Introduction
As an instructor in a classroom environment, I have learned there are two types of instructors. The first type, whether likable or not, is proud to show off his or her knowledge, but dislikes anyone learning anything. This type of instructor is more concerned with being better than everyone else. The second type of instructor, again whether likable or not, actually enjoys teaching. This person likes to share knowledge and does so in an informative way. I like to think of myself as the latter type.
When I began researching the material for this book, I looked into the various books on CCNA certification in the marketplace. I found a majority of these books to be either from a noninstructor, or from an instructor of the first type. The information lacking in these books was the actual step-by-step, how to configure a Cisco router. While these books gave you the commands to use, I didnÕt feel there was any continuity to actually seeing the routers configured and placed into action. To me, this is more important than simply certification. My goal was to take the information needed to pass the CCNA exam and put it in the format needed to perform actual work on the Cisco routers.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is for anyone with at least a small amount of networking experience Ñ roughly equivalent to six monthsÕ experience. As an MCSE myself, I found a need to learn new technologies, and since Windows 2000 was delayed, it became apparent that the new technology to learn was not in the Microsoft field yet. Since Cisco products account for a vast majority of the routers and switches in the field, it lent itself to being thetechnology to learn. I saw a large number of MCSEs and CNEs starting to examine the Cisco products, and it became clear this was an ideal direction. Even if you do not wish to pursue the coveted CCIE certification, knowing the basics of routing and switching that you will gain in this book will help you greatly in the field. You never know Ñ it may get you that pay raise you have been looking for.
If you are new to networking and still wish to pursue the CCNA certification, you may wish to pick up a book on networking to fill in the small holes you will find in this book. Use that book in conjunction with this book.
How This Book Is Laid Out
The first part of the book (Chapters 1Ð4) is all knowledge and theory material. Chapter 1 begins with a more thorough look at the OSI model and is relevant to the test. It is also good material to help build your troubleshooting skills. Chapters 2 and 3 are not so much test material as they are for getting everyone up to speed on the basics of LAN technologies. If you have years of experience, you may wish to simply browse through the chapters and pick up any small pieces of information that you do not have. Chapter 4 is a quick look at the TCP/IP protocol suite.
The second part of the book (Chapters 5Ð14) is the essence of the Cisco router configuration. Chapter 5 starts with a look at the various models of the Cisco product line and then continues with an in-depth look at the Cisco 2500 model, which can be considered the staple of the products. Chapter 6 looks at TCP/IP addressing and how to configure the Cisco router with addresses. Chapter 7 is a look at subnetting, including what it is and how to do it. There can be many questions about this on the CCNA test, and this should be a chapter that is thoroughly understood. The benefit to you is that this chapter has been a work in progress for over two years and has been class tested. I hope that you find it an easy lesson on subnetting. Chapters 8 and 9 begin the routing portion of the Cisco routers. You will learn static, RIP, and IGRP as the methods to enable routing. Chapter 10 is a quick look at the different methods needed to configure, save, and restore the Cisco router. Chapter 11 is a look at IPX/SPX and how to configure the router to work in these environments. Chapter 12 is about AppleTalk, and although there are no official exam objectives at this time, it is highly possible that AppleTalk will appear on your test when Cisco changes the exam. It is also important to understand because AppleTalk is still encountered in the field, and you should have a basic understanding of how it works. Chapter 13 is a look at access lists and how to set up the router to filter packets for AppleTalk, IPX/SPX, and, most important (to the test), TCP/IP. Chapter 14 is a look at WAN technologies and how Cisco routers can be used in these environments. This is only a brief review of WAN technologies, and should you decide to pursue more certifications in Cisco, you will be introduced to more WAN technologies and in more depth.
The final part of the book (Chapter 15) is not on the test, but it is extra material that you may find useful. This chapter is an accumulation of questions from students on ÒHow do I do this?Ó
The appendices have the answers to the practice questions and also a flowchart of the commands used in this book.
Recommended Strategies When Reading This Book
I have three simple strategies for you as you read this book. The first is to get your hands on at least one Cisco router to try the various commands. There are places on the Net where you can rent time on a router or two. If you have access to a router at work, make sure you can change the configurations before doing these exercises. Also, if you would like to purchase a router, there are a few auction sites on the Internet where you will find good bargains for used Cisco routers.
The second strategy is for you to write down each command as you learn it. Most people learn better by writing items down. I found this to be true in the classroom environment, and it may be the same with you. After Chapter 7, you will find that you have a large list of commands, and you may be tired of writing them down. At that point, you are certainly welcome to use Appendix C for the remainder of the book, where I have laid out the commands in a hierarchical fashion for you.
The final strategy involves the Scenario questions at the end of each chapter. These questions have no right or wrong answers, but are more for you to review each chapterÕs material. Please take a moment to try to answer each of the questions. Imagine that you are the consultant and have to report to the individual listed in the scenario. If you have the time and inclination, write down the answers in a report format. If you do this, I would love to see your reports. E-mail them to me at ccna@uswestmail.net.
Why and How to Obtain the CCNA Certification
Certification is becoming a large part of the corporate world. Sometimes it appears that you cannot even get a new job unless you have the certification to prove you know a little something. This does change depending on the certification (some certifications are required, and then the company will pay you to learn the technologiesÑthese are known as paper certifications), but nonetheless, it may be vital for any career advancement. Cisco certification indicates that you are able to operate a Cisco router in a LAN or small WAN environment. It also means you understand the different protocols such as IPX/SPX and TCP/IP, and how to integrate the routers into these various environments. By becoming a CCNA, you are advertising yourself to your boss or your prospective employer as an individual who can perform these functions.
To become a CCNA, you must pass a single test that is offered through Sylvan Prometric. You can reach them at (800) 204-EXAM (3926). The current version of the CCNA test is 604-507. The cost to take the exam is $100, and although you can pay in advance, it is easier to pay with a credit card. One suggestion I would offer you as a person who has taken more than a few tests through Sylvan Prometric is to call them 24 hours in advance and confirm your test. You cannot take a Cisco test the same day that you register. Remember to bring some form of identification with you to the test.
Other Cisco Certifications
The best way to get a feel for the different certifications is to visit CiscoÕs Web site at www.cisco.com and explore the training and certification paths. You will find there are many other certifications, including:
- CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) for designing small LAN and WAN networks.
- CCNP (Cisco Certifie Professional) for building and configuring bigger and more complex LANs and WANs.
- CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional) for designing bigger and more complex LANs and WANs.
- CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert). The biggest and probably the most coveted certification in the industry. It requires a minimum of $1200 to pass the exams, and that doesnÕt include airfare.
How to Contact the Author
You can reach me at ccna@uswestmail.net. Questions about this book, scenario reports, and misprints are always welcome. I also have a class that I offer if you have more than a couple of people interested in this certification.
Format: Hardcover, 560 pages
