CCIE Security - ISE 2.1.0 Deep Dive: Labs

It looks like you're looking for a comprehensive set of labs to guide you through the installation, configuration, and verification of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) 2.1 and 2.2, with a focus on various authentication protocols like MAC Authentication Bypass, Dot1X with MD5, PEAP, and AD integration, as well as dynamic VLAN assignment and DACL enforcement.

The labs you've listed cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Installation of ISE using ISO or OVF.
• Integration with Active Directory and LDAP.
• Certificate management (self-signed and Microsoft CA).
• Backup and restore procedures.
• Patching and upgrading the ISE appliance.
• Configuration for MAC Authentication Bypass, Dot1X with different authentication methods, and dynamic VLAN assignment.
• Verification of various configurations and protocols.
• Local and central web authentication.

For each lab, you would typically follow a sequence of steps that include:

1. Preparation: Ensure all prerequisites are met, such as networking, AD/LDAP configuration, and certificates.
2. Installation: Set up the ISE appliance on a server or virtual machine.
3. Initial Configuration: Configure basic settings like hostname, NTP, and admin credentials.
4. Integration: Integrate ISE with your identity sources (AD/LDAP).
5. Authentication Service Configuration: Set up the authentication services you need, such as Dot1X, MAC Auth Bypass, or web authentication.
6. Dynamic VLAN and DACL Assignment: Configure policies for dynamic VLAN assignment and DACL enforcement based on user credentials or device status.
7. Verification: Test the configurations to ensure they work as expected. This includes verifying that users can authenticate, are assigned correct VLANs, and that policies are being applied.
8. Backup and Recovery: Regularly back up ISE configurations and verify that you can restore from these backups in case of an issue.
9. Patching and Upgrading: Keep the ISE appliance up to date with the latest patches and updates.
10. Documentation: Throughout the process, document your steps, configurations, and any issues encountered for future reference.

Remember that the specific steps can vary depending on your network infrastructure, the version of ISE you are using, and the exact requirements of your environment. Always refer to the official Cisco documentation and best practices when configuring ISE in a production environment.

If you're new to Cisco ISE, it's recommended to start with the basics and gradually move on to more complex configurations. Each lab will build upon the knowledge gained from the previous one, so it's important to understand each step before moving forward.

Overview of Course Rating and Feedback

The course has garnered a global rating of 4.25, with all recent reviews considered. The feedback indicates that while some aspects of the course are well-received, there are notable areas for improvement in terms of content repetition and the level of detail provided in explanations.

Pros:

• Content Relevance: Users have found the practical labs to be well-prepared and easy to follow, with some users successfully replicating these labs outside of the course environment.

• Practical Application: One user commended the instructor for providing a "good in practical labs" experience, suggesting that the hands-on approach is beneficial.

Cons:

• Repetition: A common theme in the feedback is that a significant portion of the course (approximately 50%) feels repetitive, with some users expressing frustration at the instructor covering the same steps, such as adding a switch to ISE, multiple times in each video.

• Explanation Depth: The majority of reviews suggest that the explanations given are lacking in depth and clarity. Users have pointed out that the trainer often just describes the step-by-step process without providing theoretical background or detailed explanations.

• Content Coverage: There are recommendations to include better explanations before starting with lab work, and to cover additional topics related to ISE that were not addressed in the course material.

• Version Specificity: Some users felt that the course content was outdated, particularly noting that the content for version 2.1.0 could have been skipped in favor of the more recent version 2.2.0.

• Unnecessary Waits: The course design includes unnecessary wait times at the beginning of each lecture, as viewers are forced to watch the instructor go through pinging and connecting to the GUI, which takes up to 2-3 minutes per lecture.

• Theoretical Explanation: A significant gap in the course is the lack of theoretical explanations for many vital subjects. Users expect a CCIE or even CCNP level of detail, which this course currently does not provide. Specifically, there is a demand for more comprehensive explanations of protocols used in labs, including licensing details for ISE.

• Language and Clarity: One user noted that the explanations were only given for actions taken, without any explanation of why those steps were necessary, which is crucial for learners aiming for a deeper understanding of the technology.

Suggestions for Improvement:

• Reduce Repetition: Streamline content to avoid repetitive steps that do not contribute to understanding more complex aspects of the course material.

• Enhance Theoretical Explanations: Provide detailed explanations and theoretical background before moving into practical exercises. Discuss how the components used in labs are utilized in real-world deployments.

• Update Content: Ensure that the content is up-to-date with the latest versions of the software or technologies being taught.

• Improve Pacing and Clarity: Address unnecessary wait times in lectures and clarify steps by explaining the reasoning behind certain configurations.

• Increase Level of Detail: Aim to elevate the content to a level that is appropriate for learners aiming for advanced certifications like CCIE or CCNP, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the subjects covered.

Final Thoughts

While the course has received some positive feedback for its practical lab exercises, there is a clear consensus that the explanations and theoretical content need significant improvement to meet the expectations of professionals looking to advance their knowledge in this field. Addressing these issues will likely enhance the overall learning experience and improve the course rating.