Book excerpt: This is a Cisco authorized, self-paced learning tool for CCNP preparation. This book teaches readers how to design, configure, maintain, and scale routed networks that are growing in size and complexity. The book covers all routing principles covered in the CCNP Implementing Cisco IP Routing course. This intermediate-level text assumes that readers have been exposed to beginner-level networking concepts contained in the CCNA (ICND1 and ICND2) certification curriculum. No previous exposure to the CCNP level subject matter is required, so the book provides a great deal of detail on the topics covered.