CCNP 2.0: Routing
Authors: Robert N. Myhre
Venue:  (2000)

From the Book:Introduction"As an instructor in a classroom environment, I have learned there are two types of instructors. The first type, whether likable or not, is proud to show off his or her knowledge, but dislikes anyone learning anything. This type of instructor is more concerned with being better than everyone else. The second type of instructor, again whether likable or not, actually enjoys teaching. This person likes to share knowledge and does so in an informative way. I like to think of myself as the latter type." This is now my second book, and the previous paragraph was quoted from my introduction in the CCNA Certification book. I still feel that these statements are true, now more than ever. Another year has progressed and I still love teaching and learning, a very good combination.The Cisco certifications are undergoing revision changes, and with those changes, the curriculum has changed. This book was written with the new CCNP 2.0 certifications in mind. As with the first book, I tried to maintain continuity. I feel that a certification book should also be a learning book, and so each chapter progressively (as much as possible anyway) discloses new information. Each chapter configures one or more routers in a logical way such that even without the use of a physical router to practice on, you should be able to see the results of all the actions.Who This Book Is ForThis book makes a quick jump into the advanced technologies needed for the CCNP certification test: Routing 2.0. I assume that the reader understands RIP and IGRP and can configure these two routing protocols and manipulate other facets of the Cisco IOS without muchthought. I also assume the reader knows how to subnet, which means you can actually subnet, not use a calculator or have a chart memorized. As you continue into the Cisco career path, it is important to differentiate yourself from other certifications as well as other CCNPs by having a full understanding of TCP/IP, including subnetting. If you feel weak in any of these areas, or feel you need a refresher while reading the book, I recommend my first book. Also, I have included part of my subnetting chapter from the first book as an appendix in this book.How This Book Is Laid OutThe material required for the Routing 2.0 test includes many advanced features of the Cisco environment, most notably routing protocols. This test requires understanding the foundation of each of these protocols and how to configure them for basic connectivity. While I have tried to give more information about each topic than is required on the exam to further help the learning process, I had to restrict myself from placing more detailed information which could lead to confusion due to being overwhelmed. Please realize that any topic in this book could, and has been, a book in its own right.With that said, this book follows the exam objectives as posted on the Cisco Web site. The only difference in order is that I placed EIGRP before OSPF. I feel it makes more sense to learn the advanced distance vector protocol first, because it builds upon the expected prerequisites for this book. Although it may be possible to read Chapters 3, 4-5, or 6-7 in any order, it is not recommended. Again, the idea of this book is to provide progressive disclosure of information and skipping chapters may lead to missed information.How to Obtain Cisco CertificationsTo become a CCNP, you must pass either four tests or two tests. Three tests, Routing (640-503, for which this book was written), Switching (640-504), and Remote Access (640-505) can all be taken individually at $100 each, or can be combined into a large test called the Foundation (640-509) for $200. The other test is the Support test (640-506). Please refer to Cisco's Web site for update information (www.cisco.com/certifications).To register for a test, call Sylvan Prometric at 1-800-204-EXAM (3926). You can pay via credit card, or have them bill you for the test. Note that you cannot actually take the test until it has been paid for, though. I would recommend calling Sylvan Prometric 24 hours in advance of your test for confirmation. Remember to bring two forms of ID, including a photo.Other Cisco CertificationsThe best way to get a feel for the different certifications is to visit Cisco's Web site at www.cisco.com and explore the training and certification paths. You will find there are many other certifications, including: CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) for designing small LANs and WANs. CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) for building and configuring bigger and more complex LANs and WANs. CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional) for designing even bigger and more complex LANs and WANs. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert), which is the biggest and probably most coveted certification in the industry. It requires a minimum of $1200 to pass the exams, and that doesn't include airfare.It is a specialize in technologies after gaining the CCNP certification. For instance, a person can be specialized in Security or Voice over IP. For more information, again refer to the Cisco Web site.How to Contact the AuthorI can be reached at cisco@networkawareinc.com. I do read all the email, and try to respond to each and every one, but I am frequently out of town or very busy. It might take me a few days to reply. You can also visit my Web site at www.networkawareinc.com for more information, white papers, errata, and local newsgroups. As much as I try to avoid mistakes in this book, no one is perfect. Please feel free to email me with any and all corrections that need to be made.About the AuthorRobert N. Myhre, CCNP, CCDP, MCSE+I, MCSD, MCT, is an independent trainer primarily and a consultant when time permits, living in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. He teaches Cisco courseware for Ascolta Training Company and Microsoft courseware for MindSharp. Keeping an understanding of both vendor technologies, as well as being a developer, allows him to have a unique insight into these companies. His company, Network Aware, Inc., provides training in areas not traditionally covered, or covered in-depth, in vendor courseware. When not training, he is consulting with small- to medium-sized businesses, offering services including networking, security, and development. He can be reached at cisco@networkawareinc.com, or visit his Web site at www.networkawareinc.com