Same old ? with a slight twist 2

[SF18C]

What should I get for CCNP study material?

I know that this question has been asked 1000 times here, but I have a new twist.

I am working for the government stationed in Germany! So I really can't run down to the local book store and expect to find any CCNP study material (at least in English) so I have to order my stuff from the states and have it sent over. Of course by the time it gets here (and I've paid for it) if its not the right stuff then I'm out of luck. I used the Sybex book by Lammle for CCNA and I liked it. I know Cisco is rewriting most of the CCNP exam and most of the material I finding on the web is for the older tests. Even Cisco is still selling their CCNP 4-pack for the older exams with a disclaimer new material is coming out in November.

Any suggestion on what I should buy for the CCNP exams? I do have fair lab at home and more stuff at work to get hands on so I am mainly concerned with the books and guides.

Thanks.

 

[wybnormal]

The honest truth is that the material has remained mostly the same. There is a heavier push on switching... knowing commands cold to play on the simmulators (should know that already) and there will be minor tweaks. But, if you could pass the *old* test well, you can pass the new test.

MikeS
Find me at

http://www.packetattack.com

"Take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots."
Sun Tzu

 

[SF18C]

Mike,

What do you think of Sybex kit for CCNP vs. the Cisco press books?

 

[wybnormal]

I prefer Cisco's writing style but their practice tests are very buggy. I guess it depends on what you want. If you want enough to pass the test, go with Sybex. If you want to know more then enough to pass the test, then get the Cisco prep books and someone else's practice tests.

I used the Semester books (5 and 6) and their lab companion books with great sucess for my routing and remote access tests (CCNP)

The most telling is that I have kept all my Cisco books and still refer to them where the Sybex books have been sold off.

There is MUCH debate over the use of SIMs vs. real equipment. It's a nice way to start up a fame war for keeping your feet toasty on a cold winters night I've used most of the SIMs and while a couple are not bad, they are all limited in the big picture. I would suggest a blend. Use the sims to get the basics down cold and then round it out with real labs.. either your own or rent some time online.

MikeS
Find me at

http://www.packetattack.com

"Take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots."
Sun Tzu

 

[SF18C]

Thanks Mike that is my thinking, I'm gonna go with the Cisco books, and maybe some testing software/books later down the road. I used the sims on my CCNA studies and found I have a better time on real stuff (that's why I bought so much stuff for a home lab).

 

[Mark192]

I've got agree with Mike, done CCNA with Sybex and CCNP remote and support so far with cisco press. Would recommend the Cisco press books hands down.

 

[SF18C]

Thanks Mark

And Guess what I found at work today? The Cisco press kit for CCNP!!! So it looks like I can save a few bucks and I'll buy the books in time when I find the right price.

I always like to have the printed material for reference later.

Now does anyone know about waht changes Cisco is/has made from the older material to the "new" material they plan on releasing in November? I found lots of Cisco documentation on IS-IS but do you really see them changing much from the previous stuff?

 

[wybnormal]

IS-IS is going to be covered more.. as is QOS and multilayer switching since it ties back to QOS. Less importance on IPX but it will still be there. Same goes for IGRP.

These are some of the changes I know of.. others may know more.

MikeS
Find me at

http://www.packetattack.com

"Take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots."
Sun Tzu