I have been answering the same two questions regarding our upcoming Online Operation and Troubleshooting Boot Camp on a daily basis. So I thought that I would take the opportunity to answer them here on the blog so that everyone can benefit from the explanations. The first question out of most candidates’ mouths is, “In your opinion did the Quick-Fire method make that much of a difference regarding passing the troubleshooting section of the exam?”

Honestly, that question presupposes a number of variables that have to be clarified first. It automatically assumes that the test taker has a solid foundation in the technologies and protocols being tested, it also assumes that ample time has been taken to practice and build speed at the console and at least develop some rudimentary deployment and resolution strategies. That being said my answer is absolutely!

I honestly think the Quick-Fire method made all the difference. In both labs that I took, I was working on trouble tickets up till the last few minutes. The approach helped me stay calm with all the pressure, plus it kept me focused on what was really important; securing points. Honestly, there wasn’t a question asked that any well prepared student could not have answered given enough time; the issue was the clock. The time goes so fast and even a few minutes of wasted time on each ticket can mean the difference between passing and failing. In both attempts, there where tickets that I solved almost immediately and then some I resolved in the last few moments (the ones I considered very hard) before the final verification. The Quick-Fire method is designed to optimize time while maximizing the chances at getting the most correct tickets before it runs out. In both actual lab attempts where we tested Quick-Fire, the tickets ranged from easy to what I considered extremely hard and some contained multiple errors. The Quick-Fire process helped me gather all the “low hanging fruit” quickly and efficiently, and bought me the time necessary to really focus on the harder tickets.
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In this ongoing series here at blog.ipexpert.com, we are going to answer the most common questions CCIE instructors hear. Here is the latest:

Question: Am I penalized for over-configuration in the lab exam?

Answer: This is another one of those great questions, especially when you consider 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 computer script, 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.

I like to answer this question for students with an example. Say you get the task below:

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 recommend that students ask themselves the question here –  how would the proctor write a script to grade this task? I think they would issue the SHOW INTERFACE TRUNK command on each device. In your mind, run through the parameters that must exist.

• Correct two devices
• Correct two interfaces
• UP/UP status
• 802.1Q trunk established

If these parameters are met – you just achieved the 2 pts.

Here are three different configurations (from just one of the two devices) that get the full two points.

Solution 1

switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk

Solution 2

switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk
switchport nonegotiate

Solution 3

switchport trunk encapsulation dot1q
switchport mode trunk
switchport nonegotiate
switchport trunk allowed-vlan 100,200,300,400,500,501,502

Always ask yourself two questions:

1. Could this additional configuration I am about to add help me gain these points?
2. 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 you can certainly consider this “additional” configuration. Notice that Solution 3 comes very close to a NO and YES answer respectfully and should be frowned upon as a result.

Another great rule of thumb in this regard – “do what they ask for, nothing more, nothing less!”

Anthony Sequeira CCIE, CCSI
Twitter: @compsolv
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/compsolv

A friend told me that I should check out the text Emotional Intelligence 2.0. As I was reading this book, I quickly realized how practical it can be for CCIE candidates. You see Emotional Intelligence is all about your ability to recognize and control your emotions and to understand the impact that they can have on your life.

You see, we are all familiar with IQ. This is a measure that can be assistance to judge how quickly and efficiently we can learn to pass the CCIE. But what about EQ. This is our Emotional Intelligence rating. This can be very important in the pursuit of CCIE. Remember my cornerstones for success?

-Tech Knowledge

- Psychological State

- Physical Wellness

- Strategy

Certainly IQ impacts your technological knowledge, but think about the impact that Emotional Intelligence can have on your psychological state. And remember, the cornerstones all impact each other. For example, if your emotions are out of control and your psychological state is ruined, it can effect all three of the others.

What are the emotions that we need to watch out for in this pursuit?

• Sad – we can feel lonely and isolated from family and friends as we immerse ourselves in study
• Angry – should we experience a NOT PASS this emotion can be powerful
• Afraid – we may be paralyzed with fear regarding a NOT PASS
• Ashamed – many experience this after a NOT PASS event

As I read more of this text, I will be sure to share what tools we should be able to use in our pursuit of CCIE.

Anthony Sequeira CCIE, CCSI
Twitter: @compsolv
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/compsolv

One of the best thing about having all of the incredible Guest Speakers in the CCIE R&S Lab Fundamentals and Written Bootcamp is you get to see who agrees with your approach, and who does not.

A week or so ago – we were very blessed to have one of the brightest minds in the CCIE space – Marko M from IPexpert. I not only learned how to pronounce his last name, I also discovered that he agreed with my strategy recommendation for students about how to build a complex network configuration in layers. In this post, I thought I would demonstrate this approach.
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