SGT CCIE » lab

Back on the horse…for real.

Mike — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:57:55 +0000

Well, I’m getting back into the CCIE game..again. I had a false start last time. I got IEWB Vol I, which was a great book, and I made it pretty far through it, but I got sidetracked, and really wanted to complete my CCNP before going for the CCIE. Mostly so that I had something to “show” for my work. Since I got my CCNP this month, and am testing for the CCDA soon, it seems natural to move on to something else. So here’s my rough timeline..subject to change, as always.

R&S Written exam: June 15th (or sooner)

R&S Lab exam: June 15th, 2011 (12 months after the written)

Study materials (written): IEWB Vol I, the typical CCIE books…too many, dynamips, some rack rentals. I learn best by doing, so I’ll be reading and labbing in betwee, although I won’t be doing any full labs during this phase.

Study materials (lab): IEWB Vol I/II/III, Maybe IPexpert Vol II labs, some rack rentals, as wel as dynamips for focused study on individual technologies. I’ll also be putting together my own lab (see below):

My lab (proposed): It will essentially consist of several 1841 routers, 2 3550′s, 2 3560′s, a terminal server, along with a couple of 2620′s to fill in the gaps, and a couple of BB routers. Total cost will come in at somewhere around $5-6k when it’s all said and done. I’ll be piecing it together over the next 6-9 months (while I’m studying for the written). During the early stages of my lab prep, I’ll rely on dynamips and rack rentals, and once my home lab is complete, use that.

Because of the OEQs and troubleshooting sections, I plan on integrating some book study with my lab study time..possibly a couple of hours a week throughout the entire lab prep process. I’m hoping this will keep me sharp, and give me an edge on the troubleshooting section.

As I said, I take my CCDA in a week. I have studied that book inside and out, and am ready to take it. I’m bored with it infact..so I’m starting to read Routing TCP/IP Vol I from cover to cover. I’ll be doing plenty of dynamips labs while reading this book. For anyone who cares, I’m running Ubuntu 9.04 with GNS3, on an Intel 2.4ghz dual core w/ 4GB RAM. It’s a nice setup, but I want real hardware, so I can just fire it up and kind of eliminate the issue of troubleshooting dynamips/ubuntu.

Not sure how much I’ll be posting while prepping for the written (at least in the next month), since I need to review a lot of material. I’m rusty on my routing topics..but I feel good with switching, so that’s good. Anyway, as I learn more, I’ll post more

Support in your CCIE journey

Mike — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:44:21 +0000

How many times have you heard or seen a CCIE “passed the lab!” post, where the new CCIE goes on to thank their family/signifigant other for their support in their journey? Quite often. I’ve seen it a million times, but until you start the journey yourself, you never really understand how important it is to have a solid support structure in place before beginning. I am only several weeks into my preparation, and still am trying to find my groove as it relates to finding “regular” study time. It’s rough, but having someone who supports you makes it a lot easier. I once talked to a guy who was talking about a very difficult obstacle he encountered in his military career- a test of some sorts. He said: “when you get there, you have to have one thing that keeps you from quitting, one thing that will pull you through, because nothing else will matter, you need something to give you that extra push”. For me, it’s my family. When I find myself not wanting to study because I dislike the particular section, or I’m too tired, I think of the benefit it will provide to my soon-to-be-wife, and daughter..then I open up the book and hit it. Of course, no one is perfect, and sometimes I just can’t get motivated, but I promise you without that support in place, I would never stand a chance at passing the lab. In my current state, it’s only a matter of time till I pass, assuming I stay on the same track.

It’s key to note also, to not only receive that support, but give it right back. Thank your signifigant other for being there, and show it often.

All I’m saying is, stay with it, and use your support. It may be a friend, relative, wife, husband, whatever- but take advantage of those around you who want you to succeed, channel their energy and turn it into motivation to overcome the many obstacles you will encounter during your CCIE journey!

I am now at about 2 weeks of “formal” CCIE study, and things are going great. My study habits are leveling out and becoming more regular, I’m beginning to retain more information, and grasp more difficult concepts. Things are going well! Now only if I can keep them that way for 12 months!!

Why I think you should be studying right now

Mike — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:06:07 +0000

This post is somewhat of a tangent, but I hope the message is well-received, and that it hits home for some of you out there. I believe there are two types of CCIE candidates: Those who are born with the gift of retaining information, or otherwise smart- or those who make up for their lack of natural skill with nothing more then hard work and persistence. I fall into the second category. I am not the smartest, or most skilled network professional by far. I am, however, one of the few who will put in the necessary time to bridge the gap between the two. While it may take some guy 1 hour to catch onto a subject and understand the theory, I am the one drawing diagrams, listening to audio clips in the car, and researching the subject at work, to reach the same level of understanding. But I believe that having that level of motivation is what makes me who I am, and why I feel unstoppable when it comes to certification and/or professional development. What does this all have to do with you? Read on.

I am a true believer that anyone can do what they want..with the necessary work. I don’t think I could be the next American Idol, but I do believe if I was dedicated enough, I could be a successful professional musician. Why? Because although some level of natural talent helps, it’s not the only factor. If you have the right mindset, nothing can stop you. A favorite quote of mine is by Thomas Jefferson. He said:

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal. Nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”

As humans, we hold so much potential within ourselves, but so very few people exercise that potential, and push their limits. I’m not just talking about going to school and getting a bachelors. I’m talking about someone deciding that they are going to start the business they always wanted to despite the odds..or the kid growing up who wants to be a millionaire. Why not? By no means am I suggesting you throw caution to the wind and go on tour with a rock band instead of going to college. All I am saying is, if that’s what you want to do, you can.

That being said, ask yourself this- what is holding you back from attaining your goals? Whether it’s to become a CCIE, or attain a Master’s degree, the path of a thousand miles begins with one step! As humans, we are inherently afraid of that which we do not know. I still encounter subjects that I’m “afraid” of. My solution these days is to attack them, and focus all of my attention on them. Before I know it, I realize there wasn’t much to them. The hardest part was just the initial shock of being emersed in something which I knew nothing about!

So whether it’s studying for the CCIE, or CISSP, MCSE, or for your degree…hit the books and never stop learning. Even if it’s only learning something new per day- keep at it!