Foreword

CCSP IPS Exam Certification Guide is an excellent self-study resource for the CCSP IPS exam. Passing the exam validates the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to design, install, and configure a Cisco Intrusion Prevention solution. It is one of several exams required to attain the CCSP certification.

Cisco Press Exam Certification Guide titles are designed to help educate, develop, and grow the community of Cisco networking professionals. The guides are filled with helpful features that allow you to master key concepts and assess your readiness for the certification exam. Developed in conjunction with the Cisco certifications team, Cisco Press books are the only self-study books authorized by Cisco Systems.

Most networking professionals use a variety of learning methods to gain necessary skills. Cisco Press self-study titles are a prime source of content for some individuals, and can also serve as an excellent supplement to other forms of learning. Training classes, whether delivered in a classroom or on the Internet, are a great way to quickly acquire new understanding. Hands-on practice is essential for anyone seeking to build, or hone, new skills. Authorized Cisco training classes, labs, and simulations are available exclusively from Cisco Learning Solutions Partners worldwide. Please visit www.cisco.com/go/training to learn more about Cisco Learning Solutions Partners.

I hope and expect that you'll find this guide to be an essential part of your exam preparation and a valuable addition to your personal library.

Don Field
Director, Certifications
Cisco Systems, Inc.
September, 2005