ccie

6 CCIE strategy mistakes

I passed the CCIE R&S written exams version 4.0 and 5.0, studied for the lab exams for both versions with workbooks and mock labs from many vendors such as INE, IPexpert (closed today), Narbik Kocharians / Micronics Training and Cisco expert-level training. I attempted the CCIE R&S lab exam once on version 4.0 and three times on version 5.0. Now I would like to share with you my experience about the CCIE strategy and especially the mistakes to avoid to have the best chance to get your numbers.

EEM

Cisco Embedded Event Manager (EEM)

The Cisco Embedded Event Manager or Cisco EEM is a software component of Cisco IOS, IOS-XR, and NX-OS that provides real-time network event detection and onboard automation.

EEM allows you to automate tasks, perform minor enhancements and create workarounds and can makes life easier for network operators by tracking and classifying events that take place on a network device and providing actions options for those events.

Netflow

Cisco Flexible Netflow configuration

Recently, a customer called me to configure Netflow on these routers because he just installed NetFlow Analyzer software from ManageEngine. This software is an “all in one” NetFlow collector, database, WebUI software, able to build pretty nice reports.

In my opinion, Netflow is one of the absolutely required software to have a good visibility when you operate a network.

Meraki_Wireless-Bridge

Extending the LAN with a Meraki wireless mesh link

Cisco Meraki access-points can operate as mesh repeaters, which allows them to extend the wireless network range. Since repeaters also support wired clients plugged into their wired interface, a repeater can be used to bridge a remote LAN segment back to the main network.

This article explains how the LAN can be extended via a wireless bridge, including limitations and requirements.

Huawei-Cisco-trunk_topology

Building a LACP port-channel between Cisco and Huawei switch

Configuring a LACP link aggregation, EtherChannel, or port-channel, or Eth-trunk between Huawei and Cisco switch is something very common. But since the configuration syntax between the two vendors is different, it can be confusing.

In this article, I will show how to configure a LACP port-channel – called Eth-trunk on Huawei – properly between a Cisco catalyst switch running IOS or IOS-XE and a Huawei switch, model 6700 in this case.

Meraki_Wireless-Bridge-3

Meraki mesh networking tests

Wireless mesh networking is included and enabled by default in every Cisco Meraki AP. The goal is to create a self-healing network that is resilient to cable and switch failures.

But, how does it works exactly?
How does an AP choose between the existing neighbors?
How can we monitor the status and performances of a mesh link?
And as it is enable by default, is it possible to deactivate this feature?