Vol2 contain 5 labs, but I would add IPX vol3 lab 5 into this group as well, as it is clearly written by the same author. Vol3 Lab5 also use the same topology as Vol2 which is not supplied by IPX. You will have to create the SP topology .net file or download it from the blog when I get around to considering it blog worthy. All the labs are possible on dynamips.
I had very high expectations of the IPX vol2 labs after reading two blog posts claiming they were the “best”. For this reason I planned to do these labs last. The logic behind doing them last is that the “best” labs deserved my thorough understanding and concentration. I did not want to miss any vital information. The term “best” needs to be put into perspective and due to its high reputation this review will go into more detail.
If I had to compare cabbage, broccoli and spinach, I might tell you cabbage is the best. What I’m actually saying is that the cabbage is better than the broccoli and spinach. The same principle applies to the IPX vol2 SP labs. I have been using three sets of full scale labs. INE vol2, IPX vol3 and vol2. Of the bunch, the IPX vol2 could be considered by some as the better labs. I think they would say this due to the multiple Service provider CSC over Inter-AS topologies. This is great practice for sure. The problem is that you have to dig your way through a kilo of broccoli before getting a bite of steak. I consider these labs a configuration marathon. Each protocol requires neighbors to be authenticated. After the first lab or two it becomes a joke. Skipping these cause the next problem that preconfiguration have the authentication preconfigured on some devices. So again you are forced to go back and enable it. I think the word “all” is used way to loosely in these labs. Configuring all routers for a specific question is unnecessary and trying to figure out shortcuts wastes time. This generally cause the configuration marathon phenomena. For this reason I have labeled these labs as a health risk, as you run a high risk of developing Carpal tunnel syndrome. The “all routers”, “all neighbors” and “all interfaces” questions should really be contained to the devices that require them, or where they make sense. This reminds me of when a coach runs out of creative exercises and says: ” Ok guys, run around the track a hundred times”. If these questions are narrowed down to the devices that need them more questions that add value could be added e.g. multicast sections on both Lab5’s.
In all honesty and without a doubt, the complex inter service provider topologies are great practice. The questions that require many “stand alone” features to be configured is also a welcome addition. Therefore I can imagine that they are considered the best of the lot. With a little bit of tweaking with the end user in mind, I think these labs have the potential to truly become vital to the SP lab prep. All in all I will come back and redo these before the lab.
Update: Review 2
Yea.. i also had to skip some repeating stuffs while doing those labs.. but, it was a good run.
Comment by Zay Phyoe — August 19, 2009 @ 11:22 am
Nicely worded. Agree 100%.
Also, all of these labs seem to be dated. At least they (IPX & INE) could provide updates to correct errors & typos. The SP material from both vendors is dated 2007….
Comment by Paul — August 19, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
I saw your post and wanted to reply to the last comment – we just finished up editing on the Vol 2 and Vol 3 labs, correcting errors and tweaking configs. These 2 5-lab volumes will be consolidated into a single Vol 2 w/ 10 labs – expect to see this soon, within the next week – shortly after we launch our new website. Thanks – Wayne
Comment by Wayne Lawson — August 20, 2009 @ 2:52 am
Thanks Wayne, I appreciate the comment. The idea of consolodating Vol2 and Vol3 I think is a good one. This obviously add huge value to the Vol2 WB.
I will be on the look out for the release of the updated workbook and hope to be able to make use of it before the lab.
Comment by 21500 — August 20, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
Yes, you must skip a lot of the things you KNOW how to configure, or you’ll easily spend 12+ hours on each lab. The key is deciding what isn’t instrumental to the lab. Authentication is obvious. Services and QoS can most likely be skipped as well, assuming you’re comfortable with qos-groups and such. The chances are slim to none you’ll get a real lab scenario anything like QoS and Services. They’re generally more of a doccd hunting exercise.
For my final prep, I’ve more spent time back on vol 1 just to keep the fundamentals fresh in memory.
Comment by Ed — August 22, 2009 @ 1:38 am
Hi. I saw no news on consolidated WB from IPX… Do you happen to have any insights from them?
Cheers.
Comment by Alexei — November 17, 2009 @ 12:11 pm
Hi Alexei, you are right, Wayne said it will be consolidated into Vol2, but I believe they call it the Lab Mentoring Kit now.
Comment by 21500 — November 17, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
Yeah, looks like it. Cheers.
A.
Comment by Alexei — November 18, 2009 @ 2:02 am