Where to start? 2

[mikeydidit]

Good morning guys.

I find myself in a position that you may be able to help me with. I have been in the telecomm side of the house/ network cabling/outside plant copper and fiber, for many years now, but find that I now need to learn the networking side.

As you guys know VoIP has taken off in the last few years. In the Avaya world I am in, traditional processors have been replaced with servers and I am looking to cutover to a total IP connect system in less than year. I have always been one to keep up with new releases of software, firmware and even wrote a few procedures to help others, but this is totally different.

I want to get several Avaya IP certifications but the first step is a good background in networking and the Cisco certification of Comp TIA Convergence+ is the first step. Looking into the prerequisites, Cisco recommends “In addition candidates are encouraged to have 18 to 24 months of work experience “before even trying this exam. Being in the telecomm side, this is not possible.

I have been watching (snooping is more the word) on you guys for several weeks now, reading others post and following the sites you recommend for others. Most seem to be a little more than I can take in at this point and more directed towards CCNA.

Where would be a good place for me to start with this? Any sites you could recommend as a starting point?

I appreciate your time in trying to help a total newbie in your area.


Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something.
Thomas A. Edison

For the best response to a question, read faq690-6594

 

[CiscoGuy33]

mikeydidit,

I went to the CompTIA Convergence + site and this is what they have -

Recommended Experience - 18 to 24 months of work experience in areas that include data networking, VoIP, and other convergence related technologies.

I think one of the best ways to get a good understanding of "networking" is the CompTIA Network + or Cisco CCNA or even the new CCENT cert coming out as a path to CCNA.

Yes CCNA is how CISCO does networking but since they control about 75-80% of that market, that is not a bad thing

Or even CCENT might be what you want - "For many of you who are considering a career change and are looking for an entry-level networking certification that is an excellent stepping stone towards more certification and better job prospects, the new CCENT might be just what you need. This certification is the first step towards the CCNA and requires one exam which will be released on August 1."

For VoIP I see many CBTs on eBay - that might be a good start as well as a Network + CBT. Just go to the "computer" area and do a search under the "software" subarea for "cisco", "voip" or "net +".

You can also do like I do often - go to Borders or Barnes and Noble, grab a stack of different networking books and get a cup of coffee and read to your hearts content Start with something easy like Networking for Dummies and progress until you have the networking knowledge you want or find a book you can not leave without

You can also do as most of us Cisco people do and buy some hardware on eBay and setup a home networking lab to get some hands on experience that you can not do at work. I have seen "home labs" from a few $$$ to labs that cause on the lights in the neighborhood to flicker when turned on (CCIE and VoIP people) I saw one triple CCIE on

http://www.DSLReports.com

that had 3-4 racks of Cisco and Juniper in his basement

For general networking all you would need is 2 routers, some switches and maybe even a hub and several older computers for end point work stations/servers and you could practice all different types of networking!

Hope this helps get you started


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

 

[mikeydidit]

Sorry it has taken several days to get back with you on this. It has been crazy around here this week. I do appreciate your time and reply.

After taking an assessment test for the CompTIA, it looks like I am going to class and pretty much start at the bottom. The people I work for have never given me any trouble with me going to class or paying for them. Having worked on fiber backbones, and network cabling (since IBM type 1 cable, better known as Token ring), I feel pretty confident I can pick it up. It will just take time.

The Cisco certifications may help me more than just the perquisites for Avaya Certifications too. The state of Louisiana is all Cisco shops, so this could open more doors down the road. Who knows, one day I may be one of those who post "CCNA test today".

I would have never thought I would be looking into networking after working on telephone systems for 20 years. But thing are going full circle in the telecomm world today as you know from the Cisco side. It’s not just Cisco that is pushing VoIP or IP connect solutions.

Thanks again E.A. Broda.


Hell, there are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something.
Thomas A. Edison

For the best response to a question, read faq690-6594

 

[burtsbees]

Networking started in your world!

Burt