About The Labs
The purpose of this workbook is to guide you through configuring and testing common network topologies using Cisco VIRL. The hands-on labs included in this workbook range from basic STP, Trunking, NAT, EIGRP/OSPF dynamic routing protocols to advanced ASA with multiple security zones, IPSec VPN, BGP, DMVPN, VRF and MPLS configurations.
The knowledge and proficiency acquired by completing the labs in this workbook will help you in preparing CCNA, CCNP and CCIE level exams, as well as in administrating and configuring real-world networking environment. Most importantly, get proficient at using Cisco VIRL as a tool to build any network topologies you like.
STEP-BY-STEP EXPLANATIONS
Lab configuration is broken down into smaller tasks. Each task represents a key technology that often appears in certification exams and real-world networking environment.
In most cases, a prior task configuration is required before configuring the next. Make sure test after each task is completed and in working state. Instead of diving into the configuration right away, we explain what the technology is about and why we proposed such solution. Key configuration and commands are highlighted for your attention and explained in depth.
ALL LABS SIMULATED IN CISCO VIRL
One of the objectives of the workbook is to get your proficient with Cisco VIRL. Whether you are a veteran engineer working in an enterprise network environment or a Cisco academy student learning about networking technologies, you need a lab. The step-by-step guide demonstrates and walks you through 9 network topologies, from easy to advanced, by using Cisco VIRL as a backend simulation engine.
3RD PARTY IMAGES
Under the hood, VIRL is an OpenStack-based platform that runs IOSv, IOSv Layer-2, IOS-XRv, NX-OSv, CSR1000v and ASAv software images on the built-in hypervisor. VIRL also has extensive ability to integrate with third-party virtual machines, appliances, VNFs and servers such as Microsoft Windows, Juniper, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, F5, Extreme Networks, Arista, Alcatel, Citrix and more.
In some of the labs, we have introduced Linux virtual machines to run inside a routing lab. And use the Linux hosts to perform Ping and Traceroute testing. You’ll learn how to build a Linux machine and assign interface IP address and a default gateway.
VISUALIZED TROUBLESHOOTING
Result validation commands and troubleshooting tips are included within each task. It is a crucial skill to have in real-life network engineering and CCIE lab takers. You’ll learn what troubleshooting tools and commands to use for each scenario, and what outcomes to expect.
VIRL built-in live visualization tool is often leveraged to verify traffic path of a Traceroute command. You may also shutdown specific network interfaces or any node on the network to simulate a failure condition. Subsequent traffic fail-over can be verified by examining the Ping and Traceroute results.