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If I had a dime for each time I have heard or read this question from a CCIE student, I would be at least 40 to 50 dollars richer. It is certainly a valid question. Especially when one considers the fact that the grading for the lab exam is quite complex. Depending on what track you are discussing, the lab is graded by a machine/script, or a human, or a combination of both. Given this fact, students begin to suspect that the grading is some mysterious “black art”, that might harshly penalize for the slightest deviation from the proctor’s expectations with a task.
First rule, RELAX! This is nothing that common sense and logic cannot overcome. That is unless you get really, really unlucky and draw Charlie Sheen as your proctor.
Let us take a look at a straightforward and simple sample scenario (alliteration anyone?) from R&S and focus on this issue of over-configuration.
Sample Task 1 – Switching
1.3 Trunking
Create a standards-based trunk between SW1 and SW4 according to the Layer 2 diagram provided.
2 pts
I know you have much to think about when faced with a task, but I do want to add one more thing to your list. In fact, I suggest you place it at the top of your list. Ask yourself this question. Given these task requirements, how would the proctor (or a Cyborg Grading Script) grade this task?!?! Yes, you guessed it. They would use SHOW INTERFACE TRUNK on each device perhaps! In your mind, run through the parameters that must exist.
- 802.1Q
- Correct two devices
- Correct two interfaces
- UP/UP status
If these parameters are met – you just achieved that whopping 2 pts. Seriously, why only 2 points? Well, notice that these parameters were so relatively simple to meet. In fact, a CCNA could meet them. Hey – no offense to those types.
So here are three different configurations (from just one of the two devices) that get the full two points along with a little narration from your’s truly.
Solution 1
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q switchport mode trunk
This is not what I would do, because everyone knows I am more wordy than this ;-) Notice that this did get the points, however.
Solution 2
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q switchport mode trunk switchport nonegotiate
Ahhh, this candidate really dislikes dynamic protocols when they are not truly needed. This is what I would do personally. Like Rango the Chameleon once said “Now ya’ll don’t let these darn boxes ever think for themselves, ya here!”
Solution 3
switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q switchport mode trunk switchport nonegotiate switchport trunk allowed-vlan 100,200,300,400,500,501,502
OK, I am sorry, but this candidate has just gone too far. Sure they got the points, but there are no additional points for such “style”. What if they forget a VLAN in this additional security over-configuration. That’s right, they just lost points somewhere else perhaps.
Always ask yourself two questions:
- Could this additional configuration I am about to add help me gain these points?
- Could this additional configuration I am about to add potentially cost me here or elsewhere in the lab?
If your answers are YES and NO respectively, then go for that additional configuration!
Anthony Sequeira, CCIE, CCSI
Twitter: compsolv
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/compsolv
Tags: CCIE, ccie exam, ccie lab, ccie preparation
