On Sat, 28 Oct 2000, Chuck Larrieu wrote:
> Quick and dirty book review.
>
> CCIE Routing and Switching Exam Cram, by Tom Thomas and Henry Benjamin
>
> http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1576104338/qid=972768223/sr=1-3/104-3
> 810111-6781503
>
> I truly wanted to hate this book. The very title Exam Cram rubs me the wrong
> way for some reason. But my Design Engineer, the woman who reviews my work
> and provides me with plenty of good advice in my job, had good things to
> say, so I bought it.
I bought this too. I also normally despise exam cram. But their isn't
enough CCIE prep books, and it looked like it had alot of nice tableized
information.........which it does.
>
> And I have to say, this one turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
>
> The chapters on bridging and switching, networking theory, TCP/IP
> networking, and Cisco device operations are excellent. The coverage of RSRP,
> DLSw+, and RIF calculation, are excellent.
>
> I was disappointed in the Routing chapter. With the exception of OSPF ( I
> wonder why? ) the routing protocols were not very well covered. Doyle is a
> far better source for routing protocol behavior.
nod I found the BGP stuff real weak as well...........even for just
"review" material.
I personally think the book has alot of errors. It went to press to
fast. I can't say I was impressed by the OSPF though. Does this
statement impress you:
Ch.6,p208
"OSPF type 1 routes are always preferred over type 2 routes for the same
dstination, because the cost will always be lower."
Ch.5 p162
A section titled "Transport Control Protocol (TCP)"........other places in
the book call it "Transmission Control Protocol".......it just flip flops
back and forth.
I think the RIF stuff had some errors..........I am just scanning the book
and trying to remember.
The BGP routing decision isn't exactly complete or accurate.
p297 shows a config for tacacs yet is setting the "radius-server
host" instead of "tacacs-server host"........
>
> Definitely one to add to one's study repertoire, particularly as a review in
> those last days prior to actually taking the test. In fact, I became
I wish they had an eratta. And if they do, I wish they would make it
easier to locate.
> absolutely positive I would pass after racking up the points on the practice
> test at the back of the book. Furthermore, now that I have seen the actual
> written, I can say that in terms of content and style, the Exam Cram
> practice test is most realistic I have seen.
>
> Will this book alone prepare you to pass? No way! Is it a good source of
> information that appears on the exam but is difficult to find elsewhere? You
> bet!
>
> I recommend that one invest in the CCIE Exam Cram book as early as one can
> in one's certification career. There is a lot of good stuff there, and what
> you don't understand early in your career you will most definitely grow into
> as you progress.
I agree its good to get, but I am disappointed because they had alot of
good visuals and ideas yet the delivery was a little weak.
I know it is very hard to write and edit a good book, but I wish these
companies would get copies to several people to proof read before going to
print (or more / better people).
Brian
>
> Chuck
> ----------------------
> I am Locutus, a CCIE Lab Proctor. Xx_Brain_dumps_xX are futile. Your life as
> it has been is over ( if you hope to pass ) From this time forward, you will
> study US!
> ( apologies to the folks at Star Trek TNG )
>
> _________________________________
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-----------------------------------------------
Brian Feeny, CCNP, CCDP [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Network Administrator
ShreveNet Inc. (ASN 11881)
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