 I would like to thank Meghan and Colleen for trying to understand that when I was writing, I couldn't play. I hope I've helped instill in you a sense of perseverance by completing this book. If not, you can be sure that I'll use it as an example for the rest of your lives. I love you both "bigger than the universe" bunches. I would like to thank my mother-because she's my mom, and because she never gave up on me, always believed in me, and always helped me even when she shouldn't have (Hi, Mom!). I would like to thank my father for being tough on me when he needed to be, for teaching me how to think logically, and for making me appreciate the beauty in the details. I have fond memories of the two of us sitting in front of my RadioShack Model III com- puter while we entered basic programs from a magazine. I am where I am today largely because of your influence, direction, and teachings. You made me the man I am today. Thank you, Papa. I miss you. I would like to thank my Cozy, my faithful Newfoundland dog who was tragically put to sleep in my arms SO she would no longer have to suffer the pains of cancer. Her body failed while I was writing the first edition of this book, and if not for her, I probably Preface would not be published today. Her death caused me great grief, which I assuaged by writing. I miss you my Cozy-may you run pain free at the rainbow bridge until we meet again. I would like to thank Matt Maslowski for letting me use the equipment in his lab that was lacking in mine, and for helping me with Cisco questions when I wasn't sure myself. I can't think of anyone I would trust more to help me with networking topics. Thanks, buddy. I would like to thank Jeff Fry, CCIE# 22061, for providing me temporary access to a pair of unconfigured Cisco Nexus 7000 switches. This was a very big deal, and the second edition is much more complete as a result. would like to thank Jeff Cartwright for giving me my first exciting job at an ISP and for teaching me damn-near everything I know about telecom. I still rememb