Malweth’s Metablog

An additional approach I’m using to study for the CCIE is to create my own labs for each step of the process. I expect there will be fewer labs at first, greatly increasing in numbers as I reach into Layer 3.

One of my philosophies behind this effort is that it’s the CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. If they describe the certification as “Expert” level, I plan on treating it that way. Part of being an expert in any given field involves notes and study. In a scientific field this would include labs which, at an advanced level, would be created by the student. I realize there are already products out there, but if I start with a knowledge of how I think it should work before I perform the lab I will have 10 times the benefit of simply performing someone else’s lab. (This will also give me the added benefit of unique content… which I’m planning on publishing on Lulu to offset CCIE costs).

Technical Details Below

Let me give you the specifics. This lab is very simple, operating at the physical layer… Two routers are connected via FastEthernet (in my case, a pair of 2FE-2W cards). Speed and duplex settings are fiddled with in various ways, and the reactions recorded and analyzed. In performing this lab, I learned that the router dislikes a manual duplex setting with an automatic speed setting. Not only does this allow me to update the lab (for eventual publishing), but I’ve also learned something I wouldn’t otherwise have known.

Perhaps it’s because I’m reading CCIE Routing & Switching: Official Exam Certification Guide (Wendell Odom) or because the CCIE Blueprint is arranged in this way, or even because it’s how the OSI model works, but I’ve started studying for my CCIE with a bottom-up approach. I think it makes the most sense because greater understanding of upper level topics can be achieved with knowledge of lower level topics. An article I read recently on TechExams.net Forums said much the same thing.

A Review of Supermemo

As I said previously, I’ve started studying for the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification and have been at it for just about a week. I’ve read the first two chapters (from the book mentioned above) and have learned about 3/4 of the first chapter. The method I’m using is based on the CCIE Exam Blueprint, and intimately involves a computer program called SuperMemo. SuperMemo goes beyond flash-card software. I’ve created a “folder” hierarchy based on the CCIE Blueprint, and create slides (it’s html based and is 99.9% done in a WYSIWYG editor) inside the appropriate folders. Flash cards are created automatically when I select a word or phrase and press “ALT-z.” A new flash-card is placed under the slide (hierarchically) with the selected phrase “clozed” out (their term) as the answer.

The best thing about SuperMemo is that the slides I create I’m initially tested on, but my daily repetitions are only a subset of my entire collection! Each time I answer any given flash-card correctly, it’s scheduled for an even longer interval. This also means that my workload is very light currently because my retention is at around 99% (Supermemo guarantees 95% retention with the default settings). Retention is easier when it’s based on understanding, and I already understand many of the simple Layer 1 & 2 concepts. Retention is also easier with drive, and my interest and desire to learn CCIE material is high!

My Progress So Far

As I said above, I’ve completed 3/4 of the first chapter of the book (10 pages) and have read the first two chapters (47 pages). Topics completed include: Physical Layer Ethernet (Ethernet Wiring, Autonegotiation, Collisions, Configuration) and Data Link Layer Ethernet (History, DIX, 802.3, 802.2, SNAP, MAC). It’s fairly slow going, but my aim is mastery! I’m also just starting out with Supermemo and this book… I will be increasing my efforts over the next month until I reach an appropriate, average level of effort. My goal is at least 3 hours daily and I’m currently doing about 1-1.5 hours a day.

Family Concerns

My other problem lies with family and other activities. This is a major undertaking! So far there’s been little interference, but I expect it to become more of a problem as it continues (and as I spend more time on it). My son shouldn’t be a major problem - study time is after he goes to bed. Aside from family, my other problem is physical activity - this is a concern for me and something I need to work on. It’s always very hard to schedule in. It’s something that must be put into my daily routine. I expect this will continue to be addressed in my blog.

Everything is similar.

The quest for high level play in the game of Go (see the other part of my blog) is incredibly similar to the quest for a technical certification like the CCIE. I think the effort I’ve put into the game of Go, in addition to my current drive to reach an expert level of Cisco configuration and troubleshooting (and general networking technical ability), will carry me along the path toward CCIE certification.

For the non-initiate, the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert is the crux of the technical certifications. It’s been said that the tests are harder than the California Bar exam. The amount of knowledge required is extreme and the cost of obtaining the certification is high! The CCIE certification consists of a 2 hour written exam (currently $300 at any prometric testing center) and a 8 hour Lab exam (currently $1250 at two Cisco locations in the USA). It’s said that, on average, you pass on the third attempt of the Lab exam (3.25 or so).

This Blog (category) will trace my mission from CCNP certification (received 1-2 weeks ago) to CCIE certification. The process will be long and somewhat arduous, but hopefully worthwhile. My goal is to pass the CCIE written examination within 2 years and the Lab within 5. (The Fast-track goal is 1 year and 2 years respectively).