While researching the Catalyst QoS chapter of the latest IPexpert book The Operation and Troubleshooting of QoS, I discovered that there are many incorrect blog posts out there regarding the configuration of traffic policing on a switched virtual interface (SVI). The purpose of this post is to provide the correct configuration and some supporting commentary. Big thanks to upcoming IPexpert instructor Kevin Wallace for this clear and direct video on the topic during our CCIE Lab Fundamentals course where he was one of our prized Guest Speakers.

As you know, policing sets a “speed limit” for traffic that is entering or exiting the Catalyst switch. Traffic that is not exceeding the speed limit is termed the conforming traffic. Traffic that is exceeding the speed limit is termed the exceeding traffic.

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Instructors - Anthony Sequeira and Terry Vinson

Date and Time - Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 8:00 PM EST USA

Format - Live Online WebEx Training Center

Class Recording – Available immediately following the event

Extras – Daily (M-F) email challenges; 24×7 mentor support

Topics – Evening 1 topics

• The Quick-Fire Ticket Management Strategy
• The Quick-Fire Time Management Strategy
• Quick-Fire Layer 2 Strategies

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For all that have purchased IPexpert’s latest text, QoS Operation and Troubleshooting, there is an update being pushed to member’s sites on Monday, May 14th by 5 PM EST USA.

This update will fix some cosmetic issues, correct some grammar problems that slipped by our editors, and will also add some content in spots to help improve clarity of the text.

Thanks so much for all of the amazing feedback regarding this book series at IPexpert.com. We will keep writing as long as you keep reading! :-)

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

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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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OSPF virtual-links are a well-know subject to many CCIE candidates. One aspect of them seems to be troubling many students I talked to. That aspect is using OSPF virtual links in conjunction with “ip unnumbered” links. Let’s see what all the fuss is about.

Please note: This article is in a way an answer and the detailed explanation of the problem presented in the Interactive Troubleshooting Blog: OSPF Routing article posted on April 30, 2012.

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