Amazon.co.uk Review
As with most Exam Cram books, the obligatory warnings apply here too:
- Exam Crams are not primary sources of reference to study by.
- Exam Crams are not where you should start if this topic is new to you.
- Exam Crams are supposed to be refreshers.
There! Now let's ask the question: Does this particular Exam Cram serve as a good last-minute cram book? The answer: mostly.
The CCNP Routing Exam Cram sports some of the snappiest writing ever to grace an Exam Cram book--which is good, since routing concepts are tricky little devils that you can't simply memorise. The explanations for why each protocol was developed and how they are implemented are well-written and concise. The occasional spot illustration helps flesh out your knowledge of how routers share information under each protocol. Later sections of the book deal with traffic management and routing updates and do it well, mixing a bit of real-world experience into lectures to give a well-rounded approach.
The bad news is twofold: first of all, the test questions are astonishingly weak for what is normally a series that sports some of the toughest questions around. Between that and a distinct lack of "Exam Alerts" to tell you what to watch out for, you may wind up wondering exactly what are the core topics you absolutely must have down cold to pass.
The second problem is more serious: one of the most hotly tested topics, the Border Gateway Protocol, is graced with a fairly confusing presentation, leading to needless confusion on the reader's end. If BGP is the final hurdle you must cross to get that passing exam score, the Cram could fail you as a last-minute refresher.
With these two drawbacks in mind, this is otherwise a fine book that does an excellent job of clearing away the mist of confusion surrounding many routing concepts. --William Steinmetz
Book Description
Prepares the reader to pass the new CCNP Routing exam (640-503). Instructs the reader on ways to configure the Cisco IOS software for scalable operation in large or growing multiprotocol internetworks. Contains exclusive tear-out cram sheet with tips, acronyms, and memory-joggers (mnemonics) to improve recall immediately before the exam. Includes sections on proven test-taking strategies, warnings on trick questions, time-saving study tips, multiple-part question strategies, and shortcuts.
