November 17, 2009
Bigger, Better, Faster: The ISR G2
I was on a call with someone today who said they just ordered an ISR G2 from Cisco. Huh? (That'd be my response). Wow - just looked into this; welcome to the "next level" of ISR routers:
Comparing the ISR to the ISR G2
I'm just excited about the "one IOS image" finally coming to consumer-level routers!
Posted by JC at 11:18 AM | Comments (4)
March 13, 2009
Cisco Design Guides...In Style!
I stumbled across this link when I was looking for CCIE Voice study information. Pretty nice way of delivering design guides while giving a visual look at some solid network builds! Those Cisco folks are such studs...
Cisco Validated Designs: The Integrated Network
Posted by JC at 3:58 PM | Comments (12)
February 20, 2009
New Cisco Visio Stencil
Cisco has made the Powerpoint Icons into a Visio Stencil format. Hurrah! No more cut-and-paste from Powerpoint to Visio. Very nice all-in-one stencil.
Posted by JC at 8:12 AM | Comments (18)
January 20, 2009
CCIE Update: Essay Questions on CCIE Lab?
Just came across this from Cisco. The CCIE is being updated to include 4-5 "open ended questions" about the various technologies being configured. Is this another method to catch braindumpers? I wouldn't think it'd be possible to braindump an entire CCIE...but who knows?
...No new topics are being added. The exams are not been increased in difficulty and the well-prepared candidate should have no trouble answering the questions. The length of the exam will remain eight hours. Candidates will need to achieve a passing score on both the open-ended questions and the lab portion in order to pass the lab and become certified....
Here's the link to the full article: https://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/docs/DOC-3834
Posted by JC at 7:18 AM | Comments (5)
January 8, 2009
Cisco Updates Certification Logos
Cisco apparently has refaced the look of all the certification logos for use on resumes, business cards, etc... for certified individuals. I'm anxious to see them, but completely forgot my logon information (you need your CSCO number...) for the Cisco Certification website. Here's the scoop direct from Cisco:
New and Updated Cisco Certification Logos
The Learning@Cisco organization is pleased to introduce new logos for its Cisco Career Certification Program. The logos were designed with input from the Cisco certified community, and represent the prestige and dedication defined by the program. Effective January 12, 2009, all certificates and plaques will include the new logos.
The new logos identify all levels of Cisco Career Certifications. In addition, all technology tracks are identified, allowing current and future professionals to distinguish themselves in the workplace and throughout the IT industry.
*Certified individuals can access the new logos for download by logging into the Certifications Tracking System at: www.cisco.com/go/certifications/login
Posted by JC at 9:32 AM | Comments (10)
December 30, 2008
Blocking Instant Messaging and Peer-to-Peer
Cisco has published a complete white paper on how to block IM and P2P applications using the Cisco IOS Firewall (the artist formerly known as CBAC). While there are many commands to be discussed for IOS Firewall, here's the core syntax needed:
appfw policy-name abuse-control
application http
port-misuse default action reset alarm
The complete white paper can be found here.
Posted by JC at 2:50 PM | Comments (10)
December 18, 2008
Cisco SmartNET Gets Better: "Smart Call Home"
If I get one more email about this from Cisco...I'm adding them to my SPAM list. Cisco is HEAVILY pushing the new "Smart Call Home" feature, implemented primarily on Cat 6500s and data center gear. Just to save you some reading, this feature allows Cisco devices to automatically create a secure connection to Cisco TAC to transmit troubleshooting / diagnostic information. It's supposed to hit the ISR series (800, 1800, 2800, etc...) in "Late 2009". Seems nice...as long as your device still has Internet access...
Posted by JC at 7:00 PM | Comments (3)
November 21, 2008
Looking for a Cisco Job?
I never knew this, but Cisco has a "Cisco Learning Network Job Portal" to help you find jobs by certification level. Looks pretty awesome!
Click here to check it out: Cisco Learning Network Job Portal
Posted by JC at 9:41 AM | Comments (4)
November 4, 2008
The Handy, Dandy Cisco Product Quick Reference Guide
This guide rocks - it's every router, switch, or miscellaneous widget that Cisco makes and the modules each can handle. Very handy when trying to figure out what to buy for a project.
You can conveniently download it from here.
-Summer 2008 Edition
Posted by JC at 3:54 PM | Comments (8)
October 21, 2008
Structured CCIE Study: Cisco 360
It looks like Cisco has now come up with an official CCIE training. It's a 6-month program through a Cisco Learning partner that uses a "blended" lab/e-learning/mentoring solution. Businesses who sponsor CCIE students will now have a way to check up on them (accountability for their studies). Sounds interesting! It's nice to see a "Cisco official" study path for the CCIE rather than just all the CCIE bootcamp processes.
Here's the scoop: https://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/community/learning_center/cisco_360/
Posted by JC at 6:57 PM | Comments (5)
September 25, 2008
Fast Cisco Searches with Firefox and IE!!!
Wow! Just stumbled on this one today. Cisco now allows "quick searches" from Firefox (yey!) and IE 7 (sigh...).
You can use this feature to search the following:
* BugID Lookup Tool
* Command Lookup Tool
* Error Message Decoder Tool
* TAC Service Request Query
* Search Cisco
* Search Cisco Brazil
* Search Cisco Japan
* Search Cisco Latin America
* Search Cisco Russia
(My favorites are bolded) This allows you to do a quick search of any of these tools/websites without navigating to them! Sweeeet! Just navigate to the following link to add them in:
http://www.cisco.com/web/tsweb/searchplugins/plugin_homepage.html#
Posted by JC at 2:55 PM | Comments (59)
September 4, 2008
IOS 12.4(6) Turns Your Router Into an ASA
Okay...maybe it doesn't do EVERYTHING the ASA does...but it's definitely a step forward in the Firewall Feature Set of the IOS. Routers running this version of code now support zone-based policies, which really helps with multi-interface restrictions (rather than just one outside & one inside interface with individual access list applications). Likewise, it now supports application inspection to catch those scandalous peer-to-peer programs.
Check out the whole scoop here.
Much thanks to Joshua Walton for sending me an email on this and slightly brightening the most dismal CiscoWorks installation day I've ever had. Oh look - CD #12 is done...on to 13.
Posted by JC at 3:11 PM | Comments (6)
August 20, 2008
CCIE Wireless?
I just received a "general announcement" in my email about registering for the BETA CCIE Wireless written exam. Wow - yet another CCIE specialty arrives.If you'd like to see the CCIE Wireless Written Exam blueprint, click here.
Posted by JC at 4:23 PM | Comments (6)
July 24, 2008
VUE Releases Testing "Enhancements"
These were rumored at the end of last year...looks like they have finally arrived! VUE Testing enhancements:
• Photo on Score Report and Web - On completion of a certification exam at the test center, candidates will receive preliminary score reports imprinted with their photos and unique authentication codes. The authentication code can be used to access a candidate's official score online at Pearson VUE's website usually within 72 hours of the examination. The online score report will also display the candidate's photo. Candidates may share access to their online records with employers or other third parties.
• Forensic Analysis - Exam results and other testing data will be continuously analyzed by forensic software to detect aberrant testing behavior and to flag suspect exams for further investigation.
• Preliminary Score Report - All paper score reports will be preliminary, pending the results of forensic analysis, until official exam scores are posted to the Web usually within 72 hours of exam completion. Once the exam scores are official, candidates may use the authentication codes on their score reports to access the Pearson VUE website for score and photo verification.
That "Forensic Analysis" section looks pretty interesting. I wonder if they're looking for the TestKing brain dump-style tests? I'm very curious!!!
Posted by JC at 4:58 PM | Comments (7)
June 25, 2008
New CCNA Certifications: The Cat is Out of the Bag!
Finally, on Tuesday afternoon, Cisco announced the new CCNA-level certifications...and they are (drum roll please):
CCNA Security
CCNA Voice
CCNA Wireless
I'm actually creating the CCNA Voice Official Exam Certification Guide for Cisco Press as we speak. I've got to tell you - this certification is awesome. It completely fills a much needed gap of knowledge that's needed before you get into the CCVP program. I can't speak for the Security & Wireless certs, but in the CCNA Voice, you'll be learning:
VoIP & Legacy System Integration
CallManager Express setup
Unity Express setup
Basic QoS, Dial-Peers, and other technical nuances
Having this foundation before someone gets into a CCVP will be awesome. Yesterday afternoon, Cisco Press conducted a "podcast video interview" with me about the cert. I'll post the link as soon as it's available. I was actually interviewed by none other than Jeff Doyle (the TCP/IP routing genus) - I'm honored! Anyhow, I'm finally free to talk about this stuff, which is relieving. I'm sure I'll talk plenty about it in my 4:00pm session today at Networkers.
UPDATE: It looks like the Routing and Switching CCNA (the original) will be the prerequisite for all the other CCNA specialties.
UPDATEx2: CCVP and CCSP will now require CCNA Voice and CCNA Security as official prerequisites as of June 2009.
Here's more information, if you're interested:
Official Cisco Press Announcement
Cisco's CCNA Voice Preparation Course
Posted by JC at 5:14 AM | Comments (10)
June 20, 2008
A Cisco Tip Repository
Cisco has converted their "Reader TIPS" from the TAC newsletter into a WIKI. Plenty of cool stuff here:
http://supportwiki.cisco.com/ViewWiki/index.php/Tech_Insights:Homepage
Posted by JC at 9:36 PM | Comments (3)
June 4, 2008
Cisco Networkers is Here Again!
It's that time of year again. Starting June 23rd, Cisco Networkers kicks off in Orlando, FL...okay...who's idea was it to move this to the East coast... (ugh...3 hours earlier wake up time...)
This should be a week of technology fun - some of the sessions are a little dry, but have great information. I'll be teaching a couple CCVP certification prep sessions, so stop on by and say hello if you happen to be roaming the halls! Here's my session info:
CCVP Prep: Cisco IP Telephony Essentials, Tuesday 8:00am (Yes, that'd be 5:00am my time...I'm begging for pity on this time thing...)
CCVP Prep: Cisco IP Telephony Essentials, Wednesday, 4:00pm
I'm just excited to hear that the Blue Man Group will be performing this year along with Barenaked Ladies (who came up with that name anyway???) for the "Cisco Event".
Anyone up for karaoke on "If I had a million dollars"?
Posted by JC at 3:00 PM | Comments (8)
May 7, 2008
I LOVE THESE THINGS!!!
Do these 800 series routers just keep getting cooler or what?!? This one (Cisco 881) can even connect to a G3 cellular data network to use as a WAN link. I checked my reseller prices - it's about $450.00. Sweet!
All it's missing is an LCD display screen on the front. Now THAT would be hot! I have no idea what it would say...not sure I'd even care - I just want an LCD display screen.
NOTE: Correction G3 = 3G...dyslexia strikes again...
Posted by JC at 1:25 PM | Comments (14)
April 18, 2008
New Support WIKI from Cisco
Cisco has released a new BETA support WIKI that allows you to quickly see a tone of (alphabetized) support articles for any platform, IOS, etc... That you want.
Seems real nice - check this one out: http://supportwiki.cisco.com/
Posted by JC at 10:52 AM | Comments (2)
April 16, 2008
Goodbye Linksys, Goodbye...
According to Network World magazine, Cisco will be phasing out the Linksys name much faster than expected. Now...if they could just add the IOS to my $39.00 Linksys vonage router...
Posted by JC at 9:12 PM | Comments (3)
January 30, 2008
Cisco Announces CCDE Certification
Well, it's now out there: The Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) - the next "expert" level certificaiton equivalent to the CCIE. I've been reviewing many of the resources on this one...all I can say is has got to be intense! I'm really curious about the how the practical exam will be administered...are you interviewed? Drawing network diagrams?
Anyhow, here's all the information - let me know if you find any interesting facts about this:
Cisco CCDE Certification Page:
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/ccde/index.html
CCDE Written Exam Info:
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/ccde/ccde_exam_information.html
CCDE Book List: (Check this thing out!!! These books are huge!)
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/ccde/booklist.html
YouTube Video with Russ White on CCDE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qOz-FSpC-k&feature=related
Posted by JC at 3:46 PM | Comments (3)
July 24, 2007
Cisco Networkers 2007
Well, I've found myself up here in California for yet another year of Cisco Networkers. I've been presenting at Networkers for 6 years in a row now and every year I'm amazed at how this conference all comes together. If you are at Networkers this year, I'll be presenting the following sessions:
July 24th: IP Telephony Essentials (2pm-4pm)
July 25th: Gateway/Gatekeeper Exam Prep (4:30pm - 6:30pm)
July 26th: Gateway/Gatekeeper Exam Prep (10am - 12pm)
July 26th: IP Telephony Essentials (1pm-3pm)
Stop by and say hi! I'm a little amused to find out that the yearly "Customer Appreciation Event" will feature the band KISS (these guys are still alive?!?)...I'm more interested in what funky hat they'll be giving out.
Posted by JC at 12:28 AM | Comments (2)
March 20, 2007
Free E-Learning...eh...E-Reading...eh...something
I guess the big news of this is that it's FREE...as it should be :). Cisco has started to develop some quick training describing how to enable features on the ASA/PIX firewall. Some of the topics are neat..."How to set up Packet Tracers" "How to set up SSL VPNs." The modules DO actually describe how to do these things if you can bear the pain of listening to a computer generated voice reading a script someone wrote. Sure isn't as good as the Cisco training available from Jeremy Cioara on CBTNuggets (ehem...shameless plug). It sounds like the voice that announces the names in my airport...Anyhow, the link to this training is here!
Posted by JC at 10:22 AM | Comments (3)
September 25, 2006
It's Even Better: Cisco's Output Interpreter
A Cisco tech support email I received last week mentioned the ol' Cisco Output Interpreter utility on their website. This utility analyzes the output of various show / debug commands to decrypt their meaning and point out configuration or hardware errors on your router. I remember trying out the Output Interpreter a few years back and not being very impressed, but thought I'd give it a shot today.
I ran a "show tech-support" command on one of my routers and pasted it into the Cisco Output Interpreter...WOW! Has this utility improved. Not only did it mention that I was getting many buffer drops, but also had multiple security improvement recommendations (which I'll be implementing later today). The best part about it was this:
It actually took the entire "show run" output and hyperlinked every command. This way, if there's ever a command I was unsure about, I could click it and get a detailed description of what the command does. I'll be stealing that output and emailing it to a few of my customers to save me the time to train them on their own router. Nice!
Anyhow, the Cisco Output Interpreter requires a CCO login and is available here: https://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/Support/OutputInterpreter/home.pl?locale=en
Posted by JC at 9:44 AM | Comments (7)
June 27, 2006
Cisco Case Study & White Paper Galore!
When I was at Cisco Networkers 2006 last week, one of the vendors handed me this Cisco@Work CD. I know many of you Packet magazine subscribers already have a copy of this, but I thought I'd make it available for everyone else. This CD contains a ton of case studies, white papers, and video on demand of all sorts of topics.
I couldn't get the index file to work, but if you dig through the directories, there's plenty of good material to be found. Bed time reading for the next year or so! :o) Have fun!
Note - due to the video on demand, this download is pretty large (500MB or so)
Click here for ZIP version of the Cisco@Work CD-ROM
NOTE: As of 05.2008, I have removed this download due to bandwidth constraints.
Posted by JC at 3:24 PM | Comments (5)