Cisco just rolled out the Evolving Technologies v1.1 update, which will affect anyone taking their CCIE certification exams on, or after, August 30, 2018. Fortunately, the v1.1 updates are fairly minor. The CCIE/CCDE Evolving Technologies section still includes three overall categories; Cloud, Network Programmability and Internet of things, and still makes up 10% of all CCIE/CCDE written exams. However, changes can be found in the specific topics tested in each of the evolving technologies categories.

Cloud - v1.1

Compare and contrast public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud design considerations

• Infrastructure, platform, and software as a service (XaaS)
• Performance, scalability, and high availability
• Security implications, compliance, and policy
• Workload migration

Describe cloud infrastructure and operations

• Compute virtualization (containers and virtual machines)
• Connectivity (virtual switches, SD-WAN and SD-Access)
• Virtualization functions (NFVi, VNF, and L4/L1)
• Automation and orchestration tools (cloud center, DNA-center, and Kubernetes)

Network Programmability (SDN) - v1.1

Describe architectural and operational Considerations for a programmable network

• Data models and structures (YANG, JSON and XML)
• Device programmability (gRPC, NETCONF and RESTCONF)
• Controller based network design (policy driven configuration and northbound/ southbound APIs)
• Configuration management tools (agent and agent-less) and version control systems (Git and SVN)

Internet of Things (IOT) - v1.1

Describe architectural framework and deployment considerations for Internet of Things (IoT)

• IoT technology stack (IoT Network Hierarchy, data acquisition and flow)
• IoT standards and protocols (characteristics within IT and OT environment)
• IoT security (network segmentation, device profiling, and secure remote access)
• IoT edge and fog computing (data aggregation and edge intelligence)

To Learn more about the changes between v1.0 and v1.1 of Cisco's Evolving Technologies, read the full article on Cisco's Website.

Since 2003 we've been helping IT professionals reach their career goals with help from top notch instructors and training materials. One of our most popular training resources - INE Bootcamps, continue to wow students and are a major step in the journey towards earning your certification. Thinking about signing up but aren't sure what to expect? Take it from our current students, participating in an INE Bootcamp is the best way to ensure you'll succeed in passing your certification exams.

CCNA Routing & Switching

I would arguably say that Keith is the best CCNA instructor in the nation. The interaction in this class is key. Listening to a lesson doesn't ensure comprehension, so Keith offered periodic quizzes; not only did this make the course increasingly interactive but also verified your understanding of the technologies discussed.

I very much look forward to going to the CCNP bootcamps. Thank you again Keith and staff for making my learning experience a great one!
Thomas Osborne - CCNA

CCNP ROUTE

The instructor Keith is very knowledgeable, patient, and polite. He covered everything possible with the amount of time we had. I also like the format of having to take routing and switching separately.  
Sirak Zewdie - CCNA

CCNP SWITCH

Keith is a very detailed instructor and kept the class engaged throughout the week.  He goes through material in the workbooks, but he also makes sure you have a real world understanding by either showing us through examples on the hardware or drawing it out.  He makes sure there is an understanding before moving forward.    
Theresa

CCNP Routing & Switching

Keith is a very good mentor. This was my first time attending an in class session and it was a great, informative experience for me. Keith is one gem of an instructor. He was kind, patient and very informative all through the course. The way he explains concepts with his hand gestures and whiteboard diagrams helped me understand them with ease. The lab sessions were the best. I personally loved the way the course was structured and would definitely recommend it for students who are planning to take it. Overall it was more than a lifetime experience for the money I paid.
Satish Devan

Keith was an amazing instructor. Luckily my class had so few people that he knew us by first name. Keith was knowledgeable in every aspect of the CCNP R&S track. You could even throw "scenarios" at him and he would work out the problem in his head. Then he would show you how the logic of the protocols would behave. Keith was able to go very in depth on the routing protocols and that really helped me feel more comfortable with large networks!  
Victor Halili ~ CCNA 2x & CCNP

CCIE Routing & Switching Written

I would like to thank INE and Rohit Pardasani in particular for the great experience I had. This course has provided me with a good idea on how the CCIE exam should be approached in terms of study and preparation. I will highly recommend this training to anybody that is on the same journey as I am. Also, many thanks to the Coordinator in providing all the information needed and answering my questions, this made everything as smooth as I hoped.
Berry Batist

I enjoyed Rohit personally. I would look for him if seeking another workshop. The content/material informed and challenged me. I feel better prepared. 
John Wattenbarger ~ CCNP R&S and Passed CCIE Written October 2017

CCIE Routing & Switching Lab

Dave Smith exceeded my expectations concerning his depth of knowledge of the material covered. I especially appreciated his incorporation of first-hand experience and historical context of the technologies. Relevant anecdotes help to solidify "why" something does what it does, rather than just memorizing. His enthusiasm and passion for networking really do help keep you focused on and listening to everything he says. 
Scott Bridges ~ CCIE #55860, VCP-NV, RCSP-WAN

This will open your eyes to the way you have to be prepared. Knowing the technology is one thing, but knowing different ways to resolve issues with the technologies and why is another! I would strongly recommend that every CCIE candidate take this class!  
Vernado Deal ~ CCNP and CCNAx3 (Voice, R&S, Security)

CCIE Routing & Switching Graded Practice Labs

I thought this class was very beneficial in helping me prepare for my first CCIE lab attempt. It not only tested my knowledge on many aspects within the CCIE blueprint, but also included some of the question semantics and "gotchas" that should be expected on the lab. I do feel like I am better prepared for what I should expect on the actual lab, and I have identified some weak areas that I need to work on before I attempt my lab.
Scott Charles Kitchen - CCNP route & switch and CompTIA Security+

CCIE Collaboration Lab Exam

For my last CCIE, I finally decided to go to a real bootcamp. I've made a smart choice with INE's Collaboration bootcamp taught by 5xCCIE Rohit Pardasani. I highly recommend going to this class when you feel you are about 80-90% ready to take the lab. Rohit will set you on the right path to fill in the remaining gaps!  
Roman Rodichev ~ 8xCCIE #7927, Founder & Chief Solution Architect @ ieMentor

CCIE Security Lab

The class has taught me how to approach the CCIE Lab Exam in a whole different way by showing me better ways to understand technical concepts instead of just memorizing commands, which at the end will be key to continue my certification and career goals. This is by far the best technical training I have received and will certainly be back for more.
Borman Bravo

CCIE Data Center Lab

Brian McGahan is an amazing instructor. He not only explained difficult concepts with ease but also helped in strengthening my basics of networking. He is very friendly to students and addresses even the silliest doubt without any hesitation, which instills confidence to speak your doubts and know that there is someone there for true guidance. I have enjoyed every moment of the class. I would love to attend future bootcamps whose instructor would be Brian McGahan.
Zain Nachiz

The boot camp was outstanding, and Brian was very patient and informative. This one-week boot camp was the equivalent of months of studying on my own.
Matt - CCNP route/switch

CCIE Service Provider Lab

Rohit is an extremely knowledgeable professional. He gave me insight into routing protocols that I never had before.
Doug Gluntz ~ CCNP R&S, BCNP, ACWA

For those who may not have heard, Cisco recently updated their blueprint for the CCIE Service Provider Written and Lab Exams. According to Cisco, only about 10% of the overall blueprint has changed and topics on 4.1 will be similar to those on 4.0. Read on to learn more.

Domain Changes:

4.1 domain topics are almost exactly the same as 4.0 topics. The main difference in domains is that domains 1 and 3 (service provider architecture and evolution and service provider base services) have been merged into one domain. While other domain topics did not change, slight shifts were made to domain weights.

Weighting of Domains:

Topic changes within the Domains:

• Domain 1 (Core Routing): No topics were added or removed within this domain, but some items were moved, rephrased, or merged into one single item.
• Domain 2 (Service Provider Architecture and Services) now holds tasks of the original domain 1 and 3. Other items that were part of domain 1, such as software architecture, mobility node functions, and virtualization concepts, were rephrased to better define their scope.
• Domain 3 (Access and Aggregation) had a few topics items removed.
• Domain 4 (High Availability and Fast Convergence) remains unchanged, only the weights changed.
• Domain 5 (Service Provider Security, Operations, and Management) had the most changes. In this domain, service provider operation oriented items have been removed.

The CCIE Service Provider version 4.1 exam continues to focus on dual-stack solutions for both IPv4 and IPv6 technologies, as it was already deployed in the CCIE Service Provider version 4.0 exam. All solutions, for example, routing protocols, fast convergence, and L3VPN cover both IPv4 and IPv6 technologies.

Changes to Recommended Hardware and Equipment:

No new technologies or features were added to the exam topics and therefore, the impact of this software update is minor. Candidates who want to prepare for the exam using hardware equipment are advised to use the following Cisco equipment and Cisco Software releases, which are used in the Diagnostic module.

• P, PE, and RR role: ASR 9000 Series running Cisco IOS XR 6.0 release

• PP, PE, and CE role: ASR 1000 Series running Cisco IOS XE 3.13 (15.4S) release

• PE and CE role: Cisco 7600 Series running Cisco IOS 15.4S release

• Access and Aggregation role: Cisco ME 3600x Series running Cisco IOS 15.4S release

Exam Format:

No changes were made to the exam format. The Exam Number remained the same (400-201), and still consists of three modules: Troubleshooting, Diagnostic and Configuration.

To learn more about these blueprint changes read the full Cisco Article

Rack Rentals for INE's CCIE Service Provider v4 topology are now available at rentals.ine.com.

Both CCIE RSv5 Full Scale Labs and CCIE SPv4 now share the same topology in the scheduler, which consists of the following devices:

• 20 x IOS XE virtual machine instances (R1 - R20)
• 4 x IOS XRv virtual machine instances (R21 - R24)
• 4 x Catalyst 3560 physical switches (SW1 - SW4)

IOS XRv instances can be managed through the control panel similar to other devices in the topology, as seen below:

INE's CCIE Service Provider v4 Advanced Technologies Class continues today at 08:00 PDT (15:00 UTC) with Inter-AS MPLS L3VPN. All Access Pass subscribers can attend at http://live.INE.com. Recordings of some of the previous class sessions up to this point are now available via AAP library here.

Additionally, INE's CCIE SPv4 Workbook is now available in beta format here.

Hope to see you in class!

Edit: Thanks for playing! You can find the official answer and explanation here.

I had an interesting question come across my desk today which involved a very common area of confusion in OSPF routing logic, and now I'm posing this question to you as a challenge!

The first person to answer correctly will get free attendance to our upcoming CCIE Routing & Switching Lab Cram Session, which runs the week of June 1st 2015, as well as a free copy of the class in download format after it is complete.  The question is as follows:

Given the below topology, where R4 mutually redistributes between EIGRP and OSPF, which path(s) will R1 choose to reach the network 5.5.5.5/32, and why?

Bonus Questions:

• What will R2's path selection to 5.5.5.5/32 be, and why?
• What will R3's path selection to 5.5.5.5/32 be, and why?
• Assume R3's link to R1 is lost.  Does this affect R1's path selection to 5.5.5.5/32? If so, how?

Tomorrow I'll be post topology and config files for CSR1000v, VIRL, GNS3, etc. so you can try this out yourself, but first answer the question without seeing the result and see if your expected result matches the actual result!

Good luck everyone!

Edit: Recordings of these video series are now available per the below links.

• CCIE Routing & Switching v5 Overview and Preparation
• CCIE Service Provider v4 Kickoff
• Intro to IPv4 & IPv6 Multicast

This week I will be running the following free online classes:

• CCIE Service Provider v4 Kickoff - Tues April 14th @ 09:00 PDT (16:00 UTC)
• CCIE Routing & Switching v5 Overview and Preparation – Thurs April 16th @ 09:00 PDT (16:00 UTC)
• Intro to IPv4 & IPv6 Multicast^* – Fri April 17th @ 09:00 PDT (16:00 UTC)

^*Free for AAP Members

INE will also be offering the following free upcoming online classes:

• CCNA R&S Overview and Preparation – Tues April 21st @ 09:00 PDT (16:00 UTC)
• CCNP R&S Overview and Preparation – Thurs April 23rd @ 09:00 PDT (16:00 UTC)
• CCNP R&S TSHOOT Overview and Preparation – Thurs April 30th @ 09:00 PDT (16:00 UTC)

More information on these classes can be found here.

CCIE Service Provider v4 Kickoff

This class marks the kickoff of INE’s CCIE SPv4 product line for the New CCIE Service Provider Version 4 Blueprint, which goes live May 22nd 2015!  In this class we’ll cover the v3 to v4 changes, including exam format changes and topic adds and removes, recommended readings and resources, INE’s new CCIE SPv4 hardware specification and CCIE SPv4 Workbook, and the schedule for INE’s upcoming CCIE Service Provider Version 4 Advanced Technologies Class.  Class runs tomorrow, Tuesday April 14th at 09:00 PDT (16:00 UTC), and is free to attend.  Simply sign up for an INE Members account or visit this direct link for the class.

CCIE Routing & Switching v5 Overview and Preparation

This class is an update for our previous How to pass the CCIE R&S with INE’s 4.0 Training Program write-up. This session covers in detail the recommended process of preparing for, and ultimately passing, the CCIE R&Sv5 Lab Exam. Class topics include how to develop a study plan, recommended readings and resources, how to get the most out of INE's CCIE RSv5 Workbook & Advanced Technologies Class (ATC), an overview of our new upcoming CCIE Routing & Switching Lab Cram Session, and final strategy for the actual day of the Lab Exam. Class runs Thurs April 16th at 09:00 PDT (16:00 UTC), and is free to attend.  Simply sign up for an INE Members account or visit this direct link for the class.

Intro to IPv4 & IPv6 Multicast

This class is for engineers looking to get their feet wet in learning why and how to implement IP Multicast Routing for both IPv4 and IPv6 based networks. This one-day class will focus on IPv4 & IPv6 Multicast practical use cases, how Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM), IPv4 Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP), & IPv6 Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD) work from a theory point of view, and implementation examples of configuring and verifying multicast routing operations on Cisco IOS based platforms. This class will also benefit candidates preparing for the CCIE RSv5 or CCIE SPv4 certifications. Class runs Friday April 17th at 09:00 PDT (16:00 UTC), and is free to attend for All Access Pass members. More information on All Access Pass subscriptions and benefits can be found here. AAP members will find the link to this class on Friday via their INE Members account, or via this direct link for the class.

I hope to see you all in class this week!

A long time student of INE, Neil Moore has done it again, last time becoming the worlds first 7x CCIE, and this time becoming the worlds first and only 8x CCIE. And no, he doesn't work for Cisco.

As a side note, INE has been experiencing phenomenal growth, and tremendous passing rates for people that have been sitting our R&S, Data Center and Collaboration bootcamps. In fact, of just the bootcamps we've held this year, nearly all of our students have reported back to us a pass in the 3-4 weeks following their bootcamp experience. Now mind you, these folks come to us studied up and prepared for the bootcamp, but they all credit us as being the deciding factor in their pass.

We're also adding new content all the time, including Python scripting, Openstack and SDN such as OVS. Check out our Black Friday deals and grab an All Access Pass or sign up for a bootcamp and check out what's new!

Cisco has announced their plans to transition the CCIE Service Provider certification blueprint from Version 3.0 to Version 4.0 starting May 22nd, 2015.  The official announcement for the Written and Lab Exam Content Updates can be found here.

There are four key points to this announcement, which are:

• Lab Exam format changes
• Hardware & software version changes
• New technical topics added
• Old technical topics removed

CCIE SPv4 Lab Exam Format Changes

The Lab Exam format of SPv4 has been updated to follow the same format as the new CCIE Routing & Switching Version 5.0.  This means the exam now consists of three sections: Troubleshooting, Diagnostic, and Configuration.

CCIE SPv4 Hardware & Software Version Changes

Following along with the current CCIE RSv5, CCIE SPv4 now uses all virtual hardware as well.  Specifically the new hardware and software variants are as follows:

• ASR 9000 running Cisco IOS XR 5.2
• ASR 1000 running Cisco IOS XE 3.13S.15.4(3)S
• Cisco 7600 running Cisco IOS 15.5(3)S
• Cisco ME 3600 running Cisco IOS 15.5(3)S

Both the IOS XR and IOS XE variants are already available as virtual machines that you can download from cisco.com and deploy yourself on VMWare ESXi 5.5 and other similar hypervisors.  The current IOS XRv release is 5.2.0, and CSR1000v (IOS XE) is 3.13S/15.4(3)S.  As for the 7600 and ME 3600 images, I would assume these will run as L2 IOU/IOL images, however I haven’t personally seen either of these complies yet.  The key functionality of them will be based around L2VPN for Ethernet, such as EVC and VPLS, which is not covered in depth in the current SPv3 blueprint.

CCIE SPv4 New Technical Topics Added

With the new IOS XR, IOS XE, and Catalyst IOS code versions used, the following is some of the key new features that have been added to the SPv4 Blueprint:

• Ethernet VPN (EVPN)
• Provider Backbone Bridging EVPN (PBB-EVPN)
• Multicast Label Distribution Protocol (mLDP)
• Unified MPLS (Seamless MPLS)
• Locator/ID Separation Protocol (LISP)
• mGRE VPN
• IPv6 NAT44/NAT64/6RD
• MPLS OAM & Ethernet OAM

CCIE SPv4 Old Technical Topics Removed

Frame Relay and ATM, the old holdouts for years, have finally been removed from the CCIE Service Provider Blueprint.  This was expected, as most L2VPN services now focus on Ethernet last mile (EVC, VPLS, L3VPN over Ethernet) vs. legacy Frame Relay and ATM.

More information about our plans for content updates will be available as we get closer to the official release date of the new blueprint.  In the meantime for those of you that want to get in before the Blueprint change I would recommend to book a lab date as soon as possible, and start reviewing our CCIE Service Provider v3 Advanced Technologies Class and CCIE Service Provider v3 Workbook.

Earlier this year in April, we reported to you about a major change in policy to retakes of the CCIE Written and Lab exam. Just today Cisco updated that policy with a major blow for anyone who has been preparing under the old pretenses. Namely that: "These policy changes will be applied retroactively from the date of a candidate's first lab attempt." The seemingly innocuous announcement can be found on their CCIE Lab Policy page, just above the table indicating how long you must wait between attempts. This means that if you already have, for instance, two attempts (and unfortunate fails) going into August 2 (when the new policy goes into effect), you would have to wait 90 days from the time of your last attempt to retry the exam. This still gives folks a chance to get another attempt (or 2, possibly) in before this Aug 2 deadline, regardless of the number of previous failed (or missed, if you simply didn't show) attempts. But of course the real goal of Cisco here is to try to get you to study harder before even attempting your first CCIE Lab - which isn't a bad idea for everyone.

So as always - Happy Labbing and STUDY HARD!