The Network Monitor, Volume 5 Number 4

CareFirst Blue Cross & Blue Shield of M.D. Uses NetMRI

"NetMRI is the Network Management tool that finds trouble before trouble finds you. Each morning, the first tool our engineering team checks is NetMRI."

—Paul Foertschbeck

More Customers

Connect With Us

The Network Monitor, Volume 5 Number 4

Take the Next Step:

Download NetMRI

Related Information

Why Deploy Layer 3 Switching

By Kennedy Clark, Instructor/Consultant, CCIE

When most people embark on a switched network project, routing is generally the last thing on their minds. After all, routers have a reputation of being slow, software-based platforms, while switching is all about speed and throughput. Therefore, many consider the primary objective of switching to be the elimination of routing (from at least the campus portions of networks). To do so, organizations devise complex schemes where VLANs span the entire network, allowing "communities of interest" to communicate exclusively through high-speed Layer 2 forwarding mechanisms.

Although these "flat earth" designs can be appealing on paper, in reality, they are generally very problematic. Rather than delivering on the promise of unlimited speed, these networks are usually plagued by a variety of stability and management issues. This conclusion has been consistently reinforced by the extensive real-world experience of Chesapeake Network Solutions, as well as Cisco's own network design teams. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, the use of routing (not its avoidance) is the key to a successful campus design.

However, this statement requires an important caveat. The "flat earth" proponents do have a point: traditional software-based routers have virtually no chance of keeping up with most modern campus flows. The solution is to use routing repackaged under a new and more glamorous name -Layer 3 switching. Yes, despite all of the hype and marketing nonsense, Layer 3 switching is routing.

That being said, there are important differences between the terms. The most important of these involves the use of hardware to perform the lookup and forwarding activities of the traditional router. In the case of a Layer 3 switch, some sort of Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) handles these functions. Other distinctions concern areas such as feature offerings (software-based routers generally offer a much wider array of features than do "lean and mean" Layer 3 switches) and interface types (Layer 3 switches generally only offer interfaces for LAN media).

By way of demonstrating the importance of including a Layer 3 component in your campus networks, the mission of this article is to quickly look at some of the specific benefits that Layer 3 switching can provide. In doing so, it will introduce some of the most important design principals for creating a robust and scalable campus network.

The benefits of Layer 3 switching can be grouped into 10 categories:

Scalable Bandwidth
Broadcast containment
Optimal path selection
Fast convergence
Flexible path selection
Load balancing
Multicast handling
Summarized addressing
Policy and access lists
Value-added features

Scalable bandwidth - Layer 3 inherently leads to higher aggregate forwarding rates because of the decentralized nature of routing algorithms. Each router/switch makes an independent determination of how traffic should be passed throughout the network. This allows the use of all links and provides more even traffic distributions across the network.

In contrast, Layer 2 switches use a much more centralized algorithm. Sure, each device still makes it's own forwarding decisions, but the Spanning-Tree Protocol elects a single Root Bridge that acts as a "central switching depot" for the entire network (like the hub of a bicycle wheel). Other bridges/switches then choose a single best path to this Root Bridge device (like the spokes of a bicycle wheel). As a result, traffic tends to "clump up" along these spokes and as it travels through the Root Bridge, creating very centralized and inefficient forwarding.

Broadcast containment - One of the most significant problems with Layer 2 switches is broadcast containment. Vendors introduced VLANs as a partial solution to this problem, but key issues remain. Not only do broadcasts rob critical bandwidth resources, they also starve out CPU resources. Techniques such as ISL and LANE NICs, that allow servers to connect to multiple VLANs in an attempt to build flat networks with a minimal use of routers only make this situation much worse. The server, then, must process the broadcasts for 10 or 20 VLANs! On the other hand, the more intelligent forwarding algorithms used by Layer 3 devices allow broadcasts to be contained while still maintaining full connectivity.

Optimal path selection - Because of their sophisticated metrics and path determination algorithms, routing protocols offer much better path selection capabilities than Layer 2 switches. In the case of Layer 2 networks, the centralized nature of the Spanning-Tree Protocol can easily send traffic through many unnecessary bridge hops.

Fast convergence - Not only do routing protocols pick optimal paths; they do it very quickly. Modern Layer 3 routing protocols generally converge in 5-10 seconds. On the other hand, Layer 2 Spanning-Tree Protocol convergence takes 30-50 seconds by default. Although it is possible to change the default STP timers and to make use of optimizations such as UplinkFast in certain topologies, it is very difficult to obtain the consistently speedy results offered by Layer 3 routing protocols.

Flexible path selection - In addition to all of the other path selection benefits offered by routers, Cisco routers offer a wide variety of tools to manipulate path selections. Distribution lists, route maps, static routes, and administrative distances are all examples of such mechanisms. These tools provide very specific and granular control in a Layer 3 network.

Load balancing - One specific area where the benefits of flexible path selection are highlighted is with load balancing. Layer 3 load balancing is flexible, easy to configure, and supports up to six simultaneous paths. On the other hand, Layer 2 load balancing techniques are complex and difficult to use (such as Spanning Tree load balancing) or limited in functionality (such as EtherChannel; it can only be used between back-to-back devices).

Multicast handling - Although progress is being made to improve multicast support for Layer 2 devices through schemes such as IGMP Snooping, CGMP, and 802.1p (many of these efforts are being spearheaded by 3Com), it is extremely unlikely that these efforts will ever provide the comprehensive set of features offered by Layer 3. By running Layer 3 multicast protocols such as PIM, routers always provide a vast improvement in multicast efficiency and scalability. Given the predictions for dramatic multicast growth, this performance will likely be critical to the future (or current) success of your network.

Summarized addressing - Layer 2 addresses use a flat address space. There is nothing about a MAC address that indicates physical location (it is much like a Social Security number). As a result, every bridging table in a flat network must contain an address for every node. On the other hand, Layer 3 addresses indicate location much like a ZIP code (postal code) or a telephone number's area code. By allowing addresses to be summarized, this hierarchical approach can allow much larger networks to be built. As a result, forwarding tables shrink dramatically in size and the address learning or routing table update process becomes much easier, finally, lookups in the forwarding tables can be much faster.

Policy and access lists - Most Layer 2 switches have very limited, if any, filtering capabilities (the Catalyst 6000/ 6500 fitted with a Policy Feature Card [PFC] is a notable exception to this statement). When filtering or access lists are supported, they use MAC addresses, hardly an efficient way to implement policy. In contrast, routers and Layer 3 switches can be used to provide complex access lists that function on Layer 3 and 4 information. This is much more useful from a policy implementation perspective. Hardware-based access lists are becoming increasingly common and flexible in Layer 3 switches.

Value-added features - Although it is unlikely that the switching router Layer 3 devices, such as the Catalyst 8500, will support high-touch WAN-oriented services, such as DLSw+ and protocol translation, there are still a large number of extremely important features that are offered by these platforms. For relay, proxy ARP, debug, and proxy GNS can be critical router-based features in campus networks. (Note that some Layer 3 platforms can perform high-touch services by running them in software. For example, MLS using an RSM could do DLSw+ on the RSM. The native IP traffic uses the NFFC for wire-speed forwarding; the DLSw+ is dependent on slower software-based forwarding.)

For more detailed information on these and related concepts, please refer to "CCIE Professional Development: Cisco LAN Switching." In particular, the information contained in Chapter 11, "Layer 3 Switching," will be of interest. Other information can be found in Chapter 14 ("Campus Design Models"), Chapter 15 ("Campus Design Implementations"), Chapter 17 ("Case Studies: Implementing Switches"), and Chapter 18 ("Layer 3 Switching and the Catalyst 6000/6500s"). Future articles will explore issues such as how to implement Layer 3 switching, how to achieve the optimum blend of Layer 2 and Layer 3 technology (Layer 3 switching may be great, but that doesn't mean you want to get rid of every Layer 2 switch in your network), specific hardware and software solutions for Layer 3 switching, as well as Layer 3 switching "tips and tricks." Stay tuned!

Back to Issue Index

Getting the Most from Your Training Time

By Kevin Hamilton, Instructor/Consultant

You finally convince your boss that you need to attend a training session because it will allow you to do your job more effectively. You were also successful with the implementation of the purchase order processes. You are to be congratulated on these accomplishments alone because if your company is anything like the majority of other companies, you have had quite a challenge! Now that you have obtained this sought after permission, (plus airline ticket, hotel, car, toothpaste, etc) you want to get the most out of your training experience.

The first day arrives, and you enter the gates of higher learning with great expectations. You really enjoy the morning but eventually things begin to change. You start to feel drowsy, the material becomes more complex, possibly overwhelming, and you start to wonder, "Did I make a mistake?" As the week continues you discover that you drift in and out of consciousness. By the end of the week, you've learned a good deal, but are also aware that you missed information while performing the glaze-eyed student imitation. You return to the office wishing you had absorbed more information than you did.

A lot of students expect their instructor to have a Bill Cosby-type of presentation to keep them entertained the entire time. Although an entertaining style makes learning fun, let's face it, it's hard to find entertaining network geeks. Besides, is it really fair to burden the instructor with all of the responsibility for your learning? Most instructors are at least interesting and palatable, while others are glaze-eyed instructors. Therefore, some of the responsibility must also fall on the student.

To paraphrase John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what you can get out of the class, but what can you offer your class?" Your success in the class directly correlates with how much effort you put into it. If you expect spoon-fed quantities of information, you will not get as much as someone who actively contributes.

Is there anything you can put into the class to get more out of the class? Probably. After observing students for a number of years, (as an instructor, a student, and by soliciting thoughts from my instructor colleagues), I've compiled the following suggestions which may assist you in obtaining the most for your classroom time and money. Although, you may not be able to do everything listed here, practicing them will increase your absorption capacity. The suggestions fall into three chronological categories: 1) pre-class, 2) in-class and 3) post-class. Brilliant, isn't it?

Pre-Class Preparation
There is much that you can do prior to your class week that will enable you to get a good head start in your class. Psychologists studying learning reveal increased rates of absorption through learning by association. Obviously, the more you know before class, the better. How do you figure out if you have enough pre-knowledge?

Many courses require prerequisites. If you cannot find a list, ask the training provider's registration department for one. The list will usually ask things such as: Are you breathing? Did your check clear? However, there may very well be more advanced prerequisites that you should consider. This demands that you perform an honest evaluation of yourself as well as the prerequisites. Unfortunately, many students mistakenly neglect prerequisites through a sense of either pride or ignorance, concluding things like "I know how to spell PC, therefore I'm qualified." Unfortunately, such an attitude immediately limits what they will get from the class. It will also impair how much others benefit because the instructor must now slow down the pace of his instruction to accommodate the under-qualified.

As with the prerequisites, you might ask the training provider for a list of suggested reading materials to familiarize yourself with vocabulary and focus your mind on the subject. If you create a subject skeleton in your mind, then you can better associate with and retain the material. Rich and relevant material can also be found on the Internet, a good source of free and abundant information. The instructor does not expect you to arrive with the ability to teach the class, nor does he really want you to play a game of "stump the instructor." You are attending the class to learn new material after all. Most classes are not structured to start with elementary material, therefore, if you pre-study, you will be better off than if you arrive without preparation.

Create relevance for the material by developing a list of questions for which you would like answers. For example, you might want to answer the question, "Why does my network do..." or "How can I make my network...." You are attending the class because you believe it will help you to better perform your job. Preparing a list keeps you involved with the class as you look for answers. This helps you process the information presented during the lectures. Take time to write your list and bring it to class. Look for the answers in the lectures as well as labs. Or, ask your instructor. Chesapeake instructors love questions about real networks!

In addition, you might have technology questions as a result of your study. Write them down as well and try to find the answers during class.

In-Class Learning
There are several factors which can affect your learning process, such as: 1) physiological, 2) environmental and 3) attitudinal.

Physiological
The biggest physiological problem in class is staying alert and awake. If you aren't awake, you aren't absorbing. Use the following physiological suggestions to win the battle of the eyelids. It's better to use these than to create an embarrassing thunk when your forehead hits the table.To get the most out of class, make sure to get plenty of sleep each night, otherwise, neither you nor your instructor can do anything to keep you awake during class. You might be attending the class in a city with lots of exciting places to see and things to do like Red River City, Oklahoma. Never heard of it? Neither did I, I just made it up. But you get the idea. Don't fall into the temptation of exploring the host town and foregoing sleep. You should wait until after the last day of class to explore the city, then use the time on your return trip to catch up on some rest. Five-day classes are physically demanding; you aren't doing pushups and rowing machines, but if you are involved in the class, you will be tired at the end of each day without the distractions of a late night excursion or television program.

Drink caffeinated drinks if you can. Although, since caffeine is a diuretic, the next break may not come soon enough. Another downside is that caffeine makes the previous mandate of getting lots of sleep each night a little more challenging. But drink it if it will help you stay awake.

Use dietary common sense. Try not to eat food quantities and types that naturally tend to induce sleep. The bottom line here: avoid Thanksgiving-type meals for lunch. Move around and stand up. If you still find darkness enveloping your eyes, then feel free to stand up during the lecture. Please keep in mind, though, that there are others who need to see the charts and instructor; Have the courtesy not to obscure someone else's line of sight, you may need to stand against a wall or at the back of the room. Although this may cause some embarrassment, trust me, your instructor would much rather have you do this than snore.

Environmental
Inform your instructor of discomforts in room temperature or seating situations, and if he can do anything about it, he will. Unfortunately, the environment of some accommodations is not always under the instructor's control. There are rooms where temperatures swing from inferno to freeze and back to slow roast within minutes. Sometimes the instructor is able to do something about it, sometimes not. By informing the instructor, at least he is aware of your discomfort and can attempt to alleviate it.

Attitudinal
This is the really fun stuff. These suggestions offered below are not as obvious as some of those already mentioned, yet are every bit as critical. Firstly, do yourself and your classmates a favor by arriving each day on time! If you're unsure of the start time (particularly for the first day), ask your training provider's registration department. During the week, ask your instructor.

It is not possible to learn much through spoon-feeding, so expect to think. Instructors know this and will attempt to ask thought-provoking questions. Think the answer through. Sometimes when you ask a question, the instructor will respond by asking you a series of questions in return, guiding you to the solution rather than offering an immediate response. Understand that the instructor is simply engaging your thoughts so that you will be able to solve similar problems when you are back at your production network

Arrive each day with a "can-do" attitude. Often, students apologize for their own perceived lack of skill and understanding. This indicates the student already expects to fail. But if you are not familiar with the material, turn your attitude into "I will learn this material and contribute to class." Usually, the apologies become unfounded because the student then does an admiral job
in class.

Expect active involvement in class. Involvement means asking questions, taking notes, participating in lab exercises and helping classmates.

As the instructor provides lecture material, you will at times experience mental congestion. Unfortunately, instructors also suffer from mental lapses and don't always offer lucid explanations. It is important to ask the instructor to clarify an issue for you. Subsequent course material often builds upon previous chapters. If you fail to ask a question about an unclear point, it will only confuse future matters. Feel free to ask questions during the lecture, before or after class, or during breaks. Also, please give thought to your questions before you ask them. As a result, you may be able to answer your own questions even before you ask. That is an extremely gratifying feeling!

By using as many senses as possible, you increase your retention rate. Use your tactile sense and take intelligent notes. Writing notes not only keeps you awake, it also helps you to process the information and gives you material to reference when you are back at the office. However, don't let note taking become a distraction. I have witnessed students who became so involved transcribing a lecture that they failed to understand the material. Be balanced in your note taking. Try not to go to either extreme of no notes or too many notes.

You may experience a situation where about 70% of the course material seem relevant to your work while you will never use or see the other 30%. Expand your outlook here; your job may change tomorrow. Acquisitions, departures of colleagues, pink slips... are all sources that create a dynamic work environment. The unappreciated 30% may be needed as a tool as a result.

Labs provide another tactile learning event by applying the material that you heard in the lecture portion of the class. Don't just watch your lab partners do all the work. Participation is necessary to experience the concepts. If you have difficulty with a lab exercise, try to work through it logically. The course material, documentation CD, and help screens can also be used for clues. The key: don't give up too soon, attempt to help yourself before you solicit assistance from the instructor. Of course, don't wait 2 days to ask for help either. The labs must be finished in a timely manner.

Often, students do not read the lab instructions. This creates problems because you might build a shed when you were instructed to build a mansion. Learn to control your enthusiasm for the labs and research the lab objectives before you enter commands.

A related issue: remember lab etiquette. Don't hog the equipment. You may really enjoy the lab time, but if you have a lab partner, ensure that your partner has the opportunity to perform lab activities also. If you decide to pursue lab activities beyond those written in the instructions, make sure that you do not do anything that disrupts other students' activities. For example, don't turn off equipment or execute write erase and reload without coordinating this with both your classmates and instructor. Some of these activities are not convenient when you do them on someone else's device. If you determine that another student made a configuration error, don't take it upon yourself to correct it. Feel free to speak to the other student about it, but don't make uninvited changes to another group's equipment.

One of the best ways to learn material is to teach it. Therefore, instruct and help your classmates. If a classmate has problems while you are idle (because being the whiz that you are, you finished early) take the effort to help them work through their problem. This does not mean that you are to say "Move over buddy and let an expert show you how to drive this router." Rather, it means offer suggestions that can be taken receptively.

Each evening, spend about one-half hour to review the material from the day. If you ask your instructor for the next day's schedule , you can also preview that material to be better prepared.

Post-class Activities
As time passes after the class, your retention of the material drops very quickly. When you go home, don't put the course book on the shelf and forget about it. The only way to forestall this loss is to review the material. Spend 15 or 20 minutes each day for the following week or two reviewing sections of the material. And of course, practice and use the material if you can without disrupting the production network.

If you have any other questions that come up either as a result of the class, or your after class review, feel free to contact your instructor with questions. Most instructors are willing to engage in after-class discussions to help you.

Summary
The classroom is a great place for professional development. It requires an investment of one or more weeks of training that will demonstrate your dedication to your job and your desire to remain current in a rapidly changing technology field. Therefore, you should do everything you can to get the most out of the training time. Table 1 summarizes the suggestions discussed here.

One final comment. Have fun! Learning should be an enjoyable experience. By helping to create a fun environment, you help yourself and your classmates.

See you in class!

Table 1

Pre-Class Activities
Honestly evaluate course
prerequisites
Pre-read related materials
Develop a list of questions

In-Class Activities
Get lots of sleep each evening
Eat healthily
Report environmental discomforts to your instructor
Bring a ready attitude each day
Involve yourself in the class
Take notes
Read lab instructions
Help your classmates
Drink caffeine
Feel free to move around during lectures
Arrive on time
Prepare well thought-out questions
Participate in lab activities
Practice lab etiquette
Review and preview course materials each evening

Post-Class Activities Review the course material
Contact your instructor with follow-up questions

Back to Issue Index

World Class Consulting

Through the talents of our world class consulting team, Chesapeake delivers high value-added internetworking solutions to solve business-driven client needs. Recognizing that our clients view their networks as "mission critical" infrastructure as well as a source of potential competitive advantage, our approach is to combine high-end consulting solutions with longer term development and education of the clients' in-house networking staff. Our customers not only receive a solution, but their people gain the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain and troubleshoot the network in the future. We can help you move your business to the next level.

Solutions
Chesapeake's goal in providing consulting services is to work with our customers to create a partnership. While developing and delivering solutions, we want to ensure that you, the customer, receive a value-added service. During our engagements, we focus on knowledge transfer to your team so that they can operate the network independently. We achieve this by working with your networking staff as a team, side by side, collaboratively. Our focus is to provide the technical solutions to support your business requirements. This means that we take the time to listen to your questions, contemplate your issues, and use our capabilities to offer you recommendations. Components of your solution may include Network Assessment, Design and Implementation, Network Management, Security, and/or Knowledge Transfer and Development. Chesapeake will also manage your project to ensure on-time within-budget delivery of
your solution.

Quality
Chesapeake's elite consulting team provides quality solutions nationwide. Leading this effort are highly trained and experienced professionals including over 20 CCIEs, the Cisco-Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) Certification is the most coveted in the internetworking industry, and the hardest to achieve. At Chesapeake, we execute solutions according to our consulting engagement methodology. The methodology outlines how we do our business; everything from the planning of a project through the implementation and project closeout. It ensures consistency and organization, characteristics vital to the success of any engagement.

Credibility
Chesapeake has served an extensive list of Fortune 1000 clients. Chesapeake's client base includes:

Cutting Edge Technical Firms: Cisco Systems, Sun Microsystems, Cable & Wireless, World Data, Iridium, Nextel, Comsat
Government and Armed Forces: U.S. Army, Maryland State Police, Maryland Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. House of Representatives, National Academy of Sciences, U.S. Senate, IRS
ISPs: Regional Bell Operating Companies, MCI, AT&T, CompuServe, UUNet, Bell Atlantic Network Integration (BANI), Sprint, US West
Wall Street/Financial Firms: Reuters/Quotron, Refco World Holdings, Merrill Lynch, ILX, Oppenheimer & Co., Knight Securities, Nations Bank
Health Care Industry: Trigon/ Blue Cross Blue Shield of Richmond, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MD, Anne Arundel General Hospital, Medlantic Healthcare, Fletcher Allen Health Care, Bon Secours Health System
Other: Marriott Corporation, Philip Morris, Hershey Foods, Owens & Minor, Overnite Transportation Company, CompUSA, Amtrak, GPU Energy, Edison Mission Energy, Penske Truck Leasing

Chesapeake has established partnerships with industry leading vendors. In 1997, we were chosen to be a Cisco Professional Services Provider, and we have the first and only two Certified NetSys Consultants on
our staff. In 1998, we were selected as a FORE Systems Professionals Services Partner. We also have partnerships with NetScout, Checkpoint, and Micromuse.

Our mission is simple: Quality Internetworking Solutions. Educated Clients. Partner with us and start your business evolution.

Network Consulting Services

Network Assessments: This solution component includes a detailed examination of your network using sophisticated network protocol analysis tools. Utilizing our Network Assessment Methodology for data capture and deliverable content results in a comprehensive assessment including recommendations for performance improvement.

Network Design and Implementation: Chesapeake works with you to identify your business' network needs, to anticipate your growth, and to build stable and scalable networks. Chesapeake's network design consultants are nationally recognized experts, all of whom are senior engineers with the credentials and experience to master even the most complex network design engagement. Because we thoroughly understand the design business and the real technical impacts of available design options, we can avoid subsequent implementation and support problems, thereby reducing the inherent risks of a migration or upgrade. Our network design practices ensure that your project progresses predictably and reliably. Chesapeake can also provide competent project managers to guide the endeavor through the implementation process.

Network Management: As networks grow in scope and complexity, the tools needed to manage them become ever more critical to your operating success. Chesapeake is vendor-independent - using best-of-breed tools and our unparalleled know-how, we help you determine what you need to control your environment, rather than "default" those decisions to a vendor's product set. We can then build out the tool set with you, develop complete and practical procedures for your operations staff, and train your professionals in order to ensure that you can intelligently inherit our work. Our professionals help you track and manage each relevant metric, to deliver true and consistent quality of service to meet your organization's demands.

Network Security: Chesapeake helps clients protect their networks. Our in-depth knowledge of protocols, hardware, operating systems, software, and tools - and our experience designing and deploying secure solutions in the field -- are brought to each engagement. Chesapeake professionals bring expertise in risk assessment, firewalls, AAA, policies, encryption, and dial-access in today's highly heterogeneous network environments. Together with other services described above, we offer an end-to-end solution for your internetworking needs.

Knowledge Transfer and Development: Chesapeake is recognized for their strong commitment to their customers. While developing and delivering solutions, we want to ensure that you, the customer, receive a value-added service. During our engagements, we focus on transferring knowledge to your team so that they can operate the network independently. We achieve this by working with your networking staff as a team, side by side, collaboratively.

We not only transfer knowledge when delivering another component of the solution, but also will develop knowledge within your staff. Chesapeake offers a training-needs analysis that results in instructor-led, on-site, and vLab/customized vLab training recommendations.

Back to Issue Index

E-Learning

CCNA Essentials (CCNAE)

Designed for busy professionals who are seeking their first Cisco Career Certification, CCNA(tm) Essentials is now available from Chesapeake online in an exciting, e-learning format. CCNA Essentials allows individuals to take charge of their learning experiences, turning the power and speed of web-based learning into a personal competitive advantage in today's hot market for information technology skills.

CCNA Essentials teaches important networking fundamentals over the Web, focusing on skills based learning. The course's four modules start with networking technology basics and then proceed-at the learner's pace-to all of the in-depth content and exercises needed to design, install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot routers and switches in small and medium-sized networks. The course includes online assessment to allow learners to measure their progress throughout the learning experience.

CCNA Essentials is the core to a complete e-learning solution for CCNA Career Certification. Combined with other services from Chesapeake such as mentoring, chat rooms, and remote labs for hands-on proficiency, CCNA Essentials is a comprehensive path to prepare network learners for the CCNA certification test.

ICND E-Learning Edition (ICNDE)

Built on the strength of Cisco's most popular training class, ICND E-Learning Edition is our fastest web-based path to CCNA preparation. ICND E-Learning Edition features the efficiency and accountability of electronic learning, allowing busy professionals to keep pace with rapid change in information technology and turn it into an advantage.

ICND (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices) E-Learning Edition is an e-learning version of our most popular instructor-led course. Designed for online learning, the course is split into convenient 20-minute learning objects to accommodate the learner's schedule. Assessment activities and powerful search capabilities allow students to evaluate their progress and focus on the learning objects that meet their needs. For added convenience, the interface enables learners to personalize their view of the material.

As a comprehensive introduction to Cisco networking, ICND E-Learning Edition is the core of a complete e-learning solution for CCNA certification. Combined with other services from Chesapeake, such as mentoring, chat rooms, and virtual labs for hands-on proficiency, ICND is a comprehensive path to prepare network learners for the CCNA certification test. By offering the same material in both e-learning and instructor-led formats, training managers can choose the delivery method that best suits each learner's situation and preferences.

Back to Issue Index

What's New

Chesapeake has been named one of the countries 500 fastest growing private companies by Inc. Magazine. In the last 2 years alone, Chesapeake has tripled its growth by proactively meeting market needs for highly qualified networking professionals.
Chesapeake is now an authorized training partner with Micromuse Inc., the leading provider of fault and service-level management software. Chesapeake will be a leading provider of Micromuse training throughout the US.
Chesapeake is now offering two new and exciting E-Learning Online Courses, CCNA Essentials (CCNAE) and ICND e-learning edition ICNDE.

Back to Issue Index

Back to The Network Monitor Archive