CCNA: getting the certification and life after it? 7

[hansje80]

Hi,

First of all let me introduce myself as this is my first post, and after having a nice read throughout this forum i thought this would be THE forum to join regarding this matter as it might play a big role later on...

My name is Hans, 21 years young and live in the UK.
No formal certification of any kind in IT.

My background regarding IT:
I helped around with my brother's hostingcompany from age 12. I did not do any heavy stuff regarding networking etc. i was more involved with the admin-interface part and client handling.

I know my way around computers and can take them apart and build them again. I run a small internetcafe which i've done the networking myself, but now i'm looking to sell it and do something else.

I've bought the official cisco 1&2 - 3&4 books. I read the first book, I understood about 80% of it.

now that was the intro, sorry if i left bits out but i don't want to bore you all.
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My questions are straighforward and even probably one of the oldest on the forum;

1: what is the best way to obtain the ccna qualificationnot the easiest way, but the best way to actually have some knowledge when you get the cert).
-- the reason i ask this is because in the uk, there are allot of tese fastrack courses of 5 days, and i do not think you can scram 2000 of info in your head within 5 days. but on the otherhand, I've also colleges offering weekend courses, but spread over 36weeks.

2: what are the possible carreer possibilities after the ccna? especially for someone as young as me and without any formal qualification (apart from the ccna then). I do not want to get a certification that can't get me a job.

3: what are the prospects of becoming actually selfemployed rather than working for a company.

If someone can help me a little bit it would be great, most of the sites/colleges don't have a unbiased opinion regarding my questions, they're just hungry for my money.

 

[maczen]

1: what is the best way to obtain the ccna qualificationnot the easiest way, but the best way to actually have some knowledge when you get the cert).
-- the reason i ask this is because in the uk, there are allot of tese fastrack courses of 5 days, and i do not think you can scram 2000 of info in your head within 5 days. but on the otherhand, I've also colleges offering weekend courses, but spread over 36weeks."

I would suggest the classroom environment to anyone that is relatively new to networking. The five day "Bootcamp" courses are generally geared toward individuals that have more experience and are just brushing up for the certification. Personally, I would recommend the longer class as you will learn and retain more this way and ultimately that should be your goal.

"2: what are the possible carreer possibilities after the ccna? especially for someone as young as me and without any formal qualification (apart from the ccna then). I do not want to get a certification that can't get me a job."

Google "CCNA job" or type CCNA into a job hunt site like monster.com. There are several possibilities in regard to employment but it depends primarily on location and the skills that you obtain via your studies.

"3: what are the prospects of becoming actually selfemployed rather than working for a company."

Self-employment is always an option but I would suggest that you delve slightly deeper than the CCNA before branching off and offering your services in Network Security etc. I believe that the SBA recommends that you work in a field for a minimum of three years before trying to start a business in that respective field. You should find and know your niche market, how it fluctuates and basically what you are getting yourself into. I would recommend that you work for someone else first.

All in all the CCNA is a great place to begin with your networking career. While working on your CCNA get out in your local community and see what's going on tech wise. What companies are hiring and what they are hiring for. What seems to be really big at the moment.. Fiber, Security, VoIP, Wireless? Ask around and see what companies are using.. talk to the techies... If there seems to be a plethora of Juniper setups in your area then perhaps you might consider pursuing some Juniper certifications after the CCNA (Use the CCNA to build the networking foundation). Anyway, I would definitely recommend pursuing this path.. It is definitely a great and rewarding goal.. I personally have been offered several jobs in my short run for CCNA.. Remember that networking does not only take place between computers! You can make some really good friends in this industry!



B Haines
CCNA, FOI

 

[hansje80]

Thank's for the reply maczen
since you replied first, i'm going to pick your brain on this

1:Regarding your anwser about the study method, is it possible doing it by selfstudy because i have to be at the internetcafe every day from 10am to 10pm.although I don't do much there, I have to be there physically as it brings the food on my table . But i could easily setup the lab there and do my studies and labpractice from there... BUT the main question remains, does it get me there by this kind of selfstudy and looking for anwsers online where stuck, instead of asking a teacher in front of the class style?
Or is it still adviceable to go to a college?

2:I've had a look at local job agencies, and jobsearches in my area. I'm a little skeptical about the salaries, the reason for this is because I have a friend and he did last year a mortgage broker course, promising a salary around 30/40 k a year... but he is still up to this date unemployed .

 

[lerdalt]

I did my CCNA by self study, bought the books, had some routers, but I also work with Cisco gear every day. It is possible, but I know 2 kinds of CCNA's, or any certification.
1. Those that can read the book and pass the test, but still not know what to do in the real-world
2. Those that can do it, but struggle with the test.

Hands on experience goes a very long way. If you look through several posts, you'll see a lot of us all suggest get your hands on some equipment at the very least. I'm constantly looking on Ebay for equipment to add to my home lab, and have recently started to work with Dynamips as a simulator.

I also remember when I was graduating from college, that we weren't promised anything, but were told salaries from previous graduates averaged about $35k. The thing I learned later, was that some were making significantly more than that and some were making significantly less. In fact, I was one of them on that lower end of the scale to start with. That's not the case now. Granted, I've been in the field for 10 years, but I haven't stopped learning, and I took every opportunity I could for awhile both with my employer, and a few odd gigs on the side.

If you are worried about a job, consider looking into an internship somewhere as well. I think it would be very hard to look for a job, and have one of your only networking selling points is that you have a CCNA.

 

[hansje80]

Thanks for the reply lerdalt.

I think i'm a bit of both, but more towards point 1.
I'm the kind of person that would learn the book, and whatever you want i give you the answer to. but to put it to practice i probably score less.
on the other hand i'm also handson and i'm not afraid to wreck a switch or two to learn. I think up to this point i've wrecked over 5000 pounds worth of hardware since i started IT as a hobby. I think the most expensive piece of hardware I wrecked was one of my brothers Sun server which back then was THE server to run as hostingcompany.


i'm not in a hurry to get a major salary, and ccna is for me just a foundation into networking, ultimatelly i would like to gain ccnp/ccie... but i have to see where it takes me to.

So from your replies it is possible to do it slowly in your own pase and by selfstudy and gain the same results as you would if you went to a "proper" college over a year period. But in my case, I cannot do this because of my job.
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I've had a look around the forum for books/labs to start with, correct me if wrong:
(i have got the companian guides but they are 2005 prints so i think i need the new ones)

CCNA 1&2: Companian guide + Lab Guide
CCNA 3&4: Companian guide + Lab Guide

1x Cisco 2610 12.3 IOS
2x cisco 2500 standard
1x Cisco WS-C2924M-XL-EN/
24 Port Ethernet Switch VLAN / VTP / STP/
Enhanced Switching IOS
2x Cisco WS-C1924-x / WS-C1912-x
24 Port Ethernet Switch STP
CATos
2x Serial WAN Cables
DTE to DCE Serial Crossovers Cables
DB-60 to DB-60
1x Console Cable B-9 to RJ-45

 

[lerdalt]

A couple of other good books are from Sybex by Todd Lammle. Also the Cisco Press CCNA Certification Guide is good.

Your equipment list looks pretty good for most of it. The 1900 series switches, I'd consider replacing with some other 2950's though. Since they are using CATos, you aren't going to see any of that on the exams. Still good switches, but would look into upgrading them.

 

[hansje80]

Thanks for those suggestions, i had a quick look regarding the books on amazon and checked the index. but there are two of them:

1:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470110082/ref=sib_rdr_dp

2:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/CCNA-Certif...=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219330738&sr=8-2

i don't see much difference between, correct me if wrong... except one is hardcover and the other paperback.
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Secondly, the ccna exam can be taken either in 2parts, or 1go. which one is more adviseable? i'm thinking it would make more sense to do the icnd1/ccnent first instead doing the whole lot in one go.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

hansje80,

The difference is that they both have a CD but the more expensive one has a "Bonus CD" with -

Bonus CD–ROM Includes -
Platinum Version of CCNA Virtual Lab
Learn from lab exercises created by Todd Lammle
Access configuration consoles for network devices, including 2600 series Cisco routers and 1900 or 2950 series Cisco switches.
Get practice with the Cisco IOS commands you?ll need to know for the exam


I agree with lerdalt and replace the 1900s with 2950s!!!

You also might want to look at a 2600XM with a 12.4 IOS and make sure that you review SDM - you will need a 2600XM or 3620 or 3640 for SDM - it is now covered on the exam.

I know that with the right IOS you can do "router on a stick" with a 10 base T router (2610) but if you can't - then get a 2600xm (they are all Fast Ethernet) so that you can practice trunking and VLANs with the routers and switches!!

Hope this helps!



E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[hansje80]

so the updated list would look something like this:

1x Cisco 2600XM 12.4 IOS
2x cisco 2500 standard
3x Cisco 2950 switch
2x Serial WAN Cables
DTE to DCE Serial Crossovers Cables
DB-60 to DB-60
1x Console Cable B-9 to RJ-45

I rather have a router/switch for 50/100dollars more which would last longer than an older model which won't help me much with getting a proper understanding of the material and get me through the exam.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

hansje80,

If you already have the 2610 - I would rather have a 2610 (faster) then a 2501! And there is nothing wrong with 4 or 5 routers - nothing says you have to have 3 !!!!!

You really should read this blog by Odom -

Wendell Odom put together a nice blog series on CCNA and CCNP equipment. Check it out.

http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/24916

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[hansje80]

ha!
just made my life easier ciscoguy33

thanks for the replies and the patients guys. I will make a start and keep reading the forum. I'll be deffinatelly bugging you later again with, (probably for most of you easy) questions!.

cheers

 

[maczen]

hansje80,
I would agree with Lerdalt on the book. I have that Lammle Sybex book and it is great! The entire book comes on the accompanying CD as well which gives you different ways of studying...

In regard to your lab I would suggest steering away from buying two 2500 routers. CiscoGuy33 is right in regard to SDM and other 12.4 specific areas being on the new exams. But that is not why I would avoid two 2500's. One 2500 would make a great Frame Relay Switch but no real need for two of them. In stead invest that money in something that can use 12.4 like the 3640. They are good and inexpensive but only run 12.4 Main. Need an XM router to go beyond 12.4 Main but that is more for the CCNP track so this is my recommendation for your CCNA studies (Everything can still be used for CCNP)

1x 2501 or 2503 (Frame Relay Switch) $25US
2x 3640 (12.4 Main) $100US each

http://www.cablesandkits.com

1x 2950 EI (2950T, 2950C, 2950G) $100-$150 each eBay
2x 2950 SI (Any other) $70-$100 eBay
2x NM-4T or NM-4A/S (This is just one option for serial connectivity but adds the flexibility of easy uprade later)
2x X-Over
1x Console

This setup will run you under $700 and EVERYTHING can be used for your CCNP and other studies! In fact, CCNP upgrade would look like this:
1x 29xxXM (To go beyond 12.4 Main)
1x 3550 EI

This is about to be one of my racks! Exactly! Mostly there now!

Also, Can use 3640 with NM-4A/S or NM-8A/S as an Access Server for reverse telnet control of all of your devices. Many people (myself included) use the 2509 or 2511 for this but I may have to switch over to the 3640 after adding a switched PDU (Remote Power Controller) to my lab for remote power on/off management etc. I have not verified this yet but have been told by a reliable source that the 25xx IOS does not work well under these conditions. Can link post if anyone is interested but it is from another forum.

Hope this helps!
Later All,

B Haines
CCNA, FOI

 

[lerdalt]

Ya know..maybe I'm crazy, but I still haven't ruled out the 2500 series for a lot of stuff in labs yet. They still work pretty good, there is a fair amount they can't do, but still enough they can to build a lab on a budget.

One trick I've been starting to use (granted, I'm lucky and have a crapload of them that we've pulled out of service at work) but I'm using T1 cross over cables between T1 CSU's instead of the DCE/DTE cables. Take another power source, but it works well.

 

[burtsbees]

That's actually how I have a few routers at work, because I only have single ethernet interface routers (1750 and 2620).
You can also goof with timeslots to limit throughput (same as the clock rate though).
They are good for bonding, and so are asynch serial interfaces.

Burt

 

[MossEng]

As your in the UK, have you thought about the Open University, they run a CCNA course T216 Cisco Networking.
The majority of the work is online via the Cisco Academy,
They also have Router and Switch equipment you can access online for lab work. Included are 4 day schools providing hands on. I took its predcessor passed, and went on to pass my CCNA first attempt.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

hansje80,

I agree with MossEng, Cisco's Network Academy program is a GREAT way to learn CCNA as well as the access that you get to the Cisco Academy website.

One great download (FREE) from the Academy is Packet Tracer 5.0 which is a very good router and switch sim.

I would at least check it out!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[burtsbees]

Yeah, Gene---PT 5.0 has 12.4 Advanced IP Services IOS's on the 2801's!

Burt

 

[hansje80]

mosseng,

I had a look at open university website, it looks very attractive because it's all online and over 9 months,with average 12 hours a week study.
I think actually that is sufficient to know your ccna proper till a sufficient extend.
I think if i did that in combination with my own lab it would be rather succesful.

your toughts are more than welcome!

 

[burtsbees]

I totally agree, hans. Though the Network Academy has routers and switches, an online course supplemented with your own lab would be great. I went to the Cisco Academy for CCNA (not CCNP though, but I am one). I worked with my own lab as well, and got the CCNA less than a month after the last semester.

Burt

 

[hansje80]

I've been looking for the past 5 hours for a suitable uni/coll that would offer this course on a online basis.

I keep coming back to Open University, because it will also give you points that would count towards an degree later on, which makes this uni extra attractive.

I've read allot of reviews of this uni, and to be honest it sounds to good to be true...

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(MossEng what were your personal experience with this uni?)
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from what I've seen, basically A person can after GCSE go straight doing a full undergraduate course which will take 6year according to OU as you do not need any formal A level qualification... So in the end it the person would do only 1 year extra compared to another person that would do the same course but by doing A level then doing a 3 year undergraduate programm..

If this is true, this causes a major flaw in the educational system.... because of the CATS... OU and many other universities use.
So you can gain the first 240 point via OU, then transfer it to a more REPUTABLE uni, then do you final year at that university and gain a degree from that uni. which means in the end the total years spend to gain the degree by this particular route is ALSO 5 years....

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But i think i'm moving away from the topic i started myself, but i thought i enlight both myself and others that might be interested regarding the issue...
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