Book Review: Cisco Routers for the Desperate, 2nd Edition

Cisco is a predominant player in the market for IP-based networking equipment. It provides routers and switches used to direct data, voice, and video traffic. Other products include remote access servers, IP telephony equipment, optical networking components, Internet conferencing systems, set-top boxes, and network service and security systems. Basically Cisco products cover more than the entire range of enterprise network products down to the network products used in SOHO and residential blocks.

Additionally it also provides services grouped in three divisions- Application Services , Technical Services and Remote Management Services. Latest strategic push from Cisco has been the Unified Computing System(UCS) putting a high benchmark for the competition to catch up to.

Cisco routers for the desperate is concise troubleshooting book in 125 pages, including an index. In addition to some basic router concepts, the book covers topics such as troubleshooting routers and upgrading Cisco's Internetwork Operating System(IOS).

The main focus of the book is on a small network administrator facing emergency situation. There are also tips on choosing the correct ISP and setting up redundant connections to the Internet using BGP and HSRP to multiple ISPs. In addition to the technical topics, there is useful advice about the risks that should not be taken in absence of SmartNet contract with Cisco.

All in all, a helpful guide covering the key areas of Cisco Routers. Should be a good read in preparation for the desperate emergencies.