From: Bill Carter (bcarter@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
Date: Tue Oct 05 1999 - 11:04:11 GMT-3
I would like to second Peter's thoughts on preparation. My preparation paralle
d
his and I too passed on my first attempt.
Starting at 6 weeks prior to the lab, I spent 15-35 hours a week on a lab. I
Worked through different configurations. I started each lab with an IP
configuration. Sometimes a complex OSPF/EIGRP/RIP, and sometimes OSPF with 3
areas. I would then do a "special topic" like DLSW or ISDN or IPX or DECnet or
BGP. This approach allowed me to reiniforce the IP , but then focus on new
areas. I would spend a week on IPX. One night just refreshing basic RIP and
EIGRP. Than maybe 2 nights on NLSP.
On thursday night I would build a complex IP network. Then come in on Saturday
or Sunday for a good 6-8 hours. These day I would do all of the none IP stuff
together. I wanted to simulate the lab exam and also build up my stamina.
My driving thought was I had to make it through the first day. I didn't expect
to pass, but I wanted to at least see the second day test booklet. Therefore I
spent 70% of my study time on IP. This payed off. I took a lot of points into
the second day.
Peter Van Oene wrote:
> As many have asked for my thoughts on CCIE Lab preparation, I figured a
> single message would suit nicely.
>
> First off, thanks all for the congrats, its feels good to know we're all
> pulling
> for each other.
>
> On to tips.
>
> My preparation included the following:
>
> Course: ACRC, CLSC, CIT, SNAM in that order.
>
> Books read specifically for the lab: Cisco Certification from Bruce Caslow
> for lab exam strategy. Routing TCP/IP from Jeff Doyle for IGP theory.
> Internet Routing Architectures from Bassam Halabi for BGP4.
>
> Outside of the above, I often consult many of the books in the CCIE reading
> list and own most of them.
>
> I also read just about all of the 11.3 and 12.0 Guides on CCO. These are
> CRITICAL. Not only do you need to possess a good understanding of the core
> topics, insight into the structure and location of key items within the CCO
> CD is essential for Lab success.
>
> I also read a fair number of RFC's casually.
>
> >From April until about August I read most nights and did general lab work on
> the weekends. During august to lab date (sept 30th), I spent as many hours
> on a stack of 2500's as I could working through various configs. I created
> my own labs for myself with the help of some other CCIE's, but resources
> like www.cciebootcamp.com should not be overlooked here. Config confidence
> and quickness are essential skills when your in the lab.
>
> Thats pretty much my prep work overall.
>
> As far as tips go, I'll list a few key items. However, I very highly
> reccommend Bruce Caslow's book for lab strategy. I scored just below 90 and
> was in a confortable position throughout the lab because of the the
> strategies learned through this text.
>
> Here are my tips.
>
> Methodology: As many have said before, read the questions and diagram your
> network thoughtfully before you jump into the config. I spent extra time
> working on addressing matrices as well. Speed is of the essense in the lab.
> As you practise, develop this routine of diagraming, documenting and
> performing. From there, implement layer by layer. Personally, I address
> all my layer three very quickly, save and move onto the next router. On my
> second pass, I verify my ip addressing and add my IGP configs. Regardless
> of what works for you, you should have a process down cold. The time you
> save in nailing this aspect will allow you to verify and research later in
> the day.
>
> Technology: Remember that the lab is 100 points. With research, you will
> quickly realize what the core topics are. You simply must own these core
> topics. For example you should be able to configure a term server, 5-7
> routers with traditional IGP's fully addressed and functional in well under
> an
> hour with all layer 2 technologies. You should be dreaming these configs
> and telling your significant other about them in your sleep because they are
> so much top of mind. Much of the 100 points will be attained through these
> configs. Count on the rest of those points coming from very odd topics. I
> could configure a large amount of wierd and useless stuff, but the lab was
> 100% in stumping me with stuff I'd never seen. However, given the time I'd
> bought myself by knowing the previous, I was able to research and implement
> each of the items. Given you can't know everything, its my recommendation
> to have an idea where everything sits on the CD. The search engine is crap
> and it won't bail you out. What will is having a recollection of where the
> various
> topics exist on the CD and being able to get there quickly. Although I
> don't advocate learning a lot of arcane stuff, I do advise trying to set
> things up that you've never seen before using only the CD as a resource. If
> your confident you can handle wierd stuff, your much less likely to panic
> when you see it on the lab. And you'll see it on the lab :)
>
> Generality: Be calm. Its intimidating but its doable. The proctor is a
> helpful, friendly and inspiring resource. Your fellow exam mates are also a
> good resource for that reality check. If your standing there ready to go in
> and the guy/girl beside you is wired, give them a kind word to calm them
> down.
>
> As this email is already too long, I'll cut it off there :)
>
> Thanks again all.
>
> Peter Van Oene, CCIE #5177
>
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