In my latest Cisco article, I cover some of the hot Cisco voice certifications such as CCNA Voice, CCVP, and CCIE Security. You can read the full article at- The hot certifications right now: Cisco’s CCNA Voice, CCVP, and CCIE Voice

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I wrote about the new Train Signal CCNA Security video training course in my post Cisco CCNA Security Video Training from Train Signal & Chris Bryant.

Here is a sample from the course that will train you on the Cisco CCNA Security Firewall and how to configure it with SDM.

Click here to learn more about the Train Signal CCNA Security Video Training Course

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Cisco Cabling Videos

by admin on January 14, 2009

I was amazed at home many Cisco cabling training videos are out on YouTube. I looked through and these are some of the better examples that I found. Enjoy!

How to connect Router to Router using Cisco Serial Cables

How to Connect to a Cisco Router using a USB port & Cable

How to make a CAT 5E patch cable

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Just released today, Train Signal is offering a brand new Cisco CCNA Security (IINS 640-553) video training course by Chris Bryant, CCIE. This 13 hour video training course will cover everything you need to pass the Cisco CCNA Security certification exam (IINS 640-553). I have watched many Chris Bryant videos and, trust me, he is one of the best Cisco teachers I have ever learned from.

There is a free demo of the course on the Train Signal website and it comes with a 90 day money back guarantee. Plus, you will receive a the associated Transcender exam and the video training on iPod, WMV, and MP3 formats for training on the go!

SPECIAL OFFER FOR HAPPYROUTER.COM READERS – Use the coupon code HAPPYCCNASEC at checkout and receive $50 off! (until 1/27/2009)

Click Here to watch the Demo and Learn more!

Train Signal CCNA Security Video Training

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David’s Top Cisco Tips of 2008

by David Davis on January 9, 2009

TechRepublic published the following list of my Top 5 Cisco Tips of 2008. As these were very popular with readers, they must have some value, right? Seriously, I hope you will check them out:

1. Practice Cisco router configuration using a free emulator
David Davis explains how a free emulator can benefit your router administration. The ability to run multiple routers inside your PC is very useful for testing and training. It can save you the time and trouble from having to invest in a test Cisco network, and it certainly makes it more convenient.

2. Five things you should know about configuring a Cisco IOS switch
David answers some of the most frequently asked questions about switch configuration and explores some of the basics.

3. Is pt360 the all-in-one Cisco tool we’ve been looking for?
David loves finding new tools that help manage and troubleshoot routers. But what if you had to choose just one network management and troubleshooting tool? Do you think there’s one tool out there that’s really “best of breed”? Here’s one candidate.

4. 10 dumb things you can do to your Cisco router and how to fix them
David points out the dumb things you can do to mess up your Cisco router and how to fix them. He also lists some important resources for each step to give you even more detailed instructions.

5. Use extended ping and extended traceroute to better troubleshoot your Cisco network
Every admin is familiar with the well-known troubleshooting commands ping and traceroute. David shows you how to use these commands in their extended versions to become an expert at troubleshooting your Cisco network.

Cisco Photo Galleries

PacketTrap PerspectivePacketTrap Perspective provides network management tools for Cisco
David Davis walks you through PacketTrap’s new network management platform, Perspective.


Cisco 851WConfiguring the Cisco 851W or 871W: Standard IOS
The Cisco 851W router is a relatively low cost multipurpose device, which can support virtual wireless LANs separated by firewalls.

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In my latest article, I go into how BGP, the routing protocol of the Internet, makes its decision on what BGP route to put into the IP Routing table – fascinating stuff. Read the full article at Understand how the BGP Best Path Selection Algorithm works on your router

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Just released, Train Signal – the global leader in video training products for IT Pros – is now offering a new 14 hour video training course. Their new Windows 2008 Server Network Infrastructure video training course not only prepares you for the Microsoft 70-642 certification exam but also to be a Win 2008 Network Admin in the real world.

This latest version of the Train Signal products includes the Transcender practice exam product for the 70-642 course and iPod/MP3 versions of the videos. I watched part of the course and I was very impressed with MCTS & MCT veteran trainer, Ed Liberman, the author of this course. He gives great examples, speaks well, and shows you exactly what you need to know.

You can watch a free 11 minute preview of the course at:

Train Signal – Windows 2008 Network Infrastructure video training

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Filter Web content with Cisco IOS routers

by David Davis on November 30, 2008

In my latest article, I cover how to filter your Internet web content using a URL filtering service with a Cisco IOS Router. Cisco is now offering a new Trend Micro filtering option, in addition to the Websense and Smart Filter services that has been offered for some time.

To learn about the Cisco IOS URL web filtering options and read the full article see:

Filter Web content with Cisco IOS routers

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Free Firewall Monitoring Tool – Fireplotter

by David Davis on November 30, 2008

If you have a Cisco PIX, ASA, or Fortinet firewall, you should checkout this new free firewall monitoring tool. It can tell you what is going on with your Internet connection, real-time. FirePlotter quickly answers questions like “Who is using my bandwidth?”, “What is using my bandwidth?”, Who is eating my bandwidth?” or “What is eating my bandwidth?”. Download FirePlotter here

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Download Solarwinds Netflow Net Performance tool for free

by David Davis on November 24, 2008

Rarely do the words “free” and “netflow tool” appear in the same sentence but today they are…

Do you want to know what traffic is really going through your network, real-time, right now? If so, one of the best options is to enable NetFlow on your Cisco routers then analyze that NetFlow data with a NetFlow Analyzer. Download Solarwind’s Free Real-Time NetFlow Analyzer from the Petri IT Knowledgebase and find out what is really going on in the network!

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