Before taking the CCNA test

[hawkflorida]

I come from a telecom background with simple networking experience. Before taking the CCNA test a second time, I would like to be better prepared. I don't have the routers and switches for labs. Are the following 6 choices good ones to make? Or is it overkill, wasted money? The idea is to obtain CCNA and CCDA certifications. If you have suggestions it would be appreciated. I already have the Cisco book, 640-607 Certification Guide.

Cisco Network Simulators, Online Course and eSIM Guide.

1. CIM - IP Routing Link-State Protocols
Network Simulator, CD - $74.96

http://shop.cisco.com/dr/v2/Ec_Main...50763&doc_id=1&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0

2. CIM - Internetworking Basics,
Network Simulator, CD - $74.96

http://shop.cisco.com/dr/v2/Ec_Main...91431&doc_id=2&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0

3. CIM – IP Routing Distance Vector Protocol
Network Simulator, CD - $112.46

http://shop.cisco.com/dr/v2/Ec_Main...91431&doc_id=4&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0

4. CIM – LAN Switching
Network Simulator, CD – $179.96

http://shop.cisco.com/dr/v2/Ec_Main...91431&doc_id=9&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0

5. CCNAB – Cisco Certified Network Associate Basics v2.0 Course
E-training course offering basic networking & equipment familiarization - $695.00, 5 day

http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/front.x/wwtraining/CELC/index.cgi?action=CourseDesc&COURSE_ID=1956

6. Cisco Networking Academy Program: First and second year Interactive guide - $18.00

http://shop.cisco.com/dr/v2/Ec_Main...51561&doc_id=1&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0

darnold@americaii.com

 

[rburke]

I just got my CCNA a couple days ago, there were only 2 books I used to study for it, and then I have lab equipment(a couple routers and a switch). The books I used were, primarily the Cisco Press 640-607 CCNA Certification Guide(the one you have), and the Todd Lammelle 640-507 CCNA guide(the actual name escapes me right now).

The Lammelle guide is a much more general book, and although it is for the older version of the CCNA exam, the topics are all the same. I read the Lammelle book first, because it gave me general info on the topics. Then I got the Cisco Press 640-607 Cert. Guide, which has ALOT more detail in it. For the Cisco Press book, I had to read it slowly, but I was glad I had the basic concepts BEFORE touching that book. But I'm glad I read the Cisco PRess book because of the amount of knowledge and overall understanding it gave me. It'll help when I move on to the CCNP exams.

In terms of simulators, I don't know which ones are worth the money because I had access to some routers and a switch. But, I would STRONGLY recommend getting some kind of real equipment experience, just to help with the lab simulations on the test. There aren't many, but it helps to be pretty familiar with the CLI and how it works. There are many places out there that offer lab rentals, which include all kinds of routers, switches, etc.

But that is just what I did, not saying it was the best way to do it, but it worked for me(passed with a 949).

Burke

 

[hawkflorida]

Thanks for the imput. darnold@americaii.com