Master the design and deployment of small and medium-sized business networks.

This book is a concise one-stop desk reference and synopsis of basic knowledge and skills for Cisco certification prep. For beginning and experienced network engineers tasked with building LAN, WAN, and data center connections, this book lays out clear directions for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting networks with Cisco devices. The full range of certification topics is covered, including all aspects of IOS, NX-OS, and ASA software. The emphasis throughout is on solving the real-world challenges engineers face in configuring network devices, rather than on exhaustive descriptions of hardware features. This practical desk companion doubles as a comprehensive overview of the basic knowledge and skills needed by CCENT, CCNA, and CCNP exam takers. It distills a comprehensive library of cheat sheets, lab configurations, and advanced commands that the authors assembled as senior network engineers for the benefit of junior engineers they train, mentor on the job, and prepare for Cisco certification exams. Prior familiarity with Cisco routing and switching is desirable but not necessary, as Chris Carthern, Dr. Will Wilson, Noel Rivera, and Richard Bedwell start their book with a review of the basics of configuring routers and switches. All the more advanced chapters have labs and exercises to reinforce the concepts learned. This book differentiates itself from other Cisco books on the market by approaching network security from a hacker’s perspective. Not only does it provide network security recommendations but it teaches you how to use black-hat tools such as oclHashcat, Loki, Burp Suite, Scapy, Metasploit, and Kali to actually test the security concepts learned. Readers of Cisco Networks will learn How to configure Cisco switches, routers, and data center devices in typical corporate network architectures The skills and knowledge needed to pass Cisco CCENT, CCNA, and CCNP certification exams How to set up and configure at-home labs using virtual machines and lab exercises in the book to practice advanced Cisco commands How to implement networks of Cisco devices supporting WAN, LAN, and data center configurations How to implement secure network configurations and configure the Cisco ASA firewall How to use black-hat tools and network penetration techniques to test the security of your network

Designing Networks and Services for the Cloud Delivering business-grade cloud applications and services A rapid, easy-to-understand approach to delivering a secure, resilient, easy-to-manage, SLA-driven cloud experience Designing Networks and Services for the Cloud helps you understand the design and architecture of networks and network services that enable the delivery of business-grade cloud services. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in network and cloud design, validation, and deployment, the authors demonstrate how networks spanning from the Enterprise branch/HQ and the service provider Next-Generation Networks (NGN) to the data center fabric play a key role in addressing the primary inhibitors to cloud adoption–security, performance, and management complexity. The authors first review how virtualized infrastructure lays the foundation for the delivery of cloud services before delving into a primer on clouds, including the management of cloud services. Next, they explore key factors that inhibit enterprises from moving their core workloads to the cloud, and how advanced networks and network services can help businesses migrate to the cloud with confidence. You’ll find an in-depth look at data center networks, including virtualization-aware networks, virtual network services, and service overlays. The elements of security in this virtual, fluid environment are discussed, along with techniques for optimizing and accelerating the service delivery. The book dives deeply into cloud-aware service provider NGNs and their role in flexibly connecting distributed cloud resources, ensuring the security of provider and tenant resources, and enabling the optimal placement of cloud services. The role of Enterprise networks as a critical control point for securely and cost-effectively connecting to high-performance cloud services is explored in detail before various parts of the network finally come together in the definition and delivery of end-to-end cloud SLAs. At the end of the journey, you preview the exciting future of clouds and network services, along with the major upcoming trends. If you are a technical professional or manager who must design, implement, or operate cloud or NGN solutions in enterprise or service-provider environments, this guide will be an indispensable resource. * Understand how virtualized data-center infrastructure lays the groundwork for cloud-based services * Move from distributed virtualization to “IT-as-a-service” via automated self-service portals * Classify cloud services and deployment models, and understand the actors in the cloud ecosystem * Review the elements, requirements, challenges, and opportunities associated with network services in the cloud * Optimize data centers via network segmentation, virtualization-aware networks, virtual network services, and service overlays * Systematically secure cloud services * Optimize service and application performance * Plan and implement NGN infrastructure to support and accelerate cloud services * Successfully connect enterprises to the cloud * Define and deliver on end-to-end cloud SLAs * Preview the future of cloud and network services

A systems analysis approach to enterprise network design Master techniques for checking the health of an existing network to develop a baseline for measuring performance of a new network design Explore solutions for meeting QoS requirements, including ATM traffic management, IETF controlled-load and guaranteed services, IP multicast, and advanced switching, queuing, and routing algorithms Develop network designs that provide the high bandwidth and low delay required for real-time applications such as multimedia, distance learning, and videoconferencing Identify the advantages and disadvantages of various switching and routing protocols, including transparent bridging, Inter-Switch Link (ISL), IEEE 802.1Q, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP4 Effectively incorporate new technologies into enterprise network designs, including VPNs, wireless networking, and IP Telephony Top-Down Network Design, Second Edition, is a practical and comprehensive guide to designing enterprise networks that are reliable, secure, and manageable. Using illustrations and real-world examples, it teaches a systematic method for network design that can be applied to campus LANs, remote-access networks, WAN links, and large-scale internetworks. You will learn to analyze business and technical requirements, examine traffic flow and QoS requirements, and select protocols and technologies based on performance goals. You will also develop an understanding of network performance factors such as network utilization, throughput, accuracy, efficiency, delay, and jitter. Several charts and job aids will help you apply a top-down approach to network design. This Second Edition has been revised to include new and updated material on wireless networks, virtual private networks (VPNs), network security, network redundancy, modularity in network designs, dynamic addressing for IPv4 and IPv6, new network design and management tools, Ethernet scalability options (including 10-Gbps Ethernet, Metro Ethernet, and Long-Reach Ethernet), and networks that carry voice and data traffic. Top-Down Network Design, Second Edition, has a companion website at http://www.topdownbook.com, which includes updates to the book, links to white papers, and supplemental information about design resources. This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press¿ which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.

The definitive IS-IS reference and design guide Extensive coverage of both underlying concepts and practical applications of the IS-IS protocol Detailed explanation of how the IS-IS database works and relevant insights into the operation of the shortest path first (SPF) algorithm Comprehensive tutorial on configuring and troubleshooting IS-IS on Cisco routers Advanced information on IP network design and performance optimization strategies using IS-IS Network design case studies provide a practical perspective of various design strategies Comprehensive overview of routing and packet-switching mechanisms on modern routers A collection of IS-IS packet formats and analyzer decodes useful for mastering the nuts and bolts of the IS-IS protocol and troubleshooting complex problems Interior gateway protocols such as Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS) are used in conjunction with the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to provide robust, resilient performance and intelligent routing capabilities required in large-scale and complex internetworking environments. Despite the popularity of the IS-IS protocol, however, networking professionals have depended on router configuration manuals, protocol specifications, IETF RFCs, and drafts. Mastering IS-IS, regardless of its simplicity, has been a daunting task for many. IS-IS Network Design Solutions provides the first comprehensive coverage available on the IS-IS protocol. Networking professionals of all levels now have a single source for all the information needed to become true experts on the IS-IS protocol, particularly for IP routing applications. You will learn about the origins of the IS-IS protocol and the fundamental underlying concepts and then move to complex protocol mechanisms involving building, maintaining, and dissemination of the information found in the IS-IS database on a router. Subsequent discussions on IP network design issues include configuration and troubleshooting techniques, as well as case studies with practical design scenarios.

A complete resource for assessing, auditing, analyzing, and evaluating any network environment With "Network Consultants Handbook, you will Learn from network audit and evaluation guidelines that aid in data gathering and analysis of network environments Work with tables and calculations that help provide near-real-time answers to internetworking issues and challenges Learn network diagramming tips that aid consultants and engineers in preparing consistent drawings for in-house documentation Discover how specific internetworking technologies fit into a design to create a networking solution for your customer Network consultants and engineers in today's industry continually face the challenge of assessing, auditing, and reviewing existing networks. Documenting, reviewing, and analyzing these changes in a customer's network is more challenging today than in the past, partly because of the explosive growth of converged applications and the Internet. Consultants and engineers often reinvent the wheel to gather and analyze relevant network information, particularly when examining a client's network while having little or no background information. "Network Consultants Handbook is a complete resource for assessing, auditing, analyzing, and evaluating any network environment. Intended for anyone who designs, manages, sells, administrates, or desires to understand various internetworking technologies, "Network Consultants Handbook demonstrates where and how to gather relevant information and how to analyze and document this information. Technology overviews peel away each layer of the network to provide a complete assessment. This book prepares you with form templates to completeduring a network audit, necessary device commands to aid in obtaining necessary information, and consistent forms to aid in documentation. Networks are like snowflakes: No two are alike. This is the challenge that network consultants, engineers, managers, designers, and anyone else involved with networks must face every day. Network Consultants Handbook provides the resources you need to evaluate and design networks, either as a desktop reference resource or in the field where the tables and calculations help provide near-real-time answers to internetworking issues and challenges. Companion Web Site The companion Web site for the book contains fully downloadable versions of the data gathering and analysis templates. These templates offer an easy-to-complete solution to gathering the data you need to complete your analysis of network environments. This book is part of the Cisco Press Networking Technologies Series, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.

The authoritative, business-driven study resource for the tough CCDE Practical Exam CCDE Study Guide is written and reviewed by CCDE engineers and helps you to both improve your design skills and to study for and pass the CCDE exam. Network design is an art, combining broad technology knowledge and experience. This book covers a broad number of technologies, protocols and design options, and considerations that can bring these aspects together and show how they can be used and thought about based on different requirements and business goals. Therefore, this book does not attempt to teach foundational technology knowledge, instead each section: Highlights, discusses, and compares the limitations and advantages of the different design options in terms of scalability, performance, flexibility, availability, complexity, security, and so on to simplify the job and help you understand what technology, protocol, or design options should be selected and why, based on the business or application requirements or to fix a broken design that need to be optimized Covers design aspects of different protocols and technologies, and how they map with different requirements Highlights drivers toward using these technologies whether it is intended for enterprise or service provider network, depending on the topic and technology Using a business-driven approach, CCDE Study Guide helps you analyze business and technical requirements and develop network designs that are based on these business needs and goals, taking into account both the technical and non-technical design constraints. The various “scenario-based” design examples discussed in this book will help you craft design approaches and requirements analysis on such topics as converged enterprise network architectures, service provider network architectures, and data centers. The book also addresses high availability, IPv6, multicast, QoS, security, and network management design considerations, presenting you with an in-depth evaluation of a broad range of technologies and environments. Whether you are preparing for the CCDE exam or simply wish to gain better insight into the art of network design in a variety of environments, this book helps you learn how to think like an expert network designer as well as analyze and compare the different design options, principles, and protocols based on different design requirements. Master a business-driven approach to designing enterprise, service provider, and data center networks Analyze the design impact of business, functional, and application requirements Learn from scenario-based examples, including converged enterprise networks, service provider networks, and cloud-based data centers Overcome design limitations and fix broken designs Review design options and considerations related to Layer 2 and Layer 3 control plane protocols Build designs that accommodate new services and applications Consider design options for modern campus networks, including network virtualization Design WAN edge and Internet edge blocks in enterprise networks Review the architectural elements of a service provider-grade network Plan MPLS VPN network environments, including L2VPN and L3VPN Interconnect different networks or routing domains Design traditional, virtualized, and cloud-based data center networks Interconnect dispersed data center networks to protect business continuity Achieve appropriate levels of operational uptime and network resiliency Integrate IPv6, multicast, QoS, security, and network management into your designs

This handbook guides network administrators in planning and deploying networks dependent on Cisco products. The book differs from the competition by focusing on quick, practical solutions to design problems rather than presenting a theoretical or academic overview. Features five useful appendixes, including network planning and maintenance checklists.

Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH) Foundation Learning Guide, Third Edition, is a Cisco(R)-authorized, self-paced learning tool for CCDP(R) foundation learning. This book provides you with the knowledge needed to perform the conceptual, intermediate, and detailed design of a network infrastructure that supports desired network solutions over intelligent network services, in order to achieve effective performance, scalability, and availability. By reading this book, you will gain a thorough understanding of how to apply solid Cisco network solution models and recommended design practices to provide viable, stable enterprise internetworking solutions. The book presents concepts and examples that are necessary to design converged enterprise networks. Advanced network infrastructure technologies, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and other security solutions are also covered. Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH) Foundation Learning Guide, Third Edition teaches you the latest development in network design and technologies, including network infrastructure, intelligent network services, and converged network solutions. Specific topics include campus, routing, addressing, WAN services, data center, e-commerce, SAN, security, VPN, and IP multicast design, as well as network management. Chapter-ending review questions illustrate and help solidify the concepts presented in the book. Whether you are preparing for CCDP certification or simply want to gain a better understanding of designing scalable and reliable network architectures, you will benefit from the foundation information presented in this book. Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH) Foundation Learning Guide, Third Edition, is part of a recommended learning path from Cisco that includes 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 www.cisco.com/go/authorizedtraining. John Tiso, CCIE No. 5162, CCDP is a Product Manager for Cisco Systems. He holds a B.S. Degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Adelphi University and a Graduate Citation in Strategic Management from Harvard University. John is a published author, has served as a technical editor for Cisco Press, and has participated as a SME for the CCIE program. Prior to Cisco, he was a senior consultant and architect in the Cisco partner channel. - Learn about the Cisco Enterprise Architecture - Create highly available campus and data center network designs - Develop optimum Layer 3 designs - Examine advanced WAN services design considerations - Evaluate SAN design considerations - Deploy effective e-commerce module designs - Create effective security services and IPsec and SSL VPN designs - Design IP multicast networks - Understand the network management capabilities within Cisco IOS Software This book is in the Foundation Learning Guide Series. These guides are developed together with Cisco(R) as the only authorized, self-paced learning tools that help networking professionals build their understanding of networking concepts and prepare for Cisco certification exams. Category: Cisco Certification Covers: CCDP ARCH 642-874

Follow a step-by-step roadmap to developing essential competencies in network architecture design, relationship management, systems, and services, coupled with certification guidance and expert tips Key Features Grasp the big picture of information technology infrastructure to become a successful network architect Overcome challenges to improve network performance and configuration management Advance your career by improving your skills using real-life examples and practical advice from an industry expert Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook Book DescriptionBecoming a network architect is challenging—it demands hands-on engineering skills, collaboration with internal teams and C-Suite stakeholders, as well as adeptly managing external entities like vendors and service providers. The author taps into his extensive background in IT and security to help you gain a detailed understanding of the network architect's role and guide you in evolving into an effective network architect within an organization, fostering seamless communication with leadership teams and other stakeholders. Starting with a clear definition of the network architect’s role, this book lays out a roadmap and discusses the attributes and mindset for success. You’ll explore network architect design, physical infrastructure routing and switching, and network services such as DNS, MLAG, and service insertion. You’ll also gain insights into the necessary skills and typical daily challenges faced by network architects. And to thoroughly prepare you to advance in your career, this handbook covers certifications and associated training for maintaining relevance in an organization, along with common interview questions for a network architect's position. By the end of this book, you’ll be armed with essential concepts, techniques, and newfound skills to pursue a career as a network architect.What you will learn Examine the role of a network architect Understand the key design makers in an organization Choose the best strategies to meet stakeholder needs Be well-versed with networking concepts Prepare for a network architect position interview Distinguish the different IT architects in an organization Identify relevant certification for network architects Understand the various de facto network/fabric architect models used today Who this book is for This book is for network engineers and technicians aspiring to transition into the role of a network architect. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or seeking guidance along the path, this book will support you with its deep coverage of key aspects such as design concepts, architectural requirements, relevant experience, certifications, and advanced education with a special emphasis on cloud best practices. A practical understanding of IT networking is necessary to get the most out of this book.