Introduction

This book is intended to help you continue on your exciting new path toward obtaining your CCNP certification. Before reading this book, it is important to have at least read the CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, 4th Edition, by Todd Lammle (Sybex, 2004). You can take the CCNP tests in any order, but you should have passed the CCNA exam before pursuing your CCNP. Many questions in the Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BSMSN) exam are built on the CCNA material. However, we have done everything possible to make sure that you can pass the BSMSN exam by reading this book and practicing with Cisco routers—assuming that you are already a CCNA.

Cisco Systems’ Place in Networking

Cisco Systems has become an unrivaled worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Its networking solutions can easily connect users who work from diverse devices on disparate networks. Cisco products make it simple for people to access and transfer information without regard to differences in time, place, or platform.

Cisco Systems’ big picture is that it provides end-to-end networking solutions that customers can use to build an efficient, unified information infrastructure of their own or to connect to someone else’s. This is an important piece in the Internet/networking-industry puzzle because a common architecture that delivers consistent network services to all users is now a functional imperative. Because Cisco Systems offers such a broad range of networking and Internet services and capabilities, users needing regular access to their local network or the Internet can do so unhindered, making Cisco’s wares indispensable.

Cisco answers this need with a wide range of hardware products that are used to form information networks using any commands from the range of operating systems in use, including the Cisco Internetworking Operating System (IOS) and the CatOS software ranges. This software provides network services, paving the way for networked technical support and professional services to maintain and optimize all network operations.

Along with the Cisco IOS, one of the services Cisco created to help support the vast amount of hardware it has engineered is the Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) program, which was designed specifically to equip people to effectively manage the vast quantity of installed Cisco networks. The business plan is simple: If you want to sell more Cisco equipment and have more Cisco networks installed, ensure that the networks you installed run properly.

However, having a fabulous product line isn’t all it takes to guarantee the huge success that Cisco enjoys—lots of companies with great products are now defunct. If you have complicated products designed to solve complicated problems, you need knowledgeable people who are fully capable of installing, managing, and troubleshooting them. That part isn’t easy, so Cisco began the CCIE program to equip people to support these complicated networks. This program, known colloquially as the Doctorate of Networking, has also been very successful, primarily due to its extreme difficulty. Cisco continuously monitors the program, changing it as it sees fit, to make sure that it remains pertinent and accurately reflects the demands of today’s internetworking business environments.

Building on the highly successful CCIE program, Cisco Career Certifications permit you to become certified at various levels of technical proficiency, spanning the disciplines of network design and support. So, whether you’re beginning a career, changing careers, securing your present position, or seeking to refine and promote your position, this is the book for you!

Cisco’s Certifications

Cisco has created several certification tracks that will help you become a CCIE, as well as aid prospective employers in measuring skill levels. Before these new certifications, you took only one test and were then faced with the lab, which made it difficult to succeed. With these new certifications that add a better approach to preparing for that almighty lab, Cisco has opened doors that few were allowed through before. So, what are these new certifications, and how do they help you get your CCIE?

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The CCNA certification is the first certification in the new line of Cisco certifications and is a prerequisite to all current Cisco certifications. With the new certification programs, Cisco has created a type of stepping-stone approach to CCIE certification. Now you can become a Cisco Certified Network Associate for the meager cost of the CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, 4th Edition, by Todd Lammle (Sybex, 2004), plus $125 for the test. And you don’t have to stop there: you can choose to continue with your studies and select a specific track to follow. The Installation and Support track will help you prepare for the CCIE Routing and Switching certification, whereas the Communications and Services track will help you prepare for the CCIE Communication and Services certification. It is important to note that you do not have to attempt any of these tracks to reach the CCIE, but it is recommended that you do so.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification has opened up many opportunities for the individual wishing to become Cisco-certified but who is lacking the training, the expertise, or the bucks to pass the notorious and often failed two-day Cisco torture lab. The new Cisco certifications will truly provide exciting new opportunities for the CNE and MCSE who want to broaden rather than deepen their qualifications. So you’re thinking, “Great, what do I do after I pass the CCNA exam?” Well, if you want to become a CCIE in Routing and Switching (the most popular certification), understand that there’s more than one path to the CCIE certification. The first way is to continue studying and become a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). That means taking four more tests in addition to obtaining the CCNA certification.

Note 

We’ll discuss requirements for the CCIE exams later in this introduction.

The CCNP program will prepare you to understand and comprehensively tackle the internetworking issues of today and beyond—not limited to the Cisco world. You will undergo an immense metamorphosis, vastly increasing your knowledge and skills through the process of obtaining these certifications.

Tip 

Remember that you don’t need to be a CCNP or even a CCNA to take the CCIE lab, but to accomplish that, it’s extremely helpful if you already have these certifications.

What Are the CCNP Certification Skills?

Cisco demands a certain level of proficiency for its CCNP certification. In addition to those required for the CCNA, these skills include the following:

• Installing, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting complex routed LAN, routed WAN, and switched LAN networks, and Dial Access Services.

• Understanding more complex networks than those covered on the CCNA, such as IP, IGRP, IPX, Async Routing, extended access lists, IP RIP, route redistribution, IPX RIP, route summarization, OSPF, VLSM, BGP, Serial, IGRP, Frame Relay, ISDN, ISL, X.25, DDR, PSTN, PPP, VLANs, Ethernet, access lists, 802.1Q, FDDI, and transparent and translational bridging.

To meet the Cisco Certified Network Professional requirements, you must be able to perform the following:

• Install and/or configure a network to increase bandwidth, quicken network response times, and improve reliability and quality of service.

• Maximize performance through campus LANs, routed WANs, and remote access.

• Improve network security.

• Create a global intranet.

• Provide access security to campus switches and routers.

• Provide increased switching and routing bandwidth—end-to-end resiliency services.

• Provide custom queuing and routed priority services.

How Do You Become a CCNP?

After becoming a CCNA, the four exams that you must take to get your CCNP are as follows:

Exam 642-801: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) A while back, Cisco retired the Routing (640-603) exam and now uses this exam to build on the fundamentals of the CCNA exam. BSCI focuses on large multiprotocol internetworks and how to manage them. The BSCI exam is also a required exam for the CCIP and CCDP certifications, which will be discussed later in this introduction.

Exam 642-811: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN) The Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks exam tests your knowledge of the 2950 and 4500 series of Catalyst switches. You will also be challenged on your knowledge of switching technology, implementation and operation, and planning and design. This book covers all the topics you’ll need to pass the BCMSN exam.

Exam 642-821: Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN) The Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN) exam tests your knowledge of installing, configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting Cisco ISDN and dial-up access products. You must understand PPP, ISDN, Frame Relay, and authentication.

Exam 642-831: Cisco Internetwork Troubleshooting Support (CIT) The Cisco Internetwork Troubleshooting Support (CIT) exam tests you on troubleshooting information. You must be able to document a network; troubleshoot Ethernet LANs and IP networks, as well as ISDN, PPP, and Frame Relay networks.

Note 

If you hate tests, you can take fewer of them by signing up for the CCNA exam and the CIT exam, and then take just one more long exam called the Foundation R/S exam (640-841). Doing this also gives you your CCNP—but beware, it’s a really long test that fuses all the material listed previously into one exam. Good luck! However, by taking this exam, you get three tests for the price of two, which saves you $125 (if you pass). Some people think it’s easier to take the Foundation R/S exam because you can leverage the areas that you would score higher in against the areas in which you wouldn't. There is also an option to do three tests: the Composite Exam (642-891), which fuses the BSCI and BCMSN exams; the BCRAN exam; and the CIT exam.

Tip 

Remember that exam objectives and tests can change at any time without notice. Always check the Cisco website for the most up-to-date information (www.cisco.com).

Sybex has a solution for each one of the CCNP exams. Each study guide listed in the table below covers all of the exam objectives for their respective exams.

Exam Name	Exam #	Sybex Products
Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks	642-801	CCNP: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks Study Guide by Carl Timm and Wade Edwards
Switching	642-811	CCNP: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks Study Guide by Terry Jack
Remote Access	642-821	CCNP: Building Cisco Remote Access Networks Study Guide by Robert Padjen
Support	642-831	CCNP: Cisco Internetwork Troubleshooting Study Guide by Arthur Pfund and Todd Lammle

Also available is the CCNP Study Guide Kit, 3rd Edition, which covers all four exams.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)

After passing the CCNA, the next step in the Communications and Services track would be the CCIP. The CCIP is another professional-level certification, of a similar standard to the CCNP.

The CCIP will give you the skills necessary to understand and tackle the complex internetworking world of the service provider. Core competencies include IP routing, IP QoS, BGP, and MPLS. The skills you need to obtain for the CCIP will prepare you to move forward toward the ever-elusive CCIE Communications and Services certification, but are also of great value in themselves, as CCIP-certified individuals are likely to find work as level 2 engineers or deployment engineers.

What Are the CCIP Certification Skills?

Cisco demands a certain level of proficiency for its CCIP certification. In addition to those required for the CCNA, these skills include the following:

• Performing complex planning, operations, installations, implementations, and troubleshooting of internetworks

• Understanding and managing complex communications networks—last mile, edge, or core

• Understanding how BGP can be implemented to provide a policy base for inter- and intra- ISP routing with globally large routing tables

• Understanding how MPLS can be used to create VPNs across an IP internet, providing an alternative to customers’ private leased lines

• Knowing how and why QoS is of such importance in modern IPS networks, and be able to configure the various options

How Do You Become a CCIP?

After becoming a CCNA, you must take the four exams listed next:

Exam 642-901: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) A while back, Cisco retired the Routing (640-603) exam and now uses this exam to build on the fundamentals of the CCNA exam. BSCI focuses on large multiprotocol internetworks and how to manage them.

Exam 642-641: Quality of Services (QoS) This exam tests your knowledge of quality of service for internetworks. Subjects tested include IP Multicasting, QoS Classification and Marking, Traffic Shaping, Congestion Avoidance, and Signaling Mechanisms.

Exam 640-910: Implementing Cisco MPLS (MPLS) This exam tests your knowledge of multiprotocol label switching and its implementation. The test includes basic MPLS, frame and cell mode MPLS, MPLS VPNS, and MPLS Traffic Engineering. The CCIP: MPLS Study Guide by James Reagan (Sybex, 2002) covers all the exam objectives.

Exam 642-661: Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) This exam tests your knowledge of Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). You are tested on the design, implementation, and management of a large BGP network, and the test covers all aspects of BGP.

Cisco’s Network Design and Installation Certifications

In addition to the Network Installation and Support track and the Communications and Services track, Cisco has created another certification track for network designers. The two certifications within this track are the Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) and Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) certifications. If you’re reaching for the CCIE stars, we highly recommend the CCNP and CCDP certifications before attempting the CCIE R/S Qualification exam.

These certifications will give you the knowledge to design routed LAN, routed WAN, and switched LAN.

Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

To become a CCDA, you must pass the DESGN (Designing for Cisco Internetwork Solutions) test (640-861). To pass this test, you must understand how to do the following:

• Design simple routed LAN, routed WAN, and switched LAN and ATM LANE networks.

• Use network-layer addressing.

• Filter with access lists.

• Use and propagate VLAN.

• Size networks.

Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)

If you’re already a CCNP and want to get your CCDP, you can simply take the ARCH (Designing Cisco Network Architectures) test (642-871). If you’re not yet a CCNP, however, you must take the CCDA, CCNA, BSCI, BCMSN, Remote Access, and CID exams.

CCDP certification skills include the following:

• Designing complex routed LAN, routed WAN, and switched LAN and ATM LANE networks

• Building on the base level of the CCDA technical knowledge

CCDPs must also demonstrate proficiency in the following:

• Network-layer addressing in a hierarchical environment

• Traffic management with access lists

• Hierarchical network design

• VLAN use and propagation

• Performance considerations: required hardware and software; switching engines; memory; cost; and minimization

Cisco’s Security Certifications

There are quite a few Cisco security certifications to obtain. All of the Cisco security certifications also require a valid CCNA.

Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)

You have to pass five exams to get your CCSP. The pivotal one of those is the SECUR exam. Once you pass the SECUR exam, you need to take only four more. Here they are—the exams you must pass to call the CCSP yours:

Exam 642-501: Securing Cisco IOS Networks (SECUR) This exam tests your understanding of such concepts as basic router security, AAA security for Cisco routers and networks, Cisco IOS Firewall configuration and authentication, building basic and advanced IPSec VPNs, and managing Cisco enterprise VPN routers. You can get help in passing the SECUR exam with the CCSP: Securing Cisco IOS Networks Study Guide by Todd Lammle (Sybex, 2003).

Exam 642-521: Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced (CSPFA) This exam challenges your knowledge of the fundamentals of Cisco PIX Firewalls, as well as translations and connections, object grouping, advanced protocol handling and authentication, authorization, and accounting, among other topics. You can tackle the CSPFA exam with the help of the CCSP: Secure PIX and Secure VPN Study Guide by Wade Edwards, Tom Lancaster, Bryant Tow, and Eric Quinn (Sybex, 2004).

Exam 642-511: Cisco Secure Virtual Private Networks (CSVPN) The CSVPN exam covers the basics of Cisco VPNs as well as configuring various Cisco VPNs for remote access, hardware client, backup server, and load balancing, and IPSec over UDP and IPSec over TCP. Again, using the CCSP: Secure PIX and Secure VPN Study Guide, you’ll approach the CSVPN exam with confidence.

Exam 642-531: Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System (CSIDS) The CSIDS exam will challenge your knowledge of intrusion detection technologies and solutions, and test your abilities to install and configure ISD components. You’ll also be tested on managing large-scale deployments of Cisco IDS sensors using Cisco IDS management software. Prepare for the CSIDS exam using the CCSP: Secure Intrusion Detection and SAFE Implementation Study Guide by Justin Menga and Carl Timm (Sybex, 2004).

Exam 642-541: Cisco SAFE Implementation (CSI) This exam tests such topics as security and architecture fundamentals, SAFE Network design for small and medium corporate and campus situations, and SAFE remote-user network implementation. The CCSP: Secure PIX and Secure VPN Study Guide mentioned earlier covers all the relevant details.

Cisco Firewall Specialist

Cisco Security certifications focus on the growing need for knowledgeable network professionals who can implement complete security solutions. Cisco Firewall Specialists focus on securing network access using Cisco IOS Software and Cisco PIX Firewall technologies.

The two exams that you must pass to achieve the Cisco Firewall Specialist certification are Securing Cisco IOS Networks (SECUR) and Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced (CSPFA).

Cisco IDS Specialist

Cisco IDS Specialists can both operate and monitor Cisco IOS Software and IDS technologies to detect and respond to intrusion activities.

The two exams that you must pass to achieve the Cisco IDS Specialist certification are Securing Cisco IOS Networks (SECUR) and Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System (CSIDS).

Cisco VPN Specialist

Cisco VPN Specialists can configure VPNs across shared public networks using Cisco IOS Software and Cisco VPN 3000 Series Concentrator technologies.

The exams that you must pass to achieve the Cisco VPN Specialist certification are Securing Cisco IOS Networks (SECUR) and Cisco Secure Virtual Networks (CSVPN).

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Cool! You’ve become a CCNP, and now your sights are fixed on getting your Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. What do you do next? Cisco recommends a minimum of two years of on-the-job experience before taking the CCIE lab. After jumping those hurdles, you then have to pass the written CCIE Exam Qualifications before taking the actual lab.

There are actually four CCIE certifications, and you must pass a written exam for each one of them before attempting the hands-on lab:

CCIE Communications and Services (Exams 350-020, 350-021, 350-022, 350-023) The CCIE Communications and Services written exams cover IP and IP routing, optical, DSL, dial, cable, wireless, WAN switching, content networking, and voice.

CCIE Routing and Switching (Exam 350-001) The CCIE Routing and Switching exam covers IP and IP routing, non-IP desktop protocols such as IPX, and bridge-and switch-related technologies.

Note 

You can get help in passing the CCIE Routing and Switching exam with the CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Study Guide, 2nd Edition, by Rob Payne and Kevin Manweiler (Sybex, 2003).

CCIE Security (Exam 350-018) The CCIE Security exam covers IP and IP routing as well as specific security components.

CCIE Voice (Exam 351-030) The CCIE Voice exam covers those technologies and applications that make up a Cisco Enterprise VoIP solution.

Where Do You Take the Exam?

You may take the exams at any of the Sylvan Prometric or Virtual University Enterprises (VUE) testing centers around the world. For the location of a testing center near you, call Sylvan at [phone] or VUE at [phone]. Outside of the United States and Canada, contact your local Sylvan Prometric Registration Center or VUE testing site by visiting their websites (www.prometric.com and www.vue.com, respectively).

To register for a Cisco Certified Network Professional exam:

1. Determine the number of the exam you want to take. (The BCMSN exam number is 642-811.)

2. Register with the nearest Sylvan Prometric or VUE testing center. At this point, you are asked to pay in advance for the exam. At the time of this writing, the exams are $125 each and must be taken within one year of payment. You can schedule exams up to six weeks in advance or as soon as one working day prior to the day you wish to take it. If something comes up and you need to cancel or reschedule your exam appointment, contact the testing center at least 24 hours in advance. Same-day registration isn’t available for the Cisco tests.

3. When you schedule the exam, you’ll get instructions regarding all appointment and cancellation procedures, the ID requirements, and information about the testing-center location.

Tips for Taking Your CCNP Exam

The CCNP BCMSN test contains about 63 questions to be taken in 90 minutes. At least one of the questions will be a simulation, where you will actually have to configure switches in a given scenario. However, understand that your test may vary.

Many questions on the exam have answer choices that at first glance look identical—especially the syntax questions! Remember to read through the choices carefully because “close” doesn’t cut it. If you put commands in the wrong order or forget one measly character, you’ll get the answer wrong. So, to practice, do the hands-on exercises at the end of this book’s chapters over and over again until they feel natural to you.

Unlike Microsoft or Novell tests, the exam has answer choices that are really similar in syntax—although some syntax is dead wrong, it is usually just subtly wrong. Some other syntax choices may be right, but they’re shown in the wrong order. Cisco does split hairs, and it is not at all averse to giving you classic trick questions. Here’s an example:

access-list 101 deny ip any eq 23 denies Telnet access to all systems.

This item looks correct because most people refer to the port number (23) and think, “Yes, that’s the port used for Telnet.” The catch is that you can’t filter IP on port numbers (only TCP and UDP). Another indicator is the use of an extended access list number but no destination address or “any” for the destination.

Note 

Cisco does have some simulation questions on the BCMSN exam. Make sure you’ve got the hands-on skills to take this test. Check out the hands-on labs in this book and for further practice with routers and switches, check out the CCNP Virtual Lab by Todd Lammle and Bill Tedder (Sybex, 2003).

Also, never forget that the right answer is the Cisco answer. In many cases, more than one appropriate answer is presented, but the correct answer is the one that Cisco recommends.

Here are some general tips for exam success:

• Arrive early at the exam center, so you can relax and review your study materials.

• Read the questions carefully. Don’t just jump to conclusions. Make sure that you’re clear about exactly what each question asks.

• Don’t leave any questions unanswered. They count against you.

• When answering multiple-choice questions that you’re not sure about, use the process of elimination to get rid of the obviously incorrect answers first. Doing this greatly improves your odds if you need to make an educated guess.

• As of this writing, you can no longer move forward and backward through the Cisco exams, so double-check your answer before clicking Next because you can’t change your mind. However, it is best to always check the Cisco website before taking any exam to get the most up-to-date information.

After you complete the exam, you’ll get immediate, online notification of your pass or fail status, a printed Examination Score Report that indicates your pass or fail status, and your exam results by section. (The test administrator will give you the printed score report.) Test scores are automatically forwarded to Cisco within five working days after you take the test, so you don’t need to send your score to them.

What Does This Book Cover?

This book covers everything you need to pass the CCNP BCMSN exam. It teaches you how to configure and maintain Cisco switches in a network of interconnected LAN segments. But because many of the newer switches have features traditionally associated with routing, we will also cover inter-VLAN routing, layer 3 switching, and Quality of Service. Each chapter begins with a list of the CCNP BCMSN topics covered, so make sure to read them over before working through the chapter.

Chapter 1 describes the traditional campus network model and compares this to the new campus model. In addition, this chapter discusses the Cisco three-layer model, the Cisco switching product line, and how to build switch and core blocks, and has an introduction to the layer 2, 3, and 4 switching technologies.

Chapter 2 describes the various Ethernet media types and connection options, and then shows you how to log in and configure both a set-based and an IOS-based Cisco Catalyst switch.

Chapter 3 covers VLANs—what they are, how they work, and how to configure them in a Cisco internetwork. Trunking and the VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP) are described and implemented.

Chapter 4 gives you an in-depth look at the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), its operation, and how to configure STP in a switch.

Chapter 5 shows you how to use different Spanning Tree incidences with different VLANs, and includes a discussion of root bridge selection. It then moves on to show you how to configure STP timers and other parameters. Creating redundant links in STP environments is also covered.

Chapter 6 covers Inter-VLAN routing using internal route processors and external route processors, as well as how to configure both internal and external route processors to connect multiple VLANs.

Chapter 7 provides the fundamentals of Multi-Layer Switching on both internal and external route processors. In addition to covering IP routing with MLS, we show you how to configure the MLS engine. Also covered is the other, more modern version of layer 3 switching, Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF).

Chapter 8 covers the rationale behind multicasting, the background of multicast addresses, and how to translate from a layer 3 multicast address to a layer 2 multicast address. This chapter also covers IGMP and CGMP, and joining a multicast group. In addition, we cover configuring multicast in a Cisco internetwork.

Chapter 9 outlines the reasons for the move toward Quality of Service (QoS)–driven IP networks, and then explains the options available to engineers in modern switched networks. The chapter also covers the configuration and implementation of QoS features, including packet classification, queuing, and forwarding.

Chapter 10 explains the internal workings of the Catalyst’s switch range, focusing on how MAC addresses are stored and recalled to enable forwarding decisions, and how memory is managed. Particular attention is paid to the use of Content Addressable Memory (CAM) and Ternary CAM (TCAM).

Appendix A includes all the commands used in this book along with explanations of each command and how they are used with both access layer and distribution layer switches.

Appendix B is a list of all multicast addresses as listed in RFC 1112. It also includes a list of all the currently assigned multicast addresses.

Appendix C contains a list of commands for the 2924 switch series. This switch has not been included in the book because it is not as high-profile a switch as the mainstream 2950, 3550, 4000, and 6000 switches. Nonetheless, Cisco may very well ask a couple of questions on the slightly unusual operating system commands used in the 2924, and so I have created a list of the most important ones along with some usage information for you.

Each chapter ends with review questions that are specifically designed to help you retain the knowledge presented. To really nail down your skills, read each question carefully, and take the time to work through the hands-on labs in some of the chapters.

How to Use This Book

This book can provide a solid foundation for the serious effort of preparing for the CCNP BCMSN exam. To best benefit from this book, use the following study method:

1. Take the Assessment Test immediately following this Introduction. (The answers are at the end of the test.) Carefully read over the explanations for any answer that you get wrong, and note which chapters the material comes from. This information should help you plan your study strategy.

2. Study each chapter carefully, making sure that you fully understand the information and the test topics listed at the beginning of each chapter. Pay extra-close attention to any chapter where you missed questions in the Assessment Test.

3. Complete all hands-on exercises in the chapter, referring to the chapter so that you understand the reason for each step you take. If you do not have Cisco equipment available, make sure to study the examples carefully. Also, check www.routersim.com for a router simulator. Answer the review questions related to that chapter. (The answers appear at the end of the chapter, after the review questions.)

4. Note the questions that confuse you, and study those sections of the book again.

5. Before taking the exam, try your hand at the two bonus exams that are included on the CD that comes with this book. The questions in these exams appear only on the CD. This will give you a complete overview of what you can expect to see on the real thing.

6. Remember to use the products on the CD that is included with this book. The electronic flashcards and the exam-preparation software have all been specifically picked to help you study for and pass your exam.

7. Study on the road with the CCNP: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks Study Guide eBook in PDF, and be sure to test yourself with the electronic flashcards.

   Tip 

   The electronic flashcards can be used on your Windows computer, Pocket PC, or Palm device.

8. Make sure that you read the Key Terms list at the end of each chapter. Additionally, Appendix A includes all the commands used in the book, along with an explanation for each command.

To learn all the material covered in this book, you’ll have to apply yourself regularly and with discipline. Try to set aside the same time every day to study, and select a comfortable and quiet place to do so. If you work hard, you will be surprised at how quickly you learn this material. All the best!

What’s on the CD?

We worked hard to provide some really great tools to help you with your certification process. All of the following tools should be loaded on your workstation when studying for the test.

The All-New Sybex Test Engine

New from Sybex, this test-preparation software prepares you to successfully pass the BCMSN exam. In this test engine, you will find all the review and assessment test questions from the book, plus two bonus exams that appear exclusively on the CD. You can take the assessment test, test yourself by chapter, or take the two bonus exams. Your scores will show how well you did on each BCMSN exam objective.

Electronic Flashcards for PC, Pocket PC, and Palm Devices

After you read the CCNP: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks Study Guide, read the review questions at the end of each chapter and study the practice exams included in the book and on the CD. But wait, there’s more! Test yourself with the flashcards included on the CD. If you can get through these difficult questions, and understand the answers, you’ll know you are ready for the BCMSN exam.

The flashcards include 150 questions specifically written to hit you hard and make sure you are ready for the exam. Between the review questions, bonus exams, and flashcards, you’ll be more than prepared for the exam.

CCNP: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks Study Guide in PDF

Sybex offers this Cisco certification book on the accompanying CD so that you can read the book on your PC or laptop. It is in Adobe Acrobat format. Acrobat Reader 5.1 with Search is included on the CD as well. This could be extremely helpful to readers who travel and don’t want to carry a book, as well as to readers who are more comfortable reading from their computer.

How to Contact the Author

You can reach Terry Jack by e-mailing him at [e-mail].