The recently announced CCNA R/S version 3 includes a collection of topics falling under the category of Network Programmability. The underlying technology here is Software Defined Network (SDN), which allows network device configurations to be orchestrated through software applications. Basically, instead of accessing a router or switch command line to enter traditional Cisco IOS commands, we can write a program (typically written in the Python programming language) to make changes to one or more devices. So, the purpose of this blog post is for you to learn the theory and architecture behind SDN.

The Promise of SDN

Traditional networks, where we individually configure routers and switches, simply do not scale well nor do they adapt well to dynamic environments. For example, maybe you run an e-commerce business, and you’re about to announce a big sale. To handle the anticipated spike in traffic, you spin up some virtual machines (VMs) and want to route a...

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network with geographically separate locations, and these locations can be interconnected in a variety of topologies. This video shows you the three WAN topologies you need to know for the CCNA R/S version 3 exam.

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

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The new CCNA R/S version 3 exam requires you to know how to configure static routing, for both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

This video, which is a sample from my upcoming CCNA R/S v3 Complete Video Course, shows you how to configure four types of IPv4 static routes:

• Static Network Route
• Static Host Route
• Static Default Route
• Floating Static Route

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

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There are lots of things that I intend to get around to, sooner or later. One day, I’m going to clean out a bunch of old clothes from my closet. One day, I’m going to clean out my garage, and get it organized. The sobering fact, however, is I’ve had these intentions for a LONG time, and I’ve done nothing about them. If I were truly committed to getting these things done, I would put them on my calendar.

What gets scheduled, gets done. – Kevin Wallace

The unfortunate thing with all too many IT careers is we have good intentions to learn about some emerging technology, but, like my intention to clean out my closet, we never get focused on it. This reminds me of a story I a shared in my book Your Route to Cisco Career Success. The story was about a time when my director asked for my input on a decision regarding promoting a staff member. My director explained that this person had eleven years of experience. My rebuttal was they did not have eleven years...

For me, the addition of QoS to the list of topic areas for the new CCNA R&S version 3 exam was a great thing. The reason is, QoS is my absolute favorite Cisco topic. So, I couldn’t wait to start recording the QoS portion of my CCNA R&S v3 Complete Video Course.

In fact, I recently shot this video on two of the most misunderstood QoS topics, Policing and Shaping. I thought this video could help you, whether you’re studying the Routing and Switching track or the Collaboration track. 

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

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It’s a timeless paradox… “How can I get a job without experience, and how can I get experience without a job?” If you find yourself in such a situation, this blog post is going to show you a couple of ways to add experience to your resume.

Let’s say you worked hard to earn your CCNA R/S certification. However, when you submit your resume to perspective employers, you don’t get the interview, because you don’t have any experience. That’s an all-to-common reality for many entering the IT field. So, how can you get that elusive experience without that even more elusive job? Here are a couple of strategies you might consider:

1. Volunteer

There are plenty of charitable organizations out there that would welcome your services. For example, I volunteered to setup a wireless network for my church. You could do something similar, and ask if your volunteer position could be given a job title. Now, you’ve got some experience to add to...

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

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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

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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

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