Any CCIE's?

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Brovane

Originally posted by: spidey07
DisgruntledVirus, many job postings a CCIE is required. CCNP really doesn't hold a candle to it. And it's not for the bragging rights as all the CCIEs I know, nobody ever really mentions even having it. And I would say overwhelmingly a CCIE gains a big jump in pay - high 100s (160-190K) for a middle cost of living area.

I wonder what the hours are required from a CCIE for that type of pay? I am paid hourly and my general work week is less than 45 hours. If I was working 60+-hour weeks I could also pull down a pay check in the 160-190k range. However is it worth it to work these hours? I would just think that any company paying somebody in that range 160-190k would think that they own the employee 24-hours a day/ 7days a week.

Consulting is a very lucrative gig, you are paid by the hour and for your specific expertise (CCIE would be proof of that if you have it and where being a true expert in a particular technology means something). So the more you work, the more you make money for the company. I normally never work more than 40 hours, if I do I'm paid more and my company makes more money.

80-95 dollars an hour for a CCIE is pretty cheap. Bill them at 175/hr, CCIE gets his cut 80-95/hr.

My point is it does make a big difference in money. I have seen MANY and applied to positions that said CCIE required. Got interviewed most of the times, said I would be perfect, but they required a CCIE.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: m1ldslide1

The thing to keep in mind is that they don't just hand these out - passing the lab is serious business and to start weighing whether or not you'll be interested in it while you're still learning the OSI model is very premature.

this is what i dont get about the OP. Im just starting my cisco classes and while I find it all very interesting and am determined to get the CCNA, Im not at all sure as it is if I want to focus on cisco/networking and work with that and go farther, or if i want to do something else entirely like system administration or...anything.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: xSauronx

Originally posted by: m1ldslide1

The thing to keep in mind is that they don't just hand these out - passing the lab is serious business and to start weighing whether or not you'll be interested in it while you're still learning the OSI model is very premature.

this is what i dont get about the OP. Im just starting my cisco classes and while I find it all very interesting and am determined to get the CCNA, Im not at all sure as it is if I want to focus on cisco/networking and work with that and go farther, or if i want to do something else entirely like system administration or...anything.

I have always enjoyed networking. I can't say for certain if it is the path I want to go down 100% for sure, because obviously I haven't been working it. I may change my view on it once I get into the field.

I do realize that it is "premature", but I have taken college level (i.e. CCENT level) courses in HS and now doing CCNA in college. I love it. It's a lot of fun, but can be a challenge (which I love).

Part of the reason I am looking into it, is because if I know I want to go to CCIE level I can work on preparing more for it now by buying used equipment (if I see stuff for sale) and practicing. I know the OSI model, networking concepts, etc. Now that we are in CCNA2 (routing protocols and concepts) learning RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, etc and how they work I can tell that I understand how they work but not know it like the back of my hand so to speak. Granted that is part of learning CCNA and such, but my point is I can spend more time messing around with different protocols and learning more of the concepts outside of class.

 

[m1ldslide1]

Good for you OP - I sure didn't know what I wanted to do for a living when I was in college, and personally I think that you've chosen a great path to get started down. Having the CCNA will be a huge boost to your initial job-finding prospects, and obviously once you get your first job anything can happen. So don't get me wrong or anything - I'm not making fun. I've worked with several students that were/are in the same boat as you.

So when you're purchasing equipment, I would make sure to consult with somebody (like this forum) to see if the equipment and its installed code version are going to get you the feature-sets that you want. The code version part is important - someone in your shoes won't have the ability to go onto Cisco and download new IOS, and even if you did, that's usually going to be a violation of licensing agreements. You want to make sure that you get it right the first time before spending the money.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: xSauronx

Originally posted by: m1ldslide1

The thing to keep in mind is that they don't just hand these out - passing the lab is serious business and to start weighing whether or not you'll be interested in it while you're still learning the OSI model is very premature.

this is what i dont get about the OP. Im just starting my cisco classes and while I find it all very interesting and am determined to get the CCNA, Im not at all sure as it is if I want to focus on cisco/networking and work with that and go farther, or if i want to do something else entirely like system administration or...anything.

I have always enjoyed networking. I can't say for certain if it is the path I want to go down 100% for sure, because obviously I haven't been working it. I may change my view on it once I get into the field.

I do realize that it is "premature", but I have taken college level (i.e. CCENT level) courses in HS and now doing CCNA in college. I love it. It's a lot of fun, but can be a challenge (which I love).

Part of the reason I am looking into it, is because if I know I want to go to CCIE level I can work on preparing more for it now by buying used equipment (if I see stuff for sale) and practicing. I know the OSI model, networking concepts, etc. Now that we are in CCNA2 (routing protocols and concepts) learning RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, etc and how they work I can tell that I understand how they work but not know it like the back of my hand so to speak. Granted that is part of learning CCNA and such, but my point is I can spend more time messing around with different protocols and learning more of the concepts outside of class.

ive just started the same course a couple of weeks ago. my teacher is a lunatic and id *like* to set up a simple lab in the spring for the sake of working on my CCNA.

the lab you'll need for the CCNA is quite different (and cheaper) than what you'll need for CCNP and CCIE level certs. you can always buy cheap stuff for the CCNA and sell it when youre done, or add on to it later.

 

[drebo]

CCNA is far more conceptual than practical, when it comes to configuration. You don't need a lab. Just get a good grasp of the concepts, get some basic familiarity with IOS using GNS3, and get some practice tests. The ExamCram2 CCNA book is good for that (two ink practice tests and a CD with two full CCNA test simulations).

 

[mcmilljb]

If any one is actually looking into taking a CCIE written exam, http://www.getcertify4less.com/cisco.asp has lowered the price of their CCIE written exam voucher to $290. That will save you $60 bucks right there. The prices might drop a little bit more if they don't start selling more, but it's still a good deal. I used them for my CCNP vouchers. I bought at least 2 CCNP vouchers for $89 when they were clearing out their last few.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: drebo
CCNA is far more conceptual than practical, when it comes to configuration. You don't need a lab. Just get a good grasp of the concepts, get some basic familiarity with IOS using GNS3, and get some practice tests. The ExamCram2 CCNA book is good for that (two ink practice tests and a CD with two full CCNA test simulations).

I realize I don't *need* one for CCNA, but I would like to get ahead for when I start CCNP. I work for a major company, but insurance underwriting not IT/networking. Real world experience helps a lot, but in lieu of that a home lab would be nice. Besides that I can use the switches for other uses (friends and I have lans and such), so the switch part of it isn't a big deal. The routers aren't too expensive either ($50 or so each).

The stuff I am looking for is IOS 12.x, but I *could* do 10.x if it was cheap enough. I will look into the ExamCram2 book though.

Originally posted by: m1ldslide1
Good for you OP - I sure didn't know what I wanted to do for a living when I was in college, and personally I think that you've chosen a great path to get started down. Having the CCNA will be a huge boost to your initial job-finding prospects, and obviously once you get your first job anything can happen. So don't get me wrong or anything - I'm not making fun. I've worked with several students that were/are in the same boat as you.

So when you're purchasing equipment, I would make sure to consult with somebody (like this forum) to see if the equipment and its installed code version are going to get you the feature-sets that you want. The code version part is important - someone in your shoes won't have the ability to go onto Cisco and download new IOS, and even if you did, that's usually going to be a violation of licensing agreements. You want to make sure that you get it right the first time before spending the money.

I am still not 100% sure, but am more sure about this than any other major I have looked at (or started taking classes for). I have some large companies right by my house (Diebold, FedEx, Nationwide, etc) and work for one of the biggest 5 insurance companies right now, so I have lots of areas that would allow me into networking. One of my goals over Christmas break is to try to find a more network/IT based job.

Before I purchased anything I would definitely be asking here about it 🙂. The IOS is the key part I am looking at, and the first thing that will cause me to stop looking at an item. I know that I won't be taking the CCNP until 2010 at the earliest, and CCIE not for a few years after that. With that being said I need the most up to date stuff now, that will last at least through CCNP and let me get some basics to start learning the stuff for CCIE. I figured a few hundred on some equipment wouldn't be a horrible idea, and could only help in learning the application of the theory.

 

[drebo]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
I realize I don't *need* one for CCNA, but I would like to get ahead for when I start CCNP. I work for a major company, but insurance underwriting not IT/networking. Real world experience helps a lot, but in lieu of that a home lab would be nice. Besides that I can use the switches for other uses (friends and I have lans and such), so the switch part of it isn't a big deal. The routers aren't too expensive either ($50 or so each).

The stuff I am looking for is IOS 12.x, but I *could* do 10.x if it was cheap enough. I will look into the ExamCram2 book though.

If you're looking to use your lab for CCNP as well, then you do need at least 12.3. There are a very few things that use 12.4 in the curriculum, but you can fake those. Depending on the routers you get and the featureset you're using, you will not be OK with anything under 12.2. For instance, IPv6 is not available on any 2500 series routers. The 261X non-XM routers aren't very useful either, when it comes to things like IS-IS and OSPF v3.

For CCNP, I have to recommend routers that can use 12.3 IP Plus or better or 12.4. That means 262X non-XM, 2600XM, 2650, 2690, or 3640 routers, fully upgraded with RAM and flash. It might also be useful to grab a 7204 non-VXR, too, as they're fairly inexpensive and can be used as an MPLS PE device which will help for the ISCW lab. The 3640 can do that as well, but you can usually find a 7204 non-VXR with a couple of PA cards cheaper than you can get a 3640.

I'd also recommend a frame relay switch. Pretty much everything for BSCI can be done with 4 routers, but using a frame relay switch makes it easy to change your topology without having to move cables. monoprice.com has good prices on the DB60 back-to-back cables. I use a 3620 with two NM-4Ts as my switch, but you can sometimes find a 2500 with 8 serial ports on Ebay for cheap. Since the frame relay switch isn't involved in any routing, it doesn't need to be the latest and greatest.

 

[mcmilljb]

Originally posted by: drebo

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
I realize I don't *need* one for CCNA, but I would like to get ahead for when I start CCNP. I work for a major company, but insurance underwriting not IT/networking. Real world experience helps a lot, but in lieu of that a home lab would be nice. Besides that I can use the switches for other uses (friends and I have lans and such), so the switch part of it isn't a big deal. The routers aren't too expensive either ($50 or so each).

The stuff I am looking for is IOS 12.x, but I *could* do 10.x if it was cheap enough. I will look into the ExamCram2 book though.

If you're looking to use your lab for CCNP as well, then you do need at least 12.3. There are a very few things that use 12.4 in the curriculum, but you can fake those. Depending on the routers you get and the featureset you're using, you will not be OK with anything under 12.2. For instance, IPv6 is not available on any 2500 series routers. The 261X non-XM routers aren't very useful either, when it comes to things like IS-IS and OSPF v3.

For CCNP, I have to recommend routers that can use 12.3 IP Plus or better or 12.4. That means 262X non-XM, 2600XM, 2650, 2690, or 3640 routers, fully upgraded with RAM and flash. It might also be useful to grab a 7204 non-VXR, too, as they're fairly inexpensive and can be used as an MPLS PE device which will help for the ISCW lab. The 3640 can do that as well, but you can usually find a 7204 non-VXR with a couple of PA cards cheaper than you can get a 3640.

I'd also recommend a frame relay switch. Pretty much everything for BSCI can be done with 4 routers, but using a frame relay switch makes it easy to change your topology without having to move cables. monoprice.com has good prices on the DB60 back-to-back cables. I use a 3620 with two NM-4Ts as my switch, but you can sometimes find a 2500 with 8 serial ports on Ebay for cheap. Since the frame relay switch isn't involved in any routing, it doesn't need to be the latest and greatest.

You definitely want to use 12.3 and 12.4 IOS for routers. I have 3 2500's which run 12.3 which is fine for basic IPv4 routing of eigrp, ospf and bgp, but I use my 3640 with 12.4 which I virtualize with GNS3 for IS-IS(only good for BSCI and CCIE SP), IPv6 and larger networks. More than enough stuff for the BSCI and ISCW. Also have a 2509 which is pretty much just used as an access server. For switches, I have 2 3550's and 2 2950T's both with IOS 12.2. Used it for just about everything in BCMSN and ONT. Only thing I lacked was voice and wireless hardware(you're only required to be able to configure wireless hardware).

I got a pretty good deal on my 3640: 4 1 ethernet NM's and 8 WIC-1T's. It's great for doing frame relay switching. Frame relay is good for doing NMBA in ospf and eigrp and saving time from having to reconfigure the cables like drebo said. For ios 12.3, I would look at a 2600 non-XM or 3620. For ios 12.4, I would go for a 3640 or a 2600XM. It just depends on what ebay is selling and the price. Getting decent 3550's with 12.2 EMI is still pretty expensive, but you might be able to snag one for a good price while the economy is down combined with ms live cashback. You don't really need it for CCNP (2950's are fine), but it's a must for CCIE.

I also like groupstudy.com. A lot of CCIE's help out there(and lure in customers).

 

[Pheran]

Originally posted by: Pheran
I'm working on the CCIE security track now, have a second lab exam at the end of March. Make no mistake, it's not an easy undertaking. CCNP is much more difficult than CCNA, though at least it's not all one test. I don't have a home-based lab, but I have lots of work experience and I've done some rack rentals from Rack Time Rentals. I also have a CCSP, I found getting that helped in preparing for the CCIE Security written.

Allow me to bump this thread to say that I'm sitting in a hotel in North Carolina the morning after my (second) CCIE Security lab exam and I PASSED! WOOHOO!

Now we have voice and security - who is next?? 🙂

On a side note, any illusions I had about getting more than one CCIE track are gone, because I AM NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN! 😛

 

[ScottMac]

Congrats Pheran!

You know the books are calling ... CCIE Security or Wireless cant be far behind ....

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Pheran


On a side note, any illusions I had about getting more than one CCIE track are gone, because I AM NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN! 😛

:laugh:

congrats to you, dude :beer:

 

[freegeeks]

nice work

 

[Pheran]

Originally posted by: ScottMac
Congrats Pheran!

You know the books are calling ... CCIE Security or Wireless cant be far behind ....

I think you mean R&S - anyway, I'm going to go down the design track now, since I have CCNP and CCIE Security. Picking up a CCDA should be relatively painless, then I can decide if I want the CCDP.

However, I must say I'm annoyed to discover that the CCIE has a 2-year recert cycle. Yuck. At least it's only the written.

 

[jlazzaro]

Originally posted by: Pheran

Originally posted by: ScottMac
Congrats Pheran!

You know the books are calling ... CCIE Security or Wireless cant be far behind ....

I think you mean R&S - anyway, I'm going to go down the design track now, since I have CCNP and CCIE Security. Picking up a CCDA should be relatively painless, then I can decide if I want the CCDP.

However, I must say I'm annoyed to discover that the CCIE has a 2-year recert cycle. Yuck. At least it's only the written.

considering your current situation, CCDA and CCDP are pretty worthless. if you just want a few more acronyms after your name, have fun ;P

if you're looking for something to do without giving up your life for another IE, CCVP or CCIP would be MUCH more valuable.

 

[Pheran]

However, I must say I'm annoyed to discover that the CCIE has a 2-year recert cycle. Yuck. At least it's only the written.

Bleh, I'm sitting here studying for my CCIE Security recert exam, which is on Saturday. Recert is not much fun, you don't even get anything new for the resume.