Doing this cold, I've zero current experience with VoIP, other than knowing it exists, that I've used it, and sometimes, call quality is crappy when the WAN link is congested. Since Dieselboy is getting ready for this exam, I thought I'd build out a study guide for it. First step, the syllabus:
1.0 Video Concepts - 21%
1.1 Describe the functional components of video solutions
1.1.a Provisioning and scheduling Management
1.1.b Video compositing
1.1.c Streaming video
1.1.d Recording and storage
1.1.e Media players
1.1.f Media convergence
1.1.g Media managements
1.1.h Video convergence
2.0 Endpoint Configuration - 32%
2.1 Describe video product models
2.1.a Mobile devices
2.1.b Desktop systems
2.1.c Multi-purpose systems
2.1.d Surveillance cameras and encoders
2.1.e Immersive systems
2.1.f Peripherals and add-ons
2.1.g Cabling connections
2.1.h Digital media players
2.2 Describe environment recommendations
2.2.a Room lighting recommendations
2.2.b Room acoustics recommendations
2.2.c Room power recommendations
2.2.d Room HVAC recommendations
2.2.e Room materials (windows, floor material, wall material, etc.)
2.2.f Room size and background wall
2.2.g Viewing distance
2.2.h Physical security recommendations
2.3 Implement desktop endpoints and surveillance cameras
2.3.a Network settings
2.3.b GUI interface and CLI
2.3.c Control plane
2.3.d Cables
2.3.e Test call
2.3.f User acceptance test
2.3.g Microphone calibration
2.3.h Camera calibration
2.3.i Media playback on PCs
2.4 Describe features and functions
2.4.a Auto collaboration
2.4.b MCU capabilities versus TelePresence Server
2.4.c Audio add in
2.4.d PIP
2.4.e FECC
2.4.f Resolution setting
2.4.g Multi way vs multi-site
3.0 Troubleshooting and Support - 31%
3.1 Describe troubleshooting methodologies
3.2 Identify endpoint issues
3.2.a Cabling
3.2.b Peripherals
3.2.c Network connectivity
3.2.d Registration
3.2.e Call setup
3.2.f Media quality
3.2.g Mid call feature issues
3.3 Collecting system information
3.3.a Logs
3.3.b Status
3.4 Manage configuration
3.4.a Backups
3.4.b Restore
3.4.c Reset to defaults
3.4.d Password recovery
3.5 Implement key CLI commands
3.6 Monitor events and alerts
4.0 Conferencing Concepts - 10%
4.1 Describe multi-point control units
4.2 Describe conferencing features
4.2.a Switching and layout options
4.2.b Cascading
4.2.c Conferencing add-ons
4.3 Describe scheduling vs adhoc vs on demand features
Now that I have a syllabus, I need to start collecting Cisco White Papers, Wiki articles, RFCs, and the like to help explain these concepts. The Official Certification Guide (OCG) will have a lot of this material, but we also know that the OCG will not cover *all* of the material. Therefore, setting that OCG aside (which is easy for me, since I have no OCG for this test), we will look for materials that will both provide review for OCG concepts as well as build them out more completely.
Review questions should NOT be multiple-choice. They should be open-ended and, preferably, require an explanation. That way, should a test question arise that is similar to the review question, but is looking for something slightly different, the person who gave a good explanation will be well-equipped to handle the tangental question, as well.
Some questions, like "what port does (x) use?" won't have much of a "why" about them, except to quote back the RFC defining that requirement or something similar.
All good searches start with Google and Wikipedia. So, I google up the wiki page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisco_TelePresence
At the bottom, are two links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDYNxrfQ5Lg/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBVfIPoOSFc/
These are TelePresence Keynote speeches. Let's give them a go. Since they're text only from talking heads, we can speed up the video to 1.5x speed to get it over with faster. Once we're done here, we'll dive into the Cisco site and see what we find. But these are good because they get us started on the idea of what Cisco *wants* to be right, and that helps to color their choices of correct answers on tests. This is most apparent on sales/marketing-type questions, as Cisco hopes for people taking their tests will also promote and help sell their products. I don't fault them for that - cert programs have long been used to evangelize for vendors.
Above videos led to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he2eSqLTV0w
I've actually used one of those bad boys. They are pretty slick.
Planning the call manager implementation
http://ptgmedia.pearsoncmg.com/images/1587051397/samplechapter/1587051397content.pdf
Consider these issues when making a VoIP decision
http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-10595_11-5606258.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=tr
voip-info.org
https://www.voip-info.org/
CCIE/CCVP Voice: Understanding Telephony Protocol
http://www.networkworld.com/article/2344006/cisco-subnet/ccie-ccvp-voice--understanding-telephony-protocols.html
:joy:
Ristau's links show an important source of material: CCIE and CCNP-level materials. Yes, this may be a CCNA test, but the E and P level material will give plenty of information and insight necessary to go above and beyond the demands of the A level test.
Our philosophy here is not to do only what is barely needed to pass an exam, but to excel at one's study sufficiently to be able to do the job that goes with the exam.
Thanks guys.
This design guide is handy and contains key info too.
https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/solutions/collateral/collaboration-endpoints/c07-643449-00_tp_dg.pdf
Now, as you read, ask yourself general questions about the key concepts. Ask yourself definition questions, even if they seem stupid, like "what is a codec?"
In answering those, you may uncover a new insight.
Passed this exam today :) Thanks for all of your help here it was very helpful. I also bought the kindle version of the OCG (but I wish I had bought it on hardback). I didn't know but I also get "Cisco Video Network Specialist".
The previous CCNA Voice was counted towards this CCNA Collab and meant I didn't need to take the CICD certification. So now I have CCNA Collab.
Also since I have already passed 2 of the CCNP Voice exams, one of them is counted towards CCNP Collab. I have to take: CTCOLLAB, CAPPS and CIPTV2. There's no OCG for CTCOLLAB though.
Not sure which one to take next.
What's covered in each of those tests?
And as for passing:
:applause:
Way to go. nice end to the season with a P. now you can start fresh for the next.
Cheers! I was frustrated to have to take CCNA for the 3rd time. Need to clear CCNP now. Think I have a year to do the three remaining exams and stay focused and on-track :)