CCIE Routing and Switching written exam

So this past Monday I decided it would be a good idea to take the R&S written exam after studying on and off for 7+ months. Needed a 790 to pass and got a 706.

Although it sucks I failed it, I’m not too disappointed. The two areas that caused me to not pass were the two areas I have absolutely no practical experience in, IP Multicasting and MPLS. I must say though there were a bunch of routing questions I just stared at and said WTF. I’ve looked at study labs and configurations, but I still always think to myself, “Who the heck would do this?” Now I have a better idea of what I actually need to study.

So, I’ve spent the past week reading Developing IP Multicast Networks and have Routing TCP/IP volume 1 on the list to read. I figure I will give it about a month and then go back to take it again. Then after I pass this time, I can really focus on the hands on configuration stuff. I’m pretty lucky because lately some opportunities have presented themselves to me that will really help me grow and prepare for the lab. I’m really looking forward and can’t wait to begin the final journey.