You’re probably familiar with the concept of virtualization, where you can run multiple virtual servers on a single physical server. However, did you know that you can run multiple virtual routers inside a single physical router?

That’s possible with a really cool Cisco IOS feature called VRF-Lite. This video shows you how to perform a basic configuration of this exciting virtualization technology.

Kevin Wallace, CCIEx2 (R/S and Collaboration) #7945, CCSI 20061

If you enjoyed this article, you might also want to subscribe to my podcast:

iTunes: http://kwtrain.com/podcast

RSS: http://kwtrain.com/rss

Earlier this month, I did a live webinar covering the theory and configuration of a CUCM server. If you missed it, you can check out a replay below.

Also, at the end of the webinar, I offered a big discount on a couple of my Collaboration products to those in attendance. Well, great news, I’ve reactivated the discount code. So, you can benefit from it too.

Kevin Wallace, CCIEx2 (R/S and Collaboration) #7945, CCSI 20061

If you enjoyed this article, you might also want to subscribe to my podcast:

iTunes: http://kwtrain.com/podcast

RSS: http://kwtrain.com/rss

It happens about every three years or so; Cisco updates its flagship certification, the CCNA in Routing and Switching. Today (May 17, 2016) is such a day, and current and future certification candidates are clamoring to learn, “What’s different?” That’s what we’ll uncover in this blog posting.

What Is The CCNA R/S?

First, let’s quickly review what the Cisco Certified Network Associate in Routing and Switching (CCNA R/S) is all about. Cisco tells us that if you have the CCNA R/S certification, you should be able to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot a medium-size routed and switched network.

There are two paths that can get you to your CCNA R/S:

1. “One and Done”: You can earn your CCNA R/S certification by passing a single exam. I recommend this option for certification candidates with two or more years of real-world experience.
2. “The Two Step”: You can pass two exams (ICND1 and ICND2) to earn your CCNA...

Are you preparing for your CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE in Collaboration? If so, check out this video that gives you a step-by-step demonstration of a Cisco Unity Express (CUE) module configuration. And here’s the twist… It’s all done from the command line (no GUI!), which is what I recommend you prepare to do on your actual CCIE Collaboration lab day. Enjoy!

Kevin Wallace, CCIEx2 (R/S and Collaboration) #7945, CCSI 20061

If you enjoyed this article, you might also want to subscribe to my podcast:

iTunes: http://kwtrain.com/podcast

RSS: http://kwtrain.com/rss

When I was around 20 years old, I used to go into bookstores and look for a book (something on a technical topic, a business biography, or on personal development) that I could afford. However, I recently went into a book store, and it occurred to me that I’m never going to be able to read all the books I’d like to read in my lifetime. So, now my book selection is less about getting a bargain and more about which books will have the biggest impact in my life.

In this blog post, I want to give you my recommendation for five books that have been significant to me and that I think will help you in your career as a Cisco networking professional. Interestingly, only one of the recommended books is a Cisco Press book. That’s because the specific Cisco Press books best suited to you greatly depend on your particular technology focus. So, the assumption is, you’ll have your own personalized collection of Cisco Press books in addition my five book recommendations....

In this video we’re covering the fundamental concepts surrounding the IP, ICMP, UDP, and TCP networking protocols. Having a solid understanding of these protocols is critical to just about everything else we do in networking. So, I thought it would make a great review for you.

Enjoy the video!

Kevin Wallace, CCIEx2 (R/S and Collaboration) #7945, CCSI 20061

If you enjoyed this article, you might also want to subscribe to my podcast:

iTunes: http://kwtrain.com/podcast

RSS: http://kwtrain.com/rss

You might have seen some of my recent Cisco Collaboration videos. Interestingly, the big difference between Cisco’s new Collaboration track than its prior Voice track is the addition of video technologies.

But before you dive into studying super cool things like Cisco’s Telepresence suite, you really need a solid foundation in video fundamentals. That’s what this video is all about.

Topics in this video include:

• Sample Uses of Video
• Frames Per Second (fps)
• Refresh Rate
• Interlaced Video
• Progressive Video
• Pixel
• Aspect Ratio
• Compression Standards (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264 (MPEG-4AVC)

Enjoy the video!

Kevin Wallace, CCIEx2 (R/S and Collaboration) #7945, CCSI 20061

If you enjoyed this article, you might also want to subscribe to my podcast:

iTunes: http://kwtrain.com/podcast

RSS: http://kwtrain.com/rss

In this new video, you’ll get a simplified, yet comprehensive, look at multicast routing on Cisco routers. This video is appropriate if you work with multicasting in the real world or if you’re studying for your CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE Routing and Switching.

Some of the topics include:

• The Benefit of Multicasting
• IPv4 Multicast Addressing
• IPv6 Multicast Addressing
• Exercises: Constructing Multicast MAC Addresses
• IGMP (versions 1, 2, and 3)
• Reverse Path Forwarding (RPF) Check
• PIM Dense Mode
• PIM Sparse Mode
• Live Demos (PIM-DM, PIM-SM, & Auto RP)

Enjoy the video!

Kevin Wallace, CCIEx2 (R/S and Collaboration) #7945, CCSI 20061

If you enjoyed this article, you might also want to subscribe to my podcast:

iTunes: http://kwtrain.com/podcast

RSS: http://kwtrain.com/rss

In this new video, you’ll learn the theory behind T1 and E1 circuits and how to configure them on your Cisco routers. This is a key technology to master for Cisco CCNA Collaboration, CCNP Collaboration, or CCIE Collaboration candidates.

 Topics in the video include:

• T1 and E1 Speeds
• Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM)
• Common Channel Signaling (CCS) vs. Channel Associated Signaling (CAS)
• Framing (SF, ESF, Multiframe)
• Line Coding (AMI, B8ZS, HDB3)
• LIVE DEMO of T1 and E1 Configuration and Verification

Enjoy the video!

Kevin Wallace, CCIEx2 (R/S and Collaboration) #7945, CCSI 20061

If you enjoyed this article, you might also want to subscribe to my podcast:

iTunes: http://kwtrain.com/podcast

RSS: http://kwtrain.com/rss

For the past few months, I’ve been immersed in Cisco collaboration technologies, and I created a video for you to introduce you to the 6 core systems that make up a Cisco collaboration network. 

These are the systems you’ll need to know if you’re interested in pursuing your CCNA Collaboration or CCNP Collaboration certification.

Enjoy the video!