After recently teaching the latest CCNP exam changes, I figured everyone could benefit in knowing any new hardware requirements. The CCNP program has changed quite a bit from the previous tests. I have taken both the old and new tests and can attest to the fact that the new CCNP changes are great. For the first part of this series, I will focus on the BCMSN (aka switching) changes. For the most part, the core competencies for this haven’t changed much at all.
Take a look at the exam objectives here
The main changes that stand-out are going to be wireless, security and voice.
1. For wireless, you really need to purchase some wireless equipment. At the very least, buy a Aironet Wireless LAN adapter for your laptop. You can probably find some used ones at a decent price on ebay.
Info on wireless adapters here
Now you’re probably wondering why you should buy a Cisco card vs. a possible cheaper alternative. Notice the Cisco objectives make note of the “ADU” application (Aironet desktop utility). This is the software used to configure the wireless adapter.
The wireless adapter config guide can be found here
If you can also afford to get a Cisco Access point, then that would be an added benefit. You can get away with cheaper alternatives if needed (make sure it supports 802.1x).
2. The security side has always been around, but it has gotten much more focus. Private VLANs are very much a core concept now, so you will need hardware that supports it. The 3550 switch will not cut it, your best bet is the 3560 EMI switch (EMI=layer 3 functionality). You may find some of the commands on the 3550 for private VLANs but they are not functional. You can get away with a 3550, but your hands-on experience will be limited regarding private VLANs. All the other security features listed in the exam objectives are very straight forward. I recommend getting a trial download of the Cisco Secure ACS software so you can play with the 802.1x and aaa stuff.
3. Voice exposure is huge on the new switching competencies. Make sure you know the ins-and-outs of voice VLANs. The 2950 or 3550/3560 will work just fine. You can use the 3550/3560 to make use of the AutoQoS stuff. I personally recommend the 3560 EMI-POE (power over ethernet) model. I used it when I taught the class and the POE comes in handy. You will want to purchase at least one Cisco IP phone too. You can pretty much use any of the latest models. I found the 7911G to be the most cost effective. Don’t worry about buying a power adapter for it if you have the POE switch! Remember that this test does not cover setting up the phone with Call Manager. You only need to be able to provision a network for a Cisco IP phone (Voice Vlans and basic QoS).
A list of Cisco IP phones can be found here
To sum things up, here is a list of recommended hardware for BCMSN (keep in mind, you may have some of this from doing your CCNA)
-Bronze-
3x 2950 switches
2x 2620 routers (HSRP)
1x 3550 EMI
1x 7911G IP Phone
1x Cisco WLAN adapter
1x AP
-Silver-
3x 2950 switches
2x 2620 routers (HSRP)
1x 3550 EMI w/POE
1x 7911G IP phone
1x Cisco WLAN adapter
1x Cisco AP
-Gold- (I am death incarnate!)
4x 2950 switches
2x 2620 routers (HSRP)
2x 3560 (hey, they will come in handy for CCIE R&S)
1x 7911G IP Phone
1x Cisco WLAN adapter
1x Cisco AP
Resources:
Cisco Doc CD: http://www.cisco.com/univercd/home/home.htm
CiscoPress Cert. guide: http://www.ciscopress.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=1587201712
CiscoPress Self-study (same as above, but more foundation and labs):http://www.ciscopress.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=1587052733
CiscoPress QoS (more than you need for QoS, but it’s the best QoS book): http://www.ciscopress.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=1587201240
Best of luck to everyone taking the new CCNP exams. Again, read over the objectives as they clearly outline what you’re tested on!
August 15, 2007 at 11:31 am
What is the difference between a voice vlan and a regular vlan? Did you actually take the new CCNA exam already? Did you pass?
August 15, 2007 at 11:40 am
Never mind, I guess if it wasn’t available until today and you wrote this a week ago, that you couldn’t have taken it yet.
August 15, 2007 at 11:44 am
Voice VLANs are used to carry IP voice traffic from an IP phone. You can configure a voice VLAN and regular “access” VLAN on the same port.
Typically you have a phone plugged into the switch port, and you connect your PC to the Phone’s built-in switch.
Using CDP (Cisco discovery protocol), the switch will tell the Cisco phone to use VLAN X for voice traffic and VLAN Y for Data traffic. So traffic from your PC will be in VLAN Y and VOIP traffic from the Phone will be in VLAN X. It’s a good idea to separate VOICE into its own VLAN.
I have not taken the new CCNA exam (think it gets released today). I have taken the new CCNP exams. I always take the latest exams for the classes I teach.
Hope this helps,
Ted
March 16, 2008 at 5:07 am
Your lab recommendations are out of this world! Most people can’t afford that kind of expense, I know I can’t. “I” suggest that people use rack rentals to focus on parts of the CCNP that require pricey equipment. Wendell Odom has some interesting highlights regarding CCNP lab setup. Part of the post can be found here:
http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/25396
March 1, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Great news!, is it still apply to the current exam of ccnp? thanks