Rowell Dionicio

Husband, Father, & Tech Nerd

Attendee Guide To Cisco Live 2019

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Cisco Live is making its way back to the West Coast which is easier for me to travel and attend. There’s no excuse to miss it. I’ve attended Cisco Live since 2016 and have had a great experience each time. It gets better every single year for me. And last year I probably attended more social events than sessions but I also learned the most.

There’s still time to register. You’ll get a lot of value attending Cisco Live. This will be my 4th year attending which means I will be meeting NetVet status! There are some extra benefits when becoming a NetVet:

  • Access to the NetVet Lounge
  • A free e-book from Cisco Press
  • Priority session scheduling
  • A unique conference lanyard
  • Priority keynote seating
  • Reception with Chuck Robbins

While San Diego hotels cost a lot more, the location couldn’t be far from perfect. I used to live in San Diego for over 10 years. I also wanted to provide some tips post-CLUS. San Diego is a great vacation destination so I assume many of you will be spending personal time, either before or after Cisco Live.

  • That’s a nice Lego cover
  • Anyone going to Cisco Live?
  • Skip the lines, don’t line up for coffee!
  • You’ll never know who you’ll find on the plane ride to CLUS

Cisco Live

C9800 WLC

With the C9800 WLC announcement, we can guarantee to hear a lot about the IOS-XE based controller. Completely different from the converged days I’ll be booking my sessions to learn the ins and outs of where Cisco wireless is headed.

7 New Ways To Fail as a Wireless Expert

Still, one of the best sessions you can join if you’re a new or seasoned wireless professional. If this is showing up for 2019, I highly recommend attending this one live. Steven Heinsius puts on a good show, he’s entertaining and keeps the discussion fun. His sessions get filled easily, even though Cisco gives him one of the largest rooms!

Mobility Express

What’s new with Mobility Express? Are we going to see any updates? Mobility Express has potential as long as Cisco can continue to develop this platform. They can easily get preoccupied with Meraki and the new IOS-XE wireless LAN controllers.

Intent-Based Networking

Cisco has been pushing the intent-based networking message for many years now. How far have they come along? Is DNA prime time? When should we move to the software-defined networks? How does it compare to the competitors’ solution? Do we still need multiple servers to take advantage of all the features? I’d like to hear some use cases of who has DNA in their environment and how it’s working for them.

802.11ax

If you haven’t heard from Clear To Send, in our news segment of episode 160 and 161 we mentioned new APs that were identified in FCC applications. Will we hear about 802.11ax at Cisco Live US? 2019 would be posed to be the year of 802.11ax. Looking at Cisco Live Barcelona there are one or two sessions on designing for 802.11ax so we could see this coming up soon.

Programmability / Coding

One goal for me in 2019 is to focus on learning Python. It’s inevitable for network engineers. We want work to be faster, more efficient, and automated. When it comes to working with Cisco technologies, what can we do to utilize APIs to extend the capabilities of our devices? What data can we gather to display actual results or actionable next steps?

In addition to the sessions catered to programmability, I highly recommend checking out the DevNet Zone in World of Solutions. There are multiple different sessions available tackling automation with Meraki, access learning labs, workshops and more. You get hands-on in the DevNet Zone.

Podcast Domain

You can catch me recording a Clear To Send episode at the podcast domain. Ever since this has been included, thanks to Lauren, I’ve enjoyed interviewing different people from within Cisco. You can check out some of these episodes here: Cisco Advanced Services and Location-Based Services.

Cisco Champions

Being part of this great group of individuals has truly been a game changer at Cisco Live. All Cisco Champions have gathered together for group photos, tours of the World of Solutions prior to Cisco Live, viewing future technologies Cisco is working on, and getting a whole lot of interaction with fellow Cisco Champions.

Meetups

Cisco Live is one big social event. I find that I learn more by speaking with my peers. While we all chat on Twitter, Slack, and WebEx Teams, it doesn’t match the interaction you get in-person. There are many meetups and parties you can attend to meet new people or finally meet that person you’ve been tweeting with. Stay on top of social media to find out when Twitter, Cisco Champion, happy hours, and other meetups occur.

Conference Tips

  • Bring walking shoes.
  • Bring a jacket – sometimes the A/C is blasting inside the conference.
  • Bring sandals (to hit the beach after your last session).
  • Portable battery packs – for your mobile devices.
  • Drink plenty of water – it’s best you bring your own reusable. I like to use my Hydro Flask. Empty out the contents before you pass through TSA.
  • Tylenol might be useful for those headaches. Either from learning so much by the fire hose or from partying the night before.
  • Add Lyft to your phone. You’ll want to get places quickly without renting a car.
  • Add Lime to your phone. Don’t want to ride in a car? It’s San Diego, take a scooter down the Embarcadero.
  • Book your sessions once they’re available. Some fill up quickly and you’ll be let on the waitlist.
  • Book your exam early! Schedule it on Saturday or Sunday before the chaos of the conference begins.
  • Download the Starbucks app. The lines for coffee get really long. Download the app and do mobile purchase. Skip the lines.
  • Don’t bring a backpack. You’ll get one at Cisco Live.
  • Leave room in your luggage. If you plan on grabbing swag, this is the conference that will fill up your bag, easily.
  • Hang around after each of your sessions and thank the presenter.
  • Check out DevNet Create and get hands on.
  • Bring sunglasses.
  • Bring a hat. San Diego doesn’t get too hot but it may be sunny!

A Blast From Cisco Live Past

Here are some of the highlights from the last three years attending Cisco Live.

Selfie with Chuck Robbins
Selfie with Theresa Payton – Former CIO of the White House
Meeting Bruno Mars before his performance. And yes that’s him, not a wax figure!
Got interviewed by Robb Boyd

What To Do In San Diego

Tacos

Tacos el Gordo 🤤

Every time in San Diego I must stop by the best taco shop anywhere, Tacos El Gordo. Other fine Mexican food establishments

  • La Posta (hole-in-the-wall) – My absolute favorite
  • Lolitas
  • Tacos El Gordo

Beautiful Beaches

Just a quick drive over the Coronado bridge and you’ll be in one of the most scenic locations in San Diego. Make some time to dip your feet in the water and grab a drink from the Hotel del Coronado. Take a couple of selfies of this wonderful beach. Did you know the dunes in the sand spell out Coronado?

Balboa Park

Only 20 minutes away from the convention center is a popular destination in San Diego. Balboa Park is home to Spanish architecture and incredible museums such as the Space Museum and historic museum.

San Diego Zoo

If your family is coming along for the summer vacation, be sure to stop by the zoo. It’s next door to Balboa Park. It’s a large Zoo with plenty to see.

Embarcadero

Take a Lime scooter down the Embarcadero. It’s a beautiful location. You’ll have the wind in your hair. Just watch out for the pedestrians.

Lego Land

Perfect place to take your kids. Adults love it too. Last time I was here they had the actual set from the Lego Movie.

USS Midway

Have you ever set foot on an aircraft carrier? San Diego has one that was converted into a museum. It’s a short walk from the Convention Center and is worth checking out even if you just want to take photos.

Views of San Diego

There are three locations where you can get a great scenic view of Downtown San Diego:

  • Harbor Island Drive – Near Island Prime restaurant
  • Coronado Centennial Park
  • Cabrillo National Monument

Final Thoughts

Cisco Live is really about relationships. I go to this event because I value the people I interact with on social media and look forward to seeing them in person at this yearly event. It’s also a great time to meet new people, learn new technologies and a way for me to get excited about what’s to come.

Get out of your comfort zone and walk up to people you may know from Twitter. Let someone know you’ve read their blog. We’re a friendly bunch. Introduce yourself and share your knowledge no matter how much you know. Just arrive with a smile.

You can catch me at Cisco Live 2019. Hit me up on Twitter and come find me. I’ll be handing out Clear To Send stickers.

Committing To Think Python

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Think Python is a free book written by Allen B. Downey. It’s the second edition which covers Python 3.

Think Python replaces his original book, How To Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning with Python. Allen B. Downey is a computer scientist and professor.

In August 2018, I had set my goals on completing Learn Python The Hard Way. It was too hard lol

Honestly, the learning style just wasn’t for me. The most I got out of it was learning about functions. But I nearly finished all the lessons.

Why Think Python

What draws me into Think Python is the teaching style. It’s straight to the point without anything extra or unnecessary. The examples are easy to follow. Each chapter has a few exercises and includes a glossary for the chapter which I found very useful.

Another good reason to read Why Think Python, it’s free. You can download the PDF or view it in HTML online.

Learning Process

I’ve struggled to find a learning process that is both simple and easy for me to follow. Largely, my schedule and commitment to coding have affected anything I do with Python. So I’m coming around again in 2019 to document my progress.

By sticking with Think Python, starting out with the Interactive Shell, Atom, and a few good people online such as Josh Schmelzle and Hank Preston I believe I’ll make some useful scripts with Python to automate more of what I do.

My Goals

  • Complete Think Python
  • Begin working on a project
  • Learn to code with my son

Meraki To Release 802.11ax Access Points

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I had forgotten to add a Links & Resources section to the Clear To Send show notes for episode 60. I was adding links to the upcoming Cisco 802.11ax access points.

When obtaining the links I needed, I came across new Meraki 802.11ax access points:

These FCC applications were submitted in January 2018. But it appears that this may be released soon.

MR55 8×8 802.11ax Access Point

Here’s an idea of what the AP will look like including the label and it’s location on the access point.

MR45 4×4 802.11ax Access Point

And here’s the MR45.

The boxes are most likely not to scale. 2019 could be the year all the vendors release their 802.11ax access points.

What are your thoughts?

Passing CCNA Wireless 200-355

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For almost a year I’ve had a goal of passing the CCNA Wireless exam. With a smile, I can say that I’ve successfully passed the CCNA Wireless exam after spending 40 minutes in the testing center. My Cisco certifications have been renewed until 2022.

My Cisco certifications date back 10 years ago when I first passed the CCENT.

The version of the exam I studied for was the 200-355 WIFUND,  Implementing Cisco Wireless Network Fundamentals. While this exam is dated, being that I passed in 2019, the study material still contained good information on Cisco controllers. I believe WIFUND came out late 2016 or early 2017.

Either way, the exam is overdue for an update to include the latest Cisco wireless technologies. There are still references to the failed Converged Wireless based on 3850 switches. Even old lingo to marketing terms we barely hear about now.

But nonetheless, having to get one step closer to CCIE Wireless is good in my books.

Why CCNA Wireless

My wireless journey started with Cisco wireless controllers. At some point in 2018, I decided to pursue CCNA Wireless. At Cisco Live Orlando 2018, I nearly sat the CCIE Wireless written. I later changed my mind at the last minute and sat CCNA Wireless without studying. Failed miserably.

Turns out I didn’t know much of the language that is used and some of the really detailed values or exact GUI locations for configurations on autonomous APs.

My intent on taking CCNA Wireless was to increase my knowledge and teach others in the form of blog and video.

Study Materials

The primary method of studying was self-study utilizing the Cisco Press CCNA Wireless Official Certification Guide by David Hucaby.

The book covered the objectives for the most part. It’s detailed and easy to follow.

Other than the textbook I had access to different Cisco wireless controllers which made it easy in terms of having a “lab” for my studies. At the home lab, I also have a Cisco WLC 2504 and old Cisco AP3502i for autonomous AP labbing.

Following any study guide with labs is the best way to solidify a topic in your head. I highly recommend it.

For almost a year I was doing on and off studying. In December 2018 the studies became more formal and planned because I aimed for taking the exam by January 31st, 2019. The CCNA Wireless exam got pushed out multiple times until mid-February 2019.

What’s Next

The next logical step would be starting CCNP Wireless, 300-365 WIDEPLOY, but I may save that for Cisco Live 2019 in San Diego. I don’t intend to study for it beforehand.

My real goal, after passing, is to now focus on learning Python and developing blogs and videos based on CCNA Wireless.

Keeping Up With The Resolutions

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Every year we go through the same old motions. We recap the previous year, add up all our wins and compare it to our losses and think, what happened to my resolutions? There aren’t many people who set resolutions and there’s an even smaller percentage of people who are successful in achieving them.

Begin setting resolutions
BEGIN.

Resolutions Need to be S.M.A.R.T.

Resolutions should not be vague. I’m sure you’ve heard of S.M.A.R.T. It’s a good place to start when talking about resolutions and goals. Defining resolutions should begin with the following:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Relevant
  • Timely

Make Them Specific

I used to make vague resolutions every year. It was rarely successful in reaching them. One reason: my resolutions were too vague. There was no meat to my resolutions and I forgot about them 2 months into the year.

The first step in defining your resolution this year is to make it specific.

Here’s an example:

I’m going to get into networking

Better:

I will get my CCNA by studying every day for the next 6 months so I can be ready to take the exam and pass in June 2019 so I can be prepared to get into networking.

Make it Measurable

Goals that aren’t written down are nothing but a dream. With the example above, I started with a vague statement. It wasn’t measurable at all. When I further defined it I added a pass date of June 2019. That makes it measurable. It’s precise.

We can go further to say that each practice exam you take you want to score 80% and higher. That’s measurable success to your CCNA studies.

Is It Attainable

With a resolution now written down, read it over again and ask yourself, is this attainable? Can you commit the time and resources to achieving your resolution?

We often times make unattainable resolutions in the beginning of the year. One time I said “I’m going to get my CCIE”. Realistically, that just wasn’t going to be possible for me to do within one year. I had two young kids and was working long hours. It was far out of reach. Unattainable. Also, most people study more than a year for the CCIE.

Take another look at your resolutions to identify which ones are truly attainable this year. Can they be done in a reasonable time frame.

Is It Relevant?

Why did you make that resolution? Are you going for a certification to help you get a new job? Is it to get a raise at work? Or maybe you want to increase your technical knowledge. Whatever the reason may be, it must be relevant. You should know why you’re going after this goal to begin with. The relevance of the goal will help put your mind in the right place.

Make It Timely

A resolution should not be made without a plan. Simply saying the resolution out loud will not help you achieve success. Create a plan which outlines the steps to get to the end result.

This is where you can make an actionable step to your resolution. If we take the earlier example, getting a CCNA, what steps should be taken to get it? There’s reading, practice labs, and practice exams. Those steps can be broken down to even smaller actionable steps.

Get Going

Resolutions may be a temporary start to the new year. But it’s possible to tackle even the smallest resolutions. It takes focus and prioritization.

I’ve modified Warren Buffett’s 5/25 rule. His rule is simple: You write down your top 25 goals. Circle your top 5 goals out of the list of 25. You then focus only on the top 5.

The way I’ve done my resolutions for 2019 was to select the top 5 goals I can complete within 6 months. Now I can achieve more faster in a shorter period of time. Of course, looking at these goals they have to be S.M.A.R.T.

I have them written down and tracked. I’ll look at them regularly to see where my status is.

Here are my resolutions for the first 6 months of 2019:

  • Pass my CCNA Wireless with over 90% by February 1st.
  • Maintain a healthy eating lifestyle and lose 20 lbs by June 1st.
  • Create an CWNA email course on Clear To Send by March 15th.

To be honest, you won’t hit all your goals. We’re not perfect. Life happens. But with a process we can be one step closer to achieving them.

Or you can keep a simple resolution which works well for me:

Be Better Than You Were Yesterday