It’s friday again, facing the weekend. The good news is: this is my last day at my current job, starting Monday I’m officially a data center network engineer (same employer). Happy that my studies have paid off! On the other hand, I bragged about my studies, so I now better finish off that TSHOOT exam and prove my worth.

I haven’t blogged a lot lately, but I did make a contribution to the networking-forum.com with a blog post. Special thanks to Steve (the owner) for making this possible.

Finally I’ve had some time to work in my lab again, but I couldn’t test anything I wanted to test. So far I’m unable to bridge an interface (loopback of physical) on Ubuntu with GNS3. I need more knowledge to properly set up my IP Phones for testing, a RADIUS server would be nice, and I’m currently negotiating a new device for my lab but that’s taking longer than expected (spoilers…). So all in all, I’m spending more time configuring operating systems than doing actual labs. Part of the experience I suppose.

I did learn a few things these weeks that may come in handy:

  • When setting up larger OSPF networks, also configure a router-id. Chance that a duplicate id is formed using a physical interface ip is small, but the ‘show ip ospf database’ command makes no sense if you can’t recognise which router sent which LSA.
  • Windows 7 will show when 802.1x authentication fails. Very useful. Ubuntu gives a lot more options for 802.1x, but doesn’t give that much output.
  • Without a config to work with, an IP Phone will not allow communication between the daisy-chained computer and the switchport. I’m going to need a tftp config server, and learn some voice.
  • I’m going to have to learn SSLVPN. I got to test one briefly and it’s above my level of understanding. Luckily I’ve got a CCNP Security Secure 642-637 eBook, purchased through a Deal of the Day by CiscoPress.

And finally, looking at my last blog posts, I like making lists. Seems the best way for my mind to absorb knowledge, and I assume many people will agree on that.

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