This study plan incorporates clear objectives, detailed tasks, and effective learning methods like the **Pomodoro Technique** and **Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve** to maximize retention. The plan spans **8 weeks**, covering all Cisco 100-890 exam topics step-by-step, with practical tasks to ensure real-world proficiency. ## **Study Framework** 1. **Pomodoro Technique**: - Study in 25-minute sessions (Pomodoros) with 5-minute breaks. - After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer 15–30 minute break to recharge. 2. **Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve**: - Schedule reviews at intervals: 1-day, 3-day, 1-week, and 2-week after the initial study session. 3. **Weekly Goals**: - Divide topics into weekly focus areas, ensuring incremental progress. 4. **Practice-Oriented Learning**: - Incorporate real-world tasks like configuring devices, troubleshooting, and reviewing case studies. ## **Study Plan Overview** Week 1: Networking Fundamentals (Collaboration Environment) Week 2: Collaboration Environment Components Week 3: Cisco Collaboration Endpoints (Devices and Hardware) Week 4: Maintenance and Troubleshooting Weeks 5–6: Advanced Topics and Service Knowledge Weeks 7–8: Consolidation and Exam Simulation ## **Detailed Weekly Plan** ### **Week 1: Networking Fundamentals** **Goal**: Build foundational knowledge of collaboration networking protocols and infrastructure. | **Day** | **Tasks** | **Pomodoros** | **Methodology** | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- | | Day 1 | **Understand SIP and RTP/RTCP Protocols**:
- Study the basics of SIP (how it initiates, manages, and ends sessions).
- Write down SIP message types (INVITE, ACK, BYE) and create real-world call scenarios.
- Research RTP/RTCP for media transport, noting how it ensures real-time delivery. | 4 (2 hrs) | Use diagrams and flowcharts to visualize call flows. | | Day 2 | **TCP/UDP and Network Protocol Roles**:
- Study when TCP (reliable) vs. UDP (fast) is used in collaboration devices.
- Write down differences with examples like SIP signaling (TCP) and RTP streaming (UDP). | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Create a comparison chart. | | Day 3 | **DHCP/TFTP Workflow**:
- Study how devices acquire IP addresses using DHCP.
- Create a step-by-step guide showing how TFTP transfers configuration files to a device (e.g., an IP phone). | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Draw a workflow diagram for DHCP/TFTP. | | Day 4 | **VLANs and QoS for Voice/Video Traffic**:
- Learn how VLANs separate traffic for voice and data.
- Study QoS principles: marking and prioritizing voice packets (DSCP values).
- Write example QoS commands for routers/switches. | 4 (2 hrs) | Practice QoS questions and VLAN configuration examples. | | Day 5 | **Firewalls and NAT**:
- Understand the impact of firewalls and NAT on SIP/RTP traffic.
- Research NAT traversal techniques like STUN and TURN.
- Write scenarios where NAT affects collaboration devices and possible solutions. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Summarize key NAT traversal tools. | | Day 6 | **Spaced Review**:
- Revisit all topics from Week 1 using flashcards and practice questions. Test yourself on DHCP, TFTP, VLAN, and QoS concepts. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Use flashcards and quick quizzes. | | Day 7 | Rest and prepare for Week 2. | - | Reflect on Week 1 progress. | --- ### **Week 2: Collaboration Environment Components** **Goal**: Develop expertise in CUCM, Cisco Expressway, and media resource management. | **Day** | **Tasks** | **Pomodoros** | **Methodology** | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | Day 1 | **Study CUCM Basics**:
- Learn CUCM’s role in managing devices and routing calls.
- Write down steps for registering a phone to CUCM, including device names and MAC addresses. | 4 (2 hrs) | Create step-by-step registration notes. | | Day 2 | **Understand Cisco Expressway**:
- Learn Expressway-E (external) and Expressway-C (internal) features.
- Write use cases for enabling remote workers via VPN-less access.
- Create a comparison table of CUCM vs. Expressway. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Use flowcharts for remote connection processes. | | Day 3 | **Explore Media Resources**:
- Research MTP (Media Termination Point), conferencing bridges, and voice gateways.
- Write down examples of scenarios using these media resources. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Solve media resource scenario-based problems. | | Day 4 | **Device Integration**:
- Study how CUCM integrates with other Cisco collaboration components like Expressway and media resources.
- Solve integration-related practice questions. | 4 (2 hrs) | Use diagrams to illustrate integrations. | | Day 5 | **Practice CUCM Tasks**:
- Write a detailed configuration example for adding and managing devices in CUCM. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Test CUCM configuration steps using guides. | | Day 6 | **Spaced Review**:
- Review CUCM, Expressway, and media resource topics. Write down questions you still have and address them. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Use flashcards and group discussions. | | Day 7 | Rest and reflect on Week 2. | - | Summarize and plan for Week 3. | --- ### **Week 3: Collaboration Endpoints (Devices and Hardware)** **Goal**: Identify and configure Cisco devices (phones, video systems, peripherals). | **Day** | **Tasks** | **Pomodoros** | **Methodology** | | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | Day 1 | **IP Phones (7800/8800 Series)**:
- Study key features and components (buttons, screens, interfaces).
- Draw a labeled diagram of a Cisco IP phone.
- Research PoE vs. external power usage. | 4 (2 hrs) | Test knowledge by labeling diagrams. | | Day 2 | **Webex Room Kits and TelePresence**:
- Learn the differences between Room Kit, Room Kit Mini, and TelePresence devices.
- Create a comparison chart of features and use cases. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Practice device matching exercises. | | Day 3 | **Peripheral Devices**:
- Study how to connect and configure cameras, microphones, and speakers.
- Write down setup steps for Cisco Touch 10 controllers. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Test setup knowledge by explaining it aloud. | | Day 4 | **Practice Configurations**:
- Write and simulate CLI/GUI commands for registering devices and enabling features. | 4 (2 hrs) | Use online configuration labs. | | Day 5 | **Solve Practice Problems**:
- Work on configuration scenarios for IP phones, video systems, and peripherals. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Review scenarios step-by-step. | | Day 6 | **Spaced Review**:
- Consolidate Week 3 topics using flashcards and diagram-based reviews. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Repeat tricky concepts. | | Day 7 | Rest and prepare for Week 4. | - | Reflect on progress. | --- ### **Week 4: Maintenance and Troubleshooting** **Goal**: Master the skills required to maintain Cisco devices and troubleshoot common issues effectively. | **Day** | **Tasks** | **Pomodoros** | **Methodology** | | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | Day 1 | **Factory Reset Processes**:
- Study the steps for performing factory resets on IP phones and video systems.
- Document device-specific reset methods for reference (e.g., button combinations, CLI commands). | 4 (2 hrs) | Practice reset steps on lab devices or simulations. | | Day 2 | **Restoring Configurations**:
- Learn how to reload configuration files after resets using CUCM or local TFTP servers.
- Write a checklist for verifying successful restoration (e.g., device registration, call functionality). | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Simulate restoring configurations on a test setup. | | Day 3 | **Common Troubleshooting Scenarios**:
- Research typical issues like power failures, unresponsive devices, and poor call quality.
- Write down step-by-step troubleshooting workflows. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Solve practice problems related to these scenarios. | | Day 4 | **Firmware Updates**:
- Study how to update firmware using TFTP or HTTP servers.
- Write a detailed guide including prerequisites (e.g., server setup, compatibility checks). | 4 (2 hrs) | Test firmware updates using labs or simulations. | | Day 5 | **CLI Troubleshooting Commands**:
- Practice essential commands (`ping`, `traceroute`, `show running-config`) for diagnosing network and device issues. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Use mock scenarios to practice CLI usage. | | Day 6 | **Spaced Review**:
- Revisit all maintenance and troubleshooting topics.
- Test your knowledge using flashcards and scenarios from previous days. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Focus on areas needing improvement. | | Day 7 | Rest and assess readiness for Week 5. | - | Reflect on what worked well. | --- ## **Week 5: Cisco Service Knowledge** **Goal**: Understand Cisco warranty policies, the RMA process, and TAC usage. Learn configuration backups and basic log file analysis. | **Day** | **Tasks** | **Pomodoros** | **Methodology** | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------------------- | | Day 1 | **Cisco Warranty Policies**:
- Study Cisco's warranty structure and the duration of coverage for different devices.
- Write down how to use the serial number lookup tool to verify a device’s warranty. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Create a step-by-step guide. | | Day 2 | **RMA Process**:
- Research the process of initiating an RMA for defective devices.
- Document RMA requirements (serial number, warranty status, issue description) and flow (case submission, shipping, replacement). | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Use a flowchart to visualize the process. | | Day 3 | **Using Cisco TAC**:
- Explore the Cisco TAC (Technical Assistance Center) portal.
- Write detailed notes on how to submit a support case and prioritize issues by severity levels. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Explore the TAC portal interface. | | Day 4 | **Configuration Backups**:
- Learn how to back up device configurations to TFTP/FTP servers.
- Write a backup checklist (e.g., file locations, naming conventions). | 4 (2 hrs) | Practice backup tasks in a lab environment. | | Day 5 | **Importing and Restoring Configurations**:
- Study how to import configurations to a new or replaced device.
- Write down a recovery procedure for restoring settings post-reset or replacement. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Test the process on simulated devices. | | Day 6 | **Spaced Review**:
- Summarize all Week 5 topics into a single document.
- Use flashcards to quiz yourself on warranty/RMA concepts, TAC usage, and configuration management. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Focus on weak areas and refine your notes. | | Day 7 | Rest and mentally prepare for Week 6. | - | Reflect on your progress. | --- ## **Week 6: Advanced Troubleshooting Tools** **Goal**: Master log file analysis, advanced troubleshooting commands, and real-time monitoring tools. | **Day** | **Tasks** | **Pomodoros** | **Methodology** | | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | | Day 1 | **Log File Analysis Basics**:
- Study how to access and read device logs using the `show logs` command.
- Write a guide on interpreting common log messages (e.g., SIP errors, registration failures). | 4 (2 hrs) | Practice with logs in a lab setup. | | Day 2 | **Wireshark for SIP/RTP Analysis**:
- Learn how to capture and filter network traffic for SIP and RTP streams.
- Practice identifying issues like packet loss, jitter, or registration errors. | 4 (2 hrs) | Capture and analyze packets in a lab environment. | | Day 3 | **CUCM RTMT (Real-Time Monitoring Tool)**:
- Study the key features of RTMT for monitoring device health and performance.
- Write notes on using RTMT to track registration statuses, QoS metrics, and alarms. | 4 (2 hrs) | Practice using RTMT in a test CUCM environment. | | Day 4 | **CLI Troubleshooting Commands**:
- Practice using commands like `ping`, `traceroute`, and `debug`.
- Write down scenarios where each command is most useful (e.g., connectivity issues, path discovery). | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Create scenarios and solve them using CLI tools. | | Day 5 | **GUI-Based Diagnostics**:
- Explore the web-based interfaces for Cisco devices.
- Practice diagnosing and resolving configuration issues using the GUI. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Test configurations in a simulated setup. | | Day 6 | **Spaced Review**:
- Consolidate Weeks 5–6 material using flashcards and summary notes.
- Practice troubleshooting workflows combining log analysis, CLI tools, and RTMT. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Focus on refining troubleshooting workflows. | | Day 7 | Rest and reflect on progress. Plan for final review and exam simulations in Weeks 7–8. | - | Relax and prepare for Week 7. | --- ## **Week 7: Topic-Specific Mastery and First Mock Exam** | **Day** | **Tasks** | **Pomodoros** | **Methodology** | | ------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | --------------------------------------- | | Day 1 | **Review Collaboration Fundamentals (Week 1 topics)**:
- Revise SIP, RTP, TCP/UDP, DHCP/TFTP, VLAN, and QoS.
- Solve 10-15 questions covering these topics.
- Practice creating VLAN and QoS configurations in a simulated environment. | 4 (2 hrs) | Use active recall and lab practice. | | Day 2 | **Review CUCM and Expressway (Week 2 topics)**:
- Summarize CUCM device registration steps and Expressway-E/C integration.
- Solve 5-7 scenario-based questions involving CUCM or remote worker setups.
- Practice CUCM configuration in a lab. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Focus on CUCM interface practice. | | Day 3 | **Review Cisco Devices (Week 3 topics)**:
- Revisit IP phones, Webex Room Kits, and peripherals (cameras, microphones).
- Write setup steps for Cisco Touch 10 and compare IP phone models (7800 vs. 8800).
- Practice setting up devices in a lab. | 4 (2 hrs) | Use flashcards and diagrams for review. | | Day 4 | **Review Maintenance and Troubleshooting (Week 4 topics)**:
- Revisit factory resets, configuration backups, and firmware updates.
- Solve troubleshooting problems related to power failures, unresponsive devices, and QoS issues. | 4 (2 hrs) | Use CLI for hands-on troubleshooting. | | Day 5 | **Mock Exam 1 (Full-Length)**:
- Take a timed, full-length mock exam covering all topics.
- Record questions where you struggled and categorize them by topic. | 4 (2 hrs) | Analyze results and note weak areas. | | Day 6 | **Analyze Weak Areas from Mock Exam 1**:
- Focus on topics where mistakes were made.
- Write explanations for incorrect answers and reattempt similar problems.
- Practice specific configurations and troubleshooting workflows. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Targeted practice and explanations. | | Day 7 | Rest, reflect, and plan for Week 8. | - | Relax and ensure readiness. | --- ## **Week 8: Consolidation and Final Exam Preparation** | **Day** | **Tasks** | **Pomodoros** | **Methodology** | | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | -------------------------------- | | Day 1 | **Quick Review of All Topics**:
- Summarize all key concepts in a single document (e.g., SIP flows, CUCM setup, device configurations).
- Use flashcards to quiz yourself on all major topics.
- Focus on any remaining gaps. | 4 (2 hrs) | Use a mind map or summary sheet. | | Day 2 | **Practice Topic-Specific Problems**:
- Solve 10 questions for each major section: Networking Fundamentals, CUCM/Expressway, Devices, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting.
- Simulate common CLI tasks (e.g., `ping`, `traceroute`, `show running-config`). | 4 (2 hrs) | Hands-on problem-solving. | | Day 3 | **Mock Exam 2 (Full-Length)**:
- Take another timed, full-length mock exam.
- Compare results to Mock Exam 1 and note improvements.
- Identify any persistent weak areas for final focus. | 4 (2 hrs) | Track progress and confidence. | | Day 4 | **Targeted Practice on Weak Areas**:
- Focus on 1–2 topics where errors were most frequent (e.g., device setup, NAT traversal).
- Solve related problems and review corresponding notes or lab setups. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Drill down into weak spots. | | Day 5 | **Mock Exam 3 (Final Simulation)**:
- Take a final full-length mock exam under timed conditions, simulating real exam pressure.
- Treat it as the actual exam and avoid distractions. | 4 (2 hrs) | Build final confidence. | | Day 6 | **Final Review and Relaxation**:
- Review only high-level summaries and quick notes.
- Focus on building confidence rather than cramming. | 3 (1.5 hrs) | Use light review techniques. | | Day 7 | Rest and mentally prepare for the actual exam.
- Ensure you have all logistics ready (exam date, ID, etc.). | - | Stay calm and positive. |

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