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Now that I’ve switched to Gentoo Linux, I had to learn a few tricks about getting my favorite software installed. One application I can’t live without is GNS3, or the Graphical Network Simulator. It allows you to easily simulate a network of Cisco routers in an easy to use, drag and drop interface. I’ve used it to study for a number of Cisco certification tests (and pass them too!) and it really helps. If you have access to a few IOS images that Dynamips supports, I encourage you to install GNS3 to simplify your studies.

Getting GNS3 installed under Gentoo Linux takes a little more work since Gentoo is a source distro (you have to compile the software yourself) but is well worth the effort.

Read on and find out how to get GNS3 working in Gentoo Linux!

Finishing out my Cisco studies (for now), I’ve finally passed the Cisco MPLS (642-611) exam. I have to say, this exam is probably the hardest Cisco exam I’ve taken to date. It even made the QOS exam seem easy. As usual, the easiest way to pass is to know the topics cold. In addition to the test topics, here’s what I recommend knowing:

• MPLS Fundamentals
• Intricacies of MPLS VPNs
• Differences between different types of Internet access
• Configuration of all MPLS topics

By fundamentals, I don’t mean just knowing that LDP runs on TCP port 646. You’ll want to know the nitty gritty details about cell mode and frame mode differences, exactly how labels work, and how labels are distributed throughout the network, among other things.

MPLS VPNs are pretty complicated topic, with such topics as VPN label stacks, route targets, and address families. Knowing those topics, as well as knowing redistribution and how the various routing protocols are configured will help you get past the finish line.

For some reason, Cisco documentation on MPLS Internet access is a bit sparse. I can’t really recommend anything other than picking up a good book on MPLS. Ignore the recommended Cisco Press books; they’re horribly out of date and are priced like they just came out. I recommend both the MPLS Fundamentals book and the MPLS Configuration on Cisco IOS books.

Lastly, you need to know the configuration topics like the back of your hand. To learn them, you’ll either want access to a rack of routers (and ATM switches if you’re lucky) or you can use something like GNS3 and dynamips. This is where the MPLS Configuration book really shines. Aside from teaching you all the basic topics, it also shows you how to configure all the advanced stuff. When you can configure advanced MPLS VPNs such as central service MPLS VPNs without referring to any material, you’re probably good to go. Don’t forget about managed MPLS VPN services like ODAP and NAT.

Overall, the test isn’t impossible but it’s no walk in the park. With plenty of book study and hands on time on some routers, test day should turn out successfully.

Finally, after 6 long months of studying for this thing! It was tough and I thought that I had bombed it halfway through. I’ll keep it short: know all the objectives and you’ll pass.

Next up is the CCDP ARCH exam. I’ve passed the CCNP routing and switching exams which are prerequisites for the CCDP so I figured why not just take one more exam and add another certification to my belt? After that’s done I’ll take the MPLS exam and have the CCIP certification. I think I’ll take a break after that…

Okay, so I’m two weeks late on posting this but it’s still exciting! I’m actively working towards the CCIP so I wanted to take this test before June so I can stick to my “study and pass a test within a reasonable timeframe” schedule. It’s pretty difficult and I actually failed it on the first try (with a 750 out of a 755 passing score. Argh!). This time around I passed with a more respectable 912.

Without divulging too much, you should definitely know all of the testing objectives cold. They can be found here. Pay particular attention to the differences between IBGP and EBGP and all of the features each offers. I used the “Internet Routing Architectures” book by Sam Halabi and it was excellent. Even if you’re not taking the BGP test, it would be a good idea to have that book on hand as a reference. Read it twice and the test should be a piece of cake.

I’ve been using Dynamips and Dynagen for a little while to practice for some Cisco tests and have to admit, they really help you get configuring routers in a flash. I decided to write up an article in case you’re looking for a quick and easy way to do some Cisco labs.

The only downside is that you don’t get exposure to real hardware but considering most network engineers are nowhere close to the equipment they’re working most of the time, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Check out the article here.

Feels good to knock out another certification and within only two months. This one wasn’t terribly difficult as long as you read the study guide carefully. Have a look at the test blueprint. I plan on continuing down the design path to help diversify my networking knowledge from lower level network engineering to higher level network design stuff.

While I’m waiting on the new CCDP material though, I plan on knocking out the BGP test for the CCIP track.

W00-h00! Finally passed the last test. I took it a few months ago and failed pretty badly.  This time around I continually reviewed my material to make sure I knew it cold. I’m glad I’m through with this certification. I may move towards the design track. But first, a much needed break.