thelinuxlink.net

Does anyone here run a cisco network? I'm being offered a position via dead man's boots that would have me essentially running a ds3 network for an ISP. The problem is that I essentially know nothing about cisco (or networking at all, really - my tcp/ip is so rusty it squeaks) - I can add and remove pvc interfaces on either the DSL level or T1 level, but really don't know my ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to atm or frame relay circuits. I'm honestly not sure wtf pvc really even means other than it's a way to x-connect data circuits. I'm being offered training (though I have to solidify what that means exactly) but I'm really not sure if one *can* be trained to take over an existing, fairly complex network with so little starting knowledge. An advantage I have is that I'm very familiar with this network since I already run a lot of the equipment on it, and handle building state-wide telephony circuits on its existing ds3 circuits, so it's not like I've never touched the network. I just don't know much about networking, period - that includes most data networking, and cisco networking especially.

Ideas?

So someone is offering to pay you to get training to do something you've never done before? And you're questioning whether or not you should do it? What's to think about?

Look at all the complicated crap you can do without even thinking about it. How much training did you get for that? Have some confidence in yourself, and just jump in and do it.

You might look into Freesco for a little practice. I'm not sure how closely it replicates the Cicso interface, but it would be fun to play with. Get a book on TCP/IP. It's not exciting reading, but you'll need it for reference. I picked up a used one at a bookstore. The protocols haven't changed that much in the last 10 years. This link has some good advice on TCP books.

If the network works now, all you really have to do is take credit for the fact that it's still working and come up with a solution when something breaks.