David Bombal is a qualified Cisco Certified Systems Instructor. David Bombal (CCIE #11023 Emeritus) passed his Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Routing and Switching exam in January 2003 and is one of only a few Cisco Engineers who passed their CCIE labs on the first try.
David’s software and training materials have been downloaded over 100,000 times. Thousands of engineers, including you, rely on his tools and training daily.
David Bombal has created over 20 courses for HP that are used worldwide. These include various SDN courses and HP ASE certification courses (4-day Instructor-led training).
David has been teaching Cisco and networking courses for over 15 years and has delivered instructor-led courses in over 20 countries covering a wide range of Cisco topics from CCNA to CCIE.
He has also created Cisco engineer utilities such as the VPN Config Generator, software, training materials, EBooks, videos, and other products used worldwide.
23 Free Courses by David Bombal
Get unlimited access to all David Bombal free courses.
Introduction to SDN and OpenFlow
This introductory SDN and OpenFlow course explain various perspectives on what SDN is. The course also shows real-world SDN implementations in very large networks and highly secure networks.
You will also learn how OpenFlow separates control of networking devices and data planes.
Following that, you’ll see a hands-on demonstration of an application interacting with an SDN controller and Open vSwitch devices.
Cisco VPNs with GNS3 Labs: Practical GRE, IPSec, DMVPN labs
Learn how to use GNS3 to configure multiple Cisco VPNs.
Download the GNS3 labs and give them a shot! Alternatively, you can observe me configuring the VPNs.
You will receive GNS3 portable project files that you can import into GNS3.
Cool Cisco IOS commands. Master CLI tips = CLI like a Boss!
Learn time-saving Cisco CLI commands such as “/”, “+”, “more”, “linen”, regular expressions, and many more. When working with the Cisco CLI, you can save yourself hours. Learn networking tips and tricks from CCIEs and others with years of experience.
Why waste time searching for command output when the Cisco CLI makes it simple to search for text?
Many commands are covered in this course, and I will add more based on feedback.
CCNA MPLS Core technologies and MPLS Layer 3 VPNs: Exam prep
MPLS is one of the CCNA exam topics! To prepare for your exam, you must have a basic understanding of MPLS. This course explains what MPLS is and how it works. It then shows you how to configure core MPLS and MPLS L3VPNs practically.
This course delves deeper into the CCNP level to ensure that you are familiar with the CCNA exam topics and the knowledge required for the CCNP exams.
This course is hands-on and teaches you how to configure multiple routers (P, PE, and CE) with GNS3.
MPLS terminology includes C, P, PE, Label, PHP, VRF, MBGP, label pop, label imposes, label swap, and others.
CCNA RIP troubleshooting: Cisco CCNA and ICND1 exam prep
The Cisco CCNA exam requires knowledge of RIP troubleshooting. Cisco has listed the exam topic as “Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2 for IPv4”.
This course will walk you through several RIP troubleshooting scenarios and teach you how to resolve RIP routing issues.
Ascertain that you are prepared for either the CCENT/ICND1 100-105 or CCNA 200-125 exams!
Static Routing: Cisco CCNA and CCENT exam prep (ICND1/ICND2)
Prepare for the CCNA 200-125 or ICND1 100-105 exam topic of Static Routing. Pass the CCENT or CCNA exam the first time!
CCNA Campus & Ethernet troubleshooting: Cisco CCNA Exam Prep
You must troubleshoot Ethernet networks to pass the Cisco CCNA exam. You must comprehend ARP, MAC address learning, and Ethernet frames, among other concepts. You must be able to diagnose and repair Ethernet networks.
Cisco has listed the exam topic as “LAN Switching Technologies.”
This course will walk you through several Ethernet troubleshooting scenarios and teach you how to resolve Campus Network issues. Additionally, you will learn about the ARP protocol, layer 3 switchings, SVIs, and routed ports.
Ethernet is a networking technology family that is widely used in local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), and wide area networks (WANs) (WAN). It was first commercially available in 1980 and was first standardized as IEEE 802.3 in 1983. Since then, it has been refined to support higher bit rates and longer link distances. Over time, Ethernet has primarily supplanted other wired LAN technologies such as token ring, FDDI, and ARCNET.
The original 10BASE5 Ethernet standard uses coaxial cable as the shared medium. In contrast, the more recent Ethernet variants use twisted pair and fiber optic links in conjunction with hubs or switches. Ethernet data transfer rates have been increased throughout its history, from 2.94 megabits per second (Mbit/s) to the most recent 100 gigabits per second (Gbit/s). Ethernet standards define several different wiring and signaling variants of the OSI physical layer used with Ethernet.
Ethernet-connected systems divide a data stream into smaller units called frames. Each frame contains the source and destination addresses and error-checking data that enables damaged frames to be identified and discarded; more frequently than not, higher-layer protocols initiate the retransmission of lost frames. According to the OSI model, Ethernet provides services up to and including the data link layer.
Ethernet has maintained a high degree of backward compatibility since its commercial release. Other networking protocols have benefited from the 48-bit MAC address and Ethernet frame format. Wi-Fi, a wireless protocol standardized as IEEE 802.11, is the primary alternative for specific applications of contemporary LANs.
The Cisco CCNA exam requires that you know how to troubleshoot OSPF
Cisco has listed the exam topic as “Configure, verify, and troubleshoot single- and multi-area OSPFv2 for IPv4”.
This course will walk you through several OSPF troubleshooting scenarios and teach you how to resolve OSPF routing issues.
CCNA IP Addressing and Subnetting – Practical, Exam Prep
Subnetting is a skill that is required for the Cisco CCNA and CCENT exams.
Cisco defines this topic as “Configure, verify, and troubleshoot IPv4 addressing and subnetting.”
This course is unique in comparison to others. This course demonstrates how to create IP subnets and then configure a network using the subnets you’ve made.
CCNA EIGRP troubleshooting: Cisco CCNA and ICND2 exam prep
The Cisco CCNA exam requires knowledge of EIGRP troubleshooting. Cisco has listed the following exam topics for the exam: “Configure, verify, and troubleshoot EIGRP for IPv4 (except authentication, filtering, manual summarization, redistribution, and stub).”
This course will walk you through several EIGRP troubleshooting scenarios and teach you how to resolve EIGRP routing issues.
You must resolve EIGRP neighbor relationships, administrative distances, and physical issues.
You must understand how to troubleshoot EIGRP issues before taking the CCNA 200-125 or ICND2 200-105 exams.
CCNA BGP configuration and troubleshooting: Cisco CCNA prep
BGP knowledge is now required for the Cisco CCNA exam. Cisco has listed the following exam topics for the exam: “Configure and verify single-homed branch connectivity via eBGP IPv4 (only peering and route advertisement via the Network command)”
This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of BGP and will investigate multiple troubleshooting scenarios to assist you in preparing for the exam.
The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is an exterior gateway protocol that is used to exchange routing and reachability information between Internet-connected autonomous systems (AS). The protocol is frequently classified as a path vector protocol but is also classified as a distance-vector protocol occasionally. The Border Gateway Protocol determines to route based on paths, network policies, or rule-sets configured by a network administrator and is involved in core routing decisions.
BGP is a routing protocol that can be used within an autonomous system. This application is referred to as the Interior Border Gateway Protocol, Internal BGP, or iBGP. In comparison, the protocol’s Internet implementation is Exterior Border Gateway Protocol, External BGP, or eBGP.
BGP4 is an Internet routing standard required of most Internet service providers (ISPs) to establish routing between them. Internally, extensive private IP networks use BGP. A case in point is joining several large Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) networks when OSPF alone cannot scale to the required size. Another reason to use BGP is to multi-home a network, either to multiple access points of a single ISP or multiple ISPs, for increased redundancy.
Ostinato Packet Crafting with GNS3: craft and inject packets
Discover how to use GNS3 to create packets and inject them into GNS3 networks!
Ostinato is a user-friendly packet crafter, network traffic generator, and analyzer. Additionally, a robust Python API for network test automation is included. Create and send packets for multiple streams using various protocols at varying rates. Consider it “Wireshark in reverse.”
Ostinato’s goal is to provide a traffic generator and network tester to every network engineer and developer, which is currently not possible with commercial network testing equipment. The right tool enables network developers and engineers to perform their duties more effectively and improve networking products’ quality.
GNS3 Advanced Switching: NX-OS, IOSv, OpenFlow, SDN and more
GNS3 supports various switching technologies, including unmanaged switches, Cisco IOS switches, Datacenter Nexus devices, Etherswitch modules, and upcoming technologies like OpenFlow and SDN.
CCNA VLOGs: Pass your CCNA 200-125, ICND1 or ICND2 exam!
Networks are ubiquitous, and you are now utilizing one to access this course.
Consider how different your life would be if you could not access Facebook, Snapchat, Google, YouTube, Whatsapp, or any other website on the Internet. How would you survive in the absence of the Internet?
Today, the Internet plays a critical role in modern life, and all websites and Internet communication relies on networking. This reliance is expected to increase further as the Internet of Things (IoT) expands in the coming years.
There would be no Internet without routers, switches, network cabling, and protocols such as BGP!
This lesson will demonstrate how networks function and how you may connect to popular websites such as Facebook, Google, and YouTube.
Businesses of all sizes (from the tiniest to the largest) rely on network engineers to design, install, and manage their networks. Join this rapidly growing industry!
Begin your journey toward networking knowledge today.
This course’s content can be applied toward your CCNA certification. IP addressing, subnetting, and a variety of other topics can be directly applied to completing your CCNA certification.
You can practice on simulated Cisco routers and switches by logging into our online simulators. You will learn to configure devices by typing commands such as enable, configure terminal, configure router OSPF, and many others.
I want to extend a warm welcome to this GNS3 Cisco CCNA training! David Bombal is my name, and I’ve been teaching networking classes for over 15 years. I earned my Cisco Certified Interwork Engineer (CCIE) certification in 2003 and currently possess various additional networking qualifications. Additionally, I am a Cisco and HPE certified instructor has educated hundreds of networking engineers at some of the world’s largest enterprises, including Fortune 100 companies.
This course is for anyone interested in learning more about networking and acquiring core information to begin their networking career. The topics covered in this course can be immediately applicable to various professional certifications, including the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification (CCNA).
This course will cover a variety of subjects, including IP addressing, IP subnetting, routing, switches, VLANs, Spanning Tree, Network Address Translation, and wireless.
Additionally, you will gain knowledge of the latest networking innovations, such as OpenFlow and Software Defined Networking.
The course covers the topics included on the Cisco ICND1 and ICND2 tests and the CCNA exam.
After this course, you will be confident in discussing networking subjects and will be able to begin setting real networking equipment such as routers and switches. Although this is an introductory course, it covers a substantial amount of content that can be used immediately to the CCNA certification.
The ideal student for this course is someone who wishes to break into the networking field, someone who wishes to broaden their knowledge beyond PCs and servers to networking, or someone who wishes to gain understanding to work in one of the most exciting and in-demand jobs in information technology – networking.
There are no prerequisites for enrollment in this course; all I ask is that you come with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Ask the Expert: Future of networking, AI, SDN, Python, Jobs
Chuck Black, a software engineer with over 30 years of expertise, will teach you! Since 1981, Chuck has been building software for networking equipment. He has created and produced software products for large-scale networking settings using C, C++, and Java.
Chuck has been awarded fifteen patents for his work in network topology discovery, management, monitoring, health, and access control.
Chuck earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Chuck has created Python for Network Engineers courses for Cisco and Juniper Networks. Additionally, he has designed multiple courses on SDN application development for Cisco, HPE, and Brocade.
Chuck is a coauthor of SDN: A Comprehensive Approach, a comprehensive technical and business examination of software-defined networking that has been used as a textbook for graduate-level computer science courses.
Chuck is a well-known individual in the SDN and programmability of networks communities. He is a member of the Open Networking Foundation (ONF) and the OpenDaylight initiative.
Chuck is the co-author of one of today’s most popular SDN books, Software Defined Networks: A Comprehensive Approach.
Net DevOps: Cisco Python, Automation, NETCONF, SDN, Docker
David Bombal and Hank Preston address the future of Network Automation, Network Programmability, and NetDevOps. What information should you acquire? Which is better, CCNA or Python? And numerous additional subjects!
Free CCNA Remote Labs
Are you having difficulty locating Cisco equipment with which to practice for your CCNA or CCNP exams? Thus, your search comes to an end now! You can now access Cisco-hosted physical and virtual Cisco devices for FREE!
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when I learned about this! Cisco now provides free access to Cisco VIRL IOSv, IOSvL2, ASAv, and various other devices via Cisco dCloud or Cisco DevNet. That is correct. You do not have a single option, but two.
It appears to be too good to be true. Right? The good news is that it is true. I’ll demonstrate how to access Cisco equipment in this course so you may practice for your CCNA or CCNP examinations.
Access the dCloud labs through a web browser or a Cisco AnyConnect client. Cisco DevNet requires the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client (but free). In either case, you will have access to equipment by scheduling practice time in the labs.
10x Engineer: What? You can do that on Cisco IOS?
Are you aware that you can run these incredible Linux commands on Cisco IOS? And without the benefit of a Linux shell? Run these on legacy Cisco IOS switches and routers! Use grep, man, head, tail, cat, and various other Linux commands on Cisco IOS directly.
These commands do not require a Linux shell or a Linux virtual machine to execute. They are immediately usable in traditional Cisco IOS!
On Cisco IOS, you’ll learn TCL, Embedded Event Manager, and Linux Shell scripting! There is no requirement to utilize Python or a Linux virtual machine. Run these on Cisco IOS! You have the potential to be a tenfold engineer!
Automating a network is not difficult. You can automate the backup of your Cisco networks with only a few CLI commands. Backup configurations to TFTP, FTP, or SCP servers using Kron and archive. Not attempt to do anything manually. Automate the process! As with cron in Linux, kron may be used to schedule tasks on Cisco IOS. Backups may be scheduled, TCL scripts can be scheduled, and much more.
Are you familiar with the following Cisco IOS commands that can help you save time? Did you realize that with traditional Cisco IOS, this was possible? Use /, +, -, grep, include, section, and exclude Cisco IOS directly. Be a 10x engineer and demonstrate your Cisco and Linux expertise to the world.
Astound them with your Cisco IOS expertise. These programs do not require Python. Make an impression during your job interview and demonstrate your capabilities to senior network engineers. Continue to educate yourself and make positive changes in your life. Demonstrate your abilities to land a well-compensated job.
WSL 2, Docker and Windows Terminal – get started today
Today, get started with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2)! Learn how to use the remarkable new Windows Terminal to startup Docker containers on your machine. Additionally, I’ve included a Kali Linux video demonstrating how to configure Kali to operate with WSL 2.
Microsoft now includes a Linux Kernel with Windows 10! It’s incredible to see how Microsoft has evolved throughout the years. They no longer despise Linux, but have embraced it. With WSL 2, you can quickly learn Linux, Docker, and other technologies.
WARNING: Running WSL 2 with VMware Workstation and VirtualBox continues to be problematic. Use WSL 2 only if nested virtualization is required with those hypervisors. Hopefully, this will be fixed shortly.
I’m not attempting to teach you all there is to know about Linux, Docker, or Windows. I’m simply demonstrating how to use these tools to accomplish incredible things. Things course is comprised of practical demos that you can follow – the best way to learn is by hands-on experience, so follow me as I put this up.
Getting Started with Cisco Model Labs (CML 2 / VIRL 2)
Cisco Modeling Laboratories (CML 2) is now available! You can quickly virtualize Cisco networks with CML, or you may learn network automation and programming with Python or Ansible. CML can assist you if you’re preparing for the CCNA 200-301 exam, the CCNP exam, or even the Cisco DevNet exam. The software is significantly more sophisticated than Cisco Packet Tracer and can monitor a wide variety of Cisco devices and network topologies.
52 Weeks of Python
“52 Weeks of Python” will teach you how to become a software developer, also known as a programmer or coder. Not only will you master the fundamentals of Python programming, such as data types, loops, and reading and writing data, but also more advanced topics such as utilizing databases, dealing with networking devices, multi-threading, RESTful APIs, and even some user interface teaching.
Expect to expand your technology skills beyond simple, short Python scripts and into all facets of software development, enhancing your technological capabilities and making you that much more valuable to your employer and even more desirable to future employers.
Ex-NSA hacker tells us how to get into hacking!
This is the course for you if you want to become an ethical hacker. Would you like to discover how to gain experience without working a full-time job? This course will teach you how to.
My goal is to assist as many of you as possible in changing your life. One way to accomplish this is to conduct interviews with well-known and experienced individuals from various businesses.
I’m conducting an interview with Neal Bridges for this course (former NSA hacker). Neal gives tips gleaned from his many years of expertise and discusses how you can enter the field of cybersecurity and become an Ethical Hacker without leaving your current work.
Neal Bridges is an information technology and security professional with over two decades of experience. Neal has excelled in the strategic, operational, and tactical spheres of cybersecurity throughout his career.
His experience establishing security teams at multiple Fortune 100 companies demonstrates his versatility in providing offensive capabilities and transforming that knowledge into an effective detection, response, and threat hunting strategy for a Fortune 135 (2017) and Fortune 117 (2021) company.
He has successfully developed, implemented, and executed a global incident response capability, as well as a robust M&A strategy for pre- and post-day one cyber threat hunting and assessment capabilities that enable him to quickly identify any potential risk and develop mitigation and/or remediation strategies.
His ten years in the United States Air Force culminated in his being hand-selected to create and establish the USAF’s first cyber function training unit. He produced specialized training for thousands of USCYBERCOM students on the most advanced offensive cyber methods available.
Neal has substantial commercial expertise, having worked for one of the “Big 4” accounting firms, leading cybersecurity and privacy engagements for PwC, and growing the offensive cyber, red teaming, and penetration testing markets in the greater Chicago area. Neal has experience with multi-tiered cybersecurity strategy and implementation projects in the financial, energy (SCADA/ICS controls), health care, government, and research and development sectors. Neal has worked closely with the FBI, providing subject matter knowledge in advanced attack strategies.
Neal works with businesses regularly, drawing on his expertise working in various large-scale industrial situations. Extensive experience making strategic decisions to accomplish tactical objectives in various settings spanning from the Department of Defense to the commercial sector, and is an industry pioneer in introducing adversary tactics to penetration tester operations across North America.
