Cbt.nuggets.-.cisco.ccip.bgp..642-661..with.jeremy.cioara.training
If you have access to these files, they are an excellent resource for learning BGP theory and IOS configuration, even if you cannot use them to pass the 642-661 exam for credit. They provide a strong foundation that applies directly to modern network engineering roles.
CBT Nuggets Cisco CCIP BGP (642-661) course, led by the legendary Jeremy Cioara
, is widely considered a "gold standard" for engineers looking to master the complexities of the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). While the CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional) certification has since been retired and evolved into the CCNP Service Provider track, the fundamental BGP concepts taught in this series remain highly relevant. The "Jeremy Cioara" Factor
The standout feature of this course is Jeremy Cioara’s teaching style. He is known for high-energy, enthusiastic delivery that makes dry, technical topics like BGP attributes and route reflectors engaging. He uses a "whiteboard" approach, drawing out topologies in real-time, which helps in visualizing how traffic flows across autonomous systems. Core Content Highlights
The training covers the 642-661 exam objectives with a focus on practical implementation: BGP Fundamentals
: Deep dives into peering (iBGP vs. eBGP), neighbor states, and the underlying TCP mechanics. The BGP Best Path Selection
: This is often the hardest part of BGP; Jeremy breaks down the weight, local preference, AS-path, and MED attributes in a way that is easy to memorize and apply. Policy Control
: Extensive coverage of prefix lists, route maps, and community strings to control inbound and outbound traffic. Scalability
: Explanations of Route Reflectors and Confederations that are essential for large-scale ISP or enterprise environments. Conceptual Clarity : Jeremy excels at explaining
BGP behaves the way it does, rather than just showing you which commands to type. Real-World Context
: The course often steps away from the "exam-only" mindset to discuss how these protocols are used by actual Internet Service Providers. Digestible Length
: Videos are broken into "nuggets" (usually 20–40 minutes), making it easy to study in short bursts. Dated Exam Focus If you have access to these files, they
: Since the 642-661 exam is retired, some specific "Cisco-isms" or legacy commands might be less useful for modern certifications like the ENARSI (300-410). Lack of Hands-on Labs
: While Jeremy demonstrates the configurations, the course itself doesn't provide a built-in virtual lab environment (though it's easy to follow along using GNS3 or EVE-NG). Final Verdict
If you are looking for a technical deep-dive into BGP that feels like a conversation with a mentor rather than a dry lecture, this series is an excellent choice. Even years after its release, it remains one of the best resources for truly "getting" BGP. , or are you just trying to learn BGP fundamentals
It looks like you’re referring to a classic piece of training material from CBT Nuggets: the Cisco CCIP BGP (642-661) course taught by Jeremy Cioara.
While I can’t reproduce the actual video content or copyrighted transcripts from the course, I can certainly write a descriptive and nostalgic piece about what that training represented, its structure, and why it became legendary among network engineers studying Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).
Here’s a piece capturing the essence of that training:
Jeremy didn't lecture. He performed. His voice—equal parts surfer dude, storyteller, and drill sergeant—turned dry protocol mechanics into campfire tales.
He would stand in front of a whiteboard (actual marker, actual board—no fancy graphics) and draw autonomous systems as clouds. Or circles. Sometimes as rival gangs of routers. He’d personify BGP attributes: "Local Preference is like giving your buddy a VIP pass. Weight? That’s the bouncer who really likes you."
The 642-661 series followed a golden arc:
Jeremy Cioara is one of CBT Nuggets’ most celebrated instructors, known for:
His BGP course is widely regarded as a classic for learning BGP from the ground up. Jeremy didn't lecture
This series was designed to prepare students for the Cisco 642-661 BGP exam, which was part of the CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional) certification. The instructor, Jeremy Cioara, is widely regarded as one of the most engaging and effective technical trainers in the industry.
The course focuses entirely on Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), the routing protocol that backs the Internet. It moves from basic concepts to advanced configurations.
Core topics covered include:
The 642-661 exam focused specifically on BGP configuration and troubleshooting on Cisco IOS. The series breaks down complex topics into digestible "nuggets" (short video segments). Key topics include:
This is the crucial question. The 642-661 exam is retired. Cisco replaced it with CCNP Service Provider tracks (SPROUTE, 642-883, etc.). However, the content remains historically and practically relevant for three reasons:
Jeremy Cioara’s CBT Nuggets BGP 642-661 course is a legendary training series in the networking world. Even though Cisco has evolved the CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional) into newer certifications like CCNP Enterprise, this BGP content remains a masterclass in understanding the "Protocol of the Internet."
Here is a promotional post you can use for a blog, social media, or a training forum:
Unlock the Core of the Internet: Mastering BGP with Jeremy Cioara
If you want to understand how the global internet actually functions, you have to master the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). While many certifications touch on it, Jeremy Cioara’s CBT Nuggets: Cisco CCIP BGP (642-661) training is widely considered the gold standard for turning complex routing theory into practical, "real-world" skill.
Jeremy’s high-energy teaching style strips away the dry technical jargon found in textbooks. He focuses on the logic and "why" behind the protocol, making even the most advanced topics—like Route Reflectors, Confederations, and Path Selection Attributes—accessible and easy to remember. Why this course is still a must-watch:
The "Protocol of the Internet": Learn how BGP connects over 70,000 Autonomous Systems worldwide. His BGP course is widely regarded as a
Path Manipulation: Deep dive into weight, local preference, AS-Path, and MED to control traffic flow.
Scalability: Understand why BGP is the most scalable routing protocol Cisco has ever standardized.
Jeremy Cioara’s Logic: Benefit from a legendary instructor who explains how the protocol thinks, not just how to type commands.
Whether you are studying for your CCNP, preparing for the CCIE, or just want to stop being intimidated by your edge router’s config, this training provides the foundation you need.
Ready to dominate the routing table? Check out the course at CBT Nuggets and start labbing today! Key Highlights of the Training
BGP Neighbor Relationships: Setting up eBGP and iBGP sessions.
Decision Process: The step-by-step logic routers use to pick the best path.
Policy Routing: Using Prefix Lists and Route Maps to filter updates.
Advanced Architectures: Implementing Confederations to manage large iBGP meshes.
Who is your target audience? (New students, experienced engineers, or recruiters?)
Where are you sharing this? (LinkedIn, a personal blog, or a study group?)
Before the era of whiteboard animations, before CML and DevNet sandboxes, there was a digital oasis for networking students staring down the barrel of Cisco’s CCIE track. That oasis was CBT Nuggets, and its high priest was Jeremy Cioara.
For anyone who studied for the Cisco CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional) exam 642-661—officially titled Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers—the name alone triggers a specific kind of muscle memory. It wasn't just a video series. It was a four-to-six-week boot camp for the soul.






