This all-encompassing TCP/IP text defines completeness with its 1,000-plus pages and hundreds of configuration screens, exercises, charts, tables, and references. Though initially overwhelming, such thoroughness is what's demanded of those who ultimately pass the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) exam, the bruising test for which
Routing TCP/IP, Volume 1 serves as preparatory material.
Such a goal is evidenced in much of the three-part book's design. For example, nearly every chapter includes some combination of recommended readings, review questions, configuration and troubleshooting exercises, case studies, and summaries. In addition, there are numerous appendices devoted to answers to questions and exercise solutions as well as one that outlines exam preparation tips.
Jeff Doyle begins this volume with a review of several basic topics, including a chapter that outlines the parameters of TCP/IP itself. Though some may already be familiar with that material, the sections on dynamic and static routing serve as valuable review material for readers of all levels. The second part deals with TCP/IP interior routing protocols, such as Routing Information Protocol (RIP), Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP), and Open Shortest Path First (OSPF). The book ends on a challenging note with explanations of route redistribution, route filtering, and the like.
Routing TCP/IP is required reading for those readers with the ambitious goal to both understand the protocol and excel on the CCIE exam.
--Sarah L. Roberts-Witt
Customer Reviews & Comments
I've just finished reading Jeff Doyle's "Routing TCP/IP Volume I" book and feel confident that I can now pass the CCIE lab in the near future. His presentation of TCP/IP IGP routing protocols is very clear and concise, with a perspective and insight into internetworking which is rarely encountered. This edition combines introductory, historical, conceptual and practical materials, and RFC's, with a first rate writing ability into one scintillating package. The chapter on OSPF was particularly satisfying going into the depth where the next step would be research into the protocol. Having said that there is a very pragmatic side to this book including configuration examples within the text as well as configuration and troubleshooting exercises and review questions at the end of the relevant chapters. By leaving nothing on IGP's out and all the while remaining emminently readable, this book marks a very welcome and refreshing addition to the internetworking literature and will no doubt become known as a seminal work. I truly appreciate what I have learnt from this book, and am very much looking forward to the publication of Jeff's next work on EGP's, in Volume II, in July.
