So I've been reading the CP books for my BSCN test. I understand OSPF and EIGRP like the back of my hand. They were very easy to understand.

Now Ive reached the BGP chapters and am having problems. I cant seem to get it. I'll read for 30 minutes and realize I am lost.

Did any of you run into this? What did you do? Is there some kind of basic primer I can read so I can get a good/fair understanding of BGP before I read the Cisco books?

I read Lammle's book first and got the basics of EIGRP and OSPF and then read the chapters in the Cisco book. I used the Lammle book as a "primer" and when I read the CP book I had no problems understanding the topics, in fact the cisco books clarified things the Lammle book was flakey on.

Anyway..not to ramble, what do you recommend to get over the learning curve for BGP?

Report this post to a moderator

If you really want to understand BGP, I recommend the "Internet Routing Architecture" cisco press book written by Halabi. Do make sure that you get the second edition. It worth to spend some times reading it.

Report this post to a moderator

Doyle Vol II gives a more scaled down look at BGP than Halabi, but makes for an excellent intro.

MadChef

Report this post to a moderator

It seems that you are where I was at while studying BGP. I thought I'd never understand what was being said. Then one day it all seemed to come together for me. I'm sure the same will happen for you. I found that Lammle was a complete waste of time for the BSCN and it seemed to me he rushed this book to the press. I read CP but also found and still find that "Cisco Certification, Bridges, Routers and Switches for CCIE's" by Caslow/Pavlichenko beneficial. Keep trying and it will eventually sink in.

Report this post to a moderator

So which book is better written?

If I buy the Doyle book will I read it once and then have to buy another book? Or is his writing enough for the BSCN?

Or is the Halabi book written well enough that somebody with a solid understanding of all protocols (except BGP (Dang-it!)) will be able to grasp the concept?

Thanks for the help guys. I know if I get over this last hurdle that I will be ready to take the 503.

Report this post to a moderator

Doyle volume I is the best book for IGP, but I think for BGP, halabi is better. But Doyle volume II has a great explanation of Multicast.

The caslow's book roughly explan all you need for CCIE exam.

All of them are great books, but if you want BGP -- go Halabi.

Report this post to a moderator

any ccie will tell you that doyle 1+2 are
essential and Halabi is the bgp "bible".
you are only going to see maybe 5 bgp q's
on ccnp test ; i seem to remember far more ospf q's.

Report this post to a moderator