August 2012 Update

Looks like it is time to knock the cobwebs off this blog.....


As an overall update, I abandoned my CCIE Service Provider after failing my exam last year. With the recent update, and being unable to get my hands on the equipment required, it seemed an uphill battle at the time. Now that the workbooks are upgraded, and various vendors have equipment ready to rent, I would like to re-visit CCIE-SP in the future but....


For now, I am indeed working on my CCIE security. I do seem doomed to these things. When I first started my R&S, the test was changed right after my first attempt. As you may already know, I got real close on that attempt. I was forced to start back at page one to prepare for CCIE R&S 4.0. I started down the SP track, only to have the exam completely overhauled before I really even started. Now shortly after I start studying for Security, they have announced another refresh. 


I am not complaining here - I think updating the exams to reflect today's requirements of a network engineer is important. My timing just stinks! With that being said, I have started to study the security track based on the current blueprint and I have scheduled my lab exam for November.


I passed my Security written back in April. Did not do much following that other than setting up my lab. Here are some details on my lab...


1 - Quad Processor Dual Core Opteron Server w/ 16GB of memory running FC16
1 - Cisco 3750 Breakout switch
1 - Cisco 3560
1 - Cisco 3550


With this hardware, I run GNS3 on the server. GNS3, in combination with other tools, is capable of running 3725 Routers, Cisco ASA, Cisco IPS as well as several VMs to function as ACS and a XP workstation.


It took me quite some time to get this up and working and I didn't keep great notes, but if there is something specific you need help me, let me know and I will see what I can do to help.


I have made it about 20 pages into the INE Security Workbook Volume 1. So far, it just covers basic security like setting security levels, setting up routing protocols with security, etc. Nothing that different that the R&S track, just adapting to the ASA infrastructure. I hope to really start making a dent but right now I am in the middle of a major code upgrade to our Nexus infrastructure at work - scheduled for next weekend.


Other than that, I passed the Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric Solutions Design exam at Cisco Live in San Diego. Making me Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist. I was excited to pass, but ultimately it was just about using my free voucher at Cisco Live.


For now, I am off. Hopefully to return in a few weeks with some lab study notes!