CCNA - What is the best study material

[ianbla]

I realise a lot of you guys out there have got your CCNA + a lot more, I would like to take the Security Specialist path but have been told that I must get my CCNA first:-(

Rather than waste my training budget on a CCNA course I would like to self study for it, is this wise??? I would then use my budget for the interesting Security course.

What reading material would be best for the CCNA?

I have been working with numerouse CISCO routers and a PIX515 fot the past 12 months so I have a good understanding of commands and whjat they do.

Thanks in advance
Ian.

 

[dotxbob]

I recently completed the Academy curriculum for CCNA. The materials teach you "the world according to Cisco," and from what I gather, this is important for passing the exam.

I had a strong computer background, but was new to networking. Your success will depend on how strong your basic networking skills are, such as LAN/WAN protcols, OSI model, and Cisco-specific configuration. A good way to size up your skills would be to try a few practice exams, which are very Cisco-centric. Another basic measure would be to get the "CCNA Course Objectives" from their web site and see how many of those you think you know.

There are boot camps for seasoned professionals that mash you through the whole curriculum in one weekend. These are for people who are strong in networking and only need to know TWATC (oooo, that's almost lewd; the world according...).

Sorry that I can't give you any specifics on materials. I haven't personally reviewed any.

HTH,

-db

 

[jfwebber]

I have found the CCNA Certification guide from Cisco Press written by Wendell Odom to be great.

Jim Jim Webber
Network Administrator MCSE CNA

 

[yizhar]

HI.

CCNA requires some hands-on, and a lot of theory.
From your post I see that you have worked with routers (did you configure frame-relay?), but for CCNA you must also play with Cisco Catalyst switch.

For CCNA you need theory - so a good book which speaks "the world according to Cisco" as mentioned by dotxbob is needed or a Cisco class.

So, I think that you'll be able to pass the exam with a good book and a small lab (minimum 2 routers back to back, and a catalyst switch).
But I suggest that you go to a Cisco teaching center and ask them also, because you're planning on a long path so they will probably give you some discount for CCNA if you're going to take other courses, and taking a class is best for many people.

Bye
Yizhar Hurwitz

http://come.to/yizhar

http://teachers.sivan.co.il/yizhar

 

[ianbla]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the replies, I have found a Training Centre (Azlan in the UK) who offer a Security Specialist package with or without the CCNA part. I am not trying to get this signed off by the management who hate spending money.


I have worked with IT for about 7 years now and have recently set up a router > router (CISCO 801's) ISDN link and a PIX515 VPN link (IKE encrypted) to a remote site, I feel confident in what I know but I have never touched a catalyst switch as we cannot afford that sort of equipment here.

I will try and get hold of a copy of CCNA Certification guide from Cisco Press written by Wendell Odom

Thanks again
Ian.