How to Pass the CCIE Lab Exam with Wrong Answers

Summary

In this video, Nick Russo discusses strategies for tackling the CCIE lab exam, specifically addressing the misconception that core routing technologies must be mastered before moving on to other topics. He suggests two unconventional methods to overcome exam challenges: intentionally doing the 'wrong' thing, such as creating a GRE tunnel instead of an OSPF virtual link when stuck, to proceed with the lab; and not doing the 'right' thing when it hinders progress, like skipping PPPoE configuration and mimicking its characteristics with OSPF to maintain routing integrity. Russo emphasizes the importance of not getting stuck on a single question, as it could cost the chance of passing the exam. He encourages incorporating these techniques into practice labs to potentially improve scores and manage time effectively.

Takeaways

• 🚧 **Adaptability is Key**: Don't get stuck on one problem; if a solution isn't working, find a workaround to move forward in the exam.
• 🛠️ **Workaround Strategy**: If you can't configure an OSPF virtual link, create a GRE tunnel with OSPF area 0 enabled as a temporary solution.
• ⏱️ **Time Management**: Trading off a few points early on can allow you to gain more points on later, more complex questions.
• 🚫 **Avoid Perfection Paralysis**: Don't let the pressure for a perfect solution stop you from progressing through the exam.
• 🔄 **Flexibility in Routing**: Sometimes, creating a tunnel that mimics the required protocol (like a PPPoE connection) can suffice for the exam's needs.
• 📝 **Documentation is Crucial**: Make sure to document your workarounds clearly, as they may affect later tasks in the exam.
• 🤝 **OSPF and Tunneling**: Understanding OSPF and tunneling protocols can provide alternative solutions when standard configurations fail.
• 📈 **Prioritize Scoring**: Focus on scoring points on questions you are confident in, and return to tricky questions if time allows.
• 📊 **Cost Implications**: Be aware that OSPF cost configurations can have significant impacts on routing and should be considered carefully.
• 🔍 **Read Between the Lines**: Pay attention to specific instructions within exam tasks, as they may hint at the importance of certain configurations.
• 🛑 **When in Doubt, Skip**: If a configuration is proving too difficult or time-consuming, it may be best to skip it and return to it later if time permits.
• ✅ **Practice Makes Perfect**: Incorporate these strategies into your study routine and practice labs to become more comfortable with them for the actual exam.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the transcript?

The main topic of discussion is strategies for overcoming challenges encountered during the CCIE lab exam, specifically focusing on core routing technologies.

Why does Nick Russo suggest doing the 'wrong thing on purpose'?

Nick Russo suggests doing the 'wrong thing on purpose' as a workaround when the correct solution isn't working or isn't known, allowing candidates to move on to score more points in other sections of the exam.

What is the first workaround method Nick Russo introduces?

The first workaround method introduced is creating a GRE tunnel from R2 to R3 and enabling OSPF area 0 on it, as an alternative to configuring an OSPF virtual link.

What is the second workaround method discussed in the transcript?

The second workaround method is to 'not do the right thing', which involves skipping a task that is specifically required if it's not feasible or if it's causing a blockage, and instead making the interface resemble the required configuration as closely as possible.

Why is it suggested to configure an OSPF point-to-point network type and manual cost when skipping PPPoE configuration?

Configuring an OSPF point-to-point network type and manual cost helps maintain the routing design's integrity and allows other routers in the topology to function as intended, despite not having the PPPoE connection.

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What is the potential downside of using the workaround methods?

The potential downside is that candidates will forfeit the points for the questions they choose to workaround, but the aim is to gain more points by completing other sections of the exam.

Why is it important to avoid getting stuck on a single problem during the CCIE lab exam?

Getting stuck on a single problem can prevent candidates from completing the exam, as they may run out of time before reaching other sections that could contribute significantly to their score.

What is the main reason for providing these workaround strategies?

The main reason for providing these strategies is to help candidates pass the lab by ensuring they can attempt as many questions as possible within the time limit, rather than failing the exam due to being blocked by a single question.

What is the significance of OSPF virtual links in the context of the provided scenario?

OSPF virtual links are significant because they connect routers in a non-backbone area to the backbone area, allowing different areas to communicate. In the scenario, a virtual link from R2 to R3 would make R3 an ABR and enable communication across area 1.

What could be some reasons for OSPF virtual links not working as expected?

Reasons could include an OSPF path cost greater than 65535, ACLs blocking OSPF unicast messages, or unknown authentication settings in certain areas.

How does Nick Russo suggest candidates approach studying for the CCIE exam?

He suggests incorporating these techniques into their study routines and practice labs to see if it improves their scores and allows them to finish the test with more time remaining.

What is the advice given for candidates who have attempted most of the exam with time left?

The advice is that they can always come back to the tasks they initially worked around or skipped and try to fix them, making the most of the remaining time.