1. Questions to Consider in the Design of Your Switch.

A. How many positions does your application require?

i. Two-position and three-position switches are very common. Complex multi-position switches are also required.

B. What type of connector or port preference? The selection of connectors include ST, SC, LC, ESCON and others.

i. ST connectors use a plug and socket that is locked in place with a half-twist bayonet lock.

ii. SC connectors feature a push-pull latching system providing speedy insertion and

removal along with a positive connection.

iii. LC connectors are smaller versions of the SC connectors.

iv. ESCON connectors have two 2.55 mm ceramic ferrules and a robust strain relief design.

C. Fiber Requirement: Simplex or Duplex?

i. In configuring your backup switch, a determination on the fiber type, simplex or duplex needs to be made.

1. Simplex fiber optic cable consists of a single fiber, and is primarily used in applications that only require one-way data transmission. Simplex fiber is available in both singlemode and multimode. Simplex means the cable has only one thread of fiber optic glass inside the single core and one single outer jacket.

2. Duplex cable consists of two fibers, usually in a zipcord (side-by-side) style. Duplex multimode or single mode fiber optic cables are used for applications that require simultaneous, bidirectional data transfer. Workstations, fiber switches and servers, fiber modems, and similar hardware usually require duplex cable. Duplex fiber is available in singlemode and multimode. Duplex fiber cable can be regarded as two simplex cables having their jackets joined by a jacket material. Some duplex fiber optic cables have clips on the two fiber optic connectors at each side of the cable to combine the two connectors together.

D. Mode: Multimode or Singlemode?

i. Multimode fiber optic cable has a large diameter core that is much larger than the wavelength of light transmitted, and therefore has multiple pathways of light. Several wavelengths of light may be used in the fiber core. Multimode optical cable is most commonly used for shorter distances, such as a building or a campus. Typical multimode links have data rates of 10 Mbit/s to 10 Gbit/s over link lengths of up to 600 meters.

ii. Singlemode fiber optic cable has a small core and only one pathway of light. With only a single wavelength of light passing through its core, singlemode realigns the light toward the center of the core instead of simply bouncing it off the edge of the core as with multimode. The glass fiber diameter is usually 8.3 to 10 microns. Single mode fiber provides a higher transmission rate and up to 50 times more distance than multimode.

E. Switch Specifications: Wavelength, Speed, Fiber Size, Simplex, Duplex, Interface Conversion will be unique to your network. Examples of two switches with very different specs follow.

F. Technology Preference: All Optic, Optic/Electronic/Optic, No Preference?

i. All-Optic (O-O-O) – Fiber optic network switches designed with scalable all-optical, O-O-O, MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical System) technology employ control mechanisms to tilt mirrors or direct prisms in multiple directions to manage light signals without converting the signals to electrical and back to optical. This increased level of control minimizes insertion loss and keeps the features of high data rate and protocol transparency.

ii. Optic/Electronic/Optic (O-E-O) Technology – Optic/Electronic/Optic technology is both economical and reliable, however such an architecture prevents the switch from performing with the same speed as an all-optical scheme and is not transparent to network protocols used.

G. Chassis Type: Rackmount or Desktop? – This table lists a variety of switches built to fit equipment racks and desktops.

H. Security Concerns can be addressed in a variety of ways.

i. Off-line positions.

1. External Off-line Position – The block diagram of the Model 4192 Fiber Optic SC Duplex A/B/C/D/Off-Line Switch illustrates a fiber optic switch with an external off-line position. This switch enables a fiber optic device connected to the SC Duplex COMMON connector of the unit to access any of the four fiber optic networks connected to the A, B, C, or D ports, or to disconnect completely from all output ports. The switch position can be changed via a pushbutton or via a device connected to the Remote port. Applying the appropriate voltage to the designated pins of the Remote connector will cause the switch to change position.

2. External Off-Line Position with Switch Position Memory – The Model 4196 4-Way All-Optic Fiber Switch, Multimode, 62.5/125 Microns with a Fully Decoupled Off-Line Capability allows a fiber optic device connected to the unit’s SC Duplex COMMON connector to access any of the four fiber optic networks connected to the A, B, C, or D ports, or to disconnect completely from all output ports. Switch position can be changed via front-panel pushbuttons or by a device connected to the rear panel Remote port. Applying appropriate voltage to designated pins of the Remote connector also changes the switch position. The Off-Line pushbutton uncouples all fiber ports from each other. The Model 4196 has Switch Position Memory. When power is lost, the Model 4196 automatically changes to the Off-Line position and decouples all fiber connection in and out of the unit. When power returns, the Model 4196 automatically reads the voltages on the Remote port and looks to the pushbutton activity to select its switch position.

3. Internal Off-Line Position with Options − The Model 6275 ST Duplex Fiber Optic 8-Position Switch with Off-Line Position and Remote Serial Control provides both an Off-Line position and a keylock to lock out the front panel pushbutton controls. The Model 6275 features both local and remote control. The Off-Line position is a valid state to preserve network and data isolation. The user can configure the switch to either maintain its position and data pathways on power failure or to revert to the Off-Line position during power failure. A key is provided to lockout the front-panel pushbutton controls.

ii. Front Panel Lockout – The Model 6293 Fiber Optic Mirror A/B/C Switch, Single Mode LC Duplex with Remote Serial Access allows sharing a fiber optic LC duplex pair connected to the COMMON port among three other sets of LC duplex pairs connected to the A, B, and C ports with local and remote access functionality. The front-panel pushbutton can be locked out using remote ASCII commands.

iii. PassWord Protection – Password protection is another method of providing network security. The Model 4185 Fiber Optic SC Duplex, Multimode Switch/Converter allows accessing two separate fiber optic 100 Base FX ports (ports A and B) from a 100 Base TX Fast Ethernet port (COMMON port). The fiber optic/twisted pair copper conversion is built in. This unit includes an RS232 serial security enhanced Supervisory Remote Port. Upon proper authentication, a terminal or computer in terminal mode connected to this port can communicate with the unit, determine its status, change the switch position as desired, and/or lock out the front panel switching capability. A modem can also be connected to this port to remotely access the switch. Access to the Supervisory Remote Port feature is password protected.

I. Power Loss − How should your switch function during a power loss?

i. Should the switch continue to pass data?

ii. If passing data during a power loss, should data pass through the last selected switch position or go to the default position?

iii. Upon power up, should the switch remain in the last position or start up in default mode?

J. Number of Channels per Chassis – Electro Standards manufactures fiber optic backup switches ranging from Single-Channel to 16-Channel Switches.

K. Multiple channel switch control: Simultaneous or Individual.

Examples of how these switches function follow:

i. Simultaneous Channel Switching:

ii. Individual Channel Switching: All channels are switched individually with the

2. Putting the Switch All Together

3. Summary – Fiber optic switches of various functions are available to add versatility, improve efficiency, and enhance scalability of data networks. They may be operated locally by pushbutton or remotely via a variety of common communication interfaces. The agility that they add to network operational performance is limited only by the innovation of the user and the design expertise of the switch product provider.

Applications include switching to backup data lines, to test equipment, to monitoring equipment, or simply switching to off-line for security. Electro Standards Laboratories is available to provide an optimum switch solution for your application.

SNMP Basic Function

SNMP stands for Simple Network Management Protocol. It was developed as part of several Internet Protocols. Today it is used extensively to oversee devices connected to various types of network management systems.

How SNMP Works

The following is an example of how SNMP operates. Assume that there is a network management system (NMS), and it has several “mini networks” or “network elements” attached to it. There is a constant stream of data moving back and forth which must be supervised by the main network system.

To make this process easy, an SNMP component (often called an SNMP agent) is installed in each of these network elements. Each SNMP agent has different tasks, but what they all basically do is provide feedback information on each network element to the main network.

The information that is processed includes relaying facts about available system resources, memory, programs running, etc. All of these are relayed by way of SNMP to the network or system in charge. All the major operating systems, from Windows to UNIX, can be configured to have SNMP agents installed.

SNMP Versions

From its inception in 1988, SNMP has undergone several modifications. While most network systems avail of SNMPv1 and SNMPv2, (for community security), some other upgrades like SNMPv2u and SNMPv2 enable security for users.

Typical Components of an SNMP

Depending on the network, an SNMP could have several components, but even the simplest have the following:

Managed Device or Network Elements

This is the element that holds the SNMP agent. The information contained here is what is relayed back to the network management system. Parts that can constitute an element range from printers to hubs to routers; IP telephones, hosts, servers, bridges and switches are also part of the elements.

Agent

This is the program that is in the network element that makes the transfer of data to the network management system possible. Its main purpose is to monitor the different aspects and variables in each network element.

Network Management System

This is where the info is sent to, and what may be called the “control center”. There is usually only one NMS however in huge networks there could be several running at once.

Examples of SNMP Messages

There are several types of SNMP messages that can be released or created by the main network or any of its sub elements.

SNMP TRAP: this is a typical message sent to the main network system by one of the elements it is supervising in case it fails to function properly or a hardware failure occurs.

SNMP GET is used by the main network to get data from one of the other network elements. To alter some data, SNMP SET is utilized while SNMP MIB is used to modify the variables in both hardware and software.

The biggest value of this certification is that there are no shortcuts, cheats and so-called “brain-dumps” that can be used! Since it’s an on-site, hands-on examination that lasts EIGHT hours, it’s not hard to imagine why. Furthermore, Cisco has cherished and nurtured their CCIE program since 1993. CCIE certified individuals bring many benefits to their companies, such as improved/faster access to relevant support teams within Cisco, but much more importantly, by being experts who can be relied on.

What does one need to do to become CCIE? Here are ten tips for the effective CCIE preparation.

Be prepared for at least 6-9 months of long days and even longer nights of hard study and work! If you can, plan to have at least one month before your exam date fully dedicated to study!

CCIE is expert-level certification and as such requires those who are certified CCIE to be experts in their respective fields. This requires a lot of reading and a lot of practice. Get familiar with Cisco’s website and products, as well as available books from their publishing company, Cisco Press.

Chose the CCIE track that best suits your interests and current expertise in networking. Just as a reminder, available tracks are: Routing and Switching, Voice, Security, Service Provider, Service Provider Operations, Wireless and Storage.

Study, prepare and pass the written qualification exam for the selected track. For most popular tracks, Cisco Press has published certification guides and usually, this is not a big problem for most students. Preparing well for the qualification exam will pay off during lab preparation, as this should offer solid theoretical background.

Select reliable CCIE training partner, with proven track record and methodology, combined with blended learning solutions, that include comprehensive self-study material and instructor-led classes for the second part of the certification – the dreaded CCIE Lab.

Understand advanced theory and concepts associated with the selected track and begin technology-focused, targeted learning by watching video on demand, listening to audio on demand products, as well as practicing individual technologies. Watching videos and listening to instructors at your leisure, is an excellent kick-start for CCIE preparation. Especially with those who wish to follow structured learning approach to CCIE certification.

Reinforce theory, advanced knowledge and technologies working together by beginning multiprotocol exercises from lab practice workbooks.

Reinforce advanced knowledge by attending one of the instructor-led classes. These classes are popularly known as “CCIE Bootcamps” and, as their nickname suggests, are very intensive. They are usually week-long and serve to fill-in any knowledge gaps you may have at this point in your preparation.

Polish advanced knowledge and troubleshooting skills by doing advanced and the most complex lab exercises available to you. Most respectable CCIE training vendors offer self-study material of varying difficulty. Beginners, or even experienced engineers, could easily be overwhelmed by the levels of complexity offered in some material. These most difficult challenges and practice labs should be left for late-stage preparation.

Practice taking the lab by attending even more specialized “Lab Experience” training classes offered. As is the case with self-study material, good training vendors offer lab experience weeks, where students are immersed into very complex hands-on practice labs, closely watched by instructor with the aim to imitate the experience of taking the real hands-on lab exam delivered by Cisco. As the last-stage exam preparation aid, these can be invaluable!

By following these simple 10 tips, you should be able to prepare to become one of only 20.000 CCIE certified experts in the entire world.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate or the CCNA is a certification for professionals who are genuinely interested in networking, and who want to endeavor in the fields of Cisco routers and switches. CCNA certification is awarded by Cisco systems. It signifies that competency has been achieved in installing, configuring and operating various services for small networks. CCNA professionals not only earn more than others, but they are preferred for their level of competency. The professionals are paid the best salaries in the business and are assets to any company.

The average salary of a CCNA professional is approximately $ 43,376.67. Research has revealed that certification can lead to a 12% increase in salary or close to a $ 6,000 raise. CCNA certified professionals were reported to have an average income of $ 70,000 in 2000. Multiple certifications directly correlate to pay increases. Reports reveal that if the GPA or Grade Point Average is excellent, the professional is paid an even higher salary. The GPA and the performance level of the professional determine the salary.

The salaries of CCNA professionals differ within the region of operation. Data analysis shows that in the US, salaries differ according to the place of work.

The benefits of CCNA certification are far greater than the fees paid for it. These professionals can work as network administrators. They do well in Local Area Networks, LAN, Wide Area Networks, WAN, and other fields of computing. The salary of a CCNA professional largely depends on the organization. The metropolitan cities offer more compensation packages to their employees. The organizations, chiefly dealing with networking and allied services, hire CCNA professionals. The CCNA professionals have very good career prospects. Statistics show that CCNA professionals get highly rewarding opportunities in the field of computing.

 Everyone who likes to have a great career opportunity in the IT industry should have the relevant experience in the field. The professional should have great skills and knowledge about the networking criteria. If you have great skills and knowledge in the field then you have to get the certification and prove your skills. This CCDA certification is a popular course in the IT industry and the main job of these professionals in the IT industry is preparing, planning, implementation, operation, and optimization of the network.

 The professionals should be very interested in getting the latest updates about this network course to have a great future. The candidate can have access to good study materials and get trained by good professionals in the industry. For example pass4sure .Mostly the CCDA certification course will cover the network products and the services like designing the routes, and switched network infrastructure. CCDA professional’s job in the IT industry will be supporting and maintaining the networks in the industry. There are lots and lots of study materials and the guides that are available in the market. It is the only best way to complete the CCDA certification. You can have self preparation or get trained from a institution to pass this CCDA exam.

It’s released by a well-known network provider – Cisco. In its Career Certification Program, Cisco request that there should be certified engineer in all Cisco agent so as to provide better service to clients as well as build a certification system for network engineer who is familiar to Cisco product.

2. Why for Cisco certification?

It’s a global-known fact being an international talent will benefit both the individual and the company. To be an international talent, an internationalcertification is no doubt the best passport. While among all certifications in market, Cisco certification which was released by the well-known network enterprise Cisco enjoys wild acceptance and great reputation.

3. How certification benefits the candidates?

a) Candidate who gains Cisco certification usually enjoys a favorable salary;

b) The certification owner can enjoy credit exemptions for associate professions.

4. Who need Cisco certification?

a) College graduate: facing fierce competition, college graduate can pale others in job hunting by processing a Cisco certification.

b) Individual who wants to change his profession: for people who want to enter into IT industry, Cisco certification is no doubt the best license to validate your capability for a job role.

c) Network Technician: for these people, Cisco certification enables them to ask for a higher position and better pay.

5. I don’t have college experience or computer major background. Can I gain Cisco certification?

Of course you can, in fact there are great number of candidates who didn’t have computer major background. Only if you own courage and capability in learning something new, you can pursueCisco certification and there is great possibility for you to gain certification.

6. Despite a good pay, what other benefits can I enjoy if a gain Cisco certification?

a) Be list into talent pool;

b) Chances for attending Cisco Technical lecture class;

c) Gain competitive edge and become popular in big enterprises;

d) License enables you to immigrate or work abroad;

e) Gain trust from Cisco as well as client;

f) Gain technical support from Cisco;

g) Be allowed to put Cisco logo on your resume.

7) How much does CCIE certification cost?

Two exams, written exam and lab exam, are required for CCIE certification. The written exam costs $350 USD while the beta exams allow $50 USD discount. The lab exam costs $1400 USD. If candidates can’t pass both the exam at their first try, it may cost more.

How can I recertify my CCSP certification?

CCSP certification is valid for three years. There are two paths available for candidates to recertify their CCSP certification. One is to pass any 642 exam which belongs to professional level certification; the other is to take and pass any CCIE written exam. Candidate should pay attention to that the two paths can be followed only when candidate processes a valid CCSP certification.

9) Can I take CCNP exam directly?

No, you can’t. A valid CCNA certification can act as the prerequisite of CCNP exam. 

10) What can I do after gaining CCNA certification?

As we all know, CCNA certification is an associate level certification which validate the fundamental skills and knowledge of candidates’. CCNA certification enables candidate to pursue other higher level certifications, which means CCNA is just a springboard for candidate. After gaining CCNA certification, candidates can consider about pursuing other higher level certifications in Cisco certification system.

CISSP Requirements:

1) In order to get your CISSP credentials, you should have knowledge and experience in two or more of the following domains.

1) Risk management and information security

2) Access control

3) Cryptography

4) Operations security

5) Regulations/ legal/ investigations and compliance

6) Design as well as security architecture

7) Network security and telecommunications

Disaster recovery planning and business continuity

9) Application security

10) Environmental/ physical security.

2) If a candidate does not have 5 years work experience, then the candidate has to take up a CISSP exam which is of ISC designated.

3) The ISC designated of CISSP is valid up to six years from the date of the result published. After that, 5 years of related work experience has to be shown in order to get the full CISSP status.

4) Once the candidate has achieved the required work experience, certification will be converted to CISSP certification status.

5) Attestation regarding to the professional experience is needed and the candidate has to agree to the CISSP code of ethics.

6) Four criminal history backgrounds should be answered and also with related background.

7) Candidate has to pass the CISSP examination with at least 700 points as a scaled score or even more.

Candidate should have their professional qualifications endorsed by certified ISC in a good standing. Endorser who is attesting the candidate’’s assertion should be true as well as best of their knowledge.

Features of exam 642-545:

The following are the features of exam 642-545 and they are:

1 ) Identification of threats in the Cisco networks by learning the configuration, topology as well as the behavior of the environment

2 ) How to make the precise recommendations for the threat mitigations that includes the ability in analyzing the source of the threat as well as the visualizing the attacked path.

3 ) Simplification of incident management for managing the IPS, VPN, firewalls as well as deployment of email/ web security.

Exam objectives:

Installation and configuration of the Cisco security MARS product is the exam objective of 642-545. Simulation as well as adaptive questions can be asked during the examination. So, candidates are recommended to go for training classes in order to pass this examination.

Other details:

The examination comprises of multiple choices, drag- drop, built a tree, re- order type questions and it is assured that there are no case study type questions. Examination can be registered in any of the Pearson VUE centers or nearby Pearson VUE center or even in online by paying the exam fee. After the exam fee is being paid, candidates can schedule their examination date as well as exam session

Advanced Security for Account Managers

Exam Number: 646-563

Duration: 60 minutes (55 – 65 questions)

Available Languages: English and Japanese

Click Here to Register: Pearson VUE

Exam Policies: Read current policies and requirements

Exam Tutorial: Review type of exam questions

Exam Description

The Advanced Security for Account Managers 646-563 ASAM is the exam associated with the Cisco Security Advanced Sales Specialist certification. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Security Advanced Sales e-learning course. This exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of Cisco security products and product positioning as well as ability to influence key customer decision makers.

Exam Topics

The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the Remote Access exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.

* Describe and identify the capabilities of Cisco security technologies

* Qualify an opportunity with a customer

* Develop and recommend the appropriate Cisco solutions and services

* Describe the value of Cisco Lifecycle Services for Advanced Security

* Develop a value proposition for a Cisco security solution

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This Cisco 640-822 tests a candidate’s talent to fruitfully install operates and troubleshoots a small arable office system. The topics that are covered in the exam include account of the operation of data networks; implementing a small switched network; implementing an IP addressing scheme and IP services to assemble network requirements for a small branch office; implementing a little routed network; explaining and selecting the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLAN; to identify security threats to a network and describing broad methods to improve those steps; and implementing and verifying LAN links.

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v1.0 practice is recommended for taking the 640-822 Exam. Cisco as well offers Cisco Certified Instructors and Cisco knowledge Partners who offer with the correct type of practice needed for this exam. Furthermore, candidates appearing for the exam can also correct of entry a diversity of additional resources such as Cisco Press title which can be easily purchased from the Cisco Marketplace Bookstore. This test duration is of 90 minutes with around 40- 50 questions that need to be answered.

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