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[gargreat]

I am new to Cisco and networking. I took CCNA 1 and 2 while working full-time. I had the courses in an 8 week period which was hard enough. I decided to take the test right after classes. I missed passing by 9 points. One of the questions was asking me to place 2 routers and a switch in the right places. I was then tasked with the correct cables, subents and asked to set up VTY and passwords for user exec mode. I jammed up on this and spent 10 minutes on it. I still wonder what the heck did they want from me. Has anyone of you seen this question/sim where the network has one router somewhat configured, but you are suppose to add 2 more routers know exactly where to place them and a switch in addition to that know DTE, DCE, Cable types, Subnets, etc? I thought it was a hard question for the INTRO test. I appreciate this forum and the contributions eveyone has made. I also enjoy reading about those that have passed. I only wished I would have found it prior to taking the first test. I am retaking the test Monday Aug 20th and plan on passing. Anyone out there see this type of question and have any advice? Currently my method is read theory, do hands on, take assesment tests and repeat where I am weak.
Best,
Mike

 

[lerdalt]

Your method of study is right on for how I think most of us would recommend going out at it. I also like to use my cut sheet from a failed test as a guide as well for areas to study. Also don't forget Cisco's website for the test objectives to help break things down.

As for your question about the sim, you definitely need to understand what cables are used to connect different devices.
Ciscoguy posted a great chart to help for when to use cross-overs here:

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=1392047&page=2

I did think the Intro was a tough exam with everything you had to know, but I still don't think it was the hardest Cisco exam I've taken yet. BSCI definitely blew it out of the water in my opinion. I know I'm not specifically answering your question, but probably the best way to tackle the problem is try to not get to hung up on the question during the test, take some time and really read what the question is asking. Maybe even draw it out quick. This may all sound more time consuming, but before any simulation question, you really need to read through the entire scenario and determine what is the end goal. Then figure out how to get there.

 

[gargreat]

I appreciate the info about the cables. I did think I had subnetting down, but jammed up exam time. I have studied one method and one method only since the first attempt. That question just seemed outta league with an intro test, but as you mentioned I may have over studied the question and made it harder than it appeared. The placement of the routers concerned me more. I was trying to think how Cisco would do this. My guess would be a pc to switch than all 3 routers.

However, I had to place the switch either at end of the routers or place a switch router router router.

PC---sw1-- rta-- rtb--rtc or rta-- rtb--rtc--sw1----PC

If that makes sense?

I appreciate your posting the link. You are dead on with trying too hard to figure it out and I will take the draw it out method you suggested with me on Monday!

Is posting our exam breakdown a violation on the forum? I don't want to be booted off before I become a vet on this forum? When looking at my breakdown I see what areas I am weak in but not real specific to how I would study. The weakest is Implementation and Operation. Any suggestions on that? I have read the sybex and cisco press books to help as well as the hands on at the community college cisco lab.

Cheers,
Mike