CCNP Switching Exam Certification Guide

The official self-study test preparation guide for the Cisco CCNP and CCDP(r) Switching exam

Coverage of the CCNP/CCDP Switching exam topics enables you to identify and fill your knowledge gaps before the exam date. You'll learn how to:

• Design, build, and maintain high-speed, multilayer switched networks running Fast and Gigabit Ethernet
• Define common workgroups and configure and manage Virtual LANs with VTP
• Utilize redundant switch links to increase campus network reliability
• Understand ATM and use LAN Emulation (LANE) technology for trunking
• Configure Catalyst(r) switches and Cisco routers to enable inter-VLAN routing, providing complete connectivity across the switched network
• Apply HSRP in the campus environment to provide load sharing and backup capabilities
• Understand and configure basic multicast networks, implementing services at each layer of the network to enable access to multicast groups
• Control network traffic with access policies

CCNP Switching Exam Certification Guide is a comprehensive self-study tool for the CCNP/CCDP(r) Switching exam. This exam evaluates your ability to build campus networks using multilayer switching technologies and to manage campus network traffic. This book covers all the major topics on the Switching exam, enabling you to master the concepts and technologies upon which you will be tested, including switched Ethernet, trunking, multicasting, multilayer switching, VLANs, ATM, LANE, inter-VLAN routing, HSRP, network traffic control, and monitoring and troubleshooting techniques.

Each chapter of CCNP Switching Exam Certification Guide focuses your study and tests your knowledge of the subjects through specially designed assessment and study features. "Do I Know This Already?" quizzes assess your knowledge and help you decide how much time you need to spend on each section within a chapter. The well-organized Foundation Topics sections detail all the exam topics you need to master. Each chapter includes a Foundation Summary section that highlights essential concepts for quick reference. Challenging chapter-ending review questions and exercises test your knowledge of the subject matter, reinforce key concepts, and provide you with the opportunity to apply what you've learned in the chapter. In addition, a final chapter of scenarios pulls together concepts from all the chapters to ensure you can apply your knowledge in a real-world environment. Finally, the companion CD-ROM's robust testing engine enables you to take practice exams that mimic the real testing environment, focus on particular topic areas, randomize answers for reusability, track your progress, and refer to electronic text for review.

CCNP Switching Exam Certification Guide is part of a recommended learning path from Cisco Systems(r) 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, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered by authorized Cisco Learning(r) Partners, please visit www.cisco.com/go/authorizedtraining.

Companion CD-ROM
This companion CD-ROM contains a test bank with over 200 practice questions.

David Hucaby, CCIE(r) No. 4594, is a lead network engineer for the University of Kentucky, where he designs, implements, and maintains campus networks using Cisco products. Prior to his current position, David was a senior network consultant providing design and implementation expertise focused on Cisco-based VPN and IP telephony solutions.

Tim Boyles is the director of network architecture for @Link Networks, a national CLEC that specializes in broadband data and communications solutions for small and medium-sized networks. Prior to his current position, Tim worked as a senior consultant for Lucent Networkcare, where he was responsible for the implementation of large switch-based networks. Tim has multiple vendor certifications, including CCNP.