Switches needed for CCNA?

[comptek]

I am studying for the CCNA (not just to pass) but to apply what I have learned from this to work also. But my question is do I need to buy a switch or will the sybex book 2004 version be enough to cover the switching portion. I am planning on buying 2 2501's for $200 if I got a switch it would be around $350. I am on a tight budget but if it is a must to have a switch I would like to know.

Thanks

Comptek
A+, Network+

 

[JOAMON]

Cant remember how many if any questions on the test were related to switches but would be good to have one for practice and the Cisco labs do call for a switch. Keep in mind that the Catalyst 1900 series is not an IOS based router but unless Cisco has changed their labs it was the one used in the CCNA labs. The 2950 is an IOS based switch that would be more practical to learn but more pricy as this would be one you may use at work. Sybex is OK but is primarly focused on only the test material. You might pickup the Cisco Press CCNA self study kit also as it covers more detail than just the test material.

 

[gwildfire]

A Switch is not a must for CCNA, you can upgrade the 1900 series to Enterpise (ram and flash pertmitting) and they run a cut down IOS. As Joamon says Sybex book isnt enough its missing a few bits so consider Cisco press also. If you really want some switching then you can pick up a cheap 1900 series on ebay, 2950 are still expensive! or perhaps a Router simulator. Ive never heard of anyone getting switch simulation questions in the exam.



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[Cluebird]

1900 switches are no longer tested on CCNA. 2950s are now used instead. I still have several 1900s I use in classrooms and home networks but the enterprise image still isn't "real" IOS. If you want a cheaper IOS switch a 3500XL or 2924-XL-EN will let you practice command syntax. However, some command structures differ between the older IOS switches and the 2950. If you're going to CCNP level, the 2950 and 3550 (both with enhanced images) are the switches used. If you're going to "bite-the-bullet" on the newer platforms, I'd suggest two 3550 EI and no 2950s. You can cover any of the configuration topics up to CCIE level with those and 3 routers.

 

[comptek]

Thanks guys for your response. I have a simulator that has switches in it I may just us that for the switch portion. It is the CCNA Virtual lab cd. I will buy the routers to get some real hands on. About the sybex I do want to pass the exam but I also want to learn and apply what I have learned to work. Should I drop the sybex and grab another study guide? If so which do you recommend besides CCNA test kit. I heard those get way to technical.

Thanks

Comptek
A+, Network+

 

[JOAMON]

They do get technical but cover a wider range of material than Sybex does not. I would start with the Cisco CCNA exam self study kit and then do the Sybex just before the test as it focuses more on just the test material. Take a look at the following link. I went through the Cisco networking fast track program at my local community collage and my company paid for it. You might check and see if they would offer any assistance as this would be a bennefit for them as well.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/netacad/index.html

 

[comptek]

Thanks Joamon,

If I go to another study guide once I finish it should I just glance at the sybex book as a reference or should I read that book also? I am looking at the bryant advantage cisco kit.

Let me know

Thanks

Charlie

Comptek
A+, Network+

 

[JOAMON]

I am not familiar with the Bryant kit. Take a look at the following:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?endeca=1&isbn=1587200953&itm=1

Use the Sybex to cram prior to the test as it primarily focuses on the test material. Just review areas you are most familiar with and read in detail those areas you need to.

 

[NetworkGhost]

I would definitly get a switch. Go over trunking, ISL, 802.1q, Vlan assignment, and most of the sh commands. I took the test recently, passed, and it seemed Switches were looked at heavily. Also good switching knowledge is worth its wait in gold when you are experienced in layer 3 switching, dynamic vlans, routing etc..

 

[Kryolla]

FYI you have to have 2 switches for trunking, vtp, etc and 1900 cat run ISL trunking and 2950 runs dot1q.

CCNA & A+

 

[jabw]

For the CCNA I don't think real hardware is needed.
But. At least once in your live touch the real stuff.
I'm using a boson study emulation and that's sufficient except for the low level booting stuff and it's good to see atleast once the leds blinking on the hardware.
But the rest can be done on the computer.
Also I would like to advice you to use a bit more than just the cisco books. First of all get the updates on the CCNA-ICND software. A lot more questions are available.
Also I like the McGrawHill CCNA studie Guide. It contains more items than those covered in the cisco book. i.e. DHCP and version 2 command of RIP.