gaaa! CCNP expires 4/02

[spidey07]

Whoops!

Looks like my CCNP expires real soon with CCDP coming off in may. Talk about craming, here's the stuff I've got to have down for the single re-cert exam. Time to cram through a book or two.

Exam Description

The Composite exam (642-891) is the quickest way for currently certified Cisco Certified Network Professionals (CCNP®) and Cisco Certified Design Professionals (CCDP®) to obtain recertification. The exam tests skills and knowledge pertaining to the Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) and Building Cisco Managed Switched Networks (BCMSN) courses. Composite may be taken to recertify CCNP and CCDP certifications; it may also be taken in place of the BSCI and BCMSN exams required for CCNP and CCDP certifications. Candidates must successfully pass both routing and switching subsections of the Composite exam to successfully pass the exam.


Exam Topics

The following information provides general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the Cisco Composite Exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam.

Technology
Describe the Enterprise Composite Model used for designing networks and explain how it addresses enterprise network needs for performance, scalability, and availability
Describe the physical, data-link and network layer technologies used in a switched network, and identify when to use each
Explain the role of switches in the various modules of the Enterprise Composite Model (Campus Infrastructure, Server Farm, Enterprise Edge, Network Management)
Explain the function of the Switching Database Manager [specifically Content Addressable Memory (CAM) and Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM)] within a Catalyst switch
Describe the features and operation of VLANs on a switched network
Describe the features of the VLAN trunking protocols including 802.1Q, ISL (emphasis on 802.1Q), and dynamic trunking protocol
Describe the features and operation of 802.1Q Tunneling (802.1QinQ) within a service provider network
Describe the operation and purpose of managed VLAN services
Describe how VTP versions 1 and 2 operate including domains, modes, advertisements, and pruning
Explain the function of the Switching Database Manager [specifically Content Addressable Memory (CAM) and Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM)] within a Catalyst switch
Explain the operation and purpose of the Spanning-Tree Protocol (STP) on a switched network
Identify the specific types of Cisco route switch processors, and provide implementation details
List and describe the operation of the key components required to implement interVLAN routing
Explain the types of redundancy in a multilayer switched network including hardware and software redundancy
Explain how IP multicast operates on a multilayer switched network, including PIM, CGM, and IGMP
Describe the quality issues with voice traffic on a switched data network, including jitter and delay
Describe the QoS solutions that address voice quality issues
Describe the features and operation of network analysis modules on Catalyst switches to improve network traffic management
Describe Transparent LAN Services and how they are implemented in a service provider network
List the key information routers need to route data
Describe classful and classless routing protocols
Describe link-state router protocol operation
Compare classful and classless routing protocols
Compare distance vector and link state routing protocols
Describe concepts relating to extending IP addresses and the use of VLSMs to extend IP addresses
Describe the features and operation of EIGRP
Describe the features and operation of single area OSPF
Describe the features and operation of multi-area OSPF
Explain basic OSI terminology and network layer protocols used in OSI
Identify similarities and differences between Integrated IS-IS and OSPF
List the types of IS-IS routers and their role in IS-IS area design
Describe the hierarchical structure of IS-IS areas
Describe the concept of establishing adjacencies
Describe the features and operation of BGP
Explain how BGP policy-based routing functions within an autonomous system
Explain the use of redistribution between BGP and Interior Gateway Protocols (IGPs)


Implementation and Operation
Convert CatOS to native IOS on Catalyst switches and manage native IOS images according to best practices
Configure access ports for static and multi-VLAN membership
Configure and verify 802.1Q trunks
Configure and verify ISL trunks
Configure VTP domains in server, client, and transparent modes
Enable Spanning Tree on ports and VLANs
Configure Spanning Tree parameters including: port priority, VLAN priority, root bridge, BPDU guard, PortFast amd UplinkFast
Implement IP telephony on a switched network with auxiliary VLANs
Configure and verify router redundancy using HSRP, VRRP, GLBP, SRM, and SLB
Configure QoS features on multilayer switched networks to provide optimal quality and bandwidth utilization for applications and data
Configure Fast EtherChannel and Gigabit EtherChannel to incease bandwidth for interswitch connections
Given a set of network requirements, identify the steps to configure an Enhanced IGRP environment and verify proper operation (within described guidelines) of your routers
Given an addressing scheme and other laboratory parameters, identify the steps to configure a single-area OSPF environment and verify proper operation (within described guidelines) of your routers
Given an addressing scheme and other laboratory parameters, identify the steps to configure a multiple area OSPF environment and verify proper operation (within described guidelines) of your routers
Given an addressing scheme and other laboratory parameters, identify the steps to configure Cisco routers for proper Integrated IS-IS operation
Identify the steps to select and configure the different ways to control routing update traffic
Identify the steps to configure route redistribution in a network
Identify the steps to configure policy-based routing using route maps
Given a set of network requirements, identify the steps to configure a BGP environment and verify proper operation (within described guidelines) of your routers


Planning and Design
Compare end-to-end and local VLANs, and determine when to use each
Design a VLAN configuration with VTP to work for a given specific scenario
Select multilayer switching architectures, given specific multilayer switching needs
Describe the general design models when implementing IP telephony in a switched network environment
Plan QoS implemention within a multilayer switched network
Describe the three-layer hierarchical design model and explain the function of each layer: Access, Distribution and Core
Given specific requirements, choose the correct routing protocol to meet the requirements
Identify the correct IP addressing scheme, including features of IPv6
Describe the concepts relating to route summarization and apply them to hypothetical scenarios


Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot common VLAN problems on a switched network
Tune and troubleshoot spanning-tree protocol on a multilayer switched network to enhance network performance, prevent network loops, and minimize downtime
Identify interVLAN routing performance and scalability issues, and propose solutions
Verify and troubleshoot interVLAN routing on a switched network
Identify QoS implementation issues at the network access layer
Identify QoS implementation issues at the network distribution and core layers
Identify the steps to verify OSPF operation in a single area
Identify the steps to verify OSPF operation in multiple areas
Identify verification methods which ensure proper operation of Integrated IS-IS on Cisco routers
Resolve path selection problems that result in a redistributed network
Identify the steps to verify route redistribution
Describe the scalability problems associated with internal BGP
Interpret the output of various show and debug commands to determine the cause of route selection errors and configuration problems
Identify the steps to verify Enhanced IGRP operation

 

[AFB]

Ouch. Thats sucks.

 

[spidey07]

wow, looking at the requirements that is a pretty darn tough list.

 

[AFB]

How much of it do you still know ?

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: amdfanboy
How much of it do you still know ?

I've got probably 85% of the list, but the configuration stuff might be hard. I haven't been too hands on in a while and am focused more on design than actually touching boxes.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: amdfanboy
How much of it do you still know ?

I've got probably 85% of the list, but the configuration stuff might be hard. I haven't been too hands on in a while and am focused more on design than actually touching boxes.

just took a boson practice test. Ain't looking good. Very detailed stuff that is buried deep in my head but can't pull out. Hopefully some cramming and I'll be fine.

 

[AFB]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: amdfanboy
How much of it do you still know ?

I've got probably 85% of the list, but the configuration stuff might be hard. I haven't been too hands on in a while and am focused more on design than actually touching boxes.

just took a boson practice test. Ain't looking good. Very detailed stuff that is buried deep in my head but can't pull out. Hopefully some cramming and I'll be fine.

Cisco likes details.:Q:beer:

 

[Buddha Bart]

Why bother? Switching jobs soon? Prelude to an eventual CCIE push?

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Buddha Bart
Why bother? Switching jobs soon? Prelude to an eventual CCIE push?

Don't want to lose them. Everone knows I'm not big on certs, but it taking one test will make them valid for another 3 years then it is probably in my best interests to retain CCNP/CCDP.

I failed the CCIE lab a year ago. Not much time lately to work on it.

 

[bgroff]

Originally posted by: Buddha Bart
Why bother? Switching jobs soon? Prelude to an eventual CCIE push?

You don't need the CCNP in order to go for the CCIE. As long as you can pass the written and lab, you get you're number. The CCN*/CCD* and CCIE programs are administered by different departments within Cisco. Go figure.

 

[Dark]

The simulation configuration was a biacth on my Cisco Safe exam (CCSP). I accidently forgot to save the configurations before pressing the "next" button. Result = failed Took it the following day with VUE and passed it with flying colors. Still, the hands on questions are pretty detailed compared to my previous exams

 

[xyyz]

well the composite test was always pretty ugly...

but i'm suprised they still include ISL. i thought they'd dropped that. another thing that caught my eye was the VoIP stuff. they make you do VoIP now? sheez.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: xyyz
well the composite test was always pretty ugly...

but i'm suprised they still include ISL. i thought they'd dropped that. another thing that caught my eye was the VoIP stuff. they make you do VoIP now? sheez.

yeah, looks like they added a bunch.

 

[Pheran]

Originally posted by: xyyz
well the composite test was always pretty ugly...

but i'm suprised they still include ISL. i thought they'd dropped that. another thing that caught my eye was the VoIP stuff. they make you do VoIP now? sheez.

I'm surprised they still include ISL too. Some of the newer switches (2950 for example) don't even support it in favor of 802.1Q. I need to work on my CCNP this year, still only have a CCNA. Good luck spidey!

 

[trmas]

I recently recertified my CCNP under the new track. The test is big on IEEE standards (802.1Q, 802.1X, 802.1W, 802.1S) Everything is native-IOS and they took quite a bit of the CCIE written test information down to the CCNP level. BGP and IS-IS were big as were the new switching technologies.

I was surprised at some of what I saw on the new test, although the simulations were cake if you actually work with any of the native-IOS switches. The test was much harder than the first time I took it 3 years ago, but not too bad.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: trmas
I recently recertified my CCNP under the new track. The test is big on IEEE standards (802.1Q, 802.1X, 802.1W, 802.1S) Everything is native-IOS and they took quite a bit of the CCIE written test information down to the CCNP level. BGP and IS-IS were big as were the new switching technologies.

I was surprised at some of what I saw on the new test, although the simulations were cake if you actually work with any of the native-IOS switches. The test was much harder than the first time I took it 3 years ago, but not too bad.

thanks for the tips. I just need to get some kind of cram book and slam some stuff into my head.

RIP - catOS.

 

[MysticLlama]

So if you don't pass it before the 2nd, do you have to take several tests to get back up to it, or still just one the one?

If you have to pass it before the 2nd, ouch.

 

[trmas]

Get the Cisco Press exam cerification guides for the BSCI and BCMSN for quick cramming on the exam topics. The CD with Boson questions is helpful as well. Also, I teach this stuff in the evenings if you have any technical questions. Good luck.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: trmas
Get the Cisco Press exam cerification guides for the BSCI and BCMSN for quick cramming on the exam topics. The CD with Boson questions is helpful as well. Also, I teach this stuff in the evenings if you have any technical questions. Good luck.

Thanks for the tips. Just ordered both from amazon...should be here 3/19. I figure if I do a book a week I should be OK. Lots of it will be review but at least it will be fresh in my head.

thanks again!

 

[d3n]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: xyyz
well the composite test was always pretty ugly...

but i'm suprised they still include ISL. i thought they'd dropped that. another thing that caught my eye was the VoIP stuff. they make you do VoIP now? sheez.

yeah, looks like they added a bunch.

VOIP is a result of Ciscos push to emphasize its Archetecture for Voice Video and Integrated Data (AVVID) I have not taken the test but currently I expect the topics covered on the exam to be found in the first 3 chapters dealing with basic VOIP concepts from any Ciscopress book.

As far as Cisco going to the almost standard 802.1q instead of ISL I belive that any layer 3 or better switching divices still utilize an ISL link between the layer 2 and layer 3 engines. These routers on a 'stick' happen to use ISL to make the stick.

 

[spidey07]

well...off to take the recert test.

 

[AFB]

Originally posted by: spidey07
well...off to take the recert test.

:beer:

 

[spidey07]

da w00t!

wasn't too bad. guess the old noggin still works.

 

[AFB]