I've wondered about this for a while now when I look at different CCIE practice lab workbooks: Just how long does it take to write a practice lab? How difficult is it?

-- Gary

My question is, which is better -- TKIP or AES? My router and NIC supports both, but I haven't found a clear answer online as to which provides better security. I know NIST went with AES replacing DES. I'm firewalled, OS as well as router. Not broadcasting my SSID.

-- Grant

I'm writing about Lyle's certification dilemma ("Cisco Certs on a Budget"). First, if you're good at programming, do not rule it out. Even in the networking field, programming is becoming a more prominent area. Even if we're only talking about scripting, you still need a pretty good understanding of programming to do the things you're trying to accomplish. If you're a more advanced programmer, so much the better, because much of what you learn will be usable in different aspects of networking. Unless you're willing to pay for customer programming, system automation is something that only a programmer can do.

Second, as far as certifications are concerned, I wouldn't aim too high without first getting some experience. I passed several certification exams while going through school including the Net+ and A+. I also took a Cisco networking class even though I didn't have any experience. While I did learn a bit, it was largely wasted because I had no point of reference of how this related to everything else. Now that I've been working with Cisco equipment for the last three years, I'm probably going back to school for a Cisco-related degree and hopefully a CCNP.

The keys to success are these: EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE + CERTIFICATIONS

-- Adrian

I read the college student's question about taking an interest in networking, as well as your response, in the "Cisco Certs on a Budget" Q&A. Here's my problem: I've been A+ certified for years and wanted to get more into networking instead of break/fix PC tech. I got my MCP in Windows 95 and my MCSE in NT 4.0 through a computer-ed center and thought it might open some other doors for me. It hasn't happened.

When a potential employer sees MCSE on my resume, I'm immediately placed at a higher level. The issue with that is I didn't receive any hands-on experience for my MCSE. Should I have? When it came down to it at interviews, I could answer the basic questions but not anything related to actual hands-on experience. So I'm put back down to a Level II desktop support/help-desk role because they want someone with at least two to five years of experience.

I know that NT is now ancient. I haven't pursued anything more (i.e., Windows Server 2003, etc.) because I don't think it will benefit me if I can't even get my foot in the door in a junior role or as an intern. My interest is wireless networking. I know this is basic but I set up a wireless/wired network with a Linksys router in my home and I really like toying with the wireless end. I'm constantly learning more about wireless networking and security. Do you have any advice about how I can at least get in the door and begin getting the practical experience to eventually move up to the next level?

-- Grant

In response to the "Cisco Certs on a Budget" Q&A, how come you did not mention Dynamips? You can't get much cheaper than that. Dynamips is a pretty good simulator.

-- Mike