If you have passed your CCIE Lab exam and used any of IPexpert’s training products including Self-study Material, Video on Demand, Audio on Demand, Rack Rental, or even one of our free vLecture’s and you don’t see your name on the list we want to hear from you! It doesn’t matter if you purchased the material from us or borrowed it from a friend just let us know what you thought about the material be visiting http://www.ipexpert.com/products/review or email CCIE@ipexpert.com with your Name and CCIE# and we will send you a free shirt seen below that will have your name and CCIE# in the list of Top Guns!

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Join IPexpert’s Live Online CCIE R&S 4.0 Written Exam and Lab Fundamental Bootcamp delivered by renowned Cisco Instructor and Cisco Press author, Anthony Sequeira. This one-of-a-kind bootcamp takes you beyond passing your CCIE Written Exam and into the Lab Fundamentals needed to be successful in passing the CCIE R&S Lab. Enjoy 2 months of interactive, live, online sessions with highly respected CCIE Instructors. All courses will be recorded and can be viewed on iPad/iPhone at later dates, as many times as needed.

With Special Guest Instructors:

• Marko Milivojevic  CCIE #18427 (R&S, SP)
• Vikram Malhi CCIE #13890 (Voice)
• Scott Morris CCIE #4713 (R&S, ISP-Dial, Security,SP)
• Narbik Kocharians CCSI, CCIE #12410 (R&S, Security, SP)
• And More…

Introducing the CCIE R&S Lab Fundamentals and Written Exam Bootcamp!

Materials Provided:

• Slide PDF workbook for note taking and review
• Full practice exam delivered during Final Exam Week
• 24 x 7 access to all recorded class sessions

Mentoring:

• 30 minute one-on-one call with instructor; scheduled during the two month event; additional one-on-one’s available as needed
• 24 x 7 one-on-one email access Private Facebook group
• Facebook and/or Skype chat access with class instructor

Schedule

NOTE: All sessions include Troubleshooting for the respective technology covered in that class.

• Tuesday, November 1, 2011: Topic: Implement Layer 2 Technologies
• Thursday, November 3, 2011: Topic: Implement Layer 2 Technologies
• Tuesday, November 8, 2011: Topic: Implement IPv4
• Thursday, November 10, 2011: Topic: Implement IPv4
• Tuesday, November 29, 2011: Topic: Implement IPv6
• Thursday, December 1, 2011: Topic: Implement MPLS Layer 3 VPNs
• Tuesday, December 6, 2011: Topic: Implement IP Multicast
• Thursday, December 8, 2011: Topic: Implement Network Security
• Tuesday, December 13, 2011: Topic: Implement Network Services
• Thursday, December 15, 2011: Topic: Implement Quality of Service
• Tuesday, December 20, 2011: Topic: Optimize the Network
• Tuesday, December 20, 2011: Topic: Final Exam Week

*All classes are scheduled for 8:00 – 10:00 PM EST.

Class Begins November 1st, 2011

Register Today at a Price You Can Afford $349

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Bridging the Gap Between CCNP (R&S) to the CCIE (R&S) Lab

For over 10 years, IPexpert has been helping engineers pass the dreaded and coveted CCIE Lab exam. One of the common questions our students often ask is, “How do I begin my lab preparation if I’ve got text-book knowledge of various topics”. For over a decade we’ve given our clients a Structured Learning Approach, which introduces several products, in a specific sequential order, based on the student’s technical knowledge and experience.  We are now excited to announce a new product, which helps CCNP-level students bridge the gap between the traditional CCNP space to the hands-on CCIE lab arena – IPexpert’s CCNP (R&S) to CCIE (R&S) Transition Kit.

IPexpert’s CCNP to CCIE R&S Transition Kit is designed for CCIE R&S candidates who wish to bridge the gap between CCNP and CCIE Routing & Switching. Learn about the protocols and technologies included in the exam blueprint at your own pace with IPexpert’s comprehensive Transition Kit eBook.

The Transition Kit was developed to assist students in diving deeper into core concepts such as Implementing EIGRP Routing, Implement a Multi-Area OSPF Routing, Implement eBGP Routing, Implement IPv6, Implement an IPv4 or IPv6 Redistribution Solution, Implement Layer 3 Path Control, Implement a VLAN Based Solution, Implement a Security Extension of a Layer 2 Solution, Implement Switch Based Layer 3 Services, Prepare Infrastructure to Support Advanced Services, Implement High Availability, Maintain and Monitor Network Performance, and Troubleshoot Multi Protocol System Networks, and Layer 3 Path Control and others found on the CCNP R&S Lab exam.  Upon completion of the CCNP to CCIE Transition Kit, students should be prepared enough to then jump into the proven methodology, known as IPexpert’s Structured Learning Approach. The Transition Kit is a thorough breakdown of all tasks and solutions with explanations and tips that guide clients through these challenging lab scenarios.

At IPexpert, we take great pride in being known as the industry’s most up-to-date and thorough Cisco training provider. We guarantee that all training materials we ship to our clients are current and up-to-date, reflecting all of the topics that are outlined on the most recent blueprint. If, at any time, you have questions pertaining to our content, we invite you to contact one of our Training Advisors who will be happy to assist you in creating a customized study plan that fits your learning preferences and your training budget.

Below, you will find the topics, technologies and protocols that are currently included in IPexpert’s CCNP to CCIE R&S Transition Kit.

• Implementing EIGRP Based Solutions
• Implement a Multi-Area OSPF Routing
• Implement eBGP Routing
• Implement IPv6
• Implement an IPv4 or IPv6 Redistribution Solution
• Implement Layer 3 Path Control
• Implement a VLAN Based Solution
• Implement a Security Extension of a Layer 2 Solution
• Implement Switch Based Layer 3 Services
• Prepare Infrastructure to Support Advanced Services
• Implement High Availability
• Maintain and Monitor Network Performance
• Troubleshoot Multi-Protocol System Networks

This week, August 8th, 2011 through August 12th, 2011 we are offering our blog readers a 50% discount off of this product’s list price. To receive your promotional discount, be sure to enter: PRODOFWEEK88 when making your online purchase here: http://www.ipexpert.com/Cisco/CCIE/Routing-and-Switching/Transition-Kit/CCNP-to-CCIE

Whether you’re just beginning your CCIE R&S Lab preparation and need some detailed guidance, if your CCIE studies have stalled, or if you need some additional work in one of the covered technologies included in this workbook, we feel confident that this unique product can get you back on track!

For more information, please visit the following links:

• CCNP to CCIE Routing and Switching Transition Kit Product Data Sheet
• Download a Sample of IPexpert’s CCNP to CCIE R&S Transition Kit
• View or purchase the Transition Kit with a 50% discount today

NOTICES for this special offer:

• Your purchase must be done online, and be made with the coupon code: PRODOFWEEK88 in order to be eligible for a 50% discount.
• Your purchase must be made before 5:00 PM EST Friday August 12th.
• Promotion not to be combined with other offers. Valid for new purchases only.

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Recertification is not as complex as the original certification. There is no lab test involved (for now), but there is still a requirement to pass at least one challenging exam. The current rules specify that valid recertification for any CCIE track is a passing score on a CCIE written test (in any track), CCDE written test, or passing another CCIE lab test in any track, CCDE practical or CCAr board examination.

As a company that has helped train more CCIEs than any other vendor on the market, it was only natural for IPexpert to create training material to help our loyal customers maintain the cutting edge knowledge required to maintain their CCIE status.

Last week we updated our world-class CCIE Lab training product portfolio with new products aimed at lower level certifications for our supported tracks (R&S, Voice, Security and Wireless), as well as great offerings for those students who are preparing for their CCIE Written exams. These products, combined with our existing CCIE lab training material and CCIE rack rental at Proctor Labs are great study material for your certification and recertification.

CCIE Routing and Switching products for the written exam include: 
• CCIE R&S Written vClass
• CCIE R&S Written Video on Demand
• CCIE R&S Written Audio on Demand
• CCIE R&S Written Test Preparation Quiz
• CCIE R&S Rack Rental

CCIE Voice products for the written exam include: 
• CCIE Voice Written Video on Demand
• CCIE Voice Written Audio on Demand
• CCIE Voice Written Test Preparation Quiz
• CCIE Voice Rack Rental

CCIE Security products for the written exam include: 
• CCIE Security Written Video on Demand
• CCIE Security Written Audio on Demand
• CCIE Security Written Test Preparation Quiz
• CCIE Security Rack Rental

CCIE Wireless products for the written exam include: 
• CCIE Wireless Written Video on Demand
• CCIE Wireless Written Audio on Demand
• CCIE Wireless Written Test Preparation Quiz
• CCIE Wireless Rack Rental

In combination with these specialized products for the preparation of the written exams, those of you who make a decision to recertify their CCIE status using a lab from another track already know about our proven methodology and product portfolio for the CCIE lab preparation in R&S, Voice, Security and Wireless tracks.

To get more details about these products and how we can help you best use them, contact your Training Advisor right away!

Happy studies!

–
Marko Milivojevic – CCIE #18427
Senior Technical Instructor – IPexpert
Join our Online Study List

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We are proud to announce that in the coming weeks and months, we will introduce electronic delivery of practice labs in our CCIE R&S classes! We will be using self-developed system that will help our students be even more prepared for the real lab exam. While I could spend many words describing the system, letting you see it in action is even better.

Video Demonstration

Sit back, relax and enjoy the demo below! If you prefer, here is the direct YouTube link.

We are looking forward seeing you in one of our CCIE bootcamps !

–
Marko Milivojevic – CCIE #18427
Senior Technical Instructor – IPexpert
Join our Online Study List

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There were two things that were on everyone’s mind before “Networkers” started. Will there be a new CCIE track announced (CCIE Data Center) and the overdue blueprint change for CCIE Service Provider. We waited in anticipation for both of these, alas… nothing came out from Cisco. But, there were a lot of technical sessions, marketing presentations and very open and frank conversations with Cisco people that helped us understand what future holds. Without further ado, here we go.

CCIE Routing and Switching

Blueprint is currently in version 4.0 and it is likely to remain like that for at least the next six months. However, that doesn’t mean there are not going to be changes and tweaks. Just to quote one of the people from the program who told me “we are bringing routing to routing and switching”. What that means is that there is going to be more emphasis on the core subjects, like IGP and BGP, as well as interaction (redistribution) between protocols. Another thing that is coming is more in-depth and more relevant troubleshooting tickets. As you will see with some of the other tracks, troubleshooting is becoming a major component of the CCIE exam and students going for the exam must absolutely be ready for it!

What does more distant future for R&S hold? Since troubleshooting is 100% in virtual environment, we believe it’s only a matter of time (perhaps within next 2-3 years) that R&S lab will be 100% virtualized, or at least hybrid of virtual and real equipment, allowing Cisco to create more modular and dynamic lab content. The team of engineers within Cisco responsible for CCIE R&S is very capable and eager to keep this track as the most important and relevant IT certification and they are doing a pretty good job at it!

Summary:

• No pending blueprint update.
• More in-depth troubleshooting
• More focus on “core routing topics”
• More virtualization in the distant future

IPexpert’s Summary:

• Changes mentioned are very well covered by our CCIE R&S Blended Learning Solution
• Minor content update may be forthcoming to include more troubleshooting exercises

CCIE Voice

There were no changes to the blueprint announced (thankfully!). All software versions will remain at 7.0 and are likely to remain at this release for a couple of years. It is worth pointing out that Cisco are well aware of the fact that there are several “bugs/undocumented features” that can be expected with any “.0” release. However candidates are expected to provide workarounds where applicable.

As most of you know, the Core Knowledge questions were removed some time in May 2010 and were replaced with troubleshooting tasks. The speaker repeatedly brought attention to the types of troubleshooting tasks candidates can expect. We have tried to summarize some of the most important points raised below.

• There is no dedicated troubleshooting section for the time being- troubleshooting is embedded into the configuration tasks of the exam. This is subject to change- in other words they may look at providing a dedicated troubleshooting section at some point in the future.
• Troubleshooting tasks account for approximately 15% of the points on the CCIE Voice Lab exam.
• Candidates will have to troubleshoot existing configuration which has built-in errors. More details of example errors are given below.
• Infrastructure tasks will for the most part be complete and will not be the responsibility of the candidate. However configuration might not be 100% correct!
• Going forward phones will be pre-configured into the UCM database. It was mentioned that SIP endpoints have not been tested thus far but candidates should expect SIP endpoints in the lab in the very near future. Interestingly it is the intention to have phones pre-registered with the correct firmware in advance- that means candidates will not be responsible for changing the firmware of the phone. This will come as a relief to many of you since this process is time-consuming.
• Troubleshooting tasks could potentially include in depth knowledge of the protocols used for establishing call setup. Detailed knowledge of the call flow involved in protocols such as SIP/MGCP/H323/SCCP/Q931/etc will be required in order to explain why certain calls to the “provider” are failing. It was mentioned that the candidate may not even have to fix the problem and instead create a text file with the relevant traces/debugs and a suitable explanation. A process not too dissimilar when you create a TAC case.
• Cisco will continuously modify the content of the lab and this includes changing the number of UCM and UCME sites. You can expect 3 UCM sites, 3 UCME sites or anything in between!
• Gatekeeper/CUBE/SIP Trunk tasks will be added to the lab at some point in the near future (if not already!). The PSTN provider in the lab may not necessarily be a T1/E1 connection but rather a H323 or SIP ITSP.
• Security related tasks (authentication and encryption of signaling and media) are not going to be tested since these tasks are too difficult to maintain and implement. However the CCIE Voice Written test which will be updated later this year will cover those topics.
• The Voice CCIE pass rate is currently between 20% and 25% but expect that figure to drop as the impending lab updates will no doubt increase the difficulty of the test.

Overall we were very pleased with the outcome of the discussion- no major updates for a couple of years will come as a huge relief to all training vendors. The IPexpert BLS and bootcamps have for more than a year now been covering SIP Phones, CUBE, multiple UCME sites and detailed knowledge of the protocols involved in call set up. The biggest takeaway from the session was undoubtedly troubleshooting is going to be the singular most important skill candidates will need to pass the lab – if you are going to pass the CCIE Voice going forward you need to focus on the why and not only the how as has been the case in the past.

CCIE Security

This seems to be the least exciting track as far as news go. The content is stable, there are no immediate pending blueprint changes and content updates.

IPexpert’s Summary:

• No pending product updates, based on changes.

CCIE Service Provider

Let me get this out of the way, first. There was no new Service Provider blueprint announced. However, it is ready and will be announced very, very shortly. Blueprint and content are ready, what is pending are hardware upgrades for lab locations. We can expect it to happen at any moment. So, what are the forthcoming changes, then?

IOS XR is making the appearance. It is not a rumor, it is not a speculation, it is going to be there. The major focus area is on IP and MPLS, still, but there will be also a focus on service provider approach to IPv6 and interaction between IOS and IOS XR. We can expect any number of routers running IOS and IOS XR in the new lab, where there will be a mix of IOS and IOS XR devices in the “core” and the same at the edges. CE routers will remain strictly IOS.

Also, there will be troubleshooting on the exam, but it is still not 100% certain whether that includes a dedicated troubleshooting section, or preconfigured faults in the configuration section. For this, we need to wait the official announcement. Everyone afraid of pending changes, should aim to proceed with their lab preparations. If you are not concerned (and really, there is no need to be), keep to your schedule, as planned.

Summary:

• Blueprint change is imminent.
• IOS XR and IOS will be tested.
• IPv6 will be tested.
• Troubleshooting will be a component.

IPexpert’s Summary:

• We are, like everyone else, waiting for blueprint update.

CCIE Service Provider Operations

This track was a mystery for me before going to Cisco Live! What is the idea behind it? Well, after talking to relevant people at Cisco, I actually like this track and I’m likely to go for it in the future. So, let’s see…

CCIE SP Ops is the track that focuses strictly on NOC personell. Cisco sees this as one the fastest growing CCIE tracks in the future, in fact. There is heavy focus on troubleshooting and processes in this exam. In fact, two sections of the lab reflect this. The lab will be split in two parts. The first part is dedicated troubleshooting section, which will include complex problems involving both IOS and IOS XR devices. The second section is scenario-based test, focusing on processes (ITIL) and high-level problem troubleshooting and escalation.

Since this exam is still not available to general public, it remains to be seen what will happen here.

Summary:

• Heavy focus on troubleshooting complex IOS and IOS XR issues.
• Heavy focus on processes and process frameworks (ITIL).

IPexpert’s Summary:

• At this point, we do not have immdiate plans to provide training for this track.

CCIE Wireless

Petentially, one of the most interesting tracks in the future. Fast growing market and ever evolving technology. Cisco understands this and CCIE Wireless is in good hands within Cisco in that respect. So, what’s going on with the exam? First of all, there will be some changes in the next couple of months, but no immediate blueprint change – which will happen within 9-12 months, though. The biggest change that is going to happen soon is that Cisco is “quietly” going to remove Location appliance from the exam. The reason for that is that it’s end-of-life and Cisco wants to replace it with something more relevant. The more relevant thing is Mobilite Services Engine. However, that will require major software changes on the rest of the equipment in the lab and requires blueprint change, which they are not ready for at this moment.

One thing was very much stressed out during the technical session on CCIE Wireless – candidates must understand routing and switching in order to complete the lab successfully! It’s is not as deep as in R&S track, but it is definitely covered on the exam. Students must know how to configure basic spanning-tree, IGP routing and redistribution to be successful. According to Cisco, this is one of the biggest hurdles candidates experience in the exam.

Summary:

• No pending blueprint change.
• Minor content upgrade – Location appliance will be removed.
• Basic switching, unicast and multicast routing configuration.

IPexpert’s Summary:

• Stay tuned for pending product announcements for this track. We will be updating our website this month to reflect the following products:
• CCIE Wireless racks
• Self-study Workbooks (Volume 1 and 2) with Detailed Solution Guides
• A Video on Demand Boot Camp
• A Live 5-Day Instructor Led Class

CCIE Storage

We all expected to see CCIE Data Center announced this year. However, it was not, nor is it planned for immediate future. That being said, Cisco engineers involved in the program informally refer to the Storage track as the CCIE Data Center. Also, they are investigating the future possibility of creating more comprehensive Data Center CCIE, but it’s in the early planning stages as of right now.

However, there are important bullet points that we should mention here for the people who are preparing for this track. First of all, focus of the exam is only on Cisco equipment and devices. Carefully examine the list of devices mentioned in the blueprint and focus the studes on this equimpent.

The world of data centers is fast evolving, which makes it very difficult to create a “stable blueprint” and CCIE program managers are waiting for the product range and technology to stabilise, before they introduce major changes. There are probably going to be blueprint updates in the next 6-12 months, but no major changes will happen overnight.

Summary:

• No pending blueprint update.
• Fast-changing and evolving technology that will only grow in the future.
• Strict focus on Cisco equipment in the exam.

IPexpert’s Summary:

• Stay tuned…Although we currently have several CCIE Storage Racks and Tyson Scott (IPexpert’s x3 CCIE is working on this track, currently) we’re going to wait until the Data Center is announced before we pursue any products in this space.

Overall Summary

It has been a great week for IPexpert and everyone who attended Cisco Live! We met with great people, our former, current and future students. We enjoyed the excellence of Cisco’s technical presentations, immersed ourselves in deep technical discussion with our peers and had the great opportunity to socialize with like-minded network engineers, both from Cisco and elsewhere.

See you all in classes and next year at Cisco Live! 2011 in the CCIE lounge – where you all need to be with fellow CCIEs!

Regards – The IPexpert team

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Regards, Wayne

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As most of you know (if you’re following our incredible CCIE-focused blog), I passed the CCIE R&S 4.0 Lab yesterday. I’m pleased to announce that I’ve scheduled a free online class (vLecture) entitled “How I Passed the 4.0 R&S Lab” for May 18th. In this vLecture I will give you a complete overview of the single training solution I used (IPexpert’s Blended Learning Solution) and the strategy I employed during my preparation, which is the strategy IPexpert has refined over nearly a decade of success. I’m also answering emails pertaining to my strategy and what worked for me on IPexpert’s online email support list. Please feel free to join our CCIE-focused community or drop by the free vLecture. My goal is to help you succeed, and earn your number!

Kindest regards,
Marko

–
Marko Milivojevic – CCIE #18427 (SP/R&S)
Senior Technical Instructor – IPexpert

YES! We include 400 hours of REAL rack
time with our Blended Learning Solution!

Mailto: markom@ipexpert.com
Telephone: +1.810.326.1444
Fax: +1.810.454.0130
Web: http://www.ipexpert.com/

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Regards – Wayne

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I’d like to share a few links, created by industry-renowned CCIE Instructor Joe Astorino, that cover – and walk you through our latest and greatest product – the CCIE R&S Blended Learning Solution (BLS).  We’re extremely excited and proud of this latest product, which began shipping Friday. It’s been “in the works” for nearly 15 months and is now 100% completed – covering the latest CCIE R&S 4.0 topics. We *GUARANTEE* that you will not find a more completed, up-to-date, thorough, well-supported, and well-rounded product on the market – it’s absolutely unmatched anywhere in terms of the amount of material received, the professionalism of the interface and presentation and the support you will receive throughout your entire CCIE journey! Also, some great news for our Security and Voice clients – the Security BLS will completely ship *no later than* the 30th of THIS month (10 days from now) and the Voice BLS will ship on or before May 27th (less than 6 weeks away) -maybe, possibly sooner – so check back on our blog daily.

View IPexpert’s Blended Learning Solution (CCIE R&S 4.0) Demo Part 1

View IPexpert’s Blended Learning Solution (CCIE R&S 4.0) Demo Part 2

Regards – Wayne

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