Cisco authorized self-study book for CCSP VPN foundation learning

• Evaluate the features, functions, and benefits of Cisco VPN products
• Understand the component technologies that are implemented in Cisco VPN products
• Learn the procedures, steps, and commands required to configure and test IPSec in Cisco IOS Software and the Cisco PIX Firewall
• Install and configure the Cisco VPN client to create a secure tunnel to a Cisco VPN Concentrator and Cisco PIX Firewall
• Configure and verify IPSec in the Cisco VPN Concentrator, Cisco router, and Cisco PIX Firewall
• Enable interoperability among the Cisco VPN Concentrator, Cisco routers, and Cisco PIX Firewalls
• Apply scalability and advanced configuration features supported in the Cisco IPSec implementation

With the recent availability of high-speed Internet connections to the home and the continued move of workers out of central office locations (whether for travel, telecommuting, or branch office expansion), virtual private networks (VPNs) have become a critical part of corporate network architectures. VPNs use advanced encryption and tunneling to permit your organization to establish secure, end-to-end, private network connections over third-party networks, such as the Internet. This new networking paradigm not only adds to the efficiency of the corporate workforce, but it also saves money by leveraging third-party networks and allows you to scale your networks with greater ease.

Cisco Secure Virtual Private Networks is a Cisco authorized self-paced learning tool. It is a comprehensive, results-oriented book designed to give you the knowledge you need to plan, deploy, and manage VPNs in your network environment. Beginning with an overview of VPNs and IPSec, the book introduces you to the Cisco(r) VPN family of products. It then delves into the details of configuring and troubleshooting IPSec site-to-site VPNs on Cisco IOS(r) routers and Cisco PIX(r) Firewalls using preshared keys and digital certificates. You learn how to install the VPN 3000 Concentrator and how to configure it for remote access using preshared keys and digital certificates. Monitoring and administration techniques are also presented. The book concludes with a discussion on the scalability solutions available for IPSec VPNs. Each chapter includes an explicit set of learning objectives and concludes with a set of review questions to assess your understanding of the material. Numerous examples are provided throughout, and detailed diagrams help clarify concepts presented in the text.

Cisco Secure Virtual Private Networks provides you with a complete solution for designing, implementing, and managing Cisco VPN networks, helping you make the most efficient use of your VPN solution.

Cisco Secure Virtual Private Networks is part of a recommended study program from Cisco Systems(r) that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press. To find out more about instructor-led, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered by authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide, please visit www.cisco.com/go/authorizedtraining.

This volume is in the Certification Self-Study Series offered by Cisco Press(r). Books in this series provide officially developed training solutions to help networking professionals understand technology implementations and prepare for the Cisco Career Certifications examinations.

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Chapter 4, explaining IOS Router for CA Site-to-Site, starts out with an example of two routers (RouterA, RouterB ) and a CA server but on Step 6 mystery router R1 makes an appearance. At this point the subject matter becomes confusing, examples of output from R1 are shown, is this router really RouterA? I'm not sure if we're using general keys or specialkeys? You flip back and forth through the chapters pages trying to overcome the confusion. Eventually you glean enough, ignoring the inconsistancies and move on.

The screen snap shots in the later chapters are of poor quality ( blurry ).

So, buyer beware. There are other errors but these annoyed me the most.

Presumably you would consider buying this book to help you pass the CSVPN test as I did. A good part of this material is available on CCO but it is fragmented among many separate documents. The one redeaming quality of this book is that it condenses that material into a portable, organized book form and , like or dislike, leaves out material that is not likely to be on the test.

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:

70% of the content are from MCNSMay 08, 2002
By Alex Loo
I agree the comment from the reviewer:dason4500. In addition, I want to point out that 70% of the content in this book are from MCNS. The remaining 30 % are two chapters mentioning about VPN3000. If you are preparing for CCIE Security, please consider MCNS as VPN3000 is not on the equipment list in the exam.

Prep for CSVPNMar 26, 2003
By Sarah
Hi guys, I have completed this book. Plan to appear for exam soon. Unable to find any free prep questions online. Do you know of any prep site to practice. Also appreciate some tips for this exam. Your early response is awaited. Thanks - Sarah

Poorly edited and technically subparApr 24, 2002
By dason4500
Please, please do not waste your money on this book. The book has errors every other page, the lack of overviews and general depth do not leave you in a position to truly implement these product lines, and I was forced on a number of occasions (see Chapter 9 for an example; configuring the 3000 concentrator) to question the editors' understanding of the technology. I purchase technical books monthly, and have bought Cisco Press on a number of occasions, including the MCNS coursebooks. This was the first time ever that I felt so disappointed that I felt compelled to write the Publisher, and certainly comment publically. Please consider other alternatives.

Poorly edited and technically subparApr 24, 2002
By dason4500
Please, please do not waste your money on this book. The book has errors every other page, the lack of overviews and general depth do not leave you in a position to truly implement these product lines, and I was forced on a number of occasions (see Chapter 9 for an example; configuring the 3000 concentrator) to question the editors' understanding of the technology. I purchase technical books monthly, and have bought Cisco Press on a number of occasions, including the MCNS coursebooks. This was the first time ever that I felt so ripped off that I felt compelled to write the Publisher, and certainly comment publically. Please consider other alternatives.

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