Foreword

With emerging IT trends such as virtualization, data center, collaboration, and mobility, the demands placed on network professionals have become more varied and sophisticated. Knowledge of networking fundamentals is no longer sufficient. Network professionals must understand networking systems with integrated security, wireless, and voice capabilities.

The technology evolution is creating a global IT skills gap, as corporations, regardless of size, industry, or geography, seek professionals who have more than product and technology skills. Instead, the focus on today’s IT professional is their ability to fulfill real-world job role requirements. In fact, new careers in IT are being established that are based more on complex services and architectures than systems.

In support of the industry’s demand for “the right resources, at the right place, at the right time,” Cisco remains dedicated to the development of the next-generation IT workforce. Assessment of an individual’s knowledge and ability to perform the required job tasks of a particular role is measured by the Cisco Career and Specialist Certifications, which are recognized worldwide.

Cisco Press, an industry leader in networking education content, offers the only self-study books authorized by Cisco. The Cisco Press exam certification guides and preparation materials offer exceptional and flexible access to the knowledge and information required to stay current in one’s field of expertise or to gain new skills. Whether used to increase internetworking skills or as a supplement to a formal certification preparation course, these materials offer networking professionals the information and knowledge required to perform on-the-job tasks proficiently.

Additional authorized Cisco instructor-led courses are available exclusively through our Authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide. Other self-study materials including e-learning, practice exams, labs, and simulations are available from the Cisco Learning Network, our Web 2.0 social learning community. To learn more, visit https://learningnetwork.cisco.com. I hope that you find this material to be an essential part of your education, exam preparation, and professional development and that it becomes a valuable addition to your personal library.

Tejas R. Vashi
Director, Product Management
Cisco Technical Services

August 2011

Authors Note

This self-study work has received GOLD certification as an IPv6 certified course from the IPv6 forum for the content of this book. The related certification—CCDP—has received GOLD certification as an IPv6 certified certification as well. As a networking design professional, please keep IPv6 in the forefront of your designs: