March 2010

Cisco has an entry level design certification called the Cisco Certified Design Associate, or CCDA. This is similar to the CCNA in that it is a foundational certification that goes a mile wide and an inch or two deep. If you have passed your CCNA and you are looking for the next challenge, take some time to consider the available options...

1. Specialize in an area of networking with Cisco's Voice, Security, or Wireless CCNA Certifications.
2. Take your CCNA level knowledge to the next level and focus on the CCNP
3. Focus on the design track, starting with the CCDA.

If you are interested in persuing the CCDA, there are some great resources to get started. First, check out the Tekcert articles section for writeups on the CCDA or on specific topics that align with exam topics. Also, check out the Exam Topics, CCO login required.

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Interesting information given to me by a friend. Cisco is jumping the IOS versions from 12.4 up to IOS 15. In doing so, you'll see the IOS trains simplified and...<enter scary music> License keys! These will work exactly like the ASA currently functions - you need to have a valid license key to unlock specific features. This feature will take effect on the new ISR G2 router lines (Cisco 1900, 2900, 3900 routers).

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With the symbiotic relationship between Cisco and VMWare, I'm slowly becoming a VMWare junkie. Their free ESXi platform is entirely addicting. Anyhow, I've always dreamed of having a SAN in my home connected to my VMWare ESXi server...now it's possible!!! IOMega (now EMC) has created some low-cost, VMWare-certified SAN storage. TOTALLY iSCSI capable!! Check these bad-boys out: