CCIE Resource Library 2001: "Cisco Certification", "Routing in the Internet", "Voice Over IP" [Hardcover]

But two other books are completly different. First of all, they are not about cisco. It's just a general theory, a lot of packet structure diagrams and protocol description. Language sometimes is very dull and dry. Many topics, especially in the ATM book are beyond the scope of CCIE exam. Routing book contains a lot of interesting information about routing history, current problems and possible ways of future improvements. Probably, these books are interested to some readers, but it's not the best choice for CCIE preparation.

I put 4 stars just because Caslow book is so good that it makes whole library useful too. But I'd strongly recommend to buy this one book only and spend the rest of money to some other tutorials.

In book 1 of the 3 - ATM Volume III - the entire world of ATM is taken apart and dissected for you. Encapsulation, frame relay, DXI and FNNI, LNNI and ARP, multiprotocols over ATM are but a few of the topics discussed in great detail. In the second book - Routing in the Internet 2nd Edition - the book is broken down into 4 parts. Part1 discusses IP and associated protocols including IP V.6. Part 2 takes a look at the interior routing protocols like RIP and OSPF, it does breakdown both RRIP1 and RIP2.

Part 3 is the exterior protocols like BGP and CIDR. Finally in part 4 you have explanations of new developments in multicasting and mobile hosting. The book is well written and well documented and the author really gives a complete look at the internet and how routing is used.

The final book - Cisco Certification - Bridges, Routers and Switches for CCIE is written by Andrew Bruce Caslow a CCIE himself. Caslow has written several other book on the CCNA certification and as with the other books this is an excellent reference manual.

The advanced routing techniques like ISDN and DDR as well as excellent coverage of the Catalyst 5000 switch are some the topics Caslow goes over is this book. Caslow also sheds light on ATM and extensive detail on IP Addressing and routing.

Protocols like RIP, IGRP, EIRGP and OSPF as with non-IP routing protocols AppleTalk, DECNET and IPX are broken down for you. Caslow's knowledge of bridging, which includes source route, transparent and translation is nothing short of tremendous.

Caslow's book has sample scenarios, about the only thing it doesn't do it take the test for you. Prentice Hall has a great number of book on computers and networking and you should checkout their website today. Overall this book can be used as a handy reference manual and a study guide for Cisco tests. The price is small in comparison to what you get.

The entire book contains output from numerous working configurations. These examples confirm that the authors did not just throw together another theory book, but have taken the time and effort to create scenarios that can be recreated by the reader. A CD accompanies the book, and contains complete configurations so that the reader can copy and paste them into home lab hardware.

In short, this book is one of the most interesting books concerning certification topics. After you read these 3 set books, I guarantee you pass the CCIE written test. Buy it, and plan to stay up late the night of your purchase. You won't be disappointed.