CCNP Self-Study: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) [Hardcover]

Catherine Paquet (Author), Diane Teare (Author), ILSG Cisco Systems (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1587050846 | ISBN-13: 978-1587050848 | Publication Date: January 15, 2003 | Edition: 1st

CCNP Self-Study: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) is a Cisco authorized, self-paced learning tool for CCNP, CCDP, and CCIP preparation. The book teaches readers how to design, configure, maintain, and scale routed networks that are growing in size and complexity. The book focuses on using Cisco routers connected in LANs and WANs typically found at medium-to-large network sites. Upon completing this book, readers will be able to select and implement the appropriate Cisco IOS Software services required to build a scalable, routed network. Replacing the now-retired Building Scalable Cisco Networks (BSCN) course, BSCI covers the same topics as BSCN, with the addition of a section on the Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) protocol. This Cisco Press Self-Study guide covers all these topics, and serves as a valuable study guide and supplement to the instructor-led BSCI course for certification candidates. It also is valuable to any intermediate level networker who wants to master the implementation of Cisco networking devices in medium to large networks. Catherine and Diane were members of the team at Cisco Systems that developed the Building Scalable Cisco Networks (BSCN) instructor-led course, and co-authored Building Scalable Cisco Networks.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Cisco authorized self-study book for CCNP/CCDP(r)/CCIP(tm) routing foundation Learning

* Prepare for the CCNP BSCI exam #640-901 with this Cisco authorized self-study guide
* Understand the principles of classful and classless routing and the difference between link-state and distance vector protocol behavior
* Select and configure the appropriate services for simplifying IP address management at branch offices by proper address allocation and summarization
* Implement the appropriate technologies for a scalable, routed network that uses link-state protocols and redistribution
* Configure edge routers to properly interconnect to a BGP network through either a single or multi-homed interconnection
* Control and optimize routing update information by implementing filters, metrics, and policy-based routing and changing administrative distance
* Examine case studies that show you how to build a scalable internetwork including multiple routing protocols

CCNP Self-Study: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) is a Cisco authorized self-paced learning tool. It teaches you how to design, configure, maintain, and scale routed networks that are growing in size and complexity. This book focuses on using Cisco routers connected in LANs and WANs typically found at medium-sized to large network sites. Whether you are preparing for CCNP, CCDP(r), or CCIP(tm) certification or simply want to gain a better understanding of the products, services, and policies that help you control traffic over LANs and WANs and connect your network to Internet service providers, you will benefit from the comprehensive foundation information presented in this book.In CCNP Self-Study: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI), you will study a broad range of technical details on topics related to routing, including routing principles, IP addressing issues such as variable-length subnet masks (VLSMs), route summarization, and protocol redistribution. The routing protocols Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS), Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) are investigated in detail. Configuration examples and sample verification output demonstrate troubleshooting techniques, and a case study is used throughout the book to review key concepts and to discuss critical issues surrounding network operation. Chapter-ending configuration exercises and review questions illustrate and help solidify the concepts presented in the book. This in-depth information on Cisco BSCI exam topics will start you down the path for attaining your CCNP, CCDP, or CCIP certification.

This book is part of a recommended learning path from Cisco Systems that can include simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press. To find out more about instructor-led training, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered by authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide, please visit cisco/go/authorizedtraining.

About the Author

Catherine Paquet and Diane Teare both work for Global Knowledge Network (Canada) Inc., the largest Cisco worldwide training partner. Catherine is the director of technical resources and Diane is the director of e-learning. Catherine and Diane are both certified Cisco Systems instructors and CCNPs. Both Catherine and Diane were members of the Cisco team that developed the previous version of the BSCI instructor-led course.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 944 pages
• Publisher: Cisco Systems; 1st edition (January 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587050846
• ISBN-13: 978-1587050848
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.9 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,612,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why wasn't some of this detail provided in any CCNA books?, January 17, 2005

By 

Bryan M. Flynn "me" (Albany, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: CCNP Self-Study: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) (2nd Edition) (Self-Study Guide) (Hardcover)

I have read through half of this book so far and I'm surprised at the level of detail this book provides about routing. I struggled getting structured information about routing protocols like OSPF when studying for the CCNA exam, but could have really filled in the gaps quickly with this book. Also, I remember getting hit with a few route redistribution questions on the CCNA exam that I was not prepared for, but if I studied Chapter 7 of this book there would have been no problem answering these questions.
Enough of the past experiences.
To a self learner who cannot afford CCNP bootcamps, this book provides and intermediate view of routing concepts that can help augment other books when pursuing the CCNP/CCDP/CCIP track. Also, appendix H of the book recommends lab equipment to build your own lab, which is almost a necessity to really nail the objectives the exam.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Covers all material on test, July 28, 2005

By 

J. McCormick (Marlton, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: CCNP Self-Study: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) (2nd Edition) (Self-Study Guide) (Hardcover)

I passed the 642-801 with the assistance of this book. However, I would not have passed with just this book.

I should begin by stating that I have no experience in this area. In an effort to better myself and prepare for a new career in the networking field, I decided to pursue my certifications first in an effort to secure a higher paying job. I assume that most taking this test are already working in the networking field and/or working with Cisco products.

The amount of information needed to pass the exam and the sheer volume of information contained in this book, presented a problem. I found it was taking me so long to get through the book that I was forgetting items learned in the beginning of the book. I normally would take 2-3 weeks to prepare for an exam, but found myself ill prepared at the end of 3 weeks and completing the book. I then supplemented my study with two items.

I used the CCNP Flash Cards offering from CiscoPress. Flash cards in no way resemble questions on the exam. Flash cards are actually more difficult to answer because they do not give you a multiple choice option. You either know the answer or you don't. This gives you the ability to determine whether you truly know the information or, are just trying to weed the possible answers down to two likely choices.

I also used ExamCram to focus all that I had learned. The exam prep questions help to get you "in the mood" to take the exam.

After all this, and some BCSI simulation software practice, I took the test. I had to use every minute of the exam time (I usually finish early) and was worried that I would not have enough time to complete all the questions (finished with 30 seconds to spare). I found that on this test, there were many more questions framed in the, "View this diagram and select the appropriate answer". A successful test taker needs to be able to analyze a diagram and determine such things as, "which answer would force traffic through RouterC that was destined for the 172.16.X.X network".

In conclusion, if you have no hands on experience with configuring routers in the BGP, OSPF and EIGRP areas, you must supplement this book with items such as ExamCram and Simulation software.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for BSCI exam takers, October 5, 2005

By 

Guan Foo Wah "obiguan" (Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: CCNP Self-Study: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) (2nd Edition) (Self-Study Guide) (Hardcover)

I am using this Cisco Press Self-Study and Cisco Press Exam Certification Guide for BSCI exam. Generally, I find this book much helpful compared to certification guide. Most concepts are elaborately discussed with good lab examples and I have almost no problem understand all of it at first glance. (I have just begun career in networking while reading this book and I don't have in-depth knowledge of routing protocols). I like the author style of writing and I am looking forward to read another of her certification books.

Note : For those who plan to purchase this book, please read BGP route reflector and probably BGP community, both found in Appendix A before going for the exam.