations are typed up, check and verify them carefully. Once you have done so, cut and paste into the appropriate routers and switches.

Show ip bgp summary Debug ip bgp


Debug ip bgp updates BGP Basic Prefix Forwarding Issues

Show ip bgp Show ip bgp x.x.x.x Debug ip bgp updates


Filtering BGP Updates

Show ip bgp regexp Show ip bgp x.x.x.x

Aggregating BGP Updates


BGP Path Selection


IP Multicast – Get in the Multicast “Tree” Frame of Mind Do you have an initial picture of Multicasting to help you begin your mental simulation of Multicasting? Perhaps one is: Think of Multicasting in terms of constructing a tree.


The Converted Multicast Distribution Tree

An Options Analysis Diagram for Interfaces Listed in an MROUTE Entry


A Suggested Multicast Options Analysis Diagram


A Table Outlining the Characteristics of the Four Multicast Routing Protocols

Show ip mroute Show ip pim rp-map Show ip pim neighbor No ip mroute cache Debug ip mpacket (combined with an extended ping simulating a multicast source) Debug ip mrouting Ip mroute x.x.x.x y.y.y.y.y z.z.z.z.z Ip mroute x.x.x.x y.y.y.y.y X/Y


VERIFY!!! VERIFY!!! VERIFY!!!!Formulate a Massive Verification TCL Script Create the following comprehensive multi-technology verification script in Notepad: tclsh sh fram pvc | i ST sh cdp neigh sh ip o n sh ip eigrp neigh sh ip bgp summ | b ^Nei sh ip pim neigh sh ip ro | i sh ip bgp | i sh ipv o n sh bgp summ Also, get used to using the following grep extensions: Show run | include Show run | begin Show run | section Review the following strategy tools: A CCIE End-to-End Lab Timeline with Key Milestones

Can you tie all of the tasks discussed in this document to a time slot in your lab? Ideally, you should have what you want to do up to lunch-time in the lab pre-determined.

CCIE Pre-Lab Checklist CCIE General Practices Checklist CCIE Desperation Checklist


SUMMARY: Can you modularize any CCIE lab you encounter? Can you modularize any CCIE lab into a set of “stages” or “milestones” or “hurdles”? Can you modularize any CCIE technology into required tasks and optional tasks, or put another way, into “baseline tasks” and “enhancements to the baseline tasks”? Can you modularize any CCIE task into configuration steps and verification steps? Doing all of the above, can you create “mental simulations” of CCIE technologies and clusters of interdependent CCIE technologies? Can you use these mental simulations to solve CCIE style problems? A Closing Quote: The Ancient Chinese writer Sun Tzu wrote in his famous text The Art of War, “Battles are won or lost before they are fought.” This same logic can be applied to CCIE lab preparation, “CCIE labs are passed or failed before the actual lab is attempted” This can be further extended to the following: “Specific CCIE section points are gained or lost before the section is attempted” A concrete example of this is: “OSPF points are gained or lost before the OSPF section is attempted” And finally, “Baseline OSPF points are gained or lost before the OSPF section is attempted” A Thought to Take Away from Sun Tzu and the Art of CCIE Preparation: By modularizing your CCIE preparation effort and constructing mental simulations of each module, you will be better prepared to successfully fulfill any expert level implementation requirement.

forming an expert preparation strategy cisco 360

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confederation

switched ethernetcatalyst

attaining

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