Lab Configurations & Topology
Like I mentioned in my previous post, I will be adding my device configurations as I go along through different stages of my studying (especially if it was something I think will be of interest). Now, figuring out how to make everything work together is a very integral part of the whole CCIE experience. So please only use these configurations if you are stuck on something, or are just curious as to how I did something.
Since I am about 85% done with gathering the equipment necessary to progress through the lab books, I have started to connect all of my equipment and configure the WAN interconnectivity. As you will see from the topology drawing I have uploaded, my design is quite similar to that of IPExpert’s and Internetworking Expert’s lab topologies. This was obviously done on purpose so I will be able to work through the lab manuals without much hindrance.
Building My Own CCIE-V Lab
From the beginning I am been pretty sure that I was going to build my own lab so I can work at my leisure and not have to worry about getting everything done in an 8 hour period. In doing some research, I found that this was not going to be an inexpensive venture. Luckily, I am going to be able to leverage some equipment in our lab at work. This is going to save me around $1500 – $2000.
Configuring CUCME from the Ground Up: Basic CUCME
Configuring CUCME is really, really easy. At least a really basic, phones register and can call each other, CUCME configuration is really, really easy. In this post I will help you get your phones registered to your CUCME router, and get their firmware updated to whatever release you downloaded.
What you will need:
A couple Cisco IP phones (IP Communicator or IP Blue will work just fine)
A router and switch with network connectivity between each other (see: CUCM Network Configuration)
A computer running a TFTP server, connected to the above router/switch
CUCME files (download here : You must have a Cisco CCO Account)
Configuring CUCME from the Ground Up: Network Configuration
I know that Cisco has a very nice SRND & Administration Guide for CUCME, but I have found at time searching through them can be a little challenging when you are just wanting to get your equipment up and running so your phones can register. I am not sure how many parts this series of posts will include, but I am planning on starting with a new router with no configuration and going from there.
Here is the equipment I will be using during this series of articles:
2811ISR router running IOS c2800nm-spservicesk9-mz.124-24.T2
Catalyst 3550 switch running IOS c3550-i5q3l2-mz.121-22.EA8
Cisco 7940 IP phone
Cisco 7912 IP phone
Cisco 7970 IP phone
Laptop for a TFTP server, also running Cisco IP Communicator
Half Way There
Well, it’s done. I have successfully passed the written portion of the CCIE Voice. Now for the long and expensive, did I mention long and expensive journey toward preparing for the lab portion. My plan is to schedule my first attempt in late November/early December of this year. I think this will give me more than enough time to adequately prepare. I don’t want to rush into anything, especially since $1400 is a lot to drop per attempt.