In this discussion, Mason Reimert shares his expertise on preparing for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab exam. He dives into essential strategies like hands-on labbing and the significance of familiarizing oneself with SD-WAN and SD-Access. Mason emphasizes resource management, virtualization tools, and automation techniques. Listeners learn about building effective labs, understanding APIs, and bridging knowledge gaps. He also highlights the importance of community engagement for aspiring CCIE candidates.
Candidates must combine traditional networking knowledge with modern concepts like SD-WAN and programmability for the CCIE exam.
Strategic resource allocation is essential for effective lab preparations, utilizing both emulators for basics and physical devices for complex scenarios.
Understanding automation tools and APIs is crucial for CCIE preparation, emphasizing hands-on practice with data formats and scripting to enhance skills.
Deep dives
Protecting Data on Unmanaged Devices
Ensuring the security of company data when it's accessed through unmanaged devices and applications is a pressing concern for organizations. Conventional identity and access management systems often fall short, particularly in dealing with shadow IT and unauthorized apps. Solutions like Extended Access Management from OnePassword present a way to enhance security by ensuring that every sign-in is secure regardless of the device or application used. This approach emphasizes the need for a robust security framework that extends beyond company-owned resources.
Understanding the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Track
The transition from the traditional Routing and Switching track to the new CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure track brings significant changes in exam content. About 70% of the new exam remains focused on traditional networking topics, while the remaining 30% introduces concepts like software-defined WAN and programmability. This shift reflects current industry trends and challenges, urging candidates to be well-versed not only in legacy networking but also in integrating modern solutions. Familiarization with these foundational and emerging topics is crucial for anyone preparing for the exam.
Lab Setup and Resources for Success
Effective lab preparation for the CCIE exam requires a strategic approach to resource allocation and equipment use. Candidates are encouraged to utilize emulators and lightweight virtual routers to practice traditional topics, as these can typically run on standard laptops. However, for more complex scenarios, especially involving software-defined solutions, having a scalable lab setup with enough resources—such as multiple routers and switches—is essential for simulating real-world scenarios. Allocating two servers for different functionalities is advisable to improve training efficiency and avoid resource-induced latency.
Navigating SD-WAN and SD-Access
Successfully preparing for SD-WAN and SD-Access components of the CCIE exam requires understanding their respective architectures and implementation requirements. Cisco’s SD-WAN involves multiple control components that can utilize virtualization platforms, with the new 'pay as you go' licensing reducing entry barriers for candidates. However, SD-Access proves more challenging due to its reliance on the Cisco DNA Center, necessitating substantial resources like a robust server setup with adequate CPU cores and RAM. Understanding and experimenting with these technologies extensively in the lab is paramount for both certification and practical application.
Automation and the Role of APIs
Automation in networking, particularly with tools like APIs for Cisco products, represents a foundational skill for CCIE candidates. Familiarity with data formats such as JSON and XML, alongside understanding how to authenticate and interact with APIs through clients like Postman or Python, is crucial. Candidates should not only memorize API documentation but also practice writing scripts in a command-line interface like Vim, which may be used during the exam instead of more user-friendly development environments. Emphasizing hands-on practice with automation techniques will bolster candidates' confidence and competence in the evolving landscape of networking technology.
The Packet Pushers and guest Mason Reimert discuss strategies he’s using to prepare for the Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure lab exam. Mason shares practical tips for hands-on labbing for both established and emerging technologies like SD-WAN and SD-Access, resource management, virtualization tools, and automation. He also highlights the importance of understanding APIs, data formats, and... Read more »
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