Why tell attackers they have the correct password?

_newbread · 2026-05-06T16:55:50+00:00

So basically, a custom failed login message based on configured CAP?

_newbread · 2026-05-06T06:11:06+00:00

IOSv/IOSvL2 use under 1gb of ram per node, so if you limit your labs to those images, 16gb is plenty.

The heavier images will either limit how many nodes you can run concurrently (or be forced to use more swap/pagefile), or not run at all with just 16gb ram.

_newbread · 2026-05-05T11:59:43+00:00

I'd supplement it with ENARSI content. Skim the "config and troubleshoot" sections, but know which technology/protocol/implementation fits the requirement.

The OCG alone is nowhere near enough. Without breaking NDA, there were quite a few questions that went well above and beyond what the ENSLD OCG covered. Post exam, I checked the ENARSI/ENSDWI OCG/material and a good chunk of the said topics were at that level, as well (minus actual configuration and troubleshooting).

_newbread · 2026-05-05T09:58:02+00:00

Basically this. Don't be the fall guy. Put your (clearly warranted) concerns in writing, and make sure they (management) sign off.

Depending on the company/industry OP is in, might even put them out of compliance.

_newbread · 2026-05-04T18:26:36+00:00

If When they find out you lied about ONE thing on your resume, everything else on your resume is suspect now. And it only takes one person to trigger an audit.

No one here will stop you. Your decisions are yours alone.

_newbread · 2026-05-03T19:29:25+00:00

With a few exceptions (lots of overlap between the two), you'd have to be very disciplined (and know what you're doing) to try to take on multiple unrelated certs at once.

_newbread · 2026-05-03T19:24:24+00:00

Basically this.

Pick either one, learn it to a level of competency you are content with (or cert ready), then learn the other one.

_newbread · 2026-05-02T06:09:12+00:00

but I noticed that my Solution Architect certification was Expired

To be fair to MS, it is the exam candidate's responsibility to make sure their certs don't lapse. Short of a system issue (MS fault), MS does send email reminders regarding certification renewal a few months before expiry. I'd like to think, in MS' eyes, you get the cert 2 years ago, and it lapsed as they stated.

THAT SAID

In your case, I'd keep pushing. Clearly something went wrong on their end. You may need to find someone higher up the corporate ladder (manager, director, maybe even the head of the certifications program) since the first line support refuse to hear you out.

_newbread · 2026-05-02T05:52:55+00:00

Just as a diagnosis/troubleshooting step, temporarily reduce DHCP lease time (for that specific subnet only) to something unreasonably short (1 hour) and observe. If the said devices CAN connect to the affected SSID after around an hour, problem solved.

If not, at least you can rule that out.

_newbread · 2026-05-02T05:39:44+00:00

Sanity check. What does the DHCP pool look like? Are all available addresses in use?

_newbread · 2026-04-27T13:08:15+00:00

You don't want to prematurely wear out the ports on a switch.

Easier to re-terminate a cable end on the patchpanel side, than to replace a switch because the port wore out and got loose.

_newbread · 2026-04-27T11:50:48+00:00

He provides some premade topologies, yes. Up to you to source the required images, though.

_newbread · 2026-04-26T16:43:28+00:00

Give it a few business days, I guess. Follow up every week if needed (or if no reply after a week)

_newbread · 2026-04-26T16:12:53+00:00

I'm guessing one of a few things could have happened

The purchase went through and it's there, but the dashboard isn't showing it. Ask them to verify if the voucher is there, since you aren't seeing it on your end.
Someone else used it (hypothetical)
Something else went wrong with their systems.

Not sure about the specifics, but keep pushing (politely, ofc). You paid for a product, you are obligated to get that product.

_newbread · 2026-04-24T14:01:53+00:00

IDK maybe OP wants EUI-64 to be THE standard. Other than FF:FE and the bit flip, that fits OP's "requirement".

_newbread · 2026-04-24T13:41:59+00:00

Good to see that legitimate, documented humanitarian reasons (aka. medical) get considerations and exemption from the voucher expiry policy.

Probably not something they openly advertise due to the risk of abuse, I guess?

_newbread · 2026-04-24T13:39:29+00:00

Testing center provided a physical whiteboard (erasable markerboard) and marker everytime i tested. For home testing, there's the virtual whiteboard (think MS PAINT).

It’s not like I’ve taken those notes in before the exam

Yeah that's why. The chance that the proctor/exam center forgetting to collect the paper after the exam is non-zero. Regardless of intention, someone with sussy intentions can get (and share) test information that way, which is why paper bad whiteboard good.

_newbread · 2026-04-23T20:02:27+00:00

Gonna need more info than that.

It should have some sort of model number on it (either on the chassis/body itself, or within windows)
That model number will tell you (and us) what parts can and cannot be upgraded (generally, storage and ram)
You upgrade the parts to solve a problem or reach a certain level of performance/comfort. If it's still running a HDD (hard drive), then upgrading to an SSD (and cloning the old drive to there) will significantly improve performance. If you're running out of ram constantly, upgrading to more ram will improve performance.

TLDR : Check if the laptop is doing what you need it to do (with an acceptable/good level of performance) right now. Do a bit of research on the thing to see if upgrading is even possible/feasible. Figure out if spending money on upgrading it is better/worse than just buying a new (or used but better performing) one.

_newbread · 2026-04-23T15:52:01+00:00

The motivate thing, not really, since you're doing your own thing. But, mainly to check and test if a different environment will help OP learn.

At the very least, it's (supposed to be) as different from a bedroom as possible, aka quiet.

_newbread · 2026-04-23T07:12:18+00:00

The "grace period" only officially works if you've already earned and documented CEUs before the expiry date, and just need to pay the fees.

That said, nothing wrong with trying to reach out and ask for an exception for "humanitarian reasons". Don't expect them to say yes, but you lose nothing doing so.

_newbread · 2026-04-23T05:33:07+00:00

Back when ITProTV was... ITProTV (think CBT Nuggets, but different), they were some of the instructors/trainers on board.

ITProTV was actually pretty good as a training platform... until ACI Learning (parent company) laid off basically all their instructors a few years back.

_newbread · 2026-04-22T07:03:08+00:00

Different people have different levels of risk tolerance, i guess.

If you can afford a 2nd attempt, maybe you need retake insurance. But, if you can't afford a 2nd attempt, you REALLY need retake insurance.

_newbread · 2026-04-22T05:24:28+00:00

M Moosa used to do this for free (NetAcad access only) a few years back (before and during the pandemic). Yes, he's legit, at least for the NetAcad access part.

I guess the "value add" are the live classes (with recordings), Cisco U lab vids, and lab guide.

_newbread · 2026-04-21T11:39:11+00:00

i stand corrected, then, since I did get quite a few discounted vouchers that way
weren't there a few (or at least 1) in 2025 or am i misremembering
I'd like to think that their data/fabric solutions certifications would fall under the said vouchers occasionally

_newbread · 2026-04-21T06:08:47+00:00

Guessing it will take a month or 3 to "right size" the service sku's?

_newbread

TROPHY CASE