The topics covered will be more in depth than other introductory-level books of similar topics, and will span from layer 2 technologies such as switching, STP, ... » 

The topics covered will be more in depth than other introductory-level books of similar topics, and will span from layer 2 technologies such as switching, STP, etherchannel, and trunking, all the way to application layer security topics such as firewall inspection and intrusion prevention systems. Items being covered in the middle will include all the common routing protocols RIP, EIGRP, OSPF and BGP. Many other routing technologies and WAN protocols will be covered including Multicast, MPLS, Cable and DSL. Coverage of redundancy protocols such as HSRP, VRRP and GLBP will be examined. A thorough coverage of convergence topics such as how voice, video and wireless traffic affect the network, and what can be done to improve the effects such as QOS and queuing.

This book is a key component for any IT professional preparing for their CCNP certification, as it covers in-depth the topics tested on in all four CCNP exams: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (642-901) Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (642-812) Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (642-825) Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (642-485) CD includes the exclusive Sybex Test Engine, with two Practice CCNP exams, as well as author code files. «