New: Hands-On Labs Using Wireshark & GNS3

Keith Barker recently completed his "CCNA Hands-on Labs Using Wireshark & GNS3" training course. The 38-video course focuses on implementing and analyzing Cisco networks, including topics such as multicast, IPv4 and IPv6, and much more. This training is designed to help students apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations. Keep reading for Keith's advice on getting the most out of this new course.

Q: What was your favorite Nugget to create?

Most of them were a BLAST! One that stands out in my mind is the HDLC Nugget, because we get to see a dual-stack router, running both IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously.

Q: What roadblocks did you come across when creating this training, and how did you overcome them?

I was surprised what I personally learned from taking a look at common protocols through the Wireshark protocol analyzer. It reminded me that we take a lot for granted, and often "assume" what is happening on the wire. With a protocol analyzer to look at the details, it is a great way to reinforce what is really happening, as the packets never lie. One of the challenges I faced was resisting the temptation to look at and discuss packets that were not directly related to the current Nugget. I behaved well (most of the time).

Q: From a student perspective, what did you keep in mind when creating this course?

The exact commands to use, in the right order, to implement the configurations. I included the configurations used in separate files (part of the NuggetLab files) so that the learner can have access to those commands as a reference for learning the commands, as well as to use when they build their labs and put in their own configurations.

I also wanted to make sure that I covered all the core technologies regarding the network traffic that a CCNA would be expected to know. I also included details that are important for the real world, in addition to what would be important for certification. I wanted to make this very easy for anyone to do, by not requiring any external/physical routers or switches for the labs. Every Nugget and/or lab can be done on a personal computer using GNS3, which is an emulator for Cisco hardware.

Q: Any outside-of-the-box tips for students to get the most out of your course?

Yes, students should absolutely watch and practice each and every Nugget and lab, but they could go beyond that and continue to practice and experiment starting with the topology we build in the Nuggets and labs. By playing around more with the technology, students will become even more familiar and comfortable with the commands, and that will translate into better skills that they can apply to a real-world network.

Q: What's the ONE thing you hope learners take away from this training?

My hope for each student is that they will do the labs, and as a result OWN the knowledge (on a working level). That will translate to a better life experience for the student who now can use those skills.

Q: What's one real-world application someone can expect to use, thanks to this course?

Being able to take a set of routers and switches, from scratch, and then configure and verify a working network topology, as a result of the skills they practiced in this hands-on lab course!

Ready to get started? Start watching Keith's course now!