Researching for the CCNP

As I prepare to battle on through the next level of Cisco Certifications I have to research exactly what tools I will use and how I will execute my preparation. I'm going to start with the recommended BCSI Exam even though everyone comments that this is the most challenging. As a matter of fact I'm going to order the Cisco Study Guide book to prepare me on how to go through the real Cisco Exam Book, how crazy is that! I'm excited though, after two or three months I usually get bored and antsy not studying for the next cert. I noticed IT certifications have a way to doing this to you.

I am A+, Network+, Microsoft Certified Professional (Windows XP/2003 Server), and most recently Cisco Certified Network Associate. I started taking exams in the order listed in the previous sentence and each time you pass a test after all the hard work you put in there is a VERY satisfactory feeling after passing. Especially the CCNA for me because I knew that with this certification was a beginning to a new start for me. After 5 years of IT I knew exactly what field I wanted to be in and now I'm here and I'm looking forward to the new adventures ahead!

Learning Past the CCNA Level

I have learned a lot in the past two months in the networking field but more specifically, I'm starting to slowly but surely understand concepts pass the CCNA Level of things. The Cisco CCNA Certification merely goes into any sort of depth about the WAN side of things. The past two months I have already dealt with many LECs (Local Exchange Carriers) regarding different types of circuits . While it has been mainly T1's with a few Frame Relay/MPLS circuits I am starting to understand the importance of knowing WAN topology concepts. Understanding where the Demark is for the carrier to the customer is very important. Also knowing the different types of symptoms that cause a circuit to do down is even more important.

Funny enough the most common thing that causes a circuit to go down isn't anything related to the line or equipment itself. Mother nature herself is the #1 reason circuits go down rather it's because of a massive thunderstorm or a tree falling and damaging the fiber lines. Believe it or not, many times a line will go down because of a tractor rolling over the cable! You would think that carriers would bury the lines deeper but oh well. I hope in the next 4 months to have the WAN concepts down pretty good from a topology stand point, this will help a ton for preparation for CCNP.

Massaging the mind for CCNP

I'm still on the path of mentally preparing myself to go fully into study mode for CCNP starting early next year. I've been using the Cisco Learning Network and going through mainly OSPF and some IPv6 topics that will be covered extensively on the BCSI exam. I have my work cut out for me but it should be enjoyable at the same time. With all the experience I'm gaining from my job, plus all the experience my co-workers have, and on top of the self studying I'll be doing I should be alright!