Planning

Studying for the CCIE will require a little bit of planning. This is not a regular school test that you study for few weeks and read the assigned material to pass it with flying colors.

So here is the plan for now:

• Dynamips - setup a Linux server with at least 2 GB of RAM to run the emulated IOS (more on dynamips posts later)
• Study Guide
• Keep a list of all test topics in a tree format. First get to know what's on the test.
• Keep a list of all encountered commands.
• Keep a list of all of the question that arise during study.
• Study for 2 hours a day 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• Have a one review day on a weekend.
• Keep a graph view (directed graph) of information that needs addition research and the paths taken for answers.

That's what i'm thinking of doing. The tree format and directed graph view of information I believe is beneficial to keep track of the thought process. Just like routers send traffic using summary routes (in good networks) so do humans navigating their memory; the more links and ties you have the better you will remember.

• Focus on each topic extensively using multiple sources not just one.
• Keep on testing the commands while studying, not afterward.
• Order workbooks and videos.
• Attempt a book-camp
• Take the written test
• Workbooks
• Rent time with CCIE Assessor or other places
• Take the lab.
• Pass the CCIE.
  

Every route needs a next-hop... fast and efficient

Just as many fellow bloggers and networkers have done I have started a blog on my pursuit of the CCIE certification. In this blog I will try to describe some of the questions and difficulties I have encountered in the hope that others might also find useful and allow them to route to the next solution faster and more efficient without trying to answer questions I have encountered.

Mostly I will write about the technical issues and questions that I encountered while studying. I will try to find answers on the topic of why something is important and how it could be used, rather than just how it works. I will also also try to define and redefine a study methodology. How to organize all of this information, understand it and remember it, with which tools.

(As a side note, please comment on anything you read or see on this blog. I'm more than happy to elaborate or take constructive criticism)