CCNP ROUTE 2018 Free Video Boot Camp: BGP Success Course

Editorial Take

The CCNP ROUTE 2018 Free Video Boot Camp by Chris Bryant offers a focused, no-cost entry point into BGP and advanced routing for aspiring CCNP candidates. While brief, it reflects Chris Bryant’s reputation for clear, exam-aligned instruction.

Standout Strengths

• Exam-Focused Clarity: Chris Bryant cuts through complexity with direct, exam-relevant explanations. His teaching style mirrors actual test objectives, helping learners focus on what matters. This makes the content highly efficient for last-minute review.
• Reputation-Backed Instruction: With decades in Cisco certification training, Bryant’s methodology is trusted. His structured delivery builds confidence quickly. Students benefit from proven strategies used by thousands of past learners.
• Zero-Cost Access to Expertise: A rare free offering from a premium instructor. This boot camp lowers entry barriers for learners on tight budgets. It demonstrates value without requiring upfront investment.
• BGP Concept Reinforcement: Covers foundational BGP topics essential for CCNP ROUTE. Focuses on neighbor relationships, path selection, and attributes. Helps solidify understanding before diving into full courses.
• Smooth Production Quality: While not cinematic, the videos are clean and easy to follow. Audio is crisp, visuals are legible, and pacing supports retention. No distractions—just focused learning.
• Lifetime Access Model: Once enrolled, students keep access forever. This allows repeated review as exam dates approach. Ideal for spaced repetition and long-term retention.

Honest Limitations

• Extremely Limited Scope: Only one 53-minute section is included. This is a teaser, not a full course. Learners expecting comprehensive training will be underwhelmed.
• No Hands-On Labs: Lacks practical configuration exercises. BGP mastery requires CLI practice, which isn’t provided here. Students must seek external lab environments.
• Assumes Prior Knowledge: Jumps straight into advanced topics. Beginners without CCNA-level background will struggle. Not suitable as a starting point for networking novices.
• Outdated Exam Code: References 300-101, retired in 2020. While concepts remain relevant, exam alignment is outdated. Learners should cross-reference with current CCNP ENARSI objectives.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Watch in one sitting to maintain continuity. The 53-minute runtime fits a single study block. Follow up with notes and self-quizzing the same day.
• Parallel project: Set up a GNS3 or Packet Tracer lab while watching. Apply BGP configurations discussed. Reinforces theory with practical experience.
• Note-taking: Use timestamps to map concepts to your study guide. Highlight key terms like MED, AS_PATH, and LOCAL_PREF. Create flashcards for quick review.
• Community: Join forums like Reddit’s r/ccnp or Discord networking groups. Share insights from the boot camp. Ask questions and compare notes with peers.
• Practice: Repeat configurations until they’re muscle memory. Use Cisco’s command reference guides. Test failover and route filtering scenarios.
• Consistency: Pair this with daily 15-minute review sessions. Revisit BGP topics weekly. Spaced repetition boosts long-term retention and exam readiness.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: 'CCNP ROUTE 300-101 Official Cert Guide' by Kevin Wallace. Provides comprehensive coverage and practice questions. Ideal companion for deeper study.
• Tool: GNS3 or Cisco CML for hands-on BGP labs. Simulates real routers and complex topologies. Essential for mastering configuration and troubleshooting.
• Follow-up: Enroll in Bryant’s full CCNP course for complete coverage. Builds directly on this boot camp. Ensures no gaps in exam preparation.
• Reference: Cisco’s BGP Best Practices whitepapers. Offers real-world deployment insights. Helps bridge theory and enterprise implementation.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Mistaking this free content for a full course. It’s a sample, not a complete curriculum. Relying solely on it will leave major knowledge gaps.
• Pitfall: Skipping lab work after watching. BGP is not mastered through video alone. Without hands-on practice, concepts remain abstract and fragile.
• Pitfall: Ignoring updated exam blueprints. The 300-101 is obsolete. Focus on ENARSI (300-410) objectives to stay current with Cisco’s certification path.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: 53 minutes is a minimal time investment. Ideal for a quick knowledge boost. High efficiency per minute spent.
• Cost-to-value: Free access to expert-level instruction. Exceptional value as a supplementary resource. Worth far more than the $0 price tag.
• Certificate: No certificate offered in this free boot camp. Enrollment doesn’t grant credentials. Consider upgrading to paid courses for certification paths.
• Alternative: Free YouTube tutorials lack structure and depth. This boot camp is more focused than most free content. A better use of limited study time.

Editorial Verdict

This free boot camp is not a standalone solution, but it’s a smart tactical resource for focused review. Chris Bryant delivers exactly what’s promised: a concise, no-fluff overview of BGP concepts critical for CCNP success. The clarity and pacing reflect his experience, making it one of the most effective free offerings in the Cisco certification space. While outdated in exam code, the core networking principles remain valid and applicable to current enterprise environments.

We recommend this course as a supplemental tool, not a primary study source. Use it to reinforce BGP understanding after completing foundational training. Pair it with hands-on labs and updated study materials to stay aligned with current Cisco exams. For learners on a budget, it’s a valuable stepping stone toward more comprehensive paid courses. Ultimately, its strength lies in efficiency—53 minutes well spent can solidify key concepts and boost exam confidence.