Customer Reviews

CCNP ISCW Official Exam Certification Guide

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I'm studying to pass the ISCW exam using this book and several other resources. While it's a decent technical overview, I have noticed some things in regards to the chapter on MPLS architecture that seem puzzling.

Page 196 discusses MPLS and presents it basically another routing protocol, with labels assigned to each IP network prefix. While this is one implementation of MPLS, it's not really an accurate way to describe this technology. I'm disappointed that two CCIE authors and their tech reviewer haven't better illustrated the functions of protocols for readers.

There are other, similar minor issues with how the book presents technical material relating to some topics. Mainly the issues revolve around how the authors fail to clearly explain some of the functionality of protocols being dealt with. Generally, though, the config samples are flawless examples of how to get the job done.

This being a Cisco press book I do hold it to a higher standard because they invented networking. They also have several highly qualified people who wrote the book, which leads me to expect a clean, accurate technical explanation.

This book, on my first read was boring. But as I go on with various chapters, it becomes enjoyable. The VPN chapters are great because it was well explained in detail. Although some chapter questions are too easy to answer, it becomes a preparatory factor in taking the exam. One more thing on this book: If you want to pass the ISCW exam, consider reading other references in complement of this book. The topics on DSL and MPLS are briefly discussed so expect you'll be craving for more detailed explanations. Overall, it's a recommended book.

As I've found to be typical w/ Cisco's Exam Certification series, there simply is not enough information to use this as your only study source. I took the exam last week and passed: 915/1000, however it was only because I used TWO other study sources [the lab book and CBT videos]. Cable and DSL theory was explained well, however the PPPoE configurations given were INCORRECT. I have an 871-K9 running 12.4(9)T4 using ATT DSL and thus requires PPPoE w/ PAP authentication. "pppoe enable" will NOT work, it is an incomplete command. You need "pppoe enable group global" in order for the connection to form. Furthermore you need the command "ppp authentication pap CALLIN." [They neglected the CALLIN portion of the command.] MPLS coverage was well explained HOWEVER they FAIL to discuss VRF and the syntax to configure this. NOTE: I had -three- questions on this subject. I liked the IPSec section, and site-to-site IMO is probably the most important subject on the exam for real-world application; they did a decent job explaining IPSec operations and CLI/SDM configuration. The IPSec GRE section left a little to be desired. As far as the test is concerned I personally had a "scenario" based question. Be sure you can troubleshoot GRE configurations, typically by looking for mismatched source/destination IP's or subnet masks. The section covering the various security features [router hardening, AAA, ACL's, CBAC/IOS Firewall, and IPS] were covered well enough to pass the exam; however in the real world you'll probably need to dig a little deeper. I suggest going to Cisco's website and downloading the 12.4T IOS Security Configuration Guide. Cisco no longer uses the "inspect" syntax for CBAC, but has switched to zone-based firewalls. Futhermore 128mb.sdf and 256mb.sdf are no longer used or updated. They have switched to the v.5 signature format. THE BOTTOM LINE: if you want to pass this test you'll need to also purchase the ISCW Lab Portfolio [excellent book by the way]. Be comfortable looking through IPSec and Firewall configs on SDM, and configuring DSL & AAA access. You should know the config commands cold.

I used this book along with the lab portfolio for the ISCW exam. Both of these books should be enough to get you through. I did find myself browsing Cisco's site to find other configuration examples, because the other doesn't always explain the configuration options well.

I do have to say that this book is better than the Exam Certification Guide for the BSCI. The BSCI book was extremely lacking and wasn't enough to study, which left a lot to be desired. But the ISCW book is a little bit better.

One of the bullets in the product description says:
- Master all 642-825 exam topics with the official study guide

Unfortunately, it doesn't help you master "ALL" the topics. As the earlier poster has pointed out you'll have to use varied sources, like MPLS for example. Good thing my company sponsors for Safari Online because with that I managed to read MPLS Fundamentals also from Cisco Press. The questionnaires that comes with the CD, as with the rest of it's kind, leaves more to be desired. I wonder when they will truly update that test simulator stuff!

Other than that it's still a good read. I liked the device hardening section/chapter. The VPN is also good. And if you're self-studying just like me I would also recommend picking up the ISCW Lab portolio, too, as it helps you to structure your studies.

I think this book more of stimulates your curiosity about other networking related technologies out there.

One final tip, I'm studying this as my final paper for my CCNP certification. Regardless of what they say wherein you could start off with any of the papers for your certification, based from my experience I really recommend that you start off with BSCI -> ISCW -> ONT -> BCMSN. Hopefully, this tip could help anyone especially those coming out of their CCNA and starting off CCNP.

HTH!

If you're thinking about this test you should have some experience because the book itself doesn't help to pass it.

As another reader mentioned some topics are mentioned lightly. My previous experience in some topics helped me when I took the test, but neither the questions in the book or in the CD helped too much. The book is decent and gives a good insight. It is also well written but be prepared to have other sources and some experience or training with a good simulator. (I always recommend Dynamips/Dynagen)

Excellent. I recommend this book for all IT guys. Clear topic and good source of information.