Cisco certifications overview - career path options


If a Cisco certification into account, you must understand how to organize your programs so that you match up with your career needs (depending on where you are now).

There are 3 levels of Cisco certification based on your growing experience and expertise: entry level is the associate, mid level is the professional and the highest level is the expert.

There are a number of specialist Cisco certifications to showcase your knowledge in specific technologies, solutions, or job roles available.

General certifications: three levels of certification

Cisco associate .the first step in Cisco Networking starts at the staff level.See this as the apprentice or foundation level Cisco networking certifications.

Cisco Professional .This is the advanced or journeyman level Cisco certification.

Cisco Expert .This is the highest level of performance for Cisco network professionals, certified an individual expert or master.

Then, there are 6 different paths, you can follow your General Cisco certification ambitions:

Routing and switching: this path is for professionals, installation and support of Cisco technology-based networks in the LAN and WAN routers and switches are.

Design: this path aimed at professionals, the design Cisco technology-based networks in the LAN and WAN routers and switches are located.

Network security: this path aimed at network professionals who design and implement Cisco Secure networks.

Service Provider: this path solutions in a Cisco end-to end environment especially within the telecommunications arena is targeting professionals, working with infrastructure or access.

Storage Networking: this path is for professionals, the implementation of storage solutions advanced network infrastructure with multiple transport options.

Voice: this path is for network professionals, installation and maintenance of voice solutions over IP networks.

Cisco qualified specialist certifications

Finally there are a variety of focused certifications to present your knowledge in specific technologies, solutions, or job role available employee.new certifications are regularly to this list are the Cisco qualified specialist certification hinzugefügt.Diese and include:

Access to routing and switching LAN

Content networking

Foundation for channels

IP communications certifications

Optical certification

Storage networking certifications

VPN and security certifications

Wireless LAN certifications

So there have es.Ein snapshot overview of the Cisco certification options. for further information on any of these certifications can visit our website: http://www.cisco-certification-central.com







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A brief history of Cisco certification training


Lerner was founded in 1984 by a couple named Len Bosack and Sandy Cisco systems. Were computer busy engineers at Stanford University in nearby San Francisco California. The name Cisco originally written with a small c comes from San Francisco. It creates the first commercially successful multi-protocol router. This was exactly the right product at the right time as enabled previously non-compliant computers communicate with each other there. The Cisco router was so instrumental in the creation and growth of the Internet. Change the Internet of of standard protocol (IP) in the need for a multi-protocol router dramatically but was cutting, at that time the company well established and able to diversify into other networking system products.

In 1990 only six years after the founding company went to the public and the name was changed to Cisco systems. The founder was a nice profit of about $ 170 million. In the following years the company grew.Before the dot com bubble burst, Cisco Systems is one of the richest companies in the Welt.Heute was short, the company has managed to stay up to date systems networking and has maintained its position as market leader in Internet technology.

To 1993 the Cisco systems engaged in establishing the Cisco training academies. The idea was to offer global training network associates. Because they have been trained by Cisco, Cisco devices use the establishment of the Academy contributed to the growth of the company. Cisco training was founded as a benchmark standard for Network Associates and IT technicians.Cisco was also a leader in the introduction of which formal certification programs, competence and skill level of networking staff to versichern.Die idea that college training itself not guarantee a person's ability to do the job. Cisco certification training was set up to pass the candidates preparing certification exams.

Although in recent years, other companies programs introduced certification, Cisco certification is an important indicator of the skill level of a potential employee.This applies especially in the field networking.Zum currently sponsors Cisco systems ranging from CCIE (Cisco certified Internetwork Expert) CCSI 9 different Zertifizierungen.Sie (Cisco certified systems instructor) .the of most common and entry level certification is the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).







Companies of all sizes use Cisco Unified communications solution


Both large and small companies unified communications system as the first choice solution for your individual company make the Cisco more efficient, more productive through the use of Internet Protocol (IP) based communication have adopted has proudly announced Cisco systems ®.

Some of the companies that have the difference discovered that this system can choose containing Warner Pacific insurance services, c.j Hughes construction and JJ food service.You are in good company, as companies of all sizes are a pretty great return on your investment and their output zoom, all thanks to their choice of the Cisco Unified communications systems on the base approach allows to see Cisco's channel partners the impact such a plan to your business may have system beobachten.Dieser and gives you the ability to give your customers what you are looking for when it comes one communication and call center solution.

The unified communications system first emerged in the business world in March 2006. As an integrated collection of data, video and voice applications, the system was made to enable businesses of all sizes effectively provided by ability, information that cause of these companies would work more efficiently in turn.

Warner Pacific insurance services is a happy Cisco customer. This business is the employer of about 100 people and 35 workers are dedicated phone. Recently, this company decided make an addition to its Cisco Unified Communications System.This has been done to serve your customers faster your employees, and show a higher ratio of output to input for the company to allow Warner Pacific implements the Cisco Unified Personal Communicator as well as the Cisco recently unified presence server. This now allows Warner Pacific staff tools have the advantage of voice, video and Web conferencing for communication with clients. This allows you to work more efficiently and save the company money by reducing instances of phone tag.

Michael DeDecker is network administrator for Warner Pacific insurance services, and is well pleased by Cisco Unified communications. He found that no guesswork is required, with the world that communicate with this system and attempt calling the most people on the first can be achieved. The innate intelligence of this communication system provides the flexibility required, rising to enable productivity.

C.j. Hughes construction

Even a small or medium-sized enterprises can of the Cisco Unified communications-system's ability to grow easily derive advantages if the workload and the need for entsteht.C.j. Hughes construction, located in West Virginia, uses the power of the Cisco Unified CallManager Express 4.0 and Cisco Unity Express 2.3 as their strategic advantage for your customer contact Center.Sie find, that this system your business relationships which makes a bit more streamlined, as well as communicate better.The system is certified with a fixed monthly rate by a Cisco Premier ® and a unified communications specialized partners.A managed service is perfect for a company of this size for companies all options that may have to come without paying from the capital, with such a service is especially useful because it makes it much easier to take care of voice messages with the correct priority service to implementieren.Das IP telephone with its screen display.Needs of the customer service is a snap with Cisco!

JJ food service AG

This business is a loyal customer of Cisco for quite some time.JJ food service limited stands out as one of the top independent food distributors in Großbritannien.Sie continue their position in the top rankings, as an upgrade on leaving the existing Cisco system using the tools required, use the new capabilities in the Cisco Unified Communications System.

Features such as for example video phones easier to use, Session Initiation Protocol support SIP are also known as support and a wonderful new presence technology work together, to this company more consistency to allow JJ food service AG has implemented Cisco Unified CallManager 5.0 in the distribution in all its offices for voice services, and Cisco is also used unified Personal Communicator for employees to improve your communication with each other.

The IT Manager at JJ food service RIF Kiamil, says that the company has long believed that the Cisco communications system all boundaries the in between employees, partners and customers, can be reduced, the amount of money spent on communications, and has put together continue to make thought processes data, voice and video in a way around it.

Cisco Unified Communications is a mobile phone and is a single system to the to the added quality.its is known to be helpful in the business world by employees to the appropriate resources on NULL.Das system includes many new features, functions, applications and Produkte.Dazu Cisco Unified CallManager, Cisco include Cisco Unified unity, unified Personal Communicator, Cisco Unified MeetingPlace, Cisco Unified IP Centre and Cisco Unified presence server and customer interaction Analyzer contact.







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Beat the career goal with Cisco certification


Cisco certifications are IT professional certificates to recognize individuals, your CISCO network expertise. Most certificates are issued, after taking and passing the Cisco exams centres provided by Cisco. Cisco training and Cisco certification are worldwide performed in numerous Cisco authorized training center. Cisco certification measures an individual's level of competence and expertise in Cisco networks.

There are many available Cisco training of depending on an individual's skills. A complete Cisco certification ensures passing the Cisco exams. Cisco certifications are provided, based on different levels.There are usually 5 levels of Cisco certification, mainly in entry, associate, professional, expert and specialist be divided layers würde.Allerdings the three levels are identified and described.

First is the CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate.Dies is the first level in a number of Cisco training and certification and of small Office/Home Office (SOHO) Setup used. It provides the necessary Cisco certification training for LANSs, Wan, and dial up services for 100 nodes or fewer networks.

Is the CCNP or Cisco Certified Network Professional. This is the second level certification. Cisco training certificate provides LAN, WAN, and dial up certification for 100 to 500 node networks.

CCIE or Cisco certified Internetwork Expert is the highest level certification from Cisco.This is for IT professionals who want to focus on the concepts of routing and switching WAN switching and SNA / IT integration.This Cisco training requires the work in the lab for a real hands on experience.

All Cisco certification training qualified teachers deliver the knowledge for all Auszubildenden.Die most IT professionals who want to have an edge in the IT market review is Cisco training and zertifiziert.Diese offers Cisco warranty you have the advantage that, most of the top companies suchen.IT professionals, high career goals find Cisco training and certification as the decisive factor in career goals.







About Cisco certification career opportunity


We know that Cisco has certification has become the hottest certification today. Because drive networks to economic growth, cooperation, and human interaction, the need for networking growing talent in importance. IDC is the prediction as much as a 40 percent between demand and supply of technical networking skills by year 2012 gap. As a result, Cisco certification have more chance of a successful IT company working. For others, the new can be curious in this certification, why most large companies certified professional are interested getting Cisco and how much you are willing to pay.

"Career opportunities in networking abound and include a wide range of experiences from software applications and system design troubleshooting global networks that include communication, all business, Government and person to person," said Jeanne Beliveau-Dunn, senior director for Learning@Cisco."Networking offers people a great opportunity for career advancement in learning about the world, business and ways to improve the human Interaktion.Das Cisco training and certification program offers network designers and engineers with a solid foundation on which you will change how people work and communicate in the future."

"" Networks support almost every industry today including travel, fashion and entertainment and their presence is probably in the future, less won't ", said Christopher Cugno, senior network engineer for DreamWorks Animation SKG."Holding a Cisco certification enabled the career of my dreams give me, and now I have the opportunity to work for one of the most respected production studios in the world."

Introduction of Cisco certification and what you can bring it

In General, Cisco offers 3 levels of certification: Associate, professional and expert level. The first stage of the Cisco certification system is the entry level and starts certification Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification as an intermediate step to associate level or directly with CCNA and CCDA.

The second level is the Associate certification, certification CCNA and CCDA certification is composed.

Professional certification Cisco as CCNP prove applies with the ability to work with medium-sized networks (between 100 and 500 end devices) and with technologies such as QoS, broadband, VPNs, and security-conscious Features.Die CCDP certification is an advanced network design certification from Cisco systems, Inc. candidates are provided for certification are for advanced knowledge of Cisco devices and together getestet.ZK DVO, CCVP, CCSP certifications are also professional certifications from Cisco.

Expert level certification is the Cisco certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) it is the highest level of professional certification, the Cisco provides. 6 April 2008 there are 16,335 people with active CCIE certifications in the world.[11]. There are 5 active CCIE tracks: Routing and switching, CCIE Security, CCIE service provider, CCIE Voice, CCIE storage networking.

Cisco Professional salary survey

In recent years are average values for all Cisco certifications bis-- and not only by a few tausend.Beispielsweise the average salary was in 2004 for those, a CCNA instead of 60,000 U.S. dollar-now, the number to a little more than $76,000 jumped ist.High end Cisco certifications as well, with, for example, the average CCIE, reporting a content of something more than $116,000, up from $102,000 a few years ago.

So, when preparing your Cisco certification, you will regret for revenue, get after you certified.

Although those displayed right now high drive Cisco certifications, it is important to remember all other factors that go in the average Gehälter-, that you average sind.Erfahrung, job skills (Cisco-related and others), your employer, your position-all these will play strongly earn what.

Also remember that the labour market-in your area and insgesamt-- kann.So enable a dime if you are new to IT (especially if you're new to IT), don't think you will be able to jump and earn what are people in this survey; the next 12 months can bring something completely different.







Why choose professionals Cisco certifications are


Cisco - it is one of the multinational companies providing valuable certification courses for IT professionals. According to current economic conditions, it very difficult to shine in a particular field. That also information technology, it has become a situation certified professionals with some IT certification courses for the. In this respect, Cisco help candidates learn more certifications in different areas of specialization in IT to win.

What are Cisco certifications available?

Cisco offers different types of certifications and each certification is know in a specialization.For example, is CCNA (Cisco certified Network Associate) certification of the full details on networking concepts.This certification candidates can learn more about basic networking concepts such as installation, troubleshooting, configuration, etc..There are also several certifications can where select candidates according to their field and for more chances to suchen.Im some of Cisco tests offered by Cisco and you are following:

(1) CCNA
(2) CCNP
(3) CCIP
4. CCENT
(5) CISSP
(6) CCNE
(7) CCSP
(8) CCDE
(9) CCVP
(10) CCIE Voice etc.

There are offered several certifications from Cisco to reflect the latest changes in information technology.In addition, candidates are show interest in certification Cisco certifications every year.

Reasons why the candidates for the Cisco certification:

There are several reasons for candidates, the selection of Cisco certifications for your Karriere.Einige of the main reasons are as follows:

(1) As the top is a Cisco-company with its different branches all over the world is most can certify candidates with certifications from any part of the world.
(2) Cisco certifications are accepted all over the world and candidates will have maximum opportunities around the world.
(3) In multinationals preferences are given the professionals, the appropriate knowledge in particular domain verfügen.Cisco exams courses are updated frequently on the current trend and therefore successfully certified candidates may receive settings in top level companies.
(4) A further aspect is about salary in Unternehmen.Erfolgreiche certified candidates may perform various activities that help the company or customers, tailored to befriedigen.So, candidates can for salaries in multinationals fordern.Auch companies are willing to provide maximum benefits candidates who know a particular domain.
(5) Since the certification for three years is valid, candidates need to upgrade your certificate hold valid.So candidates can learn more about a particular domain.
That also information technology, it has become a situation certified professionals with some IT certification courses for the.In this respect, Cisco help candidates learn more certifications in different areas of specialization in IT to win.

What are Cisco certifications available?

Cisco offers different types of certifications and each certification is know in a specialization.
For example, is CCNA (Cisco certified Network Associate) certification of the full details on networking concepts.This certification candidates can learn more about basic networking concepts such as installation, troubleshooting, configuration, etc..There are also several certifications can where select candidates according to their field and for more chances to suchen.Im some Cisco certifications that are offered by Cisco and you are following:

(1) CCNA
(2) CCNP
(3) CCIP
4. CCENT
(5) CISSP
(6) CCNE
(7) CCSP
(8) CCDE
(9) CCVP
(10) CCIE Voice etc.

There are still several certifications from Cisco to reflect the latest changes in information technology offered in addition are candidates interested in certificate with Cisco certifications every year show.

Reasons why the candidates for the Cisco certification:

There are various reasons for candidates select certifications for your Karriere.Einige of the main reasons are as follows:

(1) As the top is a Cisco-company with its different branches all over the world is most can certify candidates with certifications from any part of the world.
(2) Cisco certifications are accepted all over the world and candidates will have maximum opportunities around the world.
(3) In multinationals preferences are given the professionals, the appropriate knowledge in particular domain verfügen.Cisco certification courses are updated frequently on the current trend and therefore successfully certified candidates can receive settings in top level companies.
(4) A further aspect is about salary in Unternehmen.Erfolgreiche certified candidates may perform various activities that help the company or customers, tailored to befriedigen.So, candidates can for salaries in multinationals fordern.Auch companies are willing to provide maximum benefits candidates who know a particular domain.
(5) Since the certification for three years is valid candidates need to update your certificate to keep gültig.So candidates can learning more about a particular domain.







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Build your own Cisco home lab for newbies


You can start, your own Cisco home lab use many simulators available out there on the Internet, but nothing like the real Cisco equipment.

Imagine, Cisco devices in your own LAN, awesome haben.Und also a real hand experience to configure Cisco devices increase may certainly your chance to pass the Cisco certification exam.

If you have more budget in your hands, then go for it, buy used Cisco routers and switches.You can you at a truly affordable price - in comparison to the real new Cisco price, you are looking at a price of US$ 1,000 for a device.

Discounts can used Cisco sellers up to 90% or more erhalten.Obwohl you devices but Cisco devices are hard, but still have, be careful when you buy, check the seller reputation, and ensure that you have guarantee of at least 6 months.

Then get what devices, there are many Cisco devices because you need these devices draußen.Wenn to your own lab for the CCNA exam, is the key to know what subjects in the test are tested.

See, you definitely need routers and switches, you are at least 2 routers and 2 switches.

Router

2 Routers can routing protocols, and practice on VLANs, VTP, etc. to simulate leave 2 switches.

The best router to use Cisco CCNA home lab I think is the router for 2611, they are cheaper than others, it has slots that you add expansion cards, if you must update your router, VOIP, WAN, etc. to enable.

The 2611 costs from no more than US$ 80 to 200 depends on where you buy.

If you have more money to simulate WAN on your network can the WIC 1T module (US$ 30-50) kaufen.Die CCNA exam tests on WAN protocols, my mind to, to have the WICs but feel it is not too important, then go for it, if.

Have completed your WAN environment can router additional 2523 at less than 100 $ erhalten.Dieser router when you pretend fungieren.So frame relay switch can, to be located halfway around the world to cool an ISP in your LAN that connects two different routers.

Switches

The next thing is the switch, need no large layer 3 switches for the CCNA exam, plus it can each cost more than US$ 500.

Can you 2924 or 2950 buy something like catalyst switch should enough for testing. 12, 24 or 48 ports? it's all up to you.

What affect you if you need to purchase the switch is that you check all ports on the switch, sometimes only a few of the ports got damaged.

Cable

One other important things, but often forget used Cisco first buyers are the Kabel.stellen you sure the seller deploy cable configuration of Cisco devices with the power and console.

One end of this cable console is RJ45 plug into the Cisco equipment and at the other end is the serial port for serial port of your PC.

Can your own console cable, but it is much easier to get it from Cisco.

If you use the WIC cards are then should the DB 60 crossover cable, you connect this cable to the WIC card to another router in a row.

Access to server / router

You don't really need in you LAN network access server, but it's so convenient that someday you but you would need.

Access to server can connect to all Cisco devices on your network, without having to plug and pull the console cable between routers and switches.

The 2500 series router (2509 2510 2511, 2512) buy, for server access, need to get the octal cable.

Octal cable is a cable which has one serial port on one end it at your router's asynchronous port Plug and isn't at the other end, just one, but 8 console RJ45 cable.

Only one octal cable to control up to 8 Cisco devices.

Thats it, many people will suggest different devices for your Cisco lab, it is happiness really up to you and your Budget.Wenn you enough to have a pretty full Cisco home lab for under US$ 1,000 and I must say that many people because out there that will sell what aufgerufen.Cisco lab kits are Cisco lab Kit purpose have sets of Cisco devices for certification laboratory kits for CCNA to CCIE and the most important is that you sell with pretty good price.

More about creating Cisco home lab from my blog Networking Newbie, thank you for your visit.







How to earn Cisco firewall Specialist certification


Security is a hot topic in today's networks and will continue for a long time to come. With that in mind, you must consider your resume and firewall capabilities, add to your skill set a Cisco security certification.

It is quite a leap from the CCNA has on the Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP and Cisco leap more manageable by Zertifizierungen.Diese can add Specialist certifications your CV and your skill set give quite a boost, and act as a great "stepping stone" for the CCSP.

Cisco currently offers four VPN/security certifications, people, Cisco firewall specialist, Cisco IPS specialist, Cisco VPN specialist, and Cisco VPN/security sales Specialist.Da of each WAN engineer contact with Cisco firewalls on a regular basis has, let's take a closer look at this popular certification first. (And those who want WAN be engineers had something about firewalls to learn better!)

At this writing (October 21, 2005), Cisco is an option for each of two tests offer you pass to need to earn this certification.For the first test, you can either the 642-551 SND (Securing Cisco network devices) or 642-501 SECUR (Securing Cisco IOS networks) nehmen.Der last day for the SECUR exam is 19 December, 2005.

For either you need to be able to answer questions about the proper use of Cisco security measures; How: configure security on a Cisco switch and a router, including syslog logging, AAA, access control lists, and security for router services and interfaces.

642-522-SNPA (securing network with PIX and ASA) and 642-521-CSPFA are the choices for the second test.Topics for these tests include IPSec, NAT, firewalls, AAA and policy mapping.(As always, you should check for the latest exam blueprints on Cisco's website.)(Click on "Learning and events" on the main page http://www.cisco.com).

The only requirement for this certification is that you must hold a valid CCNA certification.

As always, some practical experience preparing the best way to your Cisco certification exams.("Your employer is a little angry to get if you your configs on its or your PIX practice.")It would be a good idea, a good lawyer to have be.)There are included online-rack-rental services, Cisco security devices in your pods.

Cisco are certifications a great way to your career as you know your network to Schützen.Je more and more diverse your skills, you become valuable your current and future Arbeitgeber.Verwenden you your CCNA as a foundation and build keep you on your skills!







HP's Cisco attack - Schoolin' "-Forbes (blog)


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HP's Cisco attack - Schoolin' '
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Cisco vs Nortel vs? -Who would you choose and why?

Ett fel inträffade vid avserialisering av innehållet i svarsmeddelandet för åtgärd Translate. Kvot för maximal stränginnehållslängd (8192) har överskridits under läsning av XML-data. Den här kvoten kan ökas genom att inställningen för egenskapen MaxStringContentLength ändras i XmlDictionaryReaderQuotas-objektet under generering av XML-läsaren. Rad 1, position 8684.
Ett fel inträffade vid avserialisering av innehållet i svarsmeddelandet för åtgärd Translate. Kvot för maximal stränginnehållslängd (8192) har överskridits under läsning av XML-data. Den här kvoten kan ökas genom att inställningen för egenskapen MaxStringContentLength ändras i XmlDictionaryReaderQuotas-objektet under generering av XML-läsaren. Rad 2, position 8822.

Here's the scenario..... you've been tasked with a design and installation of the network infrastructure for a new location in your company. For the purposes of this question your choices for equipment at the new site are between Cisco and Nortel and ?? (routers, switches, hubs, etc.) .... and the network backbone will be DS3 bandwidth with connectivity to other company locations (WAN). Note: you can substitute OC3 bandwidth if it's more applicable to you .... but realize it changes the network equipment configurations for the scenario somewhat due to the application of SONET technology.

For a general philosophy ..... when you need business critical spend the money and make it perfect (Cisco). When at the edge and not business critical, (e.g. you can afford a little downtime if needed) buy solid products that compete directly with Cisco but cost a bit less.

In one case a friend uses HP at the edge and in wireless situations where uptime is not critical. They use Cisco at the core and with wireless where uptime is essential. All that being said, the HP performs just as well, costs about 25%-50% less and has a lifetime guarantee. So to answer the question, in this case I would suggest vendor three (HP) for all the switches, hubs, etc... and Cisco at the core, but if you only have two choices, then really I think you only have one, Cisco. They're the biggest in the U.S. for a reason.

Here's a tip ..... take a look at the ProCurve product line from HP. Another friend recently switched from a mix of Cisco and Netgear to all HP and had no failures. When they needed support, their question was answered the same day from a very knowledgeable service representative. They did have one piece of equipment that was DOA but had a replacement the next day.

As far as backbone connectivity - the Cisco MGX 8800 Series switch is a superior product to the Nortel 15K WAN switch,.but that is only aplicable if you are using ATM or FR as a layer 2 transport protocol in the core. If you are using MPLS or some other protocol over IP I would suggest one of the Cisco 12 K routers running IOS XR - Nortel dosent even have a comptable product (Juniper however does but that is outside the scope of this discussion.

The difference between Cisco HTTS support and Nortel Support is night and day - that should influence your decision right there.

As far as LAN switching - the Cisco 6500 Catalyst platform is the winner hands down against the Nortel 8600. Thee 8600 is easier to configure but is simply not for the enterprise never mind a carrier class soloution. The 6500 is faster, but much more complex, but out performs the 8600 and is infinitely more flexible as far as module options. The 6500 series also has the edge as far as max number of Gig-E ports.

As far as hubs - get a switch or otherwise segment the broadcast domain.

If I were looking for a voice switch or anything capable of interfacing with the world of TDM voice, I would go Nortel over Cisco...If those were my only two choices.

While Nortel makes great voice equipment, their policies and procedures are not very customer friendly.

Cisco has better support, and for any data-centric needs, I would definitely go with Cisco.

If I were building a VOIP network, I would use Cisco for my core routing, but I would use Nortel over Cisco for my softswitching and media gateway.

Now, Nortel supports MPLS networks and has been engaged in supporting standardization in MPLS before 1998.

A recent article shows that the Nortel ERS 8300 bests the Cisco 4500 ...... showing between 75%-301% higher forwarding rate and 12% greater power efficiency.

Of course, there's the fact that the New York Stock Exchange runs on a Nortel data network (4 year old Nortel press release).

While I feel I could probably spec out a dozen network designs that would lean towards Nortel, there are clearly good reasons to go Cisco, such as if you implement a Cisco Call Manager. Likewise, there are reasons for which you would clearly choose Nortel (being power efficient is one of them).

I will opine that you well always get a sub-optimum outcome if you select a vendor first and sort out the product selections and configurations subsequently. Unless you have almost no time to do so, write up a specification which everyone except Americans know as a request for tender and issue it to the suppliers concerned, and I don't see why you wouldn't include Avaya and others in there as well. Word the specifics definitively (e.g. the system shall be able to operate for a minimum of four hours following the loss of mains power. Comply/does not comply/partially complies), include a scope of works and get vendors to respond with compliance statements, warranties (i.e. FREE maintenance for six months), maintenance contract proposals and pricing. Not only can you compare the various systems feature by feature (features you have listed because they are important for your business) but it's amazing how much pricing tends to be reduced when vendors know there's genuine competition.

Regarding these two, part of Cisco's strategy is to make it very inconvenient to attempt to integrate any non-Cisco components into a Cisco network. One of your requirements could be interworkability.

Cisco is the best and the least risk for you from a long-term perspective. I have found Cisco switches to be extremely stable, some switches I have seen had been up since 4+ years without a reboot. With Cisco you also have the advantage of excellent documentation, and plenty of skilled people to support your or share information online. Also, at the L3 switch level Cisco has no peer as the code used on the switches is based on their legendary routing platforms.

If Cisco is too expensive or you would like to diversify, look at Foundry or HP. Or better yet use Cisco at your L3 and core, and deploy HP chassis switches for your user connections. HP chassis switches are priced similarly to other vendor's stacking solutions, and they come with a lifetime warranty and free software updates. The CLI is also quite Cisco-like.

Given the choice of two, I would have to say Cisco, purely from a support angle - both from a vendor support perspective and from recruiting qualified staff (permanent or contract) for in-house support. CCNA/DA, CCNP/DP, CCIE - the streets are littered with them, but Nortel-accredited engineers are few and far between, and consequently a more expensive commodity.

In terms of features, functionality and performance, I would say it was too close to call, that specific model ranges would have to compared directly (port densities, PoE and multi-Gbps support for example). Besides Cisco, Nortel, and HP you could also make various cases for more cost-effective solutions from the likes of Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei, Foundry etc.....

To boil it all down ..... this is a religious question. Those of us who have been around long enough remember this "No one was ever fired for buying IBM". This was a marketing strategy that IBM used for quite a while. It worked! Cisco is using this same strategy now.

Cisco makes some amazing products, and they support them amazingly well. There are several other manufacturers of fabulous equipment on the market too though. HP, 3com, Extreme, and Nortel are a few. Here is what I believe. 3com and HP both make great equipment, Extreme equipment is on par with Cisco as far as capabilities, and Nortel is good.

I love the 3com 5500 series stackable switches, and they are only about ½ the price of comparable Cisco switches. HP also has great stackables, but I don't feel the quality is quit up to par with 3com. Extreme isn't Cisco but is considered to be very high end. I believe Nortel to be an also ran.

If you need to call the factory for tech support often, Buy Cisco period. The tech support is the best in the industry. If you are capable of designing and maintaining a network based on industry standard protocols, and are good at figuring things out on your own, buy 3com or HP.

No one was ever fired for buying Cisco. (I hope that someday this changes just as it did for IBM. But today it is still true).

Whatever direction you decide to go for similar situations with YOUR business ..... or if you've decided and are looking for a local vendor ..... you can get help finding the right fit for local support from multiple vendors including Cisco, Nortel, HP et al at Broadband Nation.