Got the cabling done. In this picture the term server is missing since I had to return it to CiscoKits so they can send a “new” one, and therefore the Octal cabling isn’t shown, but the rack is pretty much in it’s “final” shape. It should be noted, I’ve moved things around just a little bit since this picture (not very noticeably though). I’ve gone back to verifying my IOS versions are straight before I start configuring the backbone routers. My frame switch is 100% configured and all PVC’s operational, but I’ve got 6 routers to upgrade the IOS on, (3) 2500′s, and (3) 2600′s. The 2600′s currently are running 124-5 IOS, so that’s not that bad, but I’d like to run the exact same IOS as INE, which is Adventerprisek9, 124-10a. The 2500′s need to be upgraded, since they’re running 11.X (forgot exactly what they were running, I’ve already upgraded one, but have two left to do)…they don’t support IPv6 with the older version, so that’s definitely a must. Anyway, I’m hoping that I’ll finish all of the IOS upgrades tonight and be able to start labbing tomorrow.

I finished the chapter on RIPv2/RIPng in TCP/IP Vol I. I’m relieved that nothing came as a surprise. I did pick up a couple of minor details about RIPng that I didn’t know. I plan on labbing a little bit of RIPng sometime this week, but I’m calling it quits for today. My next chapter is EIGRP, which is about 80 pages of solid info, so I’m going to need some rest before beginning that!

I had someone ask me when I’d start putting more tech articles like my QOS series up here. I don’t really know. Unfortunately, the only updates I can really provide after reading is where I stand, and that I plan to continue. Until I start labbing again, I really don’t have too much golden info to share..at least none that you can’t find in a book

For what it’s worth, though- I am going to try to get a couple of good articles up in a timely manner once I can either get my lab setup, or get rolling on the rack rentals. I’d like to aim the articles at a subject that a lot of people have trouble with. Any suggestions?