The Basics of RIP Version 1
By · CommentsRIP does have its limitations but it is still a venerable routing protocol. Its been around since the 1980s, so has stood the test of time and is supported across a wide variety of platforms, including Windows Servers and both Unix workstations and servers. Run out of routers and need to split a subnet in two? You could use an old server with two NICs and have this speak to your network kit using RIP. Its clear that more serious admins wouldn’t touch it and it can have a bad reputation but it still does have a place in networking. It is very suitable for smaller networks and its ease of configuration make it a good choice for those network admins with little experience. It is also an excellent choice for teaching network students about routing protocols as a lot of the structure , such as timers, are used in other protocols.
So here is a general summary of RIP.
Popularity: 68% [?]
CCIE Written Exam 4.0 – Studying Starts Here
By · CommentsAfter a few weeks off from studying it’s time to start the long road to CCIE. After asking the advice of some current CCIEs, I have decided to use Internetwork Expert’s training materials for the labs. I managed to catch a 25% sale a few weeks ago and so ordered workbooks I, II and III as well as the Advanced Technologies Class on Demand course. The materials are for the CCIE 4.0 version of the exam and I’ll receive product updates for the lifetime of the 4.0 product, so I’m covered for the new materials when they arrives. Internetwork Expert have already started to develop workbook IV, which is going to cover the new troubleshooting section of the CCIE lab exam, and this should be availablein the next few days.
I thought it would be good to have the CoD available while studying for the written exam as an additional reference . The other list of learning materials I plan to use are:
Popularity: 72% [?]
Setting up a Cisco Voice Lab Part 1 – CUCM and VMWare
By · CommentsI have recently passed the CCVP qualification and I think it would be useful to pass on some of the methods I used for setting up a home CCVP lab. The CCVP is one certification were just using books and study materials isn’t really an option. You really have to get some hands on experience. Not everyone will have the luxury of working in a Cisco VoIP/IPT environment or be able to go on the commercial CCVP courses. It is still possible to get some hands on experience by setting up a small home lab however. Read More→
Popularity: 100% [?]
Scottish Heatwave and Air Con
By · CommentsWell it happens about once a decade. We have some hot humid weather right now in Scotland with temperatures up at 30Cin some places. From the moment the heatwave was predicted, I prepared to be called out to some smaller sites I know that have comms rooms without air conditioning, where I expected to find some equipment that had overheated and shut down.
What I didn’t expect was to be called out to a site where the comms room did have air con but the air con had been put up to 29C. After picking myself up off the floor after opening the door to the room, I turned the air con down to an acceptable level and rebooted the two switches that had clearly overheated due to the environmental conditions.
The moral of the story is to please check your air con on a regular basis and wear a jumper in the comms room if you get cold. Now where did I put those Bermuda Shorts?
Popularity: 50% [?]
New Cisco Career Certifications
By · CommentsCisco this week announced the introduction of four new certifications. Wow. That should keep all you certification junkies going for a while. Two of the exams are based around the new cisco buzzwords of Unifed Data Centre Computing and one is for advanced network infrastructure architects. There is also a new CCNP wireless certification. That is something I may well look at in the future, as I deal with Cisco wireless products fairly often. Here are some links where you can find out some more:
- Cisco Certified Architect
- CCNP Wireless
- DC Unified Computing Design Specialist
- DC Unified Computing Support Specialist
Popularity: 55% [?]