CartAs Vik just posted - Voice got a major overhaul yesterday. As Vik mentioned, we at IPexpert have been in talks about this upcoming change for almost a full year now – and have been planning major upgrades for our ProctorLabs racks for some time now. I want to take a brief moment to discuss with you the status of our Voice vRacks and what you can expect from us in the upcoming months.
First off lets take a look at what we have already at ProctorLabs vs what we still need.
- Servers - √
- ISR Routers at every site – √
- PVDM2s - √
- VWIC2-1MFT-T1/E1s - √ (though we will be adding more)
- ESW Modules - √ (though we will of course be adding the 4-port version)
- CUE Module - √
- Cisco Unified Communications Manager 7.0 - √
- Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express 7.0 - √
- Cisco Unified Contact Center Express 7.0 - √
- Cisco Unified Presence 7.0 - √
- Cisco Unity Connection 7.0 - √
- IOS 12.4T - √
- Catalyst 3750 Switches – ok, so here is something we have to buy.
We are also going to be adding memory to our already powerful 8-core servers. A lot of memory. Heaps actually. Our servers will have memory in spades. Point taken? Anyway, moving on – we will also naturally be adding a lot of additional DSPs since CME can now support hardware CFBs and the HQ router will have to pull double duty where the 6608 blade lets off (and boy is it time to let those 6608 blades RIP! (for those of you who know your H323 RAS debugs well – no, that was not a Request In Progress message ;). I digress.
Well as far as the hardware that does need to be purchased – I can tell you – the BOM has just been submitted to Cisco and the hardware should be on its way very soon. In the meantime – we have 90% of what you need today to study with.
I will say that again: IPexpert and ProctorLabs have 90% of what you need to study with for the new 3.0 lab blueprint. TODAY.
As I did mention – we have been preparing for this change for quite some time now!
Well – while I do have quite a bit more news in terms of some (major) upgrades that we will be making to ProctorLabs interface soon, and more specifically to your ability to practice your Voice labs with ease, but I don’t want to give away too much in this article. I want you to come back for more (and let me tell you, your coming back will be worth it when you see what we have planned for ProctorLabs and for Voice).
Ok – I will give you a teaser. Currently you can practice with your own 7960 hardware phones if you use our EzVPN solution – right? Except that we still make you use IPBlue or CIPC for your PSTN phone – right? Not in just a tiny while. Soon you will be able to simply key in your PSTN MAC address to a HTML text box and hit update, and your particular 7960 hardware phone will be your PSTN phone as well. Code is written – just has to be added to the website. Small things – but they make day to day life practicing for the CCIE Voice Lab so much easier – don’t they?
You tell me. Respond with comments and let us know how we could make your CCIE Voice Lab exponentially easier to practice using ProctorLabs. (I can tell you though – most of what you probably can think of – is already in the pipeline!)
BTW – not related to hardware – but did I mention that you will see new BLS material coming from us beginning in January? You can’t digest 3 whole Volumes at once – so why would we release them to you in that format? Doesn’t make sense. So we won’t. We instead will be releasing them to you lab-by-lab as we get them ready and up to our high standard.
Later.
Tags: 3.0 blueprint, ccie refresh, ccie voice 3.0, hardware changes, new blueprint, Proctorlabs, Voice
[...] has been a few weeks since the big announcement was released and we’ve all had time to digest where we stand, where we are going and what we need to [...]
[...] has been a few weeks since the big announcement was released and we’ve all had time to digest where we stand, where we are going and what we need to [...]
Ok Steve – you stole our thunder on one of our enhancements. So here it is for everyone.
We first thought about having a drop-down on our vRack page to allow you to pick the dial-plan to go with a particular lab. But then we thought – “why should they have to do one more thing when getting ready for their lab practice?”. Instead we are going to have different dial plans for many of the labs (maybe not a different one for every single lab – but probably a different one for every 2) and they will always be loaded – and they won’t vary per pod. Even though there will be different dial-plans, every pod will be able to test the same labs with with same dial plans. No more need to look at a bunch of tables to differentiate what pod uses what VLANs or dial plans or anything.
But that’s just one anouncement ;-)
Ok Steve – you stole our thunder on one of our enhancements. So here it is for everyone.
We first thought about having a drop-down on our vRack page to allow you to pick the dial-plan to go with a particular lab. But then we thought – “why should they have to do one more thing when getting ready for their lab practice?”. Instead we are going to have different dial plans for many of the labs (maybe not a different one for every single lab – but probably a different one for every 2) and they will always be loaded – and they won’t vary per pod. Even though there will be different dial-plans, every pod will be able to test the same labs with with same dial plans. No more need to look at a bunch of tables to differentiate what pod uses what VLANs or dial plans or anything.
But that’s just one anouncement ;-)
Now you’re talking! Updates to the PSTN would be a huge step in the evolution of your labs. I was thinking of designing s system which lets people input their own entire PSTN dial plan, through a web interface and save it for future use. I did mention this to Vik some time back. This way when you have been to the real lab you can make use of the $1400 you have coughed up and practice on an what is perhaps a significant stumbling block for many. Look forward to seeing the results.
Now you’re talking! Updates to the PSTN would be a huge step in the evolution of your labs. I was thinking of designing s system which lets people input their own entire PSTN dial plan, through a web interface and save it for future use. I did mention this to Vik some time back. This way when you have been to the real lab you can make use of the $1400 you have coughed up and practice on an what is perhaps a significant stumbling block for many. Look forward to seeing the results.
@Matt,
Thanks for the kind words. I only wish some of these features were in fact around when you were studying with us. We’re doing some more really exciting things with the PSTN (ok – I must admit I am certainly a geek – and my wife thinks so too – when I get “excited” about what we are doing in our PSTN) that will make studying a whole lot more challenging – but also much more like a real lab environment.
@Matt,
Thanks for the kind words. I only wish some of these features were in fact around when you were studying with us. We’re doing some more really exciting things with the PSTN (ok – I must admit I am certainly a geek – and my wife thinks so too – when I get “excited” about what we are doing in our PSTN) that will make studying a whole lot more challenging – but also much more like a real lab environment.
@Daryl,
When we release the Volumes that do come with VoD walkthroughs – we will probably release the lab and solutions first, to get them to you quicker, and then follow each lab up with the VoD for that lab. So Lab1 with Solutions, then Lab1 VoD, then Lab2, etc.
@Daryl,
When we release the Volumes that do come with VoD walkthroughs – we will probably release the lab and solutions first, to get them to you quicker, and then follow each lab up with the VoD for that lab. So Lab1 with Solutions, then Lab1 VoD, then Lab2, etc.
@steve,
We did consider using L2TPv3 and in fact are doing something similar for our classroom environments to more closely simulate an actual lab sitting. We haven’t taken that route for remote clients simply due to a lack of XAuth – which we need to identify individual users and ensure that each person telnetting in connects to their own proper vRack – and that user1 doesn’t accidentally connect to, and overwrite user2′s configurations.
As for the telnet question – you do and will continue to have the ability to telnet through the EzVPN tunnel to the internal IP of your device (say on the 10.x.x.x network for example) – however if you still wish to control your routers through the terminal server you do still have to send that traffic over the internet.
However – which FW are you using?
If IOS CBAC then just add this line to treat and inspect all ports as telnet ports:
no ip port-map skinny port tcp from 2000 to 2002 <–(do this to allow the next line – and no this won’t hurt skinny traffic going through the vpn because it will be encrypted before the inspect happens)
ip port-map telnet port tcp from 2000 to 2016
ip inspect name FW telnet
@steve,
We did consider using L2TPv3 and in fact are doing something similar for our classroom environments to more closely simulate an actual lab sitting. We haven’t taken that route for remote clients simply due to a lack of XAuth – which we need to identify individual users and ensure that each person telnetting in connects to their own proper vRack – and that user1 doesn’t accidentally connect to, and overwrite user2′s configurations.
As for the telnet question – you do and will continue to have the ability to telnet through the EzVPN tunnel to the internal IP of your device (say on the 10.x.x.x network for example) – however if you still wish to control your routers through the terminal server you do still have to send that traffic over the internet.
However – which FW are you using?
If IOS CBAC then just add this line to treat and inspect all ports as telnet ports:
no ip port-map skinny port tcp from 2000 to 2002 <–(do this to allow the next line – and no this won’t hurt skinny traffic going through the vpn because it will be encrypted before the inspect happens)
ip port-map telnet port tcp from 2000 to 2016
ip inspect name FW telnet
Hi Wayne,
Sounds great for me. (updates + incremental updates)
So, lets go for the BLS.
Hi Wayne,
Sounds great for me. (updates + incremental updates)
So, lets go for the BLS.
Matt – thanks for your support – however, I’d like to add that we’re also fully aware that some of the features on the Proctor Labs site aren’t functioning properly. We’re committed making our client’s online experience a success – therefore we’ve began a major overhaul on the look, feel and features of ProctorLabs.com. There will be some MAJOR upgrades and enhancements being released soon so hopefully your online rack experience only gets better!
Matt – thanks for your support – however, I’d like to add that we’re also fully aware that some of the features on the Proctor Labs site aren’t functioning properly. We’re committed making our client’s online experience a success – therefore we’ve began a major overhaul on the look, feel and features of ProctorLabs.com. There will be some MAJOR upgrades and enhancements being released soon so hopefully your online rack experience only gets better!
Al – BLS customers DO get the updates free of charge when they’re released. We’ll be rolling these new products / updates out in incremental portions so they’re delivered to our clients quicker – rather than waiting for the entire book / product suite to be completed. Expect updates to start rolling out in mid-January.
Al – BLS customers DO get the updates free of charge when they’re released. We’ll be rolling these new products / updates out in incremental portions so they’re delivered to our clients quicker – rather than waiting for the entire book / product suite to be completed. Expect updates to start rolling out in mid-January.
Mark, These enhancements sound great. I finished up with Proctorlabs right around the time that EzVPN was being offered… the fact that you’re continuing to add functionality and ‘ease of use’ to the rack is a great idea. I’m sure the user experience is improving quite a bit (and it was already pretty strong!). Thanks very much…
Mark, These enhancements sound great. I finished up with Proctorlabs right around the time that EzVPN was being offered… the fact that you’re continuing to add functionality and ‘ease of use’ to the rack is a great idea. I’m sure the user experience is improving quite a bit (and it was already pretty strong!). Thanks very much…
looks good Mark, i can’t wait. I was planning on taking the lab in July so I can’t wait to see the new material. When you release the Lab one-by-one. Will you also release the VOD for those labs or just the config files.
looks good Mark, i can’t wait. I was planning on taking the lab in July so I can’t wait to see the new material. When you release the Lab one-by-one. Will you also release the VOD for those labs or just the config files.
Mark,
You mention you are making some neat updates to the way the environment works, such as the PSTN phone access.
I was wondering if the remote phones will be setup such that they route through the relevent switches, as if they were connected phones. So all the features work like for like as the directly connected phones. Essentially employing something like L2TPv3. How far does the EasyVPN solution you use today go towards this goal?
Also I was wondering if Telnet access will be available through the VPN client / tunnel mechanism. For some reason it seems with the current setup we have to punch lots of 20XX holes though our firewalls.
Mark,
You mention you are making some neat updates to the way the environment works, such as the PSTN phone access.
I was wondering if the remote phones will be setup such that they route through the relevent switches, as if they were connected phones. So all the features work like for like as the directly connected phones. Essentially employing something like L2TPv3. How far does the EasyVPN solution you use today go towards this goal?
Also I was wondering if Telnet access will be available through the VPN client / tunnel mechanism. For some reason it seems with the current setup we have to punch lots of 20XX holes though our firewalls.
Hi Mark,
Thank you for this update.
Iam in the same position as Jo, and I need a final confirmation before buying the BLS product.
So, If I correctly understood all the reading about the latest upgrade:
- If I buy tomorrow the BLS (for CCIE v2) , I will receive all updates (workbook, audio and video) from the v3 ?
- In january, IPexpert will begin to update the BLS (Volume 1) and these updates and futur (WB, audio or video) will be available for someone who have buy the BLS v2 ?
Regards,
Al
Hi Mark,
Thank you for this update.
Iam in the same position as Jo, and I need a final confirmation before buying the BLS product.
So, If I correctly understood all the reading about the latest upgrade:
- If I buy tomorrow the BLS (for CCIE v2) , I will receive all updates (workbook, audio and video) from the v3 ?
- In january, IPexpert will begin to update the BLS (Volume 1) and these updates and futur (WB, audio or video) will be available for someone who have buy the BLS v2 ?
Regards,
Al
Absolutely. I will get right on that post!
I can tell you this right now – almost all of the concepts in the last version will still be completely relevant – however they are configured in a new UI.
We are working out the project management dates right now, and will keep you abreast of when we expect to have those out. Of course we will be working through the Volume 1 technology focused labs first.
Thanks Jo!
Absolutely. I will get right on that post!
I can tell you this right now – almost all of the concepts in the last version will still be completely relevant – however they are configured in a new UI.
We are working out the project management dates right now, and will keep you abreast of when we expect to have those out. Of course we will be working through the Volume 1 technology focused labs first.
Thanks Jo!
This all looks really great and positive. As someone who is just making a start on the Voice track the sooner you make the v3.0 labs and hardware avaiable the better for me. I know you guys are working double time to get the updates out to us – which is appreciated.
Would it be possible to write an article on what topics we can study from the current BLS labs (Volume I) that are still valid for the new v3.0 blue print. Id like to concentrate on these then move onto the new v3.0 content as and when it is available and not waste time on topics that arent relevent any more.
One last thing – the existing Volume 3 walkthrough labs are awsome and a timeline on when we can expect some more of these would also be great.
Keep it up guys! :)
This all looks really great and positive. As someone who is just making a start on the Voice track the sooner you make the v3.0 labs and hardware avaiable the better for me. I know you guys are working double time to get the updates out to us – which is appreciated.
Would it be possible to write an article on what topics we can study from the current BLS labs (Volume I) that are still valid for the new v3.0 blue print. Id like to concentrate on these then move onto the new v3.0 content as and when it is available and not waste time on topics that arent relevent any more.
One last thing – the existing Volume 3 walkthrough labs are awsome and a timeline on when we can expect some more of these would also be great.
Keep it up guys! :)