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Know about the Cisco CCDE certification

In January, Cisco launched a very important, new high-level certification: the Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certification. Will it live up to the hype? Find out the specifics of the CCDE, see how it fits in with other Cisco certifications, and learn why you should consider the CCDE.

Before even thinking about security- and VoIP-specific certifications, Cisco offered design certifications: The Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) and the Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP). Both entail strictly computerized tests that focus on the proper design of networks.

Since I’ve earned my CCDA certification, I can tell you — and it’s no secret — that the test consists of many long scenarios. The single test can be challenging primarily due to the complex scenarios that you must read, dissect, and understand before you can make the right design choice for that network. I suspect that the CCDP certification isn’t too much different, just more complex and challenging with many more requirements for technical knowledge mixed in.

I’ve heard comments for many years from networking designers that they wished Cisco offered an expert/top-level certification for network design. With last month’s announcement of the CCDE, Cisco answered their call.

What is the CCDE?
The CCDE is the expert-level certification that those network designers have been waiting for. Similar to the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification, the CCDE requires passing both a two-hour computerized test and a full-day, hands-on lab/practical exam, which you must complete at a Cisco testing facility.

You must first past the computerized test before you can schedule the lab exam. The exam name for the CCDE written test is ADVDESIGN, and that’s what you need to know: How to design advanced networks. Cisco recommends that you have at least five to seven years of experience designing advanced networks before taking the test.

The exam lasts two hours, and the exam blueprint covers just about anything that anyone could ever think of related to complex networks. In addition, passing the CCDE written exam recertifies any other Cisco certifications you have, including the CCDA, CCNA, and CCIE.

After passing the computerized exam, you can schedule your lab exam at a handful of Cisco offices. However, Cisco hasn’t currently announced specific locations and time slots for the practical exam.

Like the CCIE practical exam, the CCDE practical exam will be an eight-hour scenario-based exam that will “test your ability to identify, manage, and create advanced infrastructure design solutions for large-scale networks.” Having taken more than one CCIE hands-on practical exam, I have no doubt that the CCDE practical exam will be just as grueling.

Why isn’t there a network design CCIE?
Like the CCIE, CCDE candidates will receive a unique number and other benefits. Why didn’t Cisco just create a network design version of its CCIE certification? Cisco was considering it, but the company decided to create a separate expert-level exam for design instead because the topics were just too dissimilar.

The CCIE and the CCDE are now “peer” certifications and are equivalent to one another. Only time will tell if the CCDE becomes as well-known and respected as the CCIE.

Recruiters and managers like to throw around the CCNA and CCIE appellations; you’ll often hear something like “we have five IEs and two NAs on staff.” So can the new “DE” become as popular?

Certainly, other Cisco certifications, such as the CCNET, CCVP, CCSP, CCIP, and even the CCDP, have struggled to become as well-known as the CCNA and CCIE. While not necessarily a popularity contest, network administrators justifiably flock to the most well-known certifications because they what might help them land that next big job or pay raise.

Four reasons to consider the CCDE
I’m considering pursuing the new CCDE certification, and I think you should consider it as well. Here are four reasons to think about it:

Unlike a CCNP, CCDP, or MCSE certification, the CCDE doesn’t have a long list of tests you must take. You only have to take one written and one hands-on exam.
For those of us who enjoy designing complex networks instead of tweaking and troubleshooting complex network routing or security, the CCDE may be something that interests you more than other certifications.

Cisco has done a great job representing, improving, and marketing the CCIE. Because of this, I think the CCDE will become highly recognizable, just as the CCIE is today.

The CCDE proves that you can design some of the most complex and advanced networks in the world today. The documentation of this skill can be invaluable to your career.

However, don’t jump the gun: Make sure you have the recommended design experience on large networks, get ready to prepare for some grueling tests, and make sure you’re willing to pay a much higher price than other certifications — both in time and in dollars.

From:Tech Republic
Buy: cisco study kits

Why we bought the Cisco 2800 Series

At my company, we still have a lot of Cisco 2600 and 3600 Series routers. While not all my sites needed the power of these routers, we needed to use a network module card, and these router models were the first in the Cisco product line that supported those network modules. Specifically, we use NM-16A & NM-32A asynchronous serial modules to support serial devices at each location. The Cisco 2600 Series routers don’t have the CPU and RAM to support the latest IOS and to handle the current network traffic load. (Note: The last date to receive service and support for a 2600 Series is April 28, 2008.)

In my case, the Cisco router 2800 Series is the ideal replacement for almost all our routers. We have been purchasing 2811 Series routers, installing a HWIC T1 card for MPLS WAN connectivity, and replacing existing routers at remote sites. We added a NM-16A or NM-32A modules to support the needs of our async devices. I have seen cases where putting in a 2800 Series immediately improved the performance for that remote location.

While I might be able to use a smaller router like an 1800, I need the NM slot from the 2800 Series, and I like the flexibility and power that the 2800 Series offers. Like the 2600 and 3600 Series routers, the 2800 Series has been extremely reliable; so far, not one 2800 Series has failed.

A downside to the Cisco 2800 Series is that it is loud. When I turned it on to configure it in my office, I couldn’t hear my coworkers or my phone.

ConclusionIf you are in the market for a new router (perhaps you’re looking to replace your aging 2600 and 3600 Series routers), I recommend taking a look at the Cisco 2800 Series. Based on my personal use, the Cisco 2800 Series is another rock solid router from Cisco that, like the 2600 and 3600 Series, will serve network admins for years to come.

The real case for the Cisco 2800 Series is that it offers a completely improved package: better performance, solid reliability, versatility of use, and a plethora of WAN interfaces and network modules that you can use to expand it. Also, since the 2600 Series will no longer be supported, the time to replace those routers with the 2800 is now.

8 ways to strengthen your Cisco networking skills

In the past couple of weeks, I’ve written a couple of articles about Cisco certification that generated a lot of response from TechRepublic members. The most recent article, “What you need to know about Cisco’s CCNA certification,” garnered a lot of excellent comments, many of which focused on gaining experience.

More than once, the old “chicken or the egg” conundrum came to mind as readers asked, “How do I get a Cisco job with no experience, and how do I get Cisco experience without a job?” TechRepublic member nacht probably said it best:

“What you have here is a chicken and egg problem: You can’t get the experience because you don’t have the certification, but the certification doesn’t help when you don’t have ‘enough’ experience.”

This really highlights the problem that so many aspiring network engineers have when they’re starting out. Member PhilTkgh said not to bother with earning a CCNA unless you have the experience. Member llapi2000 said the key point was finding a way to get experience because employers won’t hire you unless you have it.

So how do you get the Cisco experience you need to get your foot in the door? Here are eight ways you can start strengthening your Cisco experience.

#1: Work for free
Two years ago, a friend of mine had no Cisco networking knowledge; today, he earns a significant salary as a network engineer. What happened? He got his experience by volunteering to work on Cisco equipment for free.

In his case, he volunteered at his church. Someone donated a Cisco VoIP Call Manager and phones, along with a bunch of Cisco switches, to the church. While working at the church in another area, he spent his spare time reading and researching the new Cisco equipment, learned how it worked, hooked it up, and managed to earn his CCNA certification in the process. After a number of months maintaining the system, he found a full-time job as a network engineer.

In other words, one way to get Cisco experience is to offer to help for free. Let’s say you’re a Windows expert. Plenty organizations out there need your help, and many of them also have Cisco equipment. Besides doing good by helping a local organization, you can also gain valuable experience that you can list on your resume and use during a technical interview.

#2: Use simulators or rent a rack
Member Rand777 said that one way to get experience is to rent racks of Cisco equipment online. For more information, read my article on the subject, “Rent Cisco practice racks from online providers.”

A less expensive option is to use a Cisco IOS simulator, which imitates a rack of Cisco routers and switches. Here’s list of eight Cisco IOS simulators.

I’ve heard that the CCNA exam has a number of simulation questions these days, so either of these options is a good idea. However, it’s not enough to just pay the money; you have to push yourself to use the equipment to learn more about Cisco networking.

#3: Buy used routers and build a home lab
Member Bill Pate argued that the best way to get experience was to build a home lab. It doesn’t get much better than having your own rack of routers, which can be surprisingly inexpensive. Member wade.alexandro pointed out that you can often pick up 2500 series routers for about $25 each. Buy: used cisco, or Rental cisco equipment.

#4: Volunteer at work
Member j.s.davis recommended befriending fellow admins at work, and I couldn’t agree more. Perhaps your networking department could use some help shipping routers or taking inventory of hardware. No matter how small the department is, there may be some way you could help and get your foot in the door. An offer of free help can go a long way.

#5: Attend the Cisco Networking Academy
Member c.stockwell recommended attending the Cisco Network Academy. This is an excellent place to start gaining some experience working on real routers and switches. In addition, it’s a great opportunity to network with students, instructors, and potential employers.

#6: Make new friends
Find ways to make friends who use Cisco routers and switches. This is a great way to learn more, gain experience, and maybe find someone who will give you a chance even though you have limited experience. Use social networking on the Web, or join a local Cisco users’ group.

For example, in my area, we have the popular DFW Cisco Users Group. And there are Cisco user groups around the United States and the world.

What if there isn’t a user group in your area? You can start your own group with as few as 10 people and begin receiving benefits from Cisco Press.

#7: Participate in forums
There’s a plethora of Cisco-specific forums on the Internet where you can learn more about Cisco networking. In addition, you can share your knowledge by helping others with Cisco questions. While that doesn’t automatically give you experience, it does get your name out there and help you network with others. Maybe you’ll even meet a future employer by volunteering to help with a networking issue.

Here are some forums I recommend:

TechRepublic Forums
Petri IT Knowledgebase Forums
HappyRouter Forums

#8: Start at the bottom
Member michael.brodock said that one of the best ways to get experience is to start from the bottom. If you really want to break into a new field and get experience, sometimes you’re going to have to suck it up and start from scratch. This often means taking a pay cut and starting over at the bottom of the ladder.

But look on the bright side: The bottom is also where the most openings are, and where you have more opportunity to get into the field.

SummaryTrying to find a Cisco networking position without any experience is very difficult — even if you have a CCNA certification. However, there are many things you can do to network, promote yourself, and gain Cisco networking experience. Don’t get caught in the “chicken or the egg” conundrum.

David Davis has worked in the IT industry for more than 12 years and holds several certifications, including CCIE, MCSE+I, CISSP, CCNA, CCDA, and CCNP. He currently manages a group of systems/network administrators for a privately owned retail company and performs networking/systems consulting on a part-time basis.

Why used server – Black, White or Gray Market?

In the field, the word “gray market” is typically thrown around with disregard for it’s real meaning (product acquired from an overseas channel at lower prices than said product is provided in the local channel) in order to spread FUD. Some reps will even go as far as to refer to used IT hardware as “black market” or stolen/counterfeit equipment.

The truth is that if you’re dealing with a reputable dealer, the product is probably as “white market” as a bake sale. Of course, you have to protect yourself and make sure you’re working with a trusted vendor. Guidelines for feeling out a remarketed vendor are listed at the bottom of this article. First though, consider the following:

The manufacturers and distributors of the world (Sun, HP, IBM, etc…) would like you to believe any of the following scenarios regarding open market used versions of their products:

The system was stolen
The system is a counterfeit from overseas
The system was a reject

The truth is likely any of the following scenarios:

The equipment was traded-in from another user who gently used it and had it under maintenance with the manufacturer.
The equipment has come off of a lease and been redistributed out to the open market (any where from 3 months to 3 years).
The equipment was thoroughly tested and updated to the manufacturer’s specifications before shipment.

There certainly are some slim shady dealers out there (a tiny minority), so it makes sense that the manufacturer’s want to protect the users from them, although I suspect the manufacturers want to protect themselves from losing a deal for their brand new solution. So, how do you tell the wheat from the chaff?

Do your due diligence – Check references, check BBB listing, years in business, etc…
Ask if the reseller can put the following in writing on your quote and eventually on the signed purchase order:

– All hardware is (XYZ manufacturer) original equipment.
– All hardware is guaranteed eligible for the manufacturer’s maintenance.
Ask whether the licensing will be an issue.
– Some manufacturers require recertification or new licenses in order to acquire maintenance and/or software.
Get credit terms if you can.
– Corporations of any decent size should be able to negotiate payment terms of up to 30 days. This basically gives you the opportunity to try before you buy. If the equipment doesn’t meet your standards, you can return it without trying to recover your payment. If the first three precautions are taken, you shouldn’t have any surprises, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious (and get on credit)!

While there are sharks out there, manufacturer’s will over-hype their presence but these tips will help you navigate through the calm waters of the used IT marketplace.

Cisco to remain aggressive in 2010

Cisco is expected to remain aggressive in 2010 as it looks to take back lost market share. The company will build on its generous financing for SMBs, continue to set the industry pace in mergers and acquisitions, and leverage its formidable cash position – greater than $20 billion post- Tandberg and Starent acquisitions – in an effort to pull away from competitors, according to investment firm UBS.

Cisco recently announced a three-year, 0% financing incentive for SMBs in the US. The financing offer applies to all Cisco products and services from $1,000 up to $250,000. It is available through Cisco Certified Partners until July 31.

Cisco also said it would, in 2010, maintain its pace of mergers and acquisitions. It acquired six companies last year, four of which were purchased between May 2009 and the end of the year. They included Tandberg ($3.4 billion), Starent ($2.9 billion), and Pure Digital ($590 million).

It helped that Cisco had, at that time, $30 billion in cash. It helps that over $20 billion of that remains, according to UBS estimates.

All of this has UBS expecting in-line or better results from Cisco for its second quarter of fiscal 2010, which it reports tomorrow. The Street is expecting revenue of $9.4 billion and earnings of $.35 per share; UBS expects slightly better revenue — $9.41 billion – and slightly less EPS: $.34.

Results will be driven by strength in US service provider and enterprise sales, and improved IT spending overall. UBS expects Cisco to end fiscal 2010 with $38.4 billion in sales, and fiscal 2011 with $43.5 billion. Starent will contribute $220 million and $452 million, respectively, according to UBS estimates.

From: Network World