Cisco VOIP - Help

[coach38]

My backgroud is really in HW but I've been working all over the place. I'm taken an interest in voip but i keep getting discourage by some of my friends who are in the field.

I have my COMPAQ ASE (ASE), Sun SCSA (Solaris 9), COMPTIA (Server+), Network+ and MCP 2003 (70-290) certification. I'm a Sr. Unix Operator and I'm working with an apps called Autosys. My programming skills are very min. I've received all of my certification by self study. I would like to get back into the hw world.

Do you think it's worth changing my career and study for my CCNA & VOIP?

 

[CiscoGuy33]

coach38,

It never hurts to learn new technology like VoIP since it seems to be a big part of ongoing technology.

CCNA is also basicly the entry level area for Cisco
but

"Do you think it's worth changing my career and study for my CCNA & VOIP?"

That is like anything else in this world of technology and the current economy, almost anyone's guess!!!!!

If YOU are GOOD as in ANYTHING, you should do well but that is a very W I D E O P E N question

I guess what I am saying is don't leave your day job!!!

Start working on CCNA and see if it has interest for you, sure wouldn't hurt since you said you would be working self-study and then work into CCNA Voice - keeping an eye on the job market!

Good luck and welcome!!!

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

 

[jeter]

Don't forget that after June 23, 2009 you will need your CCNA voice as a prerequisite for CCVP certification.


Go Army!
Tek-TIP Member 19,650

 

[silverhairb]

If you've been doing hardware and working in networks, a CCNA will close the loop and give you some additional marketability. That you've been working in Unix won't hurt with Cisco certifications.

[the other] Bill

 

[coach38]

Thanks guys for your support!

I'm going to start studying today for my CCNA. Are there any free simulators out there? I can not afford any routers right. Thanks

jd

 

[burtsbees]

Dynamips/Dynagen/GNS3

Router emulator, but you'll need IOS files (*AHEM*IOS Hunter)

cat /etc/bin/I_Love_Cisco | grep Burt

 

[CiscoGuy33]

hey coach,

You said -

"I'm going to start studying today for my CCNA. Are there any free simulators out there? I can not afford any routers right."

Sims and emulators are GREAT, but, make sure you read the post "New Lab" ..........

Routers and switches on Ebay are getting cheaper everyday and you don't have to buy it all at 1 time.

I will say that the book you should start with is Sybex CCNA Study Guide by Todd Lammel 6th edition - about $30 at

http://www.amazon.com

Whatever books you get, just make sure you get the books for the current exam 640-802 CCNA - lots of older books out there but .........

Just some thoughts - good luck and ask any questions you have!!

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

 

[coach38]

Hey, Broda

Thanks for the advice. I have the following book, 'Authorized Self-Study Guide Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, Part 1, 2nd Ed by Steve McQuerry'. I'll take a look on ebay.

jd

 

[silverhairb]

Hey coach,

Have you thought about enrolling in some Cisco classes in your local community college? You might have the background to do well, but they'll have a lab so you can get some hands-on experience. Then maybe get a 3631 to use for practice.

[the other] Bill

 

[lerdalt]

This might sound crazy, but I've toyed with enrolling in our local Cisco Academy myself. If only just to keep fresh some of the basics that don't get used everyday and have been easily forgotten.

 

[jeter]

I took a CCNP routing course last year to refresh my skill set. Besides you can become part of Cisco Academy Alumni if you PA$$.


Go Army!
Tek-TIP Member 19,650

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Bill,

GREAT idea!!!!! You want hands on, you would hate to be like that guy in the other post who is a CCNA and does not know how to console into a router or switch. Something to be said for experience with "REAL" Cisco equipment!!

lerdalt,

I have had several "real" network admins (25-30 years in the biz) in the Cisco Academy classes for that very reason - get some hands on experience in the "trenches" with stuff they just don't do everyday on a well running production network.

Coach,

Check the Cisco site and see where the local Cisco Network Academy is for you, many are offered at Community Colleges where class costs can be low, at my place they run about $210 for a 8 week class now .

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

 

[coach38]

thanks guys

Broda - LOL! You're funny..

I'll look up the Cisco Academy..Thanks

Is there a big market for CCNA VOIP and Wireless network. I'm hoping to have my CCNA, CCNA VOIP and Wireless by 4/2010.

If you're in the field let me know if there's anything else I need to pickup. I heard I should know VMware as well.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Coach,

I am not kidding, read the post "New Lab"

I am not picking on him, point I am making to you and others reading posts in this Cisco Cert area, is here is a person who has passed his CCNA and 1 CCNP exam and he does not know how to console into a router or switch, does not know how to set up router-on-a-stick etc. and several other things that you would expect a CCNA to be able to do!!

Sims and emulators are GREAT, just don't loose site of the fact that in the "real world" you don't get jobs working on sims and emulators - better understand how this ALL applies to real Cisco routers and switches or why even bother

And your question -

"Is there a big market for CCNA VOIP?"

Is there a BIG market anywhere? Just saw on Network World they expect Cisco to layoff 10% of their workers - about 6,500 people.

However, when things take off again, and you know they will, I sure as heck would want to be sitting there with CCNA, CCNA Voice and maybe part of CCNP and CCVP under my belt as well as a ton of hands-on labs so that I can talk-the-talk as well as walk-the-walk

Just some thoughts since you are just getting started.

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

 

[lerdalt]

From what I've been seeing, wireless and VoIP are becoming 2 huge areas. And the 2 are going hand in hand with wireless IP phones. I would have to say that in the last 2 years, I've probably spent more time installing/troubleshooting wireless than time spent on routing and switching.

Of course, personally, I'd love to rip out every last bit of the wireless. Some reason people don't think that is a good idea.