what is covered in the ccna exam

[bhelpdesk2005]

hi - just looking for some guidelines here - i have yet to take the exam but studying for it and would appreciate any tips. What switch and router models are covered and what topics do they place their concentration on? Thank you for your kind help.

 

[thematrix0101]

Here is the exam topic

Planning & Designing
• Design a simple LAN using Cisco Technology
• Design an IP addressing scheme to meet design requirements
• Select an appropriate routing protocol based on user requirements
• Design a simple internetwork using Cisco technology
• Develop an access list to meet user specifications
• Choose WAN services to meet customer requirements

Implementation & Operation
• Configure routing protocols given user requirements
• Configure IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway addresses on routers and hosts
• Configure a router for additional administrative functionality
• Configure a switch with VLANS and inter-switch communication
• Implement a LAN
• Customize a switch configuration to meet specified network requirements
• Manage system image and device configuration files
• Perform an initial configuration on a router
• Perform an initial configuration on a switch
• Implement access lists
• Implement simple WAN protocols


Troubleshooting
• Utilize the OSI model as a guide for systematic network troubleshooting
• Perform LAN and VLAN troubleshooting
• Troubleshoot routing protocols
• Troubleshoot IP addressing and host configuration
• Troubleshoot a device as part of a working network
• Troubleshoot an access list
• Perform simple WAN troubleshooting


Technology
• Describe network communications using layered models
• Describe the Spanning Tree process
• Compare and contrast key characteristics of LAN environments
• Evaluate the characteristics of routing protocols
• Evaluate TCP/IP communication process and its associated protocols
• Describe the components of network devices
• Evaluate rules for packet control
• Evaluate key characteristics of WANs

Base on my last experience, they focus on Switching, especially on STP. 2600 serial router and 2900 serial switch CLI will be simulate on the test. "?" may not be available on all the command and "Tab" only work part of the time. But generally it will give you all the tips you need to finish the sim. OSPF Single Area and ACL also important in the test. Good Luck!

 

[gbl]

This info is very useful for me as well. If I start the CCNA what is the recommended hardware? You've mentioned the STP 2600 serial router and 2900 serial switch. Are there any other recommendations for hardware? I understand routersims are not highly recommended and I would rather use the real thing. Also how are people purchasing this items? Do you recommend Ebay?
Also someone mentioned a library - what is it and is it recommended?
Thank you!

 

[qz01gs]

I'd recommend EBAY, stuff is cheap there. The switching element of the exam is done a cisco 2950.

You could pass the exam with three routers and a switch.

A cisco 2501,2503 and 2522 and 2950 would be a good set up. With that you will be able to do frame-relay, EIGRP,RIP,IGRP,OSPF etc