CCNP

Studying for your CCNP? Like podcasts about networking stuff? Like to listen to Jeremy talk about certifications? Then you have to check out this podcast where Jeremy discusses the CCNP and other certification stuff with Packet Pushers hosts Ethan Banks and Greg Ferro.

If you are studying for the TSHOOT exam, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the topology. I've been working on creating a lab that mocks the TSHOOT topology, and it has forced me to recall how to setup a Cisco router to act like a Frame Relay switch. 

Here is the topology that I've built. As you can see, it closely resembles the topology that Cisco has provided on their site. Since their doc doesn't provide specific DLCIs, I've used the most logical numbers I could think of.

The first step in configuring a Cisco router to act like a frame relay switch is to enable frame relay switching:

What does the TSHOOT exam cover?

When redistributing routes into OSPF, there are some default metric (cost) values that are good to remember if no metric configuration exists:

1. Use the source route’s cost if from another OSPF process
2. Cost is 1 for routes learned from BGP
3. Cost is 20 for all other routes

A couple more facts to remember:

• External Type 1 OSPF routes have incrementing costs.

• External Type 2 OSPF routes maintain the same cost throughout the AS and are the default type when redistributing. 

So, for the most part routes will be external type 2 and have a cost of 20 by default unless you are using BGP (say, for either an Internet connection or MPLS configuration), in which case those routes will have a cost of 1. If you are running two OSPF processes and redistributing between them, then the cost is carried over. 

But what if you want to manipulate the cost of those routes? Here area few examples on how to go about doing that. 

If you have been thinking about going for the CCNP certification or are already working toward that goal, you have undoubtedly wondered what the TSHOOT exam has in store for you. Jeremy posted his thoughts on it after taking the exam last year. The official Cisco TSHOOT page also has specific information about the exam. However, sometimes it helps when the information is spoon fed to you in a video format. 

I stumbled on the following video and figured it was worth sharing. Not only was it informative, it reminded me of the pre-flight "fasten seatbelt" routine flight attendants go through when you travel. 

If you are looking for some questions to test your knowledge before diving into the CCNP Route exam, Cisco has provided several on their learning network. They clearly identify the questions as not coming from the test bank and that they are only there to help you gauge your readiness. However I for one like to practice as much as possible prior to taking an exam. 

You'll need to login with a CCO account in order to access them. Here's the link to the practice questions: Cisco Learning Network CCNP Route Exam Practice Questions.

Many of you seeking to take and pass the TSHOOT exam may already be aware that the topology for the exam is posted right on Cisco's site, but I just learned about it so I have to share!

Right on Cisco's site on the TSHOOT (642-832) Practical Exam Demo & Tutorial page is a link to the TSHOOT Exam Topology. 

If you are planning on taking this exam and currently studying it, be sure to get more familiar with the topology before making your first attempt. Already being familiar with the network before having to troubleshoot it is definitely going to save you some time. 

So I know everyone wants to know...what's new on the Cisco SWITCH exam compared to the old BCMSN???

...Absolutely nothing.

...Enough said! :)