CCIE 100 Success Secrets:

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert - The Missing

Training, Exam Study, Certification Preparation
and CCIE Application Guide

Notice of Rights: Copyright Gerard Blokdijk. All rights reserved. No part of this
book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the publisher.
Notice of Liability: The information in this book is distributed on an As Is basis
without warranty. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of the
book, neither the author nor the publisher shall have any liability to any person or
entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly
or indirectly by the instructions contained in this book or by the products
described in it.
Trademarks: Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to
distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations
appear in this book, and the publisher was aware of a trademark claim, the
designations appear as requested by the owner of the trademark. All other
product names and services identified throughout this book are used in editorial
fashion only and for the benefit of such companies with no intention of
infringement of the trademark. No such use, or the use of any trade name, is
intended to convey endorsement or other affiliation with this book.

Write a Review and Receive a Bonus Emereo

eBook of Your Choice

Up to $99 RRP Absolutely Free

If you recently bought this book we would love to hear from you submit
a review of this title and youll receive an additional free ebook of your
choice from our catalog at http://www.emereo.org.

How Does it Work?

Submit your review of this title via the online store where you purchased
it. For example, to post a review on Amazon, just log in to your account
and click on the Create Your Own Review button (under Customer
Reviews) on the relevant product page (youll find plenty of example
product reviews on Amazon). If you purchased from a different online
store, simply follow their procedures.

What Happens When I Submit my Review?

Once you have submitted your review, send us an email via
review@emereo.org, and include a link to your review and a link to the
free eBook youd like as our thank-you (from http://www.emereo.org
choose any book you like from the catalog, up to $99 RRP). You will then
receive a reply email back from us, complete with your bonus ebook
download link. It's that simple!

Success Secrets Foreword

There has never been a publication series like this.

Success Secrets titles are not about the long-winded ins and outs of
each featured contemporary topic. Instead, they answer the top 100
questions that we are asked and come across daily in professional
forums, consultancy and education programs.
Success Secrets cover the questions that matter, with straightforward,
highly accessible tips that have never before been offered in print. These
books are not about exhaustive best practice and standards details.
Instead, they address the key strategic points you want to know to be
successful in your chosen field.
The Secrets are right here reach out and grasp Success with both
hands

Table of Contents
How to Become a CCIE Certified Expert ........................................10
CCIE Exam Taking on the Highest Level of all CISCO
Certifications.......................................................................................11
CCIE Jobs The Difference between a Network Administrator
and a Network Engineer....................................................................12
CCIE Lab Exam A Hands-on Test to Prove One s Qualification
...............................................................................................................14
CCIE Resume The Need for CCIE Recertification.......................16
CCIE Security Learning the Principles of Network Security......17
CCIE Training The Best Line of Defense Against Failure ..........18
CCIE Voice Becoming an Expert on VoIP.....................................20
CCIE Written Exams The Most Critical Part of the CCIE
Certification ........................................................................................21
The Five Tracks of CCIE ....................................................................22
Tips on Passing the CCIE 350-001 ..................................................24
Thank God for CCIE audio................................................................25
The Average Salary of a CCIE ...........................................................26
More Info From a CCIE Blog ............................................................27
Get Yourself a CCIE Blueprint..........................................................28
Getting Yourself a CCIE Book ..........................................................29
Where to Get CCIE Books .................................................................30
The Need for a CCIE Boot Camp......................................................31

The Popularity of CCIE Boot Camps .............................................. 32

Choose the Right Kind of CCIE Bootcamps................................... 33
Why Not Try CCIE Braindump?...................................................... 34
The Ease That CCIE CBT Brings ..................................................... 35
The Essence of CCIE Cert................................................................. 36
CCIE Certification: The Real Deal................................................... 37
The Prestige of CCIE Certification .................................................. 38
Benefits of Being CCIE Certified ..................................................... 39
How To Make The Most Out of a CCIE Class ................................ 40
Always to Your Advantage: Enroll in CCIE Classes Now! ........... 41
The Easiest Way to Finish A CCIE Course..................................... 42
Important Considerations in the CCIE Exams.............................. 43
CCIE Forums A Great Way to find Solutions to Cisco Matters. 44
Setting Up A CCIE Home lab? Start off With Routers ................. 45
CCIE: Creating Impact All Over the World ................................... 46
CCIE Jobs Challenging and Rewarding at the Same Time! ...... 47
Getting Started with Lab Equipment in CCIE............................... 48
Timely Tips for CCIE Lab Exams .................................................... 49
What s In Store for You In CCIE Lab Rentals ............................... 50
Consider Getting Into CCIE Labs.................................................... 51
Expert Advice for CCIE Lab Training............................................. 52
Useful Tips For Prospective CCIE Lab Workbook Purchasers ... 53
The CCIE List of Readings ............................................................... 54
Some Important Notes Regarding the CCIE Exam ...................... 55

CCIE Number: The Mark of an IT Expert ......................................57

CCIE Online Training: How to Find Excellent CCIE Training
Center...................................................................................................58
CCIE Pay: The Rewards of Becoming an IT Expert ......................59
CCIE Plaque: The Coveted Badge of Honor ...................................60
CCIE Practical Studies: A Thousand-page Resource for IT
Experts .................................................................................................61
CCIE Practice is Key to CCIE Certification Success ......................62
CCIE Prep Kits: Essential Tools for Passing the CCIE Exams.....63
3 Foolproof CCIE Preparation Tips .................................................64
Familiarize Yourself with CCIE Questions .....................................65
The Scope of CCIE R&S.....................................................................66
Success with CCIE Rack Training ....................................................67
CCIE Rack Rental: Providing Convenient CCIE Lab Exam
Training ...............................................................................................69
CCIE Routing & Switching Exam: Requirements for Successfully
Passing the CCIE Lab Exam .............................................................71
CCIE Routing and Switching Exam: 3 Best Ways to Prepare for
the Exam..............................................................................................73
Simple Ways to Pass the CCIE Routing Exam ...............................75
Getting to Know CCIE Routing and Switching ..............................77
The Benefits of CCIE Routing and Switching Lab Boot Camps ..79
CCIE Routing Switching: The Twin CCIE Track ...........................81
Basics of CCIE RS Examination .......................................................83
Why CCIE Salaries Continue to Top the List .................................84

CCIE Salary: The Fruits of Hard CCIE Labor................................ 85

How to Prepare for the CCIE SAN Exam ....................................... 87
The Benefits of Attending CCIE Security Boot Camp .................. 88
Ways to Prepare for the CCIE Security Exam ............................... 90
CCIE Security Lab ............................................................................. 92
A Primer on CCIE Security Lab Workbooks.................................. 94
Bits and Pieces of CCIE Security Rack ........................................... 95
Figuring Out Security Training for CCIE ....................................... 96
Dissecting the CCIE Security Written Exam Bit by Bit ................ 97
Cracking the Code: First Dibs on the CCIE Security Written
Exam.................................................................................................... 98
CCIE Service Provider Provides Real Assistance.......................... 99
Preview of CCIE SP Examination.................................................. 101
Rise Up the Ladder with CCIE Storage ........................................ 103
The Lowdown on CCIE Storage Networking............................... 104
CCIE Study: Best Preparation for the Examination ................... 105
CCIE Study Groups for Better Learning ...................................... 107
Spending on a Good CCIE Study Guide Has Its Rewards ......... 108
Pass the CCIE Test and Get an Expert Level Cisco Certification
............................................................................................................ 109
Master s List of CCIE Tracks ......................................................... 110
Verifying CCIE Members Certification with the CCIE
Verification Tool .............................................................................. 111
Passing the CCIE Voice Exam Means Expertise in Cisco VoIP
Solutions ........................................................................................... 112

Completing the Certification by Passing the CCIE Voice Lab

Exam ..................................................................................................113
Passing The CCIE Voice Written Exam Is a Good Start .............114
Going for a CCIE VoIP Certification..............................................115
Getting the CCIE Workbook That Gets You Certified.................116
Passing the CCIE Written Exam Brings You a Step Closer to a
CCIE Certification ............................................................................117
CCNA CCIE Certification: Which One is Appropriate for YOu?118
CCNA CCNP CCIE Certifications: Get It All Or Get CCIE
Certified Right Away........................................................................119
The advantages of becoming CCIE-Cisco Certified Network
Professional Holder .........................................................................120
Cisco CCIE Taking Chances on a Bigger Challenge...................122
Mastering Cisco s CCIE Lab Exam ................................................123
What it is to know about CCIE-DHCP (Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol)...................................................................124
What does it take to acquire the Cisco Certified Internetwork
Expert (CCIE) certification? ...........................................................125
IP Expert CCIE: Qualify as a VoIP expert.....................................127
Pass CCIE for Sure with Pass4sure CCIE .....................................129
Steps to pass CCIE exams ...............................................................131
Utilizing Rapidshare CCIE..............................................................132
The Real CCIE Labs is the Real Way to Review...........................133

10

How to Become a CCIE Certified Expert

The Cisco Certified Internet Expert certification or CCIE is
an internet certification that is becoming more and more popular.
As the IT industry is expanding at an exponential rate, the demand
for highly trained IT personnel is also increasing. Because of this,
many multinational companies are on the lookout for competent
and certified IT professionals and network engineers to look after
their IT network. A person having a CCIE certification would be
highly in demand for such corporations. This article will give an
overview on how to become a CCIE expert.
Before anything else, a candidate must first choose what
CCIE track or tracks to take. There are five basic tracks available,
namely;
(1) Routing and switching track,
(2) security track,
(3) service provider track,
(4) storage networking track, and
(5) voice track. After choosing which CCIE track to take, the
candidate must then pass a two-hour multiple-choice written exam
specifically designed for the chosen track. The passing rate for the
exam is 70 percent out of 100 questions.
The next step in the CCIE certification process is for the candidate to pass the CCIE laboratory exam. This exam is also designed for the track that the candidate has chosen and would last
for about 8 hours. The laboratory exam would ensure that the
candidate has both the theoretical and the practical or applied
knowledge of IT. Candidates who pass both the written exam and
the laboratory exam are then given CCIE certified status for their
chosen track. Candidates may also hold multiple CCIE certifications for a number of tracks. In order to do this, the candidates
must also pass both exams for each of the track applied for.

11

CCIE Exam Taking on the Highest Level

of all CISCO Certifications
Getting Cisco certified is one of the priorities of most IT professionals nowadays. Not only that a high paying job awaits those
who are skillful and knowledgeable enough to pass the certification
exam, but it is also a great career move that gives way to more
learning opportunities for personal growth and development.
Among the Cisco certifications, CCIE is the most in demand, having
a total of 15,658 people with active CCIE certifications in the world
as of November of 2007.
CCIE stands for Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert and
is the highest level of CISCO certifications. The program started in
1993 originally with a two day lab and was later changed to one day
format. The degree of difficulty is a bit high for this exam that only
fewer than 3% of Cisco certified individuals attain the CCIE status.
Before then exam proper, the candidates are expected to spend
more money to attend trainings and practice lab scenarios, not to
mention the fee for every exam attempt on both written and lab
exams.
The written exam costs US $315 per attempt and will be
taken first. Candidates need to take note that there is a need to pass
the written exam first before taking the lab exam within a period of
18 months. The lab exam costs about US $1400 per attempt, and if
the candidate is unsuccessful in passing it on the first try, he or she
has 3 years to accomplish the lab exam. If after this period and still
the candidate has not yet passed the lab exam, then he or she needs
to take the written exam again. Indeed, it is critical to pass both
exams on first attempt to save more of one s valuable money.

12

CCIE Jobs The Difference between a Network Administrator and a Network Engineer
Taking on the role of a Cisco certified IT professional is rewarding and yet challenging at the same time. A wide variety of jobs
await CCIE exam passers, which also depends on the candidate s
expertise and experience. Two of the most popular CCIE jobs
include working as a Network Administrator or as a Network
Engineer on a certain company. Now, what makes one networking
job different from the other?
A Network Administrator, who manages an organization s
PCs or LAN network, has a lot of other job titles attached to it, such
as Systems Administrator, Network Operations Analyst, Network
Technician or an Information Systems Administrator. Job responsibilities of a Network Administrator include installing, configuring
and maintaining PCs, network equipment and network operating
systems. He or she must also deal with patching and locking down
systems to make sure that only authorized personnel can enter and
use the network. He or she must also diligent with strong analytical
and interpersonal skills to work closely with users and troubleshoot
problems under tense situations.
On the other hand, a Network Engineer is also often referred
to as a Senior Network Administrator, Network Designer, Network
Architect or Network Analyst. He or she is the one responsible in
designing and managing the organization s LAN and WAN networks, which means this position is higher than a Network Administrator. Job responsibilities of a Network Engineer include
deciding on which software applications and hardware equipment
to meet an organization s IT needs, aside from managing the rolling
out of new systems while ensuring that appropriate corrective

13

measures are performed. A Network Engineer usually starts out as

a Network Administrator and moves on to more specific roles in the
future.

14

CCIE Lab Exam A Hands-on Test to Prove

One s Qualification
Each of the five tracks of CCIE (a) Routing and Switching,
(b) Security,
(c) Service Provider,
(d) Storage Networking and
(e) Voice, has its own written and lab exams that candidates
should successfully pass before getting a Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) certification.
A written exam is just like any other exam that consists of
multiple choice questions taken from various subjects, depending
on the candidates chosen track. It is because of this very nature of
the written exam that makes it easier for exam takers to pass mostly
on first attempt. But then again, the challenge lies on the lab exam,
requiring candidates to think of possible practical lab scenarios that
will most likely appear on the actual exam.
The exam for the lab is what makes CCIE different from
other certification programs. It costs around US $1,400 per attempt. It is usually a full day (8 hour) hands-on tests that measure a
candidate s ability to configure and troubleshoot equipment. Because of this, there are only quite a few who pass this exam while
others may need multiple attempts to complete it. This is not
administered by Pearson VUE as there are only 10 specific Cisco lab
exam locations worldwide - Bangalore, India; Beijing, China;
Brussels, Belgium; Dubai, UAE; Hong Kong, China; Research
Triangle Park, NC, USA; San Jose, CA, USA; Sao Paolo, Brazil;
Sydney, Australia; and Tokyo, Japan. However, lab exams for a
particular CCIE track are not available at all testing locations so it is
better to inquire about it first. Say for example, the lab exam for

15

Storage Networking is only available at Research Triangle Park, NC

and Brussels testing centers.

16

CCIE Resume The Need for CCIE Recertification

Getting a Cisco certification means a lot to today s IT professionals. This is because nowadays, most companies require applicants to present certifications to signify their qualification for the
vacant position available. It is indeed an ingredient that brings
flavor to a comprehensive resume, giving the applicant better
chances of getting the job. In addition, getting a certification also
gives one a feeling of self-worth, something that should be proud of
while earning the respect of fellow IT experts.
But then again, Cisco certifications such as the one for Cisco
Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) are not permanent. This
means that CCIEs are required to recertify every two years to show
their commitment to maintaining expert level knowledge in any
industry that is critical to the success of almost every organization.
Since there are a lot of new technologies presented in the world of
IT, there is a need to continually expand technical knowledge and
redevelop new skills to regain expert status making recertification
just the right solution to this slight dilemma.
If one is unaware of when to recertify, an online resource can
be accessed at the Cisco web site. CCIEs can log in anytime to view
one s certification deadline. Succeeding recertification deadlines
are always based on the original certification date, not on the last
recertification exam. CCIEs have at lease a year to reinstate CCIE
status before it becomes inactive, after which they must begin the
certification process all over again. Recertification exams can be
taken at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. Exam scores are
then automatically downloaded to the CCIE database.

17

CCIE Security Learning the Principles of

Network Security
CCIE Security is one of the five tracks that candidates can
choose from. Getting a CCIE certification in Security indicates a
candidate s expert level knowledge of IP and IP Routing, as well as
network security protocols and components with subjects that
include IOS Security, IDS, ASA and many others. There are no
prerequisites for this type of CCIE certification, though candidates
are encouraged to undergo training to enhance their knowledge and
skills as far as network security is concerned.
There are barely two steps that candidates need to take before getting CCIE Security certified. The first step is to pass the
written exam. It is a two-hour test with 100 multiple choice questions that needs to be answered within specific time constraints. No
open books or other reference materials allowed when taking the
exam. It usually costs around US $300, which also depends on
exchange rates and local taxes. Results of the CCIE exam are available immediately after the exam. Passing it means that the candidate is ready to move on to the next step and that is to take the lab
exam within a period of 18 months only. Failure to do so may mean
expiration of the written exam score.
The CCIE Security lab exam is an 8-hour hands-on test that
requires candidates to configure, troubleshoot and solve problems
presented to them. It usually costs around US $1,400 per attempt
and exam scores are available online within 48 hours. Scores are
evaluated by proctors to ensure that certain requirements or criteria are met. If a candidate is doubtful and would like proctors to
reevaluate his or her score, he or she has to pay an additional US
$250 to request for reread. However, this is possible only if 14 days
have passed following the exam date.

18

CCIE Training The Best Line of Defense

Against Failure
It is indeed a fact that getting a certification for Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) is not a joke. This is because it
requires candidates to give their 100% attention for them to be able
to pass two exams that they need to take one written and one lab
exam. Though it is true that there are no normal prerequisites for
the CCIE exam, still there is a need to have a working knowledge
and adept experience in networking. This is where proper CCIE
training comes in.
CCIE has five tracks in place and it is the candidate s prerogative which among these (a) Routing and Switching,
(b) Security,
(c) Service Provider,
(d) Storage Networking or (
e) Voice suits his capabilities as a networking expert.
Training plays a major role in defining certain key strengths
that will help candidates decide on which track to take. To enhance
their skills, they have the option to take training courses or read
books to ease their way out of the CCIE exams. There are a lot of
training institutions that offer such services, facilitated in by experts themselves. Though it may cost CCIE aspirants valuable
amount of money by attending training classes alone (roughly
$1,500 - $3,000 per class), still the rewards are truly unimaginable
once they have stepped up, conquered the exam and achieved CCIE
certification.

19

Aside from attending training classes, a candidate has also

the option to train at home on Cisco systems. He or she can also
check out web sites that offer sample CCIE test questions and
assess oneself on how prepared he or she is in taking the exam.
Taking advantage of all the resources around will boost candidates
confidence and give them more chances on getting CCIE certified.

20

CCIE Voice Becoming an Expert on VoIP

Are you an expert in providing VoIP solutions in a certain
enterprise? If yes, then you can consider on getting a certification
for Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) in Voice. If you
happen to know the process of installing, configuring and maintaining Voice solutions over an IP network and you are in a way good at
it, CCIE Voice track is just right for you. There are no formal prerequisites such as professional or associate certifications or training
courses for this CCIE certification. All you have to do is first pass a
written exam and then a lab exam, after which you can already
consider yourself as a CCIE certified professional.
The CCIE Voice written exam is made up of 100 multiple
choice questions that should be completed in two hours. The exam
covers applications and technologies that comprise a Cisco Enterprise VoIP solution. It usually costs around US $300 and may vary
depending on your location. Exam results are available immediately
after you have completed the exam. Once you have successfully
passed the written exam, bear in mind that you should be taking
the lab exam within 18 months. Or else, you have to start from
scratch as written exam scores expire after 18 months.
On the other hand, the CCIE Voice lab exam is an 8-hour test
that will measure your ability to get a VoIP solution up and running
within specified time constraints. You are the one in charge in
configuring pre-installed applications to satisfy certain requirements to pass the lab exam. The lab exam may cost you about US
$1,400 and is offered on certain Cisco locations in Brussels, Tokyo
and Sydney.

21

CCIE Written Exams The Most Critical

Part of the CCIE Certification
If you would like to be a Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE), then it is very crucial to pass the written exam. A CCIE
written exam is one of two certification exams that you need to
take. Before jumping to the next type of exam, which happens to be
a lab exam, you have to first give your best shot in passing the
written exam of 100 multiple choice questions. Each CCIE written
exam will cost you around US $300 on every attempt. Because of
this, it is indeed a must to pass the exam on the first try to give you
more time to focus on the lab exam, which should be taken within
18 months. Failure to do so means nullifying your CCIE written
exam score so you have to take the written exam again if ever you
are still interested in getting CCIE certified.
To register for a CCIE written exam, you can check out the
Pearson VUE web site for more information. Prometric has discontinued administering CCIE exams since August 1, 2007. It is a
computer-based exam that should be completed in a span of 2
hours.
Candidates can also use exam vouchers to pay for the written
exam. These test vouchers can be purchased on testing centers and
other academic institutions. Exam vouchers are non-refundable
and non-returnable, aside from the fact that these will expire after
12 months of being purchased.
Other candidates also take on beta written exams when
available at a discounted price of US $50. Getting a passing grade
on the beta exam earns you a slot on the lab exam. However, beta
exams can only be taken during the beta period.

22

The Five Tracks of CCIE

Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) is recognized
as the most respected IT certification today. CertMag even voted it
as the most technically advanced, while other reports claim that it is
the highest salaried certification in salary surveys. Indeed, passing
CCIE is really worth all the efforts and money that candidates have
to consider in taking both the written and lab exams. Though there
are really no formal prerequisites, Cisco recommends candidates to
have at least 3 to 5 years of experience in networking before making
their first attempt on becoming a CCIE. Unlike other certification
programs such as the ones offered by Microsoft, there is no need to
pass lower Cisco certifications such as associate and professional
exams before taking an expert level exam as CCIE.
There are 5 CCIE tracks that candidates can choose from,
making it possible to hold multiple CCIE certifications at the same
time. These are:
(a) CCIE Routing and Switching the most popular track that
covers a variety of networking protocols and concepts such as
Multicast Routing and Border Gateway Protocol;
(b) CCIE Security focuses on network security, covering
topics such as IOS Security and IDS;
(c) CCIE Service Provider concentrates on networking in
the service provider industry such as DSL, Cable and Voice over IP;
(d) CCIE Voice covers subjects such as Cisco Unity and Call
Manager as voice solutions for the enterprise; and
(e) CCIE Storage Networking the latest addition on CCIE
tracks that concentrates on storage networking topics that include
FCIP, FICON and iSCSI.

23

As of November of 2007, there are 1,344 individuals who

hold multiple CCIE certifications and 210 of them hold three or
more CCIE certifications.

24

Tips on Passing the CCIE 350-001

The Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) certification is a
program that separates the individuals that are capable of understanding all the intricacies, subtleties, nuances and the challenges
of networking. CCIE certification involves two processes, namely;
the written exam and the hands-on laboratory exam.
The CCIE written exam which is also known as CCIE 350001, is a two-hour long exam which is computer based. During the
written exam, a candidate will be asked a total of 100 multiplechoice questions which were designed specifically for the track that
the candidate has chosen. The CCIE certification program has five
tracks to choose from, namely; routing and switching track, security
track, service provider track, storage networking track, and voice
track. To be successful in the written exam, the candidate must get
a score of more than 70 %. Fortunately, there are a lot of different
guide books, programs and software that assist candidates in
passing the CCIE 350-001 exams. Some programs such as
pass4sure CCIE even offer a money-back guarantee if a candidate
that uses their program do not pass on the first attempt.
After successfully passing the written exam, candidates are
then given a hands-on lab exam which normally lasts for 8 hours.
During the laboratory exam, candidates are given the chance to
apply their theoretical knowledge of networking through hands-on
examination. The passing rate for the laboratory exam is 80 %.
Most candidates buy networking equipment to practice on and then
sell or lease them to other candidates who would also take the
hands-on exam.

25

Thank God for CCIE audio

The Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) certification program has become increasingly popular that it has become a global
standard for IT professionals and network engineers. However, to
become certified by CCIE is a very difficult thing to do since barely
10 percent of those that attempt to get certified become successful.
The CCIE certification process involves two steps namely;
the written exam and the hands-on laboratory exam. A candidate
must first pass the CCIE written exam in order to be able to qualify
for the lab exam. This is the reason why passing the CCIE 350-001
(name of CCIE exam) is important. There are numerous products
on the market that are designed to assist IT and networking persons in studying and preparing for the CCIE 350-001.
Online programs, such as the Pass4sure, provide practice examinations for the candidates. Other CCIE-study materials are also
available in the form of books or guides in which the candidates can
read in the comfort of their own homes.
Memorization of technical jargon is critical and that is why
in order to pass the CCIE 350-001, a lot of study and preparation
should be made. However, there are times when the study time of a
candidate is disturbed. Events such as a family vacation, trips to the
grocery store, and long commuting take away the much needed
time that a candidate need to prepare for the CCIE exam. Fortunately, CCIE audio lessons are available for type of candidates.
These CCIE audio lessons are designed for candidates who are
always on the go and do not have much spare time to read and sit
down in front of the computer. CCIE audio lessons are in MP3
format and can be downloaded to any MP3 player.

26

The Average Salary of a CCIE

The CCIE is not just a simple job which people can freely say
that it s nothing but a piece of cake. The CCIE is a very complex job
which entails a lot of preparation and experience. Being technically
educated is not enough grounds to say that one is indeed proficient
enough to be considered for a related job. Working experience and
CCIE certification are two of the most important things which are
also being considered.
For this reason, it s not that hard to see why the CCIE average salary remains to be among the highest within the IT profession. It has been reported that a CCIE s average salary is pegged at
$96,870 on an annual basis. Because of these, CCIE have led the
pack of highest paid certified professionals working within the
information technology field.
The CCIE average salary is deemed at an all-time high because of the technicality of the specialization. The CCIE certification is not for just for the heck of it, so to speak. It is only taken in
by individuals who have great confidence in both their accumulated
experience as well as their current knowledge when it comes to
operating the entire Cisco environment. The work of a CCIE is
highly technical, which is why it s a bit difficult to find rightful
candidates for the position. So to help the recruitment process
become a rather swift method, companies offer competitive remunerations for CCIE certified applicants. In effect, big salaries are
then attributed to the CCIE profession.

27

More Info From a CCIE Blog

If you want to know more about CCIE and its certifications,
you should very well be on the look out for a CCIE blog. As you may
be familiar with, blogsites are blurbs from people who have something substantial to share in the internet. From its early beginnings
are a virtual diary or a virtual journal, blogs have also paved the
way for people to set up their free websites as they let other companies host their sites.
A CCIE blog may prove to be just what you need of you are
thinking about taking the CCIE certification or you re actually on
your way on becoming CCIE certified. CCIE blogs will contain first
hand information about people who have taken the said exams are
going to give you unsolicited advice and will provide you with
valuable feedbacks. From those blogs you can more or less get the
picture of what it s like to undergo a CCIE certification. Apart from
just that concern, CCIE blogs will definitely have updates regarding
the effects of certification upon achievement of the person.
There are lots to learn about the CCIE profession just by
reading a CCIE blog. You should not just limit yourself to reading
up on manuals on the internet or busying yourself with practice
exams. It s also good that you prepare for the whole CCIE certification by obtaining information from experts and professionals on
the same field. In this way, you get all sides related to CCIE. You get
both the objective and the subjective feedback which you can trim
down according to your own preference.

28

Get Yourself a CCIE Blueprint

One of the best ways to prepare for the CCIE exams is to take
their practice exams. The CCIE certification exams are highly
technical in nature and only those who are quite adept to its specifics are expected to pass. Hence, it will be good for interested IT
professionals to have a glimpse of the CCIE certification exams by
means of the CCIE blueprint.
Just as it is with interior design and architecture, the CCIE
blueprint is also the structure in which the CCIE certification exams
are founded. Nowadays, the CCIE itself issues accredited CCIE
blueprints to help test takers prepare for the exam day itself. But it
should be noted that the CCIE blueprint does not contain the exam
items itself. It only helps the test takers narrow down the aspects in
which they needed to review on. More than anything else, a CCIE
blueprint can be considered as a study guide.
Generally, the CCIE blueprint comes out in an outline form.
It gives the test takers a series of topics which may very much
become one of the foundations of the CCIE certification exams.
Some of the general topics include Bridging and Switching. This is
especially about the relaying of IPs within the Cisco system. Another topic which may be included in the CCIE blueprint is the IP
IGP Routing. This usually covers topics which talks about the
system routes within the whole network. QoS or Quality of Services
are also one of the main subcategories which can be found within
the CCIE blueprint.

29

Getting Yourself a CCIE Book

The CCIE is composed of two different exams. The first one
is a written exam which aims to gauge the test taker s technical and
theoretical knowledge of the entire Cisco systems. This is a typical
pen and paper type of exam composed of multiple choice questions.
On the other hand, the other exam is a lab type of exam. In here,
test takers are subjected to situational simulations where their
actual skills in terms of troubleshooting a Cisco network will be
gauged.
So while you have the time to prepare, you should definitely
look for the best CCIE book to help empower you through the whole
ordeal. Getting a CCIE book is not just for purposes of exam preparations. It can also help you boost your career when it comes to
performing Cisco functions as it provides you with in depth knowledge and serves as yur updated Cisco manual.
The Cisco Press themselves publish a CCIE book which contains updated information regarding the Cisco systems. They also
provide discounts for those who are already CCIE certified yet they
wanted to purchase a newly published CCIE book. The books being
published under the label of CCIE are often designed to fit the exam
blueprints of the CCIE certification exams. However, there are also
various handbooks and manuals which are always updated for the
new innovations being done to the Cisco program. There are also
paper dissertations as well as paper printed materials being offered
under the name of CCIE. Just as a typical CCIE book is up for
purchase, so are these dissertations and paper prints.

30

Where to Get CCIE Books

CCIE books are not exclusive for test takers. Even those who
are CCIE certified already can and are recommended to keep
abreast with new Cisco technologies by means of purchasing new
CCIE books out on the market. One may ask however, where and
how these CCIE books can be availed. The answer is easy, as there
are plenty of venues where these CCIE books can actually be found.
One of the most popular ways to get them is through the
internet. There are lots of books shops based online which sell IT
related products like CCIE books. They are also a convenient place
to shop for books because they usually have rankings for the best
sellers which are updated regularly according to the sales made
from each book. In effect, you can easily see which book is currently
popular. These websites also offer book reviews to serve as helpful
guides for potential book buyers. You can also look at the cover of
the CCIE books you are interested in. You can freely skim through
its cover and see if there are short summaries explaining what can
be found inside. Some sites even offer potential customers with a
sneak peak into the book details by allowing browsers to see
through the book s table of contents.
Then of course, there s always the typical way of buying on
land based book shops. Another good alternative that can be done
is by searching through the home page of the Cisco systems itself.
Surely they would always have updates on newly released CCIE
books.

31

The Need for a CCIE Boot Camp

The CCIE exams are not just your typical type of pen and paper exam. It also involves a series of lab based exams which will
really test an individual s expertise when it comes to using the
whole Cisco systems. This is the main reason why preparations are
necessary and not just any type of preparation for that matter. One
of the best ways an individual can prepare in getting CCIE certified
is by means of entering into a CCIE boot camp.
The CCIE boot camp has become one of the best choices for
CCIE certification preparation because it aims to accomplish much
within a few days. Usually, the boot camp only lasts for a week and
within that week review sessions will be held both in classroom type
and simulation methods. It is a very intensive way of preparing for
the CCIE exams that it may sometimes feel like one is taking the
actual certification exams already.
When an individual chooses to self pace prior to the CCIE
certification, he may find himself throwing in bits of minutes to
review for the exam day. This is because a busy day schedule is
often filled with other unrelated responsibilities which can easily
make a person lose focus on reviewing. In a CCIE boot camp, the
only focus is preparing for the actual exam. As a result, specialization is achieved much easier and people get enough time to cover
everything they needed to learn. The CCIE boot camp eliminates
the possibility of unrelated interference.

32

The Popularity of CCIE Boot Camps

When it comes to preparing for IT certification procedures,
professionals nowadays have acknowledge the fact that practice
tests and self-paced review are not enough. Thus, the popularity of
IT boot camps have risen continuously through time as it offers a
strict structure of preparing test takers prior to the testing day. But
contrary to how boot camps have originated, no physical strains
shall be expected from IT boot camps.
CCIE being the hardest yet most prestigious certification in
the field of IT has become one of the most sought after theme of IT
boot camps. As a result, hundreds of certification aspirants have
willingly entered themselves into various CCIE boot camps to help
prepare for the looming exam day. Usually, these CCIE boot camps
last only a week and after that you might as well say you re good to
go have that exam.
CCIE boot camps are also recognized by the Cisco program.
So in effect, professionals can be ensured that they pay for something that s really worth it. CCIE boot camps have so many advantages which make it a reasonable thing to take. One of them is the
focus it gives on each facet of CCIE. No subcategory will be left out
in these CCIE boot camps. All of the essential details are tackled
and expounded within every session. Moreover, sessions are proven
to be interactive in nature. Test takers are provided with practice
exams and are also entered into simulated lab exams. Doing these
are crucial because CCIE exams are composed of these two types of
examinations.

33

Choose the Right Kind of CCIE Bootcamps

Because IT certifications are highly technical in nature, IT
professionals who wish to take themselves into the next level of
their career willingly enter themselves into bootcamps. This is
usually the case for CCIE bootcamps. CCIE bootcamps have become
popular because the CCIE certification is considered to be the most
prestigious yet the hardest type of IT certification. As such, all
means necessary to prepare for it must be done by the test taker.
Nowadays, lots of different institutions offer CCIE bootcamps to those who wish to train through them. They have also
made these CCIE bootcamps by setting them up online for easy
access. However, an individual must take all necessary precautions
when it comes to entering into these CCIE bootcamps. Lots of
things must be considered beforehand. One of them is the accreditation of the said institution. Cisco acknowledges the presence of
CCIE bootcamps in order to help individuals best prepare for the
looming CCIE exams day. However, online CCIE bootcamps can
also turn out to be a scam if they are not properly accredited.
Another thing which people should consider before getting
themselves into these CCIE bootcamps is the credibility of the
instructors. After all, these are the people who would most likely be
the ones to handle the training programs so it is important that
they really have enough credibility to handle lectures and CCIE
related activities. In addition, the CCIE bootcamps structure should
also be considered. People should care to know what the activities
are in store and what practice programs would one be engaged in.

34

Why Not Try CCIE Braindump?

If you are looking for ways to get more CCIE information to
prep you up for the looming certification day, the CCIE braindump
is one good alternative you should not miss out on. The CCIE
braindump will provide you with a very comprehensive form of
CCIE training to make sure you are well prepared to face your exam
certification day. The CCIE braindump does this because it can
actually provide you with an exclusive actual look at what the CCIE
test material is like.
Study guides concerning the CCIE will be provided through
CCIE braindump. In effect, you no longer have to spend countless
hours trying to remember everything. You only need to focus on
what the study guides have as its contents. These study guides also
come with their own CCIE notes to make focus easier for test
takers. Everything is easily downloadable because a CCIE braindump can be freely accessed through the internet. As a result, you
can print it out and take it with you for purposes of reviewing
wherever and whenever it is most convenient for you.
If you wanted to make sure that you get that CCIE certificate
in the bag, you should definitely check out various CCIE braindumps accessible online. Apart from being effective, these braindumps are also more cost efficient as compared to old forms of
review materials. Moreover, some CCIE braindump materials are
also being combined with CCIE boot camps for better utilization. As
a result, the person becomes ready in both the written and lab part
of the certification exams.

35

The Ease That CCIE CBT Brings

Training camps have acknowledged the fact that busy people
will not have the usual luxury of attending session personally. This
is the reason why CCIE CBT has become a very popular medium in
preparation for the prestigious CCIE certification exams. CCIE CBT
is a very efficient means of reaching out to individuals who wanted
to make all necessary preparations prior to their examination day.
Even if they have busy working schedules to still be mindful of.
CCIE CBT is also duly recognized by various accreditation
departments. They are also acknowledged by Cisco, the company
responsible for the whole roster of Cisco Programs Certificates.
These CBTs are really more efficient in nature because it saves up
on time and effort. Professionals can freely access them whenever it
is most convenient for them. Even if they are out on a business trip,
within just a few clicks and by just connecting to the internet they
can already access these CBT websites.
Also, IT certification exams are of course technical based and
sometimes hold lab based exams to gauge total IT capacity. CCIE
CBT makes these things easier to face because it is computer based
and can therefore easily simulate how actual lab tests can occur. In
addition, learning modules are more interactive and easier to
understand because CCIE CBT notes and references come in multimedia packets. Individuals can easily understand them regardless
if they involve complex looking diagrams and tables. The technical
nature of the entire CCIE exams can be made easier and lighter to
digest by means of the CCIE CBT.

36

The Essence of CCIE Cert

IT certifications are deemed of high importance by lots of
individuals especially those who are within the field of IT. Among
the certification programs being offered, the CCIE cert remains to
be one of the best and one among which many hopefuls wish to
achieve. This is because the exams of CCIE cert are really difficult in
nature. Because of this, only those who have gained enough expertise on the matter are expected to finally decide to get a CCIE cert.
Taking the CCIE cert is one big decision to make because one really
has to prepare for it in order to become successful.
One may ask however, what is it with the CCIE cert that
makes it that difficult to take? CCIE actually is an advanced program developed by Cisco. There are different sublevels of the Cisco
program which are duly divided according to each specialization.
The Cisco program mainly tackles on information technological
needs pertaining to network systems and how interfaces can be
made to work within each other. The Cisco program becomes more
complex as it programs in both function and scope. Above it all,
CCIE is seen as the topmost spot which supervises all other programs pertaining to Cisco operations.
This is the reason why CCIE cert are much coveted and really
a product of a hard work. Those who really have the passion for
Cisco will find themselves half successful already since they would
likely be up for the challenge. The CCIE cert is definitely all worth it
in terms of what happens next to an IT professional s career.

37

CCIE Certification: The Real Deal

If you wanted to boost your IT professional career, taking the
CCIE certification is one of the best ways to do so. The CCIE is also
known as Cisco Certified Internetwork Engineer and it is considered to be the highest form of accreditation being issued within the
roster of Cisco certifications. Having a CCIE certification means you
have all the knowledge covered when it comes to fully maximizing
and utilizing the whole Cisco program.
Getting a CCIE certification is like getting the pot of gold at a
rainbow s end. It is such a privilege which only a few are able to
achieve. This is mainly because the certification itself involves an
intensive procedure which demands dedicated preparation. Even
experienced professionals who wanted to take the CCIE certification still find themselves in dire need of a CCIE preparation program to ensure their certification success. This remains to be the
case although taking the CCIE certification requires no definite
requirements before you become eligible to take it. The CCIE
certification process itself will help you judge how capable you
actually are to take it.
Moreover, the CCIE certification is not just one whole solid
topic which is chopped up in the exam. The CCIE certification is
actually composed of different versions which all have their very
own subcategories. These versions are Routing and Switching (also
dubbed as R&S), Service Provider (SP), Voice, Storage Networking,
and Security. Regardless of which version is chosen for the individual s specialization, all CCIE certification exams require a written
and a lab based exam which must both be passed upon taking.

38

The Prestige of CCIE Certification

The highest form of certification being offered by Cisco is
CCIE. Also known as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, the CCIE
is one of the hardest certifications to achieve. It covers almost the
entire scope of Cisco operations and all aspects of knowledge are
tested prior to certification. CCIE certifications are composed of
two different exams. The first one is accomplished like the typical
written exam. It also comes in multiple choice formats and aims to
gauge theoretical and technical knowledge of the test taker. The
other test comes in the form of a lab simulation exam. In here, the
efficiency of the test taker in terms of troubleshooting and Cisco
skills are being tested.
CCIE certifications have no definite strict requirements. It
does not demand so much from the people who wish to take it in
terms of the requirements needed to accomplish first. all you need
to do is sign up for the exams and pay the necessary fees if any.
What people should be concerned with are the exam preparations
to be taken. Because CCIE certifications are proven to be difficult,
even CCIE boot camps have grown in proliferation to help people
prepare for the said certification. Moreover, test takers should pass
the written exams first. Only then would they be qualified to proceed with the next type of exam which comes in the form of a lab
based exam. It entails a progressive mode of how the entire CCIE
program is plotted out to ensure that only those who deserve them
will eventually have the CCIE certifications.

39

Benefits of Being CCIE Certified

Every IT professional knows the value of certifications. The
IT field is a highly technical type of environment because it involves
a vast complex structure of systems which cannot just be operated
by mere common sense alone. If one wishes to be successful in the
field of Information Technology, he must be prepared to understand its every nook and cranny. Businesses worldwide understand
the importance of certifications in IT, especially those who greatly
rely on various computer programs in order to operate and profit.
The roster of Cisco systems is one among the most trusted
and widely used IT structure in various businesses sectors. Whether
operating on a large scale or small term basis, businesses have such
high regard for the Cisco systems and in effect acknowledge the
proficiency of IT professionals who can supervise Cisco programs.
But because Cisco is ever changing and is very complex to handle,
only those who are CCIE certified are often given high priority
when it comes to job vacancies. CCIE certified professionals put
themselves way ahead of the job hunting competition because big
companies know just how much effort and time is placed just for a
person to become CCIE certified.
So more than just success and a piece of paper to ascertain
that one is CCIE certified, the said success can also pave the way for
a sure advancement in terms of an IT career being pursued. Recruiters know the value of being CCIE certified and they will easily
consider a resume with such achievement.

40

How To Make The Most Out of a CCIE

Class
Enrolling in a CCIE class can hold a lot of benefits for you,
especially since there will be seasoned professionals who lead the
entire group. There are many CCIE classes you can enroll in in
different parts of the country, and the trick is to find out which one
is nearest you. But no matter how near or how far certain classes
are, they all run under general principles and operate under fairly
predictable routines.
A CCIE class will usually have two seasoned experts leading
everyone for a highly intense course that usually lasts for twelve
days. Often called a boot camp, the CCIE class combines the highly
detailed and well-structured lessons of topics such as Advanced
Technologies Routing and Switching along with the realistic yet
somewhat difficult CCIE Mock Laboratory Workshop. Here, students will usually spend an average of twelve hours each day in
intense study as they learn all about and apply the different handson techniques when it comes to working with laboratory equipment, making them far better and taking them one step further in
becoming a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert.
The different candidates of the class will then take their
laboratory exam after two whole months of full study. The class will
also be able to help many Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
candidates who may have already taken the actual Cisco Certified
Internetwork Expert laboratory exam but did not pass and were
required or recommended to go back to school and learn more
about the advanced as well as the structured approach to the Cisco
Certified Internetwork Expert. Laboratory Strategy. These candidates will find that the class will help enhance their knowledge as
well as understanding of the topics at hand.

41

Always to Your Advantage: Enroll in CCIE

Classes Now!
If you have the simple goal of obtaining your Cisco Certified
Internetwork Expert number and certification, you will need to
attend several Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert classes to help
you become a much more deserving candidate of the certification.
There are many classes available online and in real classroom, all
having excellent products as well as services that will help you pass
the CCIE exam about Routing and Switching.
A tip that you can really use? When shopping around for
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert classes, do take a look at the
numbers. More often than not, the classes or organizations with the
biggest numbers of enrollees usually have the highest passing rate
of all (since the numbers will indicate that particular company or
organization's popularity). All across the United States, Cisco
Certified Internetwork Expert classes are available to help you get
your studying done so you can pass the test.
The advantage of taking a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert class is you will be privy to information that can only be shared
by the seasoned experts in thee field of Cisco who will naturally
lead your class as well. Most classes or boot camps run for around
ten to twelve days and will have you engaging in a highly intensive
combination of Advanced Technologies Routing and Switching and
Mock Laboratory Workshops in CCIE difficult to an extent, but
worth it when you really get to apply the learning you make in class.
Indeed, Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert classes can truly help
you make the cut and become a certified Cisco Professional.

42

The Easiest Way to Finish A CCIE Course

If you are determined to get your Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Certification but you really cannot find enough time to
actually sit through a complete round of training sessions or you
are the type of learner who learns best at his or her own pace, you
might want to consider going for a CCIE course that has a ClassOn-Demand format. When you purchase the products that come
from such a format, you then become very free to work at your own
personal pace. Such Class-On-Demand products are items that
have been recorded in the past and then made easily available to
you so you can pick it up, go through it and study on your own
preferred time.
If you use these products, you will then have only your own
predetermined schedule to follow, your own set of deadlines to
meet and you can even save time and money by doing all of these in
the comfort and safety of your own home! This gives even the
busiest person an opportunity to get their CCIE Certification. There
are some requirements needed should you will be working with
your Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification. Class on
demand will of course mean a good Internet connection that is
either a PC or a Macintosh computer that also has speakers. You
may choose to log in your personal account anytime twenty four
hours a day for you to view and learn the entire material in a class
on demand format - which really is the easiest way to study!

43

Important Considerations in the CCIE Exams

Passing your Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Exam can
be a difficult thing, but only if you have no clue as to how the entire
thing goes. While studying for the content of the exam will surely
do a lot of wonder to help you get a good grade on it, you also have
to know about the nature of the exam itself. That way, you will be
able to figure out your best approach and save time when you
actually take the actual test itself.
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert exam has a written
exam component that is based on a computer. This type of exam is
timed for a maximum of only two hours and has a run down of
multiple-choice questions. You can take this exam in one of the
hundreds of the authorized testing centers that can be found all
around the world. Of course, passing the written exam is only
winning the battle. To be able to win the war, you will need to pass
the laboratory exam as well.
After passing your written exam, you will then be eligible to
make a schedule for the lab exam. Paying and scheduling your
exams can easily be done online through a test delivery partner.
You will need to take note of your correct exam number in order to
register for such. At the same time, remember to use the same
candidate identification number to make sure that the results of
your exam will appear in your own Cisco Certified Internetwork
Expert profile.

44

CCIE Forums A Great Way to find Solutions to Cisco Matters

If you are in dire need of help when it comes to Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification, the best thing that you can
do is to turn to a CCIE forum on the Internet to help you with
whatever Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert solution you might
need. Forums are a great way to accomplish different types of tasks
that are related to Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert.
If you want to get the latest tips about the solutions that
work with your type of job, a forum will have its own dedicated
thread to help you easily browse through the contents and find the
ones that will be applicable to your tasks. These tips have been tried
and tested by the other forum users themselves, so they are guaranteed to be successful to an extent. A forum on Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert can also be a great way for you to practice your
teaching or instructional skills in Cisco Certified Internetwork
Expert.
There are many people asking for advice when it comes to
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, so if you think you are in a
good position to explain a solution to the problem, by all means do
so! This will challenge your ability to simplify things and being able
to explain complicated matters in simpler terms, not to mention
being able to help a fellow Cisco expert in need. And if you are
currently out of a job or perhaps looking for greener pastures, these
forums are a great way to find out about the different jobs that are
currently open for Cisco practitioners. Keep in mind that many
Cisco recruitment specialists hang out in such forums, taking note
of exceptional forum posters and are quick to offer them a job that
may be too good to resist!

45

Setting Up A CCIE Home lab? Start off

With Routers
A Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert home lab is something
that will need some explaining if you are novice who intends to
have this kind of set up as a way to complete your work. There are
good ways to go about setting up a Cisco Certified Internetwork
Expert home lab and the best equipment will surely help you do
your work in half the time it might take!
When it comes to the equipment you need to use, this will
vary depending on your certification. If you are looking at pure
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, you might need a whole lot
more compared to other types of certification. But of course, there
are similarities for all the lab equipment, and you would best be
getting on the most general list of the major types of products that
are required for the entire range of certifications in Cisco. Because
Cisco has grown to become known as being a routing company,
routers are then touted as the core component of all the laboratory
certifications. Even those that are not part of the Cisco Certified
Internetwork Expert sector will require some testing of your routing skills.
To stress it even more, almost all products of Cisco will require your home lab to have some type of routing capability, like
getting three layer switches that will be able to perform both routing and switching. You will also see an advanced dynamic routing
type of protocol that is a form of support for products like the PIX
Firewall of Cisco or even the VPN Concentrator.

46

CCIE: Creating Impact All Over the World

Globalization is certainly at hand right now, and while many
businesses are still trying to find better ways to cope with the
change and manipulate things to create better outcomes for their
companies, one certain way of getting this done is to stay competitive and consistently check up on the system to produce high
quality outputs. One good way of achieving this is to apply Cisco
Certified Internetwork Expert or Cisco in the organizational system.
CCIE in the world is fast being accepted as the change that will truly
make things happen.
In a highly connected world of business such as this, our
usual focus is on monitoring market transitions as well as relying
heavily on keeping our businesses in a stable balance. By this, the
focus on maintaining such a balance across a dozen or more product areas, plus customer segments in major developed as well as
emerging countries must be taken into consideration. If any of
these segments are challenged, there will then be a domino effect
that creates momentum in the other sectors.
CCIE will make sure to prevent this effect or make the required solutions to offset the negative consequences. Much attention has recently been focused on how globalization impacts the
developing nations. As a form of example, Cisco has recently
opened a campus in the city of Bangalore as a way to create additional investments in China. Even other nations are affected by this,
as Europe, the United States and Japan are also nations that transact with China and will have their businesses impacted by the
presence of a Cisco school in their country.

47

CCIE Jobs Challenging and Rewarding at

the Same Time!
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert jobs can be very fulfilling if you know how to get around the workplaces that value your
worth. According to different sources, the average annual salary of
a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert ranges from around a hundred thousand to a hundred and twenty thousand US dollars per
annum. So when it comes to financial security, you are pretty much
in for a cushy job but only if you know how to do your work and do
it good.
Once you get your Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Certification you will certainly be open to a multitude of job prospects in
different industries. In some instances, you do not even have to do
anything and simply wait for the Cisco headhunters to find you and
make you an attractive offer. But as previously mentioned, you will
need the required training and experience that will show your
prospective employers your in-depth understanding of all the topics
that fall under the exam blueprints of Cisco.
If you want to be at the top of the salary range for Cisco, you
will probably need a minimum of seven years on the job (as well as
an in depth understanding of how the principles of networking
infrastructure work) to garner the respect and accolade that is given
for senior executives who can command almost any salary they
wish. Furthermore, part of your job as a CCIE expert will require
you to protect the assets and the monitor and ensure that operations remain seamless through and through.

48

Getting Started with Lab Equipment in

CCIE
If you will be working with Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, you will need some lab equipment in order to do your work.
Many labs of Cisco will usually have a time constraint of around
eight hours and a hundred points weight on a scale, eighty of which
you will need to pass should you wish to be at the helm and run
your own Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert lab. The laboratory
has been designed in such a way that it will challenge you in the
different areas that you will encounter after coming off from the
actual exam itself.
Each lab has a distinct theme that will enhance your learning
of Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts and its corresponding sub
themes such as RIP V2 or Routing Information Protocol. Many lab
equipment also have BGP and DLSw+ operations, even Voice, but
learning about Routing Information Protocol will certainly get you
some extra laurels on your wreath. To be able to run your laboratory, you will need different types of hardware and software components in order to begin Lab 1. For this, eight routers that are
loaded with Cisco IOS Software are required, along with an enterprise image.
Lucky for you, there are plenty of 2500 as well as 2600 type
of routers readily available for you to be able to use in your laboratory. These routers are also Internet Explorer ready, so that certainly is good news to have one less manual configuration which
you need to figure out on your own.

49

Timely Tips for CCIE Lab Exams

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert lab exams may be a bit
difficult, but if you have some really good tips you will be able to
find the exam easy and score really well on it too. First thing you
need to do is to manage your time well. For this, you need to plan a
way to cover all of the sections that are part of the entire timing.
Figure out how much time you will need to spend on each of the
sections. Also keep in mind that the questions have their own point
values, so work on those that have high point values carefully.
When you finish the test and you still have some time left,
try to go over your answers and see which ones need to be corrected. Next, you have to clarify the specific requirements of the
questions. Do not simply assume that the requirements are not
mentioned in any of the questions. When doing the lab exam,
always ask your proctor to get a little more perspective. Tackle each
question as a separate unit. Try to configure as well as verify before
you move on to the next.
To help you out with this, you have to option to redraw the
topology using all the other available details that were given. This is
a great way to visualize and map out the entire network. If you
follow these simple but effective tips, you will be guaranteed to have
a much better score in your Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert lab
exam. Who knows, you might even be a top notcher!

50

What s In Store for You In CCIE Lab Rentals

Lab rentals are the way to go in Cisco Certified Internetwork
Expert, especially when you need to study for your lab exam or if
you want to practice it outside of your Cisco Certified Internetwork
Expert workplace. Most lab rental units are fully prewired and are
ready to use. Many online rack rental services have all the equipment you might ever need to do the different tasks such as ccbootcamp, NMC, IPexpert, DOiT, fatkid, INternetwork Expert and so
much more.
Some lab rental services even have all in one and homegrown units that will truly help you prepare for the first day of your
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert practical examination. Their
rack rental rates are priced competitively and are usually bundled
with ultra flexible time slots that will allow you to meet your needs.
Some budget bundles include high-end routers that have 128MB
Ram as well as a 48MB Flash in order to support the latest IOS of
12.4. Most rental services will also recommend their racks for
working lab duties in Internetwork Expert and IPexpert.
If you are looking for custom racks with a home grown feel,
these customizable scenarios are just for you. A quick look into the
racks will find you staring at fourteen types of routers and switches,
all with 12.4 IOS, a relay switch with twelve port frames, dozens of
DCE and DTE high speed connections and dual switches for Cisco
Catalyst 3560. You can even ask for a special request LS1010 ATM
switch and a corresponding ATM port if you wish!

51

Consider Getting Into CCIE Labs

The CCIE exams are very demanding. Becoming CCIE certified really does entail a good amount of preparations before one
becomes successful with the program. It for this main reason that
IT professionals who finally decide to become CCIE certified consider all things which can make it possible for them to be successful
in the said career decision. The CCIE certification is indeed
achieved only by those who work hard to earn it.
The CCIE exam is not just made up of a typical exam written
in paper. It involves two different forms of exams. The first one
corresponds to a typical exam setup. This consists of a written exam
done in multiple choice format. But the exam is highly technical so
one really needs to review for it to make sure that errors are kept
minimal if not none. The other type of the CCIE exam is known as
the lab exam. In here, test takers are taken into a Cisco lab where
their actual capacity in operating the Cisco systems will be gauged
accordingly.
It is because of the lab exams that CCIE labs have become
popular. These CCIE labs are lab exams simulations which help test
takers prepare prior to the actual one. These CCIE labs are often a
part of the review program taken by test takers who wanted to
prepare for the test itself in a very detailed way. CCIE labs are
comprehensive and details because they include all aspects of the
Cisco program and the sub-specialties of the CCIE certification
itself.

52

Expert Advice for CCIE Lab Training

CCIE Lab training is important if you want to be able to be a
leader in this field. If you are looking for additional training, you
can find many of these readily available on the Internet. There are
different types of training packages for Cisco Certified Internetwork
Expert subtopics such as routing and switching, service provider
tracks and security.
These are specific product bundles that have been especially
chosen by leaders and seasoned professionals in the field of Cisco
Certified Internetwork Expert to help complement the foundation
you already have in Cisco and as a way to add value to your money
(since these pre-chosen bundles are highly applicable and were
measured to be highly valuable in the workplace). Because there are
different types of products, you might want to look at the overview
of each product type before choosing one to your liking. If you wish
to avail of a package, you may even get the lab training at a discounted rate. This way, you get to have solid lab training while
creating large savings in the process.
The Instructor lead option is also available for candidates
who want a more interactive approach to their Cisco Certified
Internetwork Expert lab training. This type of approach includes a
lot of live training sessions as well as recording and study workbooks to practice on. Many classes are also available via the online
classroom training, which can also be easily upgraded to the live
classes option in the many training facilities in different states
across the United States.

53

Useful Tips For Prospective CCIE Lab

Workbook Purchasers
The lab workbooks that many would-be practitioners would
use contains the CCIE R&S Proctor Guide which includes extensive
walk-through and instructions that may be helpful in guiding you
through possible lab scenarios. This useful guide is a definite
partner for the workbook!
The first few laboratory workbooks will be able to provide
the user with enough guidance so as to understand how certain
tasks are configured and what kinds of particular outcomes could
arise as a result of choosing an alternative method. The more
intermediate levels of the workbook will give-out less instructions
and will be less of a guide and more of an application program
where you will need to apply everything that you have learned in
the previous phase of the guide in order to acquire the solutions.
There are very minimal technical tips that will be given-out, but
they are labeled as Pretoria Assistance tips. Clues on possible
scenarios given by the proctor however, will be given out, but will
not be of hands-on nature.
The Learning by doing method provided by IP experts provides you with supreme preparation, which ensures that by using
this product, your expectations are sure to be met! Such a method
will enable clients to attain success through the products. That is
why through forty different lab scenarios, with each scenario rewritten in order to match the latest CCIE R&S blueprints and
objectives, you are guaranteed attainability for enough information
covering every aspect of the CCIE Lab exam. Content is strictly
revised as found within each current hardware and IOS in order to
keep it up-to-date as much as possible.

54

The CCIE List of Readings

It is a fact that the CCIE lab exam will be a very difficult test
for persons who are aspiring to be CCIEs, but with the aid of books
which serve the purpose of guiding the user through the backbone
of the exam, success will be much easier to attain. CCIE Routing
and Switching Official Exam Certification Guide (2nd Edition) will
most likely be used solely for the CCIE written preparation. Research shows that this book definitely serves its purpose for its
users.
A new edition of the same book has already been published.
It contains information regarding the CCIE exam. It also provides
the user with more sections which focus on preparation for the
CCIE exam, compared the previews 1st and 2nd editions of the
book. This latest edition is entitled, CCIE Routing and Switching
Official Exam Certification Guide (3rd Edition). So it is evident
that you may want to get the 3rd edition over the 2nd edition since
it contains more up-to-date information.
The CCIE Routing and Switching Exam Quick Reference
Sheets will provide you with lists of information concerning topics
found on the written blueprint of CCIE. The lists however, provide
minimal explanations and will only serve as a tool used for review.
You might opt to use it as a last check-up review test before taking
the actual written exam. The Cisco Doc CD Documents provide
documentations provided by Cisco. Even though books provide
great support for technical overviews and provides foundation, they
may still lack details which are required to enable you to function as
if you are already leveled as a CCIE level. Customer ratings in shops
on the World Wide Web show that CCIE readings usually serve the
purpose of being a technical reference.

55

Some Important Notes Regarding the CCIE

Exam
A lot of people question if it is really hard to pass the CCIE
exam. Here is a typical answer which that question asks for: the test
itself is very difficult. It is only practical that if you are able to have
access multiple Cisco routers, you use them to aid you in training
for the CCIE practical test. If you are unfortunate enough to have
only about 5-6 of these routers, then it is almost inevitable that you
will have a very difficult time trying to complete the practical test.
The test would prove to be rather easy if you had five whole days
allotted for you to complete it, but that is not the case. You will only
have 2 whole days to complete it.
There are not many CCIEs who were able to pass the test by
only learning from a single book. A number of them applied a lot of
what they learned based on previous hands-on experience. Without
being able to work hands on with actual configuration of routers
and troubleshooting, it will not be possible for anyone to pass the
CCIE exam. Many training labs accept and train people for the
CCIE lab exam. Some of these people spend 3 years gaining experience working with Cisco routers while also spending time networking, and then they allot another whole year extensively reviewing
for the actual CCIE Lab Exam. It is fairly possible to pass the CCIE
Theory Exam without studying, but a lot of people find themselves
failing the CCIE Lab Exam and only being able to pass it on their
second attempt. A good advice is to not get stressed at all. It is
important to concentrate and to treat the exam as if it is just a
review training exercise.
Past generations who took the CCIE had it tougher since
they did not have books that serve the purpose of helping the user
review for the CCIE exam. Some of them resorted to materials such

56

as existing Cisco web sites to aid them in their review. The bottom
line however, is that the most effective form of preparation for the
CCIE exam is studying hard.

57

CCIE Number: The Mark of an IT Expert

A CCIE number is awarded to those who successfully pass
the two stage CCIE certification. CCIE or the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert is considered as the toughest certification program
in the IT industry. It consists of a rigorous written exam and an
equally difficult lab examination. Not all Cisco certified professionals can hurdle the CCIE stage. IT professionals who hold a CCIE
number is regarded as a doctorate degree holder in information
technology.
CCIE numbering started in 1993 when the CCIE exam and
certification was rolled out in the market. It started with CCIE
number 1024 and more CCIE numbers have been awarded since
then. As of February 2008, CCIE numbers reached the 20000
mark. This shows that only about nineteen thousand IT experts
throughout the world are holding a CCIE number which is very
small compared to millions of individuals who hold an IT degree. It
is a concrete indication that the CCIE certification is the most
difficult IT qualification that can be earned. Anyone who holds a
CCIE number belongs to the cream of the crop of the IT industry.
The first CCIE number, 1024, was given to the original laboratory where the CCIE exams are conducted. It served as a plaque
of honor for the first CCIE lab. CCIE number 1025 was given to
Stuart Biggs, who was the developer of the first CCIE written
examination and the first CCIE laboratory examination. CCIE
number 1026 was earned by Terry Slattery who was a consultant of
CISCO when the CCIE written and lab exams were being created at
Cisco. Slattery was also the first certified CCIE IT expert outside of
the Cisco Corporation.

58

CCIE Online Training: How to Find Excellent CCIE Training Center

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification
is the highest professional IT certification provided by Cisco Systems Incorporated. THE CCIE written and laboratory examinations are the most difficult exam given to aspiring IT experts. To
successfully pass the CCIE exams, it is highly recommended that
the IT professional should first undergo intensive trainings, studies,
and lab exam simulations. For those CCIE aspirants who do not
have enough time for on-site training or boot camp, the CCIE
online training is ideal for them.
CCIE online training provides convenience and time flexibility for IT professionals preparing for the CCIE exams. There are
lots of CCIE online training centers that offer quality and updated
training programs. For best results however, IT professionals are
advised to visit the Cisco Systems website. One can find important
recommendations there on where to find accredited CCIE online
training centers. Cisco also suggests vital study materials, references, online resources and examination guides for the CCIE
exams. These are critical preparation kits that an IT professional
should have in order to succeed in CCIE certification exams.
The best CCIE online training should have a two-stage CCIE
preparations program. The first stage must focus on the written
exam. It should incorporate all the vital information, concepts and
applications about IT networks and engineering. The training
center must also provide online coaching and tutoring as well as
materials that can be studied at home. The second stage of training
must sharpen the abilities of trainees to solve practical networking
problems. A lab exam simulation is a must for this stage.

59

CCIE Pay: The Rewards of Becoming an IT

Expert
The CCIE pay rate is considered as the highest compared to
other IT professionals who hold certifications for other systems. A
Cisco certified CCIE can command an annual salary that could
reach six digits. That s for the senior level professionals who hold a
CCIE. For middle level IT professionals who have CCIE certification, the pay rate would still be enormous; salaries would run
between $75,000 to $90,000 USD. That is why more IT professional are trying to barge into the elite circle of Cisco certifications,
specifically the CCIE certification.
However, not everybody who takes the CCIE examinations
could clear it. Even the most hardened IT experts find the CCIE,
especially the lab exams, difficult to pass. Some even took three or
four attempts and lots of written exam retakes before clearing the
lab examination. The trainings, preparations, and exam retakes
would need considerable investments in time, money, and effort.
But if a CCIE certification has been secured, it would definitely
result to considerable increase in salaries and benefits. A job
promotion could also be possible not to mention the prestige and
honor of belonging to the most elite circle of IT experts.
To become a CCIE certified professional, one needs to undergo months of trainings and studies. Trainings should involve
preparations for the CCIE written and lab exams. The CCIE written
exams is a multi-choice and fill in the blanks test. The lab exam
involves actual hands-on test on different networking skills. CCIE
lab exam will also require examinees to solve actual trouble shooting problems. Preparing for these tests and actual hands-on experience are critical for successfully passing the CCIE exams.

60

CCIE Plaque: The Coveted Badge of Honor

A CCIE plaque is given to successful passers of CCIE examinations. It is an official recognition for being a certified internetworking expert. Through the years, the design of the official CCIE
plaque has changed but the essence of the award remains the same.
In fact, some believed that the CCIE certification exams have
become more difficult. That is why getting certified by Cisco and
receiving a CCIE plaque are considered major milestone in the
career of an IT professional.
The CCIE certification is provided by Cisco Systems Corporation. It is the toughest credentialing examination on the IT
industry today. CCIE certified professionals are considered gurus
of the IT industry. They occupy critical positions in the IT environments of companies worldwide. The salary and pay grades of IT
experts holding CCIE certification is considered as the highest in
the IT industry.
To clinch a CCIE certification, IT professionals must pass a
two-stage examination. The first is a written exam and the most
difficult stage is the two-day lab exam. The examinee is given the
chance to take the lab exam 18 months after successfully passing
the written exam. If one fails on the first take of the lab exam, Cisco
would allow the aspirant to try a second attempt. If the examinee
succeeds, the CCIE plaque will be sent to the registered address
provided by the examinee. If on the other hand the second attempt
is a failure, Cisco would demand a retake of the written exam before
taking further laboratory examinations.

61

CCIE Practical Studies: A Thousand-page

Resource for IT Experts
The CCIE Practical Studies is a self-study book published by
the Cisco Press. It is part of the recommended core materials
needed by IT professionals preparing for the CCIE certification
exams. The CCIE Practical Studies offers a rich elaboration of the
different hands-on techniques and methods for the CCIE network
security exams. The book offers two distinct benefits. First, CCIE
Practical Studies prepares IT professionals who will take the twoday CCIE lab exam. Second, the book is an excellent instruction
material to understand the concepts and applications of network
security and operations. By studying the CCIE Practical Studies, IT
professionals could learn how to pass CCIE exams and know the
details of IT network deployment and security.
The 1000-page publication contains important and critical
details about the intricacies of network and routing technologies. It
has comprehensive discussions on the different protocols and
switching techniques being used by numerous network applications. Readers will be guided on how to install, deploy, configure
and troubleshoot different networking systems. Issues and problems are also provided together with the corresponding techniques
and methodologies of solving most Internetworking glitches.
Having the CCIE Practical Studies will thoroughly guide IT
professionals on the steps to successfully pass CCIE lab exam. This
is made possible by the different simulation techniques that the
reader could create. The network simulations conform to typical
problems that will be presented during CCIE lab exam. Securing a
copy of CCIE Practical Studies is a must for IT professionals preparing for the CCIE lab examinations.

62

CCIE Practice is Key to CCIE Certification

Success
The CCIE exam for certification is the highest form of Cisco
accreditation. As such, only those who are known to be IT professionals with extensive knowledge as well as experience in Cisco
programs are expected to take it. Nobody can ever say how much
success rate they have when it comes to taking the CCIE certification program. Although there s not much requirements to be met
prior to taking the said certification, the screening process which
evaluates an individual prior to being certified is enough to trim
down the aspirants.
CCIE practice is indeed key to becoming CCIE certified. This
is because there are two different hurdles which must be overcome
before a person gets the most coveted CCIE certification. CCIE
practice also comes in two different ways: by means of undergoing
CCIE practice exams and submitting oneself into CCIE labs for
simulation procedures. These two different types of CCIE practice
corresponds to the CCIE exam procedures itself.
The CCIE certification consists of two different types of
exam. One exam is in written format which is presented as a multiple choice type of exam. This aims to gauge the expertise of the
person in terms of technical and theoretical knowledge. However,
operating the Cisco program is not just based on what the mind
knows but what the IT professional is also actually capable of. This
is why lab based exams are also being done prior to becoming CCIE
certified. This two different exams are also the reasons why people
submit themselves for into a boot camp program to gain the total
CCIE practice.

63

CCIE Prep Kits: Essential Tools for Passing

the CCIE Exams
CCIE prep kits are very valuable resource materials for those
who wish to pass both the CCIE written exam and CCIE lab exam.
The prep kits may include reading materials that could be studied
at home. Manuals and instructional guides on several IT network
protocols and infrastructures are also provided in some CCIE prep
kits. These will familiarize CCIE trainees on the different concepts
and methods of Internetworking as well as the application of voice
technology to most network architectures.
CCIE prep kits and manuals can be made available by some
online training centers specializing in CCIE curriculums. Trainees
could find these training institutions through the Cisco network of
accredited training centers. It is better to get proper training from
an accredited institution in order to take advantage of updated
study materials and lab simulation methods.
IT professionals should consider that the CCIE certification
exams are the most demanding IT qualifications tests. It will
definitely require not just simple self-study and memorization
techniques. Actual and hands-on experience on IT network solutions would give aspiring CCIEs a definite advantage during laboratory exams. However, it is equally important to have a multitude of
CCIE prep kits in order to train and prepare for the two-stage CCIE
exams. Passing the CCIE written exam is a prerequisite for taking
the lab examinations. Prep kits would be useful for written exam
preparations. But the most valued benefit of CCIE prep kits come
from the workbooks and problem solving exercises manuals. This
will sharpen the skills of trainees in solving actual CCIE lab exam
problems.

64

3 Foolproof CCIE Preparation Tips

Before getting a CCIE certification, IT professionals must
overcome two arduous examinations. The first is a set of multiple
choice exams with a sprinkling of fill in the blank questions. This is
the written part of the CCIE qualification exam. The second part of
CCIE qualification test is the dreaded two-day lab exam. It is the
most difficult examination so far given to IT professionals seeking a
reputable certification. Some veteran IT professionals took several
attempts before passing the CCIE lab exam. It goes without saying
that a thorough CCIE preparation is necessary in order to successfully hurdle the qualification exams of Cisco Systems.
Proper CCIE preparation should consist of three exam prep
methods. First is the theoretical preparation. This may involve
attending refresher courses on network management, security, and
deployment. A high dose of self-study is also necessary. To do this,
aspiring CCIE must acquire updated books, references, and networking manuals.
The second CCIE preparation method is through simulations
both for the exams and actual Internetworking architectures. Some
training centers provide lab facilities that mimic the ones used on
CCIE lab exam. Other IT professionals invest on creating their own
lab to practice on actual implementation of different network
protocols. After successfully passing the exams, they usually sell
these miniature network labs to other aspiring CCIE.
The third part of CCIE preparation is through actual handson experience. The CCIE exam is notoriously biased against paper
IT professionals. Those without hands-on experience on different
IT environments will surely fail the lab exam. So it would be best to
prepare for the exam by getting first hand experience on existing
corporate IT environments and network infrastructures.

65

Familiarize Yourself with CCIE Questions

If you are on your way to taking the CCIE certification, you
know that persistent preparation in all aspects is needed. After all,
the CCIE certification is not considered an expert level of certification without good basis. Only those who are known to be successful
in their respective IT careers are expected to finally decide to take
it. As such, you will of course see yourself battling it out with
prominent people when it comes to taking the CCIE certification
exams.
So apart from just the preparatory materials, it is also good
that you have knowledge of what you ll expect from the CCIE
questions itself. The CCIE certification exams are actually composed of two different types the written and the lab based exam.
The lab based exam is something that you can only prepare for as
much as you can. When you are already there, nerves may get the
best out of you which is why constant practice in CCIE simulated
labs are often recommended. As for the written exams, you actually
have better chances of acing this because this is your typical pen
and paper type of test. Add the fact that it is in multiple choice
form, you certainly have better chances in this one.
This is why CCIE questions come in handy in terms of their
general topics. CCIE questions are usually based from network
fundamentals, internet protocols, Cisco-specific technology, and
bridge and router technology. These are topics wherein CCIE
questions would most likely be all about. It would be best if your
brush up on these topics.

66

The Scope of CCIE R&S

The CCIE certification exams are composed of different subspecialties. This is because the CCIE is the most privileged form of
certification because of the scope it covers. As such, it would really
be hard for anyone to develop an intensive knowledge of Cisco. To
make matters easier for test takers, the CCIE has been further
divided to subspecialties to correspond to the person s preferences.
One of the popular categories of CCIE is the CCIE R&S.
The R&S in this category also stand for Routing and Switching. The main purpose of R&S is to provide a network an expert
level understanding of how networking can be maximized by means
of working across different interfaces of WAN and LAN procedures.
It also makes use of various routers and relevant switches throughout the whole process.
Those who are CCIE R&S respectively are expected to be able
to troubleshoot complex problems involving vast connectivity
systems. Being certified in CCIE R&S makes an individual responsible for maximizing bandwidth in the system as well as supporting
the global applications of the entire system. In case various problems should arise, a timely response can be given. Apart from
Cisco-hosted maintenance, CCIE R&S also helps perform necessary
upgrades and installations related to the entire network connections.
If one wishes to undergo a certification especially geared towards CCIE R&S, necessary preparations both theoretically and in
actual performance must be done. Sometimes, networks may not
always follow in accordance to what written manuals and guides
may say. Networks and connectivity problems may still arise unexpectedly. As such, CCIE R&S also requires creativity and being able
to troubleshoot across all types of problems.

67

Success with CCIE Rack Training

Practice really makes perfect. Though these words are very
common, they still tell something about patience and humility.
Even in taking Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification needs lots of trainings and experiences. When speaking about
CCIE practice or training, what becomes a common way to do it is
to have CCIE rack and learn from using it.
It is true that Cisco do not require experience before taking
the CCIE exam. But the exam provider and almost all CCIE certified
individuals have recommended having experience taking one of the
most difficult exams in the IT world and one of the most expensive.
Having CCIE rack and training with that hardware device is one of
the most effective ways in getting hands-on the Cisco Internetworking.
If one would get the exam without being trained with CCIE
rack, he would probably lost thousands of dollars. Not only that,
time, effort, and travel will all be useless if one fails this.
At least $315 is needed per attempt in taking the written
CCIE exam while the lab exam costs about $1,400 per attempt. Allin-all expenses of one candidate for CCIE certification attempt is
$9,050 on the average. Moreover, there is also travel expenses
needed for this exam since there are only few Cisco laboratories
that offers examination worldwide like in Beijing, Dubai, Brussels,
Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Tokyo, and Sydney.
As always advised, it is always better to join a battle prepared. Since the lab exam is the more expensive and more difficult
CCIE exam, having CCIE rack is the best way to ensure a passing
rate. If one cannot afford to buy his own CCIE rack, he can just rent

68

one. There are websites that provide CCIE rack renter on per-hour
rate.

69

CCIE Rack Rental: Providing Convenient

CCIE Lab Exam Training
CCIE rack rental is a popular online training method for
those preparing for the CCIE lab exam. Network simulations and
actual hands-on practice on the Cisco networking system will be
provided by CCIE rack rental vendors. These are web based training and practice sessions and trainees can book schedules for as
short as one hour. CCIE rack rental technology offers a low-cost
and convenient method in improving the network skills and performance of aspiring CCIE.
This type of simulated Internetworking practice is inspired
by on-demand remote hosting applications technology. IT professionals can experience actual and hands-on network performance
through virtual IT environments hosted on remote servers. The
user will have to buy block time schedules for their CCIE rack
sessions. Usually, vendors provide sessions in increment of 1 hour.
Booking to these CCIE simulations can be done via online payment
methods and scheduling.
CCIE rack rental can reduce the cost of CCIE training.
Trainees can also run simulations based on their time limitations or
schedules. CCIE rack rentals also use actual Cisco Internetworking
technologies to give its clients a first hand view of the different
networking solutions, routing techniques and network applications.
CCIE rack rentals provide valuable insights to several networking
issues. The experience acquired through the simulated sessions
could be very valuable during the CCIE lab examinations.
For IT professionals wishing to pass the CCIE lab exam, they
must spend innumerable hours practicing on virtual networks
provided by CCIE rack rental providers. The skills and knowledge

70

earned through this method could mean success or failure in the

CCIE certification exams.

71

CCIE Routing & Switching Exam: Requirements for Successfully Passing the
CCIE Lab Exam
The CCIE routing & switching exam determines the technical
capabilities of IT professionals in providing network solutions for
different LAN and WAN environments. It also tests the abilities of
examinees in using different switching technologies existing in
most IT environments and architectures. Proficiency in Cisco
systems routing and switches shows that the CCIE examinee has
ample technical know-how in the deployment, management, and
maintenance of Internetworking architectures.
The CCIE routing and switching lab exam is a laborious 8hour hands-on session. Examinees will be required to install and
configure different and complicated network settings and deploy it
on different local area or wide area networks. During simulations,
exam takers will be presented with numerous issues and network
problems. It is therefore important to know the intricacies of
diagnosing network problems and applying solutions that could
troubleshoot the given problems. It is generally required that
examinees should be able to work with different devices that exist
in the network. Knowledge of updated network hubs and technologies is also essential for this purpose.
There are no prerequisites for taking the lab exams aside
from passing the written tests. Examinees are given ample time to
prepare for the CCIE routing and switching exams. It is generally
advised by Cisco that examinees should first get hands-on networking experience in order to grasp the concept and methods of network systems. Trainings and virtual simulations are also essential
preparation steps which could be very valuable during actual

72

examinations. These are critical measures which could ensure the

success of examinees in taking the CCIE lab exam.

73

CCIE Routing and Switching Exam: 3 Best

Ways to Prepare for the Exam
The CCIE routing and switching exam is probably one of the
most difficult exam tracks of CCIE lab examinations. It requires
high technical knowledge of different networking technologies. The
CCIE examinee must also possess superior understanding of networks in order to solve the numerous problems that will be presented during actual examinations. There are several techniques
and methods that can be used to prepare for the CCIE routing and
switching exam. Examinees should prepare thoroughly for this
exam track which is a major part of the CCIE lab exams.
First, examinees must enroll in training centers that provide
reviews for networking solutions and give updated approaches to
latest network technologies. This will allow the CCIE examinees to
refresh their theoretical knowledge. This is also important in order
to understand the current best practices of routing and switching
technologies.
Second, examinees must secure different self-study guides
such as books, training manuals, current journals, and technical
documents related to networking technologies. These materials
would reinforce the conceptual knowledge of aspiring CCIEs in
grasping different network solutions. It could also broaden the
theoretical framework of examinees and will enable them to look
for different angles in solving networking issues.
Third, examinees must constantly practice their networking
skills either through actual hands-on experience in their company s
IT environments or through network simulations. Simulations can
be acquired through hosted service. The examinee will be provided
with a virtual network environment. It could be a good training

74

ground for sharpening the skills on network configuration, deployment, and troubleshooting.

75

Simple Ways to Pass the CCIE Routing

Exam
Examinations are always twinned with review. However, is
the case still the same with CCIE routing exam? It s a more difficult
test than those long quizzes one takes in school. Thus, it also takes a
more serious preparation if one wants to successfully get the CCIE
routing certification.
Generally, routing is a key feature used for the Internet.
Through this process, one message can pass from one computer
system to another. Routing involves working with a device called
router and it helps the process in doing its main goal as well as
analyzing and determining the best path for the message.
Routing is a real challenge to any CCIE certification takers
that is why more and more are taking serious study before the
written and lab exam about this subject.
exam:

Here are some useful study tips for a successful CCIE routing

Compiling copies of exam. These can be downloaded

from the Cisco website.
Joining a study group. There are many communities
in the Internet that are communicating with one another for the
sole purpose of passing the CCIE exam. Joining these groups will
surely help the candidate in making serious and more effective
study about CCIE routing.
Buying books. This maybe a very simple one but reading books still works. However, it should be noted that not all CCIE
books are great reference for studying. Comparing different books
helps in determining the best among them.

76

Downloading some sample exams. CCIE exams are

not always similar from the previous years but the previous exams
can provide a preview of what one should expect during the CCIE
routing examination.
With enough preparation, success will surely be ensured
with CCIE routing examination.

77

Getting to Know CCIE Routing and Switching

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert or CCIE is known for its
very challenging exams. The difficulty of getting the CCIE certification justifies the high salary and good IT career waiting for those
who successfully pass. CCIE is not just a common IT certification.
There are many stages one should surpass before the real victory.
The good side here is that one can choose the track he has his
expertise on like the CCIE routing and switching.
CCIE routing and switching is so far the most commonly
taken CCIE track. There are now at least 14,329 CCIE routing and
switching certified individuals in the world. It may also be observed
that this track is the only partnered networking concept exam
among other tracks. That is because routing and switching works
almost similar but with few distinguishable differences.
The difference between the two can be summarized by the
involvement of packets and network. In switching, packets are
moved between devices connected on the same network. In routing,
packets are moved between devices of different networks.
Though different, both switching and routing can be used for
various local area networks and wide area networks. If one is
certified as a CCIE routing and switching professional, he has the
expertise of networking various WAN or LAN interfaces, as well as
different routers and switches.
CCIE routing and switching is the most popular CCIE track
but that does not mean this is the easiest. Cisco still highly recommends having three to five years of experience working with this
type of networking. Some professionals also advise reading related

78

books and taking sample exams before proceeding with the CCIE
routing and switching exam.

79

The Benefits of CCIE Routing and Switching Lab Boot Camps

A good way to prepare for the CCIE lab exams is through
CCIE exam boot camps. These boot camps have several training
programs and on of them is the CCIE routing and switching lab. It
should be noted however that these CCIE routing and switching lab
boot camps will require considerable financial investment. Entry to
a boot camp could reach up to several thousand dollars. There will
also be additional incremental cost such as purchase of books and
other vital reading materials.
The CCIE routing and switching lab boot camps are designed
to give CCIE examinees hands-on experience in manipulating
networks. Training sessions in boot camps could last for a week.
Intensive lectures occupy the morning sessions while the rest of the
day is dedicated to actual lab training. Most boot camps have
dedicated laboratories for each of their clients. This will enable
trainees to focus on their training and could help them easily grasp
network protocol issues. All sessions provided by most CCIE
routing and switching lab boot camps are led by competent CCIE
instructors and coach. These instructors are CCIE certified professionals themselves and impart important knowledge on different
networking systems.
CCIE routing and switching lab boot camps also provide
mock CCIE lab exams. These simulations are designed to test the
actual ability of trainees in taking the CCIE exam. The simulations
are also good measures to determine the capabilities of trainees in
solving network problems under time limited restrictions. The
mock lab exams will prepare the trainees to find network solutions
under extreme pressure. IT professional vying for a one-shot take

80

on the CCIE lab exam should consider enrolling in CCIE routing

and switching lab boot camps.

81

CCIE Routing Switching: The Twin CCIE

Track
Routing Switching are two different entities: routing and
switching. Though they are different, the two concepts are united
by the CCIE or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert making them
CCIE routing switching.
The CCIE routing switching is among the many tracks of examinations offered by the most challenging Cisco certification
exam. Other than CCIE routing switching are other tracks like CCIE
security, CCIE service provider, CCIE voice, and CCIE storage
networking. The CCIE routing switching is the most popular among
these other tracks with at least 14,329 CCIE routing and switching
certified individuals in the world since late 2007.
Switching and routing in CCIE, as mentioned, are two different entities but work almost similar to each other. The basic difference between them is that switching works with switches while
routing works with routers. The router is capable of determining
the target point for sending packet through the NetworkID within a
specific Network layer header. However, the switch is capable of
maintaining a database of MAC address and to which port they are
connected to. Switching also works with packets moved from one
device to another in one network. The routing, on the other hand,
can move packets between devices connected to different networks.
Having knowledge about routing and switching is necessary
in order to successfully get a CCIE routing and switching certification. This particular certification, however, is not just as simple as
the difference between routing and switching. CCIE routing switching involves various concepts on networking. This may include
routing and switching, IP Interior Getaway Routing Protocols,

82

Border Getaway Protocol, Multicast Routing, Quality Service,

Security, and IP and IOS features.
Anyway, passing CCIE routing switching will be as easy as
the alphabet with enough readings, knowledge, and long-time
practice/experience on the field.

83

Basics of CCIE RS Examination

The certification of CCIE in Routing and Switching depicts
the level knowledge of expert in networking in different interfaces
of wide area network (WAN) and local area network (LAN), and
also a variety of switches and routers.
The complex problems in connectivity are being solved by
the experts in RS. They apply technology antidotes to heighten the
bandwidth, to maximize the performance, to improve the response
times, to support global applications and to improve security. The
CCIE RS certified are expected to be able to install, configure and to
maintain WAN, LAN, and the dial access services.
The candidates are also expected to have an in-depth knowledge of the intricacies, subtleties, and challenges of end-to-end
networking. Candidates are highly encouraged to have 3-5 years of
experience in routing and switching field before attempting to get
CCIE RS certification. This is important since the CCIE RS examination is comprised of RS-related topics like BSCI, CIT, CCNA,
ARCH, QoS, IPV6, and BCMSN.
The CCIE RS written qualification exam is for two hours and
covers concepts of networking and some commands in equipment.
Candidates must pass the written exam before becoming eligible in
taking the lab examination.
Meanwhile, the CCIE RS lab exam is an eight hours lab
exam. The candidates must be able to configure the actual equipment and make the network run in a timed test plight. Every candidate is given three years to pass the lab exam but they can do the
first CCIE RS lab exam within 18 years after passing the written
exam.

84

Why CCIE Salaries Continue to Top the

List
CCIE salaries could reach up to a six-digit figure not to mention the different perks and benefits that accompany CCIE certification. In fact, in most salary surveys for the IT industry, CCIE
professionals continue to dominate the top spot. They are the
highest paid and the most respected certified IT experts in the
industry. This however is not a surprising development. IT professionals invest thousands of dollars and sacrificed most of their
personal time and enjoyment just to train for the CCIE certification.
The reputation of the CCIE exam is unmatched in the IT industry.
It is the toughest and most difficult certification exam. That is why
CCIE passers can command high salaries.
A CCIE certification is an assurance that companies have an
IT guru in their midst. IT experts who have CCIE certifications are
capable of building and maintaining complex networks. They also
have the ability to institute the most rigid security measures for
every network systems. CCIEs also have the ability to quickly
diagnose internetworking problems and find solutions to it. This
troubleshooting capacity is an assurance for most companies that
their IT network could be excellently maintained and managed.
The expertise gained by CCIE professionals is due to the fact
that they have undergone intensive trainings and hands-on experience. There is no reported paper CCIE so far because the Cisco
exams involve simulations of real life network configurations,
maintenance and troubleshooting. Theoretical knowledge alone
will not guarantee success on CCIE exams. One needs actual
technical capabilities to hurdle the CCIE lab exam. That is why
CCIE salaries are the most lucrative in the IT market because they
are genuine experts in the field of information technology.

85

CCIE Salary: The Fruits of Hard CCIE Labor

After the sleepless day and nights of continuous study, after
the endless review, after the tightening of belt for CCIE expenses,
CCIE certified can now harvest the fruits of their hard labor. That is
by having the IT career they ve always wanted. Along with that is
the high salary that will be more than enough for the house, for the
car, for the gimmicks, for all the needs and wants. With as much as
$102,000 earnings of CCIE certified professional per year, he can
really have all he wanted in life.
CCIE salary is the usual reason why information technology
students and geeks spend money in taking the CCIE examinations.
Expenses are not only for the exam payment but for the entire exam
cost that covers review materials, travels, and the exam fee. Anyway, spending about $9,000 is nothing compared to the opportunities waiting for CCIE certified individuals.
There are lots of jobs waiting for CCIE certified that, of
course, offers high CCIE salary. The designation of Cisco Certified
Engineer is the topmost Cisco certification a person could have.
The CCIE salary also heightens through time because the
CCIE becomes more experienced. CCIE with three to five years of
experience will earn $82,000 annually. For those who have 5 years
or more working experience can earn $90,731. For the senior CCIE
who have been working for more than 10 years, they will earn
$126,193 every year.
It also varies in region. The salary of the average CCIE is
$102,000. For hose who are in the West it is $123,777. CCIE certi-

86

fied in the Midwest can earn $85,000, while the CCIEs in Northeast
earn $95,918 annually.

87

How to Prepare for the CCIE SAN Exam

The CCIE SAN exam track tests the technical abilities of IT
professionals in delivering storage networking and applying different transport protocols for this. The intelligent application of
storage networking will allow companies to effectively manage and
distribute databases across a wide network. CCIE SAN capable
professionals should be able to configure different network languages to effectively integrate storage systems and facilitate data
delivery using secure routers and virtual network transportations.
The CCIE SAN exam track does not require any prior certifications or prerequisites. However, CCIE examinees must pass a
rigid written SAN examination which is formatted as a multi-choice
test. Passing the written examination for CCIE SAN is required in
order to pursue actual CCIE SAN lab examinations. The lab exam
is an intensive simulation test that will measure the competence of
IT professionals in running and maintaining wide storage networks. As in most CCIE lab exam tracks, the CCIE SAN track
requires that the examinee has sufficient hands-on experience in
actual storage networking.
To prepare for the CCIE SAN, the examinee must look for
accredited training centers offering simulated storage networking
solutions. This is important in order to enhance the skills of networking professionals in managing storage systems and deliveries.
The Cisco Corporation has a list of accredited CCIE training centers. Examinees can also take advantage of virtual network solutions provided by on-demand CCIE training providers. These are
self-study centers but the trainee will be able to practice on simulated network environments to sharpen their technical skills and
proficiencies.

88

The Benefits of Attending CCIE Security

Boot Camp
A CCIE security boot camp could be a very effective training
method for IT professionals preparing for CCIE security certification exam. There are CCIE security boot camps accredited by
Cisco. These boot camps will help aspiring CCIEs to pass the
comprehensive security track of CCIE lab exams. Some boot camps
offer one-on-one trainings which is good for IT professionals who
need flexible training schedules. But for those wishing to exchange
notes with other IT professionals, there are CCIE security boot
camps that accept group trainings. This will enable network professionals to know the current best practices of network security
technologies in other IT environments.
A CCIE security boot camp could be expensive. However,
the benefits that a trainee could get from these boot camps should
be well worth the cost of training. Trainees will also be able to
practice on actual situations on matters pertaining to network
security.
Specific focus of CCIE security trainings includes Firewall
configuration, set-up, and deployment, VPN technologies and
Intrusion Prevention Systems. A typical CCIE security boot camp
also gives sufficient exercises on Identity Management, Advance
Security Protocols, and handling Network Attacks. These are part
of CCIE curriculum that will be tackled during actual CCIE security
lab exams.
Through a CCIE security boot camp, aspiring CCIE professionals will know the latest techniques and technologies in building
corporate network security. The mock exams provided in CCIE
security boot camp could prepare the examinees on actual condi-

89

tions that will be encountered during the CCIE lab exam. This will
increase their chances to successfully pass the CCIE lab exam.

90

Ways to Prepare for the CCIE Security

Exam
The CCIE security exam will test the technical expertise of IT
professionals in building different network security protocols as
well as configuring IP routing. This is a component exam track
which is a part of comprehensive Cisco-sanctioned CCIE laboratory
examinations.
To prepare for the CCIE security exam, IT professionals will
have to prepare thoroughly on the theory and practice of instituting
security systems over a local network, wide area network, and IP
configuring and routing. Firewall and other network security
designs, architectures and troubleshooting should also be addressed during CCIE trainings. Trainees could get excellent preparation from online CCIE training centers. There are also class room
trainings that could provide one on one CCIE coaching service.
To successfully pass the CCIE security exam, the trainees
must constantly practice on virtual networks. This would involve
many weeks of deigning security protocols and testing it on virtual
environments. In this way, CCIE trainees can measure their level of
competence determine their specific skills strengths and weaknesses. For those who have the means and resources, they could
actually build mock networks and train their skills using actual
models. This kind of training can provide excellent network security situations and can prepare the examinees for the actual handson tests o CCIE security exam.
Aspiring CCIE professionals can also take advantage of mock
CCIE security exam provided by training center, bootcamps, and
network security vendors. These mock exams will prepare the
examinees especially in troubleshooting network security issues

91

under time pressure. It should be noted that the CCIE security

exam is time limited so it would be better to practice on mock
exams that mimic this situation.

92

CCIE Security Lab

The first step of a student to pass the CCIE laboratory exam
is to pass the written examination where their theoretical knowledge on CCIE is tested. There is also the practical exam that tests
the candidate s competitiveness in laying out his theoretical knowledge in an actual work.
The practical exam is mostly the more difficult part in almost
all CCIE track examinations. If the CCIE Security written exam
needs only two hours, the laboratory exam requires eight hours.
Though hard, CCIE Security Lab passing rate will be anyone s
passport to successful CCIE career.
CCIE Security Lab exam will surely be an easy one if one has
lots of knowledge about troubleshooting and securing network. But
most people who plans of taking CCIE Security Lab exam prepares
so much before the big day because if they fail, they have to say
goodbye to their more than $1,000 exam fee.
So, the best way is always to prepare to get a passing rate.
One of the best ways for that is researching for the possible topics
during the lab exam and to study them all.
Topics of CCIE Security Lab exam may include all or most of
the following topics: Bridging and Switching, IGP Routing, PIX
Firewall, BGP, IP/IOS Features, AAA, VPN, IOS Firewall, Advanced
Security, and Intrusion Detection System.
Bridging and Switching may include the basic frame relay
configuration, the traffic control and its congestion management,
and the catalyst features and its advanced catalyst configuration.
The IGP Routing may have the PIX Routing, route filtering, sum-

93

marization, and redistribution. Other IGP features may also be

included in this Security Lab exam.
Complete information about the possible topics for CCIE Security Lab examination can be found in various website.

94

A Primer on CCIE Security Lab Workbooks

Security lab workbooks are necessary for you to gain a better
understanding of the work that you do as a Cisco professional.
There are different types of workbooks available in many Cisco on
line ordering stores, but the cost comprehensive ones usually come
in a self-paced form which will help you get ahead in the CCIE
Security Lab exam. This type of comprehensive workbook usually
consists of ten scenarios that are full scale and are good for eighthour lab scenarios. These are also designed to let the user work his
way up from the ground based on the Cisco System 2007 Blueprint
for January (in accordance with the CCIE Security Lab Exam.
The labs in this security lab workbook volume are designed
in such a way that it will be able to stimulate the actual exam while
at the same time illustrating all of the principles that are behind the
impressive and functional technology which is part and parcel of
the Cisco system. The CCIE Security Lab Workbook can also come
covered by an exclusive protection program as a way to protect your
investment and everyone knows that education is the soundest
investment you can ever make!
The newest version of the security lab workbook was created
last January 2007 and is comprehensive enough to include a section on Electronic Solutions which also explain the key points as
well as the pitfalls of such a technology. Such configurations are
also broken down by task so as a user, you will not need to guess
which particular commands will relate to particular questions.

95

Bits and Pieces of CCIE Security Rack

For CCIE users that need a good solid set of equipment in
order to do their work, it can be very difficult to find a security rack
that will meet their standards of excellence. But here in this article,
one will be privy to the characteristics of a good CCIE security rack.
This is also so you will be able to get good value for your money.
Because there is an increase in the demand for CCIE services, many
companies are now brining up additional security racks and routing
services to meet their needs.
A good company, therefore, must be able to have a wide
range of available racks, at least a minimum of seven on line racks
will do. A good set of routing services will usually contain at least
six 2811 core routers, five 3640 backbone routers, four 3560 catalyst switches, a full mesh frame for relay and a wide host of P2P
connections. For more value-added security racks, one will do well
to check if the set he or she is going to get includes one 3640
core/backbone routers, two 3550 Catalyst switches, one PIX515
firewall, two pieces of ASA5510 (which should also include a
failover), one IPS4215, a VPN3005, one ACS server, one test workstation a full mesh frame for relay and also plenty of connections
for P2P.
While lab requirements usually change from time to time,
many providers also make sure that their equipments are up to date
in order to meet the demands of the changing times.

96

Figuring Out Security Training for CCIE

Security training for CCIE is a highly intensive course that is
designed to enhance the competencies of the candidates who will be
taking the practical lab exam for Security. These security training
courses usually last for five high intensive days which will allow
them to concretize your existing knowledge, figure out their weaknesses and learn all about different kinds of strategies in test taking. The security training class is usually designed for the
candidates who have six months to prepare for the lab exam.
Most training classes do not really cover some introductory
material because the candidates themselves are expected to have a
minimum level knowledge of CCSP and the corresponding topics
that are part and parcel of this topic. For five whole days you will be
able to cover different topics from VPN configurations, PIX Firewall
configurations, IDS sensor management and so much more. The
five day security training runs for twelve hours per class. These
courses are delivered by authorized learning partners. The security
training classes usually have a maximum of eight students per class,
with each student having their own IDS Sensor, VPN 3005 Concentrator, PIX 515 Firewall, two 3550 Switches, ten 2811 Routers and a
server for ACS/CA, which are some of the world's most advanced
tools in the Cisco industry.
Furthermore, each student will receive a dedicated instructor who will teach the all about the ins and outs of security training
for Cisco to ensure that they know everything there is to know
about the entire system.

97

Dissecting the CCIE Security Written Exam

Bit by Bit
The CCIE certification exam has a written component in addition to the actual practical lab exam. While there are no formal
prerequisites for the certification itself, the minimum level is being
able to pass the written examination about security and then move
on to the corresponding exam for the hands-on lab. In the CCIE
security written exam, you will be expected to possess a thorough
understanding of all the topics that can be found in the exam
blueprints and are also strongly encouraged to have job experience
(usually with a minimum requirement of at least three to five years
on the job) before you even attempt to take the exam for the certification.
Of course, being prepared for such an exam also means having the exam materials and reading and going through them thoroughly. The security written exam will compose of two whole hours,
covering concepts about networking and some knowledge about
equipment commands are required for you to be eligible for the lab
exam. The security written exam is composed of one hundred
multiple choice questions. These exams do not come cheap, nor is
the cost astronomical. The security exam is pegged at three hundred US dollars, but these may vary depending on the independent
vendors that administer them and other factors such as exchange
rate and local taxes. It also has an expiration date, so the candidates
should be able to make an attempt of the lab exam for CCIE within
eighteen months once the candidate passes the written exam for
security.

98

Cracking the Code: First Dibs on the CCIE

Security Written Exam
After several years of working with Cisco systems and applying all your knowledge in the workplace, your next step is probably
to take the CCIE certification exam. This exam is a sure way to
recharge your career and make you seem all the more professional
in this industry, because passing it means being able to command a
higher salary and become a leader of any CCIE team of any company or organization.
Of course, the test itself is pretty hard, what with one hundred multiple choice questions which you need to answer within a
total of two whole hours. And with Cisco having such a broad range
of topics and sub concepts, how will you be able to trim down your
studies for the test? To start off, the CCIE exam will have a general
networking component. Here, you will need to study about the
basics of networking, including OSI layers, Switching (VTP, VLANs,
Spanning Tree, etc), TCP/IP Protocols, IP Multicast, and Routing
Protocols (including EIGRP, RIP, and BGO, among others).
It also tackles the subject of Security General, so be prepared
to face questions that are related to the best security policies and
the best practices for security, different kinds of information security standards (which also include ISO 17799, BS 7799 and ISO
27001), different Standard Bodies, BCP 38, Common RFCs (example, RFC1918 and RFC2401), questions about attacks and vulnerabilities and security audit and validation may also come out. This
truly is comprehensive, but working on such a task will be worth
the effort you make!

99

CCIE Service Provider Provides Real Assistance

CCIE is the hardest yet it is the best IT examination in the
realm of information technology. IT students die hard to pass this
exam, and a take two is a no because of the high cost of the examination.
But an IT student is not alone; CCIE service provider has a
workbook that is designed to help students to pass the examination.
The workbook of Internetwork Expert s Service Provider is a
supplement to the training materials for the student to prepare for
the laboratory exam of Cisco System s Service Provider CCIE Lab
Exam.
The workbooks of Internetwork Expert s CCIE have been
utilized by numerous networking engineers to assist the preparation of the multiple tracks of the CCIE laboratory examination.
Here are some of highlighted key points that a student
should consider in selecting and buying a workbook:
What workbook of a vendor includes a free upgrade
policy? What vendor includes diagrams for each lab free of
charge?
What workbook of a vendor are utilized by more candidates to pass the laboratory exam of CCIE
What workbook of a vendor includes solutions: proctor guide, solutions guide, verifications, etc for free?

100

The CCIE service provider is like the actual CCIE lab exam,
every lab scenario in the CCIE Service Provider Lab Workbook
Volume II is composed of different sections.
A student might be exceptional in grades and in his technical
skills, but CCIE is the examination to beat. After the student passes
the examination, there is a bright future that waits for him or her.
And with the high expenses that one will spend, it is very worthy to
take CCIE service provider.

101

Preview of CCIE SP Examination

CCIE SP is the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Service
Provider track examination. This determines a certain individual s
competency regarding networking within the service provider s
industry.
Just like all of other CCIE track exams, the CCIE SP is composed of two general parts written and lab exams. A person who
wishes to be a CCIE SP certified must pass these two general parts.
Written and lab exams are different in nature and difficulty. But
they just include the same topics like optical networks, Wide Area
Network switching, DSL or digital subscriber line, VoIP or Voice
over Internet protocol, content networking, Metro Ethernet, and
broadband cable.
A candidate, before taking the CCIE SP exam, is strongly advised to practice this field for at least three years. But anyone
without actual CCIE SP experience can still pursue the exam since
this is not a requirement.
CCIE SP written exam is for two hours and covers concepts,
as well as, equipment commands connected to packet-based networking infrastructure. One should pass the written CCIE SP before
taking the lab exam. If the candidate unfortunately fails the written
exam, he can still get one but he must pay about $300 per take. If
he passed the written exam, he can now schedule his CCIE SP lab
exam.
The CCIE SP lab exam, on the other hand, lasts for a maximum of eight hours. While the written tests the theoretical skills of
the candidate, the lab exam challenges his practical skills on CCIE
SP. The lab exam will determine ones ability to change actual
equipment and obtain a service provider network available in the

102

time of lab examination. The candidate is given three years to pass

the lab exam if in case he failed the first attempt.

103

Rise Up the Ladder with CCIE Storage

CCIE studies on storage will be a whole lot better and easier
for any candidate if he or she will attend a boot camp for CCIE
Advantage Storage Lab. The candidates who usually attend these
boot camps are those who are currently preparing for the exam for
the CCIE Storage Lab and must definitely possess a good number of
theoretical information that will also come out in the test itself. If
they want to gauge their level of expertise in CCIE storage, the
candidates can also have their level of preparedness assessed. This
is also a way to figure out if the candidate will need additional
practice or if he or she will be able to get by without.
The course objectives for the CCIE storage exam must be attuned to the knowledge of the candidates to allow them to respond
to the different challenges they will face in internetworking technology along with the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert program.
This storage exam can also be considered as a high-level certification program which is also designed to identify as well serve the
different aspects of internetworking experts, not to mention improve their hands-on skills. The Cisco Certified Internetwork
Expert certification is the most recent certification in the entire
industry. The boot camp will surely help with its different sets of
practice exercises which cover all the protocols that are tested in the
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert lab exam. These are also aimed
at the engineers who are also preparing for the CCIE lab exam
themselves.

104

The Lowdown on CCIE Storage Networking

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert program also includes a component on storage networking, which is a must for all
professionals who want to be known in this field. The storage
networking component works to bring together the different areas
of Cisco, which are routing and switching, service provider, security, voice (VoIP) and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert tracks.
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert storage networking component is committed to creating storage area networking as a way
of presenting itself as a core advanced technology. Putting together
a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert exam for only one area is
useless, so the nuances of information technology as well as the
internetworking industry can benefit from a strong background in
storage networking as part of the entire Cisco curriculum.
This way, Cisco can be seen as the number one overall best
strategy in networking. The storage networking component simply
builds on the successes that Cisco has been able to produce beforehand, which, quite incidentally, is also built on a foundation of
networks. The many candidates for storage networking will also
need to pass a written test that will cover the different theoretical
concepts, including a hands-on exam for lab in order to demonstrate their real world skills in the system. These candidates must
be able to demonstrate thorough proficiency when it comes to the
devices that are used in this system, including SAN switches as well
as directors, routers and management solutions. Such a certification also deals with the Cisco MDS 9000, which includes intelligent
storage directors as well as fabric switches.

105

CCIE Study: Best Preparation for the Examination

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Engineer is a certification
for the persons who gained a broad CISCO knowledge and skill.
This certification attests that a certain person is knowledgeable
enough in doing the set-up, troubleshoot, including the administering the software and hardware of Cisco network.
The CCIE certification is highly regarded as the premier accreditation on the ladder of Cisco certification. It is for this reason
why many of the network engineers are aiming to obtain this
certification. But like the other examinations, one needs to devote
an ample time of studying to pass the CCIE exam. Now, for one to
obtain the title, a proper studying scheme is helpful to overcome
the extensive challenges during the examination.
Studying is the best preparation to pass the CCIE examination. But this certainly requires a good amount of time and money.
Therefore, commitment and self-discipline is a must particularly if
one is doing self-study. When studying for the CCIE exam, one
needs to remember that the perfect ingredient is hard work studying every night for instance. In this case, two hours of study is
enough in each night.
Ideally, one should study six months prior to the date of examination. And if one has devoted his time for studying, he must
strictly prohibit interruptions. There should never be any excuse for
one to pursue his study. Be it a good T.V. show, good time at the bar
with friends, or even if an overtime on the work. This embraces the
attitude of discipline and the commitment to achieve the goal.

106

One may also try browsing the internet. There are several
sites that offer suggestions in preparation for the CCIE certification
examination.

107

CCIE Study Groups for Better Learning

Are you a CCIE list-member who is looking for a place where
you can get together with other people to study in depth topics and
literature all of which cover CCIE topics? Cisco provides its list
members with study groups which operate in that matter.
Moderators are dispatched in each study group. These moderators take charge of their study group s activities for each meeting
by making sure that each session proves to be fruitful for the members. They may opt to take the initiative to conduct a formal and
structured teaching manner for the group, or they may allow members to conduct free-flowing discussions amongst themselves. You
must first enroll to be able to participate in a study group. To enroll,
go to Edit Profile and register for a study group in the same page.
Once you have enrolled during the open enrollment dates, you will
receive your user-account and details. Different groups set different
periods for enrollment. There are groups who allow students to
enroll at any time. There are also groups who only allow enrollment
during pre-set dates. Enrollment policies depend on the groups
moderators.
Study groups labeled as Closed means that it is no longer
possible for anyone to enroll in that group. To find out if a class is
still accepting enrollees, you must check the message board first for
the details. If a group is no longer accepting enrollees, one may
however choose to audit the group. An auditing person may not
post messages in the class, but can follow the group s discussions
and read assigned materials on their own.
There are always new study groups being developed, so
check the list often.

108

Spending on a Good CCIE Study Guide Has

Its Rewards
Every IT professional knows the importance of having a
CCIE certification. They know that having such certification could
earn them high salaries. So they try to earn the CCIE certification
even at high costs.
However, not every IT professional who takes the said exams
is successful. They have to take the written exam and the hands on
exam. It's important that they pass both exams to get certified.
Many would have to retake a couple of times before eventually
coveting such respected certification. Many spend thousands of
dollars for review and getting hands on practice. There are some
who would even buy old Cisco equipment to build their own mock
labs at home. Others would rent online rack time so they can get
hands on experience and practice on lab scenarios.
For this purpose, there are also some training centers and
some sites that offer CCIE study guides. They also offer some
questions and answers sets along with the explanation for each
item. They even sell sound files for review. Some would offer everything in a bundle. IT professionals can purchase a whole CCIE
study guide kit including some lab exercises.
IT professionals really go all the lengths just to get the CCIE
certification. And they have the choices on which CCIE study guide
to take. The more complete study guide is better since passing the
CCIE exams is difficult. Spending so much on the review would be
worth it if they get certified. According to 2007 survey, CCIE certified IT professionals earn 10% to 15% more than their uncertified
peers.

109

Pass the CCIE Test and Get an Expert Level

Cisco Certification
Cisco issues certifications for IT professionals working with
their products. There are three levels of Cisco career certifications:
the associate, the professional and the expert levels. The expert
level Cisco certification is known as the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification. This is quite a valuable certification in
the IT profession. Those working with the Cisco products that have
this certification generally get higher pay than those who do not
have the certification and those with the level of associate and
professional certification.
It s not easy to get this certification however. In order to
complete the CCIE test one has to pass the written exam and a
practical hands-on exam. Passing the written exam is required
before one would be allowed to take the hands-on exam. After
passing the written exam, the examinee only has to 18 months to
take his first attempt of the hands on exam. If he does pass it the
first time, he can take as many retakes for 3 years. If he still does
not get a passing mark, he must retake the written exam again and
pass it. Then he can take the hands- on exam again.
The CCIE certification has 5 different tracks; routing and
switching, security, service provider, voice and storage networking.
Each, of course, focuses on the different topics and specialties.
Although there are no formal prerequisites, Cisco suggests that an
IT professional would gain a three to five year networking experience first before taking the CCIE test. One does not have to pass
through the associate and professional level to get to the expert
level. The CCIE certification was first given out before the two. The
associate and the professional levels were only given out later on for
those who needed a lower level certification only.

110

Master s List of CCIE Tracks

Ever wondered what types of tracks which enable mastery of
a certain networking field are available for you to choose from?
Cisco offers a wide range of laboratory tracks available for people to
choose from. Each CCIE track focuses on specific skills. These skills
vary and are dependent on the main aspect of the specific track.
Each lab track focuses on implementing their respective skills onto
students who participate in the track.
Here is a brief enumeration of these available tracks which
Cisco is offering. The most popular track is the Routing and Switching Track which mainly focuses on solving connection problems to
improve the response times, increasing the bandwidth allocations,
and maximizing the performance of routers. All operations of this
track support various global operations.
There are also other tracks available. There is the Security
Track which focuses on configuring complex networks, troubleshooting various integrated environments, and understanding
various common security threats. Another track is the Service
Provider Track which mainly focuses on creating infrastructures of
various service provider networks which are essential for delivering
managed services, skills in packet architecture which is of importance for many service providers. There is also the Storage Networking Track which focuses extensively on implementing storage
area networks, as well as troubleshooting them. Keep in mind that
whichever track you select will determine which field of networking
you will belong to after finishing your chosen track. The coverage of
each track is wide since Cisco aims to equip its experts with enough
skill and information to dominate their respective fields in networking.

111

Verifying CCIE Members Certification

with the CCIE Verification Tool
The CCIE Verification Tool allows you to be able to very a
CCIE member s certification status by supplying his or her name.
You will also be able to get their unique CCIE number through the
same process.
Some questions in exercises are easily misinterpreted by
people. Most of the time, they appear to be tricky, with hidden
elements which you are required to include in your configuration. If
you find an exercise to be ineffective for you, then you may opt to
make use of this section. In the Overview, it is recommended that
you use this section for verification and comparing results through
adapting any of the methods of troubleshooting shown. Various
hints which aid in the configuration and completion of exercises are
also provided. Acting as a guide for using commands which include
show and debug orders which are all used in verification and
troubleshooting, is another aspect of this section. It is important
that you learn how to use these commands and to be able to read
each output of each command while determining when to use them.
There are multiple key elements to consider when hoping for
success with the exam. Learning how to troubleshoot as effectively
as possible is one of them.
Entering the CCIE member s user information as it is shown
in the CCIE database is essential for receiving a positive verification
of a certain member. For example, a person whose name is Bob
may have the name Bobby registered as his user name.

112

Passing the CCIE Voice Exam Means Expertise in Cisco VoIP Solutions
The value of a CCIE certification is a given. All IT professionals know this. They aim to get this certification because they
want to take advantage of having an expert status and therefore an
expert level salary.
The CCIE certification has 5 tracks. Each track focuses on a
different topic. One of which is the CCIE Voice track. Having a
CCIE Voice certification means that one is very knowledgeable in
providing an enterprise with voice over IP solutions. Getting CCIE
Voice certified requires no prerequisite training but to get certified
with a CCIE Voice, one has to pass both a written exam and a lab
exam.
To be able to take the written CCIE Voice exam one would
have to pay a fee of about $300. The exam generally would deal
with the Cisco technology and applications that an enterprise would
use in VoIP solutions. On the other hand, the lab exam would be a
timed exam. Every question aims to test a certain criterion. But the
whole lab exam is an 8-hour exam which assesses the examinee s
skills in providing VoIP solutions to an enterprise in a given time.
The lab exam would normally cost about $1,400.
Again to get certified one would have to pass both the written and the lab exams. He must pass the written CCIE Voice exam
first before he is qualified to take the lab exam for CCIE Voice. It s
not easy to pass the exam but once he does, he will be CCIE Voice
certified and he will be considered an expert in providing VoIP
solutions to enterprise using Cisco products. This could lead to an
increase in salary and more employment opportunities as well.

113

Completing the Certification by Passing the

CCIE Voice Lab Exam
A Cisco VoIP specialist wouldn't be complete without a CCIE
Voice certification. He must have this certification in order to be
considered an expert in his line of work. If he wants to earn higher
then he must obtain the CCIE Voice certification. If he is confident
of his skills he can do so by taking the CCIE exams.
Taking the test is not a joke. Not all examinees pass the CCIE
examinations; and so many really make all the preparations in
order to make the exam. The CCIE Voice exam has two parts. The
first part is the CCIE Voice written exam. It s a must that the examinee would pass this first. And then he can now take the CCIE
Voice lab exam.
The CCIE Voice lab exam is quite long. The examinee would
be given 8 hours to answer a series of lab questions, all of which
basically assessing some skill set that a Cisco VoIP professional
should possess. He will be given basic network connectivity. But it
is up to him to configure some pre-installed applications according
to the question or the problem at hand. He must also know how to
troubleshoot some parameters and basic features of the voice
network.
The CCIE Voice lab exam is graded by trained expert proctors. It costs about $1,400 per attempt. That is why one should
really prepare well not just for the CCIE written exam but for the
CCIE Voice lab exam as well. Knowing things is theory is essential
but knowing how to apply them in providing enterprises with Cisco
voice solutions over an IP network is vital as well.

114

Passing The CCIE Voice Written Exam Is a

Good Start
IT professionals who want to specialize in Cisco VoIP solutions would generally aim for a CCIE Voice certification. In order to
prove their expertise in this field, they have to pass the CCIE Voice
exam. This is the only way to showcase their knowledge and get
better jobs and better salaries as well.
In order to get the CCIE Voice certification, there are two exams an IT professional has to pass. He has to pass both the CCIE
Voice written exam and the CCIE Voice lab exam. The CCIE Voice
certification does not have any prerequisite but one has to pass the
CCIE Voice written exam first before he can move on to the lab
exam and finally get the certification.
The CCIE Voice written exam is the first step towards the obtaining the CCIE voice certification. One must demonstrate an
aptitude in Cisco technologies and applications that are used in
providing VoIP solutions to enterprise. This would more or less cost
$300 depending on the exchange rate in some countries. It is given
in more than a hundred testing centers around the world.
The CCIE Voice written exam is the first step so it is important that one would pass this test. Without which he can t go on to
the next step which is taking the lab exam. While it is not all it
takes to get the certification, it is a start towards that goal. One
really has to prepare for each part of the exam. He has to first
prepare for the CCIE Voice written exam and then the lab exam to
complete the whole endeavor.

115

Going for a CCIE VoIP Certification

There are a lot of advantages of being CCIE certified. There
are 5 tracks in CCIE, each referring to a different line of expertise.
Among the five, the one that certifies expertise in VoIP solutions is
the CCIE Voice track. It used to be a component of CCIE routing
and switching certification, but since the inception of CCIE Voice in
2003, the certification for VoIP solutions experts has been the job
of CCIE Voice certification.
Like the other CCIE certifications, CCIE VoIP certification
requires that the IT professional seeking it pass first the CCIE
written exam and then the CCIE lab exam. Fees for such exams are
high and so are taking reviews and boot camps for CCIE VoIP. But
despite this, Cisco VoIP practitioners still try their luck in it because
of the perks it can bring to them. The rewards are just greater than
their investment in time and in money.
A CCIE VoIP certified IT professional could get better salary
because such certification somehow demonstrates his expertise in
the field of VoIP solutions. Having the certification means not only
being knowledgeable but it means having expert knowledge in
providing Cisco VoIP solutions to enterprises. Although it does not
certify expertise in the infrastructure supporting such solutions,
being CCIE VoIP certified means that the person is capable in
providing the best VoIP solutions because he is an expert in the
field. The status of being CCIE VoIP certified is such a big deal
then; being called an expert means being hired and being paid as an
expert.

116

Getting the CCIE Workbook That Gets You

Certified
Obtaining the CCIE certification is quite a must for IT professionals who want to be recognized as experts and for those who
want to earn higher salaries. They see it as a key to moving ahead of
their careers and so they try to earn it as fast as they can.
Some IT professionals prepare for the CCIE exams in the
traditional way. They build mock labs with old Cisco equipment.
Others would rent rack time online. However, many other options
are now available. There a many companies and sites that offer
guides and reviewers for the said exams. They offer questions and
answers. They give voice files. For the lab examination, they sell
CCIE workbooks. Well, buying a CCIE workbook has its advantage
if one obtains a good one. There are IT professionals who really
pass the lab exam because they used a CCIE workbook to review.
While many merely help them to pass the exam on their first attempt, there are also some which really help them improve their
skills as well. Preparing for the CCIE exams and taking the exams
again and again can be expensive so it could the CCIE can really
save the examinee much.
If the examinee is successful with the CCIE workbook, then
he will really gain a lot from the undertaking. He will then have
saved some review expense and he will get a good salary because he
has the CCIE certification. He will now be a certified CCIE and he
will also get a lot of work opportunities.

117

Passing the CCIE Written Exam Brings You

a Step Closer to a CCIE Certification
Having the CCIE certification gives an IT professional an
edge in his chosen field. This is because having such certification
somehow proves his expertise in networking especially with the use
of Cisco products. He is then expected to know and understand
every single detail there is in end to end networking. Because of
such qualifications employers are expected to compensate them
higher salaries as well. This makes IT professionals to try their best
to get CCIE certified.
Getting certified means having to go through two exams.
One has to pass the CCIE written exam first before he can take the
lab exam. The coverage of the written exam depends on the CCIE
track one wants to get certified in. It is a two-hour computer based
multiple choice exam and the examinee has the choice from the
hundreds of CCIE exam testing centers worldwide. If the examinee
does not pass his first try of the CCIE written exam, he can take it
again after 5 days. Once he passes the CCIE written exam, the
examinee has to make his first attempt of the lab exam in eighteen
months. Should he not be able to make it, his CCIE written exam
will be valid up to 3 years so he can retake the lab exam during that
time. After which, he would have to retake the CCIE written exam
before he can retake the lab exam.
So the CCIE written exam really is the first step toward obtaining a CCIE certification. One has to pass it if he wants to get a
shot at the lab exam and his main goal, the CCIE certification.

118

CCNA CCIE Certification: Which One is

Appropriate for YOu?
The CCNA CCIE certifications each demonstrate a certain
level of knowledge or even an amount of expertise in providing
solutions with the use of Cisco products. But while the CCIE certification gives one an expert badge, the CCNA only certifies an associate level of knowledge on the part of the examinee. But not all IT
positions would require a CCIE certification. Some of them would
only need associate level knowledge and so they would only need a
CCNA certification.
The CCNA certification expires in just three years. One
would have to get recertified or he can upgrade to the next level. He
is not required to upgrade but he has the choice to do so. Although
going to the CCIE certification is a better status, some may opt for
an easier professional or even maintain the associate level certification.
A lot of opportunities await the CCNA CCIE certified people.
Skills in Cisco enterprise solutions are needed by companies so
there are a lot of jobs for them. Some jobs are for the CCNA certified IT professionals while others would require a CCIE certification. The higher the level of one s knowledge and the more
expertise he has, the better job salary he will get. That is why although CCNA certification is enough to land one a job, it would also
be better to get the CCIE certification. A lot more preparation needs
to be done when one decides to take the CCIE than a CCNA but a
lot more can be gained by the CCIE certification too.

119

CCNA CCNP CCIE Certifications: Get It All

Or Get CCIE Certified Right Away
The CCNA CCNP CCIE certifications all correspond to a certain level of knowhow in handing out Cisco solutions. The CCNA
means Certified Cisco Network Associate. As the name suggests, it
is the associate certification for Cisco professionals. Having one
signifies that the person is capable to install, administer and troubleshoot medium sized routed and switched networks. But the
certification has a validity of 3 years only.
The next step to CCNA is the CCNP or the Certified Cisco
Network Professional. For an IT professional to be able to take the
CCNP exam he has to be a CCNA first. Having a CCNP certification
signifies the capability of the individual to work with a network
consisting of about 100 to 500 end devices and with QoS, VPNs,
broadband technology and the like. In order to achieve the professional status one must pass 3 or 4 exams depending on the exam set
one chooses to take.
Alternatively, one can go straight to CCIE. The CCIE does
not have any prerequisite so one has the choice to get CCIE certified
right away or proceed to CCIE after CCNA. If the individual feels
confident about his skills and expertise in providing Cisco enterprise solutions then he can try to get CCIE certified right away. The
exam is more difficult though and the exam fees are higher than the
CCNA and the CCNP.
Whatever one chooses to take, he must be sure that he is well
prepared so that he will only have to pay for the exam once. Of
course, he should decide based on his knowledge and his aim in his
career as well because the higher level of certification he has the
better job and the higher pay he will get.

120

The advantages of becoming CCIE-Cisco

Certified Network Professional Holder
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is the topmost network certification that can be offered for networking
professionals at senior level who create, build, carry out, maintain,
or restore complicated networking operations. CCIE is described by
Cisco as its premium networking certification. Considered as
among the most challenging exams, CCIE includes both theoretical
or written and practical or lab exams. And once one has become
CCIE recipient, he/she can be deliberate in performing specific
tasks such as switching and routing, communications and services,
voice technologies and systems, or security.
Specifically, the Cisco Certified Network Professional
(CCNP) is one of the professional certifications being provided
under CCIE. Becoming a CCNP holder proves one s capacity to
work with certain technology such as broadband, VPNs, Qos, and
security-minded features. Also, CCNP certification confirms one s
ability to work out medium-sized networks, those with end devices
between 100 and 500. One must first obtain a CCNA certification,
along with three or four other exams before acquiring a CCNP. The
four tests required for candidates to pass are
(1) 642-901 BSCI (Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks);
(2) 642-812 BCMSN (Building Cisco Multilayer Switched
Networks);
(3) 642-825 ISCW (Implementing Secure Converged Wide
Area Networks); and
(4) 642-845 ONT (Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks).
Both BSCI and BCMSN can be taken under a single exam
known as the 642-892 Composite. This composite exam basically
covers subject matters for BCMSN and BSCI.

121

Lastly, to maintain certification, one may either upgrade to a

CCIE every after three years or re-certify. The Prep Center provides
access to further equipment and resources that are helpful in
getting ready for the certification.

122

Cisco CCIE Taking Chances on a Bigger

Challenge
Are you up in taking a huge leap in the Cisco certification hierarchy? If yes is your answer to this question, then taking a certification exam for Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) is
just what you are looking for. Unlike any other professional level
certifications, the CCIE certification has no prerequisite. However,
a more challenging hands-on lab exam awaits candidates to prove
their skills and expertise on the CCIE track of their choice. Indeed,
the CCIE exam is one of the most difficult certifications to attain,
but still a lot of hopefuls are taking their chances as greater rewards
await successful takers.
And yes, all the perseverance and hard work paid off to
15,658 professionals with active CCIE certifications all over the
world as of the 14th of November, 2007. Reported as a highly
compensated certification, CCIE was first offered by Cisco in 1993.
Indeed, a candidate will be offered a very good salary after passing
the certification exam. However, it will also cost him or her thousands of dollars to get there.
Apart from spending valuable money from purchased books
and attended training classes, candidates will also have to pay
about US $300 for the written exam and another US $1,400 for the
lab exam per attempt. But the good news is that CCIE hopefuls can
hold multiple certifications by passing both written and lab exams
for any of the 5 tracks, which include the following: a) Routing and
Switching, (b) Security, (c) Service Provider, (d) Storage Networking and (e) Voice. Achieving such CCIE certification status is something that one should really be proud of.

123

Mastering Cisco s CCIE Lab Exam

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification
consists of both written and lab exams. The written exam, which
costs about US$315 for every attempt, is pre-requisite for the lab
exam. Only when the candidates pass the written exam can they be
qualified to take initial attempt for the lab exam in 18-month
duration. In case the initial lab exam was failed, the candidates are
given 3 years to complete the lab exam (starting from the date they
have passed successfully the written exam). If the candidates have
yet failed to pass the CCIE lab within this 3-year period, they would
again be required to take and pass successfully the written exam
before making further efforts in taking the lab exam.
Candidates can make as many attempts possible to pass the
CCIE lab exam (waiting time between attempts is one month)
provided that they have first passed successfully the written exam.
The CCIE lab exam, which is an 8-hour practical exam, currently
costs about $1,400 per attempt. This lab exam intends to validate
practice of theory learned by those who passed the written exam.
Most CCIE takers undertake several attempts to pass. Although
there are no formal requirements,
Cisco recommends candidates to have at least 3?5 years of
networking experience before trying to become genuine CCIE
holders. Ten Cisco Lab Exam centers located nationwide offer
CCIE, which include: Beijing; Bangalore; Brussels; Dubai; Hong
Kong; Research Triangle Park, NC; So Paulo; Sydney; San Jose,
CA; and Tokyo, Japan. Depending as which CCIE tracks the candidates desired to complete, there are cases wherein some tracks do
not include lab exams nor available at all locations. Likewise, it is
also possible for one to acquire multiple CCIE certifications by
succeeding both written and lab exams in a specific track.

124

What it is to know about CCIE-DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is covered by CCIE s (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) prominent
track, which is the Routing and Switching. DHCP is the procedure
used by specific clients (network devices) to gain a variety of parameters that are essential for clients to run an IP (Internet Protocol) network. This protocol results in a significant decrease in
system administration workload thus allowing more devices to be
added to the network with less effort or no labor-intensive configuration involved at all. DHCP basically provides solution when
working with either a single DHCP server, or a collection of servers.
Also, DHCP is functional in performing specific tasks such as
direct assigning of addresses desktop machines and servers, likewise via PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) proxy for both dialup and
broadband on-demand hosts (e.g., residential network address
translation (NAT) gateways and routers). This protocol can automate assigning of IP addresses, default gateway, subnet masks, and
other IP parameters. On the contrary, DHCP is not particularly
suitable for DNS servers and non-edge routers. Lastly, DHCP is
highly suggested for servers with addresses that hardly ever change.
This simply means that if some servers needed to be readdressed, it
would only require minimal work on it. In addition, it can be helpful to set-up a TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) or SSH servers
for devices that does not require or use DHCP (e.g., routers, firewalls). TFTP or SSH servers can also be used on machines that also
operate DHCP as this helps in consolidating administration.

125

What does it take to acquire the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification?
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is the utmost level of professional certification that Cisco can offer. Acquiring this highest certification level involves the completion by
candidates of the five determined active CCIE tracks, which include:
(1) CCIP or Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional,
(2) CCNP or Cisco Certified Network Professional,
(3) CCDP or Cisco Certified Design Professional,
(4) CCVP or Cisco Certified Voice Professional, and
(5) CCSP or Cisco Certified Security Professional.
CCIE consists of written and lab exams. The written exam,
which is pre-requisite for the lab exam, costs about US$315 per
attempt. It s only when the candidates pass the written exam can
they qualify to take initial attempt for the lab exam (18-month
duration). Lest the initial lab exam was failed, 3 years are given for
candidates to complete their lab exam (starting from the date when
they have passed successfully the written exam).
If the candidates have still failed to pass the lab exam within
the 3-year period, they will be required to take again and attempt to
pass the written exam before taking further attempts for the lab
exam. Candidates can take as many attempts to pass the lab exam
(one-month waiting time between attempts) provided that they
have passed successfully their written exam.
CCIE lab exam is an 8-hour practical exam that currently
costs about $1,400 per attempt. This lab exam basically intends to

126

validate practice of theory learned by candidates who passed successfully the written exam. Most CCIE takers can undertake several
attempts to pass the lab exam. It is also possible for one to acquire
multiple CCIE certifications by succeeding both written and lab
exams in a specific track. To know this information can be expedient to potential CCIE candidates.

127

IP Expert CCIE: Qualify as a VoIP expert

Becoming an expert in the area of Cisco VoIP (Voice over
Internet Protocol) is one of the prerequisites to obtaining CCIE s
Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP). The CCVP is basically an
optimized procedure for transmitting voice via the Internet or
further packet switched networks.
Also known as IP Telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone, Internet Telephony, or Voice over Broadband, VoIP
often refers to the existent voice transmission and not the actual
procedure executing it. What is there to learn about VoIP?
The following provides brief discussion on how VoIP functions and be useful. By using what is termed as speech data compression techniques, VoIP carries call up signals as digital audio
and reduces its data rate. The data packet stream is compressed
over the internet protocol (IP).
Normally, IP providers are those companies that provide
VoIP service while VoIP protocols refer to specific procedures used
to carry voice signals through IP network.
Some cost savings methods were created to maximize unused network capacity that carries data and voice with no additional costs required. For instance, VoIP to VoIP call transactions is
often free, whereas VoIP to PSTN (public switched telephone
networks) requires some costs, specifically to VoIP user. Two types
of PSTN to VoIP services are available, which are the direct inward
dialing (DID) service and the access numbers service.
In DID service, the caller is directly connected to the VoIP
use, whereas the access numbers requires for the caller to input the
VoIP user s extension number. Qualifying as a VoIP is just a part of

128

acquiring high-level expertise in CCIE. Acquiring CCIE certification

may require a lot of work but can eventually lead later rewarding
and opportunities.

129

Pass CCIE for Sure with Pass4sure CCIE

In the competitive world of Information Technology, only
those individuals who are certified in the IT field get the best jobs
and the highest salaries. There are a number of companies that
offer certification programs but one that is on top of the list is the
Cisco Certification provided by Cisco Systems. This certification
program rates IT professionals and network engineers into three
categories namely; the associate, the professional, and the expert.
Each of these classifications requires the candidate to pass exams
which were designed by the Cisco Systems.
Most of the IT professionals and the network engineers
strive hard to pass the expert level of certification. This certification
is known as the CCIE or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. A
candidate that would like to have this CCIE certification must
achieve the following;
(1) the candidate must pass the CCIE written exam, and
(2) the candidate must pass the CCIE laboratory exam.
Passing these two exams have proven difficult for most candidates and it was reported that only less than 10 percent of the
candidates are successful in reaching CCIE status. Fortunately,
there are programs that assist candidates to become successful in
reaching CCIE certification.
One of these programs is the pass4sure CCIE program.
Pass4sure CCIE is a system that provides practice exams for
CCIE certifications. Pass4sure provides the candidates with practice exams and the answers in order to help them prepare for the
actual CCIE certification exams. Pass4sure claims that candidates

130

that would use their system would pass for sure on the first attempt
and even guarantees this with a 100 percent money back guarantee
if you don t.

131

Steps to pass CCIE exams

Cisco Systems has established a certification program for
persons who would like to become Information Technology (IT)
professionals. Cisco career certifications have three levels, namely;
Associate, Professional, and Expert. The expert-level certification is
called the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and this is
the highest level of certification that Cisco Systems provides.
Being labeled as a CCCIE is the goal of many IT professionals
and network engineers. Having a CCIE certification would also
mean a jump in your salary scale since CCIE engineers are said to
have the highest salaries in the IT profession. However, obtaining a
CCIE certification is not an easy task since a person must be able to
pass a very difficult CCIE test in order to be given one. The passing
rate for the CCIE test is very low and it is estimated that only less
than 10 percent of network professionals who take are successful.
To pass CCIE, a candidate must pass both the written exam
and the laboratory exam in the specific area of the candidate s
chosen track. The written exam is computer-based and two hours
long. In this written exam, a candidate must answer 100 questions
with a passing mark of 70 percent. After passing the written exam,
a candidate can start attempting to pass the lab exam.
The CCIE lab exam is an 8-hour difficult examination. A
candidate should get a passing score of 80 percent if he/she wants
to become certified by CCIE. If a candidate fail at his/her first
attempt at the lab exam, s/he is given a maximum period of three
years in order to pass the lab exam. If the candidate fails to pass the
lab exam within the period given, then that candidate must pass the
CCIE written exam again.

132

Utilizing Rapidshare CCIE

If you are on a quest to find the best files and other entertainment media on the internet, Rapidshare is your best choice.
With its vast expanse of file coverage, you can be sure that you will
find in it everything that you needed and everything that you
wanted. Rapidshare increases the chances of you finding the most
coveted files out there. In the same way, you can also be given the
chance to share your multimedia files by means of Rapidshare.
Apart from just files and other forms of media, Rapidshare
takes things up a notch. Rapidshare CCIE is also now present for
your certification needs. CCIE is one certification program which is
very important among systems engineers. It empowers s. one s
career in network systems and protocols. Because it is slowly
becoming such a necessity among IT professionals, people would
want to typically get their hands on some basic CCIE guidelines and
information. Of course the best way to do this is through online
means.
Rapidshare CCIE works just to target that need. Because
CCIE is a very technical certification, all means necessary to review
for it must be done. Apart from technical exams, CCIE also consists
of hands-on procedures aimed to test the person s knowledge when
it comes to actual IT troubleshooting. Test labs such as these are
available online, and with the use of Rapidshare CCIE such files will
be easily made within reach. You can also share these files with
people and you can upload other relevant materials through Rapidshare CCIE.

133

The Real CCIE Labs is the Real Way to

Review
Planning to take the CCIE exams is a big thing. First of all,
making a decision to do so is such a big step because it does a lot to
help promote a resume. The CCIE is an advanced form of Cisco
certification and only individuals with a good amount of systems
and network experience will have great chances of passing the
certification exams. More than just a paper and pen type of exam,
the CCIE also involves hands-on examinations which aim to test the
actual knowledge of the test taker.
Because of this, the real CCIE lab becomes anybody s ally
when it comes to taking the said certification. The real CCIE lad
contains everything a test taker needs to prepare his self because it
simulates the environment of the real certification exam. Real CCIE
labs include CCIE details such as Security, R and S, SP, and Voice
protocols. In effect, the test taker becomes prepped up in full detail
prior to taking the CCIE certification exams.
These real CCIE labs are also offering flexible schedules especially for IT professionals who currently have busy schedules.
Usually, applications to qualify for simulated lab reviews can be
done online and the companies would issue passwords to qualified
reviewers. In effect, reviewers have all the time in their hands and
their busy lifestyles will not provide a hindrance when it comes to
becoming CCIE certified. If you wanted to take a glimpse of what
real CCIE labs are all about, there are lots of resources online which
you can visit.