CCNA Blog

Master Your Knowledge of the CCNA Exam!

• Simulations now included with MeasureUp’s innovative test engine for better preparation for the real exam.
• Features more than 300 questions organized according to the CCENT and CCNA exam objectives so you can easily assess your knowledge of each topic, no matter which exam you take.
• Each answer includes detailed explanations.
• Use our innovative Quick-Check Answer Key™ to quickly find answers as you work your way through the questions.
• Our popular Cram Sheet, which includes tips, acronyms, and memory joggers, helps you review key facts before you enter the testing center.

More than 300 Questions on CD!

MeasureUp’s innovative test engine gives you an effective tool to assess your readiness for the exam, including:

• Simulation questions
• Multiple test modes
• Random questions and order of answers
• Coverage of each CCENT and CCNA exam objective

About the Author

Jeremy Cioara, CCIE No. 11727, works in many facets of the Cisco networking realm. As an author, he has written multiple books for Cisco Press and Exam Cram. As an instructor, he teaches at Interface Technical Training (www.interfacett.com) in Phoenix, Arizona. Likewise, Jeremy has recorded many E-Learning titles at CBTNuggets (www.cbtnuggets.com). Finally, Jeremy is the CIO of AdTEC Networks and works as a network consultant focusing on Cisco network and Voice over IP (VoIP) implementations. Jeremy also runs the Cisco Blog (www.ciscoblog.com) in his “free time.” Thankfully, he is married to the Certified Best Wife in the World (CBWW) who helps him manage his time and priorities and prevents him from getting an enormous Cisco logo tattooed across his chest.

Robin Lee :: Aug.31.2008 :: CCNA Books :: No Comments »

It’s telling to watch how young children, as they mature, confront physical or intellectual challenges, applying as much perseverance as their abilities permit, while keeping the effort entirely within the context of having fun. As a parent this process can manifest itself at the playground where my daughter Annika, after spending a few weeks trying to master the monkey bars, will finish, satisfied with her accomplishment…for a while…until ambition leads her to gaze at the giant climbing rock, the next challenge, just across the playground.

I’m excited to introduce you to our new playground, the Cisco Learning Network. Its intent is to assist you in defining your professional goals; planning a strategy to execute; and facilitating success via Educational content, peer exchanges in the Discussion Forums, and finally career guidance as you continue to strive for opportunities provided through your continued Education and Certifications.

Whether your interest is in being introduced to Cisco Certifications; working to prepare for your Entry, Associate, Professional, or Expert Certification; looking for a refresh before taking your re-certification exam; checking in on what people are blogging about; or just stopping by to see what’s new in our ever expanding technical library, we fully expect you to either find what you are in need of, or to let us know what’s missing and we’ll work to correct that.

The exciting news this month, above and beyond the introduction of Cisco Learning Network, is the simultaneous introduction of our newest Associate Certifications: CCNA Wireless, CCNA Voice, and CCNA Security. The continued goal of the Cisco Certification process is to provide ample Certification opportunities for all the different technology frameworks within the four primary Certification levels (Entry, Associate, Professional, and Expert), and we trust the new CCNAs will complement the existing Certifications.

Providing Certification resources and guidance can be a slippery slope; we don’t want to surprise candidates regarding content and exam topics, but we want the Certifications to be an accurate gauge of one’s abilities and competencies, to stand on its own merits, and to continue to be a badge of honor within the Network Community. We all have a vested interest in the continued success of Cisco Certifications, and so we depend upon your feedback to regularly monitor the state of that art.

The Cisco Learning Network is here to help you meet your professional goals, while also establishing new challenges—a process that hopefully leaves you as satisfied yet eager as that 5-year-old on the playground. Let your determination inspire us all. And just as I tell Annika: have fun, play nice, and let me know when you need help.

Article Posted By Mark Johnson, From Cisco Learning Network.

Robin Lee :: Aug.29.2008 :: Cisco CCNA News :: No Comments »

Anweesy3’s Question:

I am a current CCNA pursuing the CCNP. I have the ONT and ISCW left to take. This new CCNA Security cert seems very valuable since I want to pursue security. I was wondering since the CCNA Security and ISCW have very similar topics, can I bypass purchasing the exam guide for the IINS 640-553 and use my study materials for the ISCW instead? What are your opinions?

List of helpful answers:

It is better to continue with the CCNP track, as you said ONT and ISCW left to take. You can go through the syllabus which is given in this site itself and compare with the ISCW. It is better to wait for CCNA security as it is a fresh paper recently released. Even i am preparing, but planning to take this exam after one month. We can get more views, and details about the paper.

I am using SND and SNRS for my prepartion. Just go for the link and I hope this will clear it..

http://www.cbtnuggets.com/webapp/product?id=445

My advice is to take for CCNP and meanwhile material will be available.. and then go for the security.

—— Naresh

Just so you are aware, Cisco Press has two product out for the CCNA Security Exam. They are:

• CCNA Security Official Exam Certification Guide (print book with CD test engine)
• CCNA Security Quick Reference (digital review product)

Hope that helps!

—— Doug Ingersoll

Robin Lee :: Aug.28.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

Vishal’s Question:

I will be taking 640-802 exam in a couple of months. I thought that I would save USD $125 by taking this single composite exam(which’s USD $125) option rather than going for two exams option(ICND1 & ICND 2) which is USD $125 each. But today when I try to register myself for the exam, I find that 640-802 is USD $ 250 NOT 125 & ICND1 &ICND2 are $25 each. Did Cisco revised the fee for 640-802 or i was wrong in the first place??? If somebody could please tell me if Cisco gives us some option to save moeny by going for a certain option.

List Of Helpful Answers:

Unfortunately, Cisco have increased the prices for the CCNA exams (both for the CCENT route and the single 640-802). Therefore it will cost the same, in monetary terms, to take the single CCNA or the double exam route. — Jordan Mazurke

As of June 24, 2008, the price of the CCNA comprehensive exam #640-802, the single exam option for achieving CCNA certification, will be $250 USD, the professional-level Composite exam #642-892, will be $300 USD and the CCIE written exams will be $350 USD or the local currency equivalent in all regions. All other exam prices still apply. If additional charges are incurred, please contact Pearson VUE at www.pearsonvue.com/cisco/contact. — Andrew

Robin Lee :: Aug.25.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

The following are part of CCNA exam Q&A from www.certay.com. You can go to certay and consult live-support for more information if you are interested in its products. Now let’s look at the following study-guides offered by certay. 

1. When a router is connected to a Frame Relay WAN link using a serial DTE interface, how is the interface clock rate determined?

A: It is supplied by the CSU/DSU.
B: It is supplied by the far end router.
C: It is determined by the clock rate command.
D: It is supplied by the Layer 1 bit stream timing.

Correct Answers:  A

2. Acknowledgements, sequencing, and flow control are characteristics of which OSI layer?

A: Layer 2
B: Layer 3
C: Layer 4
D: Layer 5
E: Layer 6
F: Layer 7

Correct Answers:  C

3. Which of the following are types of flow control? (Choose three.)

A: buffering
B: cut-through
C: windowing
D: congestion avoidance
E: load balancing

Correct Answers:  A, C, D

4. Which protocol provides a method of sharing VLAN configuration information between switches?

A: VTP
B: STP
C: ISL
D: 802.1Q
E: VLSM

Correct Answers:  A

5. Which two devices can interfere with the operation of a wireless network because they operate on similar frequencies? (Choose two.)

A: copier
B: microwave oven
C: toaster
D: cordless phone
E: IP phone
F: AM radio

Correct Answers:  B, D

Robin Lee :: Aug.24.2008 :: CCNA Exam Braindumps :: No Comments »

Routing Protocols and Concepts, CCNA Exploration Companion Guide is the official supplemental textbook for the Routing Protocols and Concepts course in the Cisco Networking Academy® CCNA® Exploration curriculum version 4. This course describes the architecture, components, and operation of routers, and explains the principles of routing and the primary routing protocols. The Companion Guide, written and edited by Networking Academy instructors, is designed as a portable desk reference to use anytime, anywhere. The book’s features reinforce the material in the course to help you focus on important concepts and organize your study time for exams.

New and improved features help you study and succeed in this course:

• Chapter objectives—Review core concepts by answering the focus questions listed at the beginning of each chapter.
• Key terms—Refer to the updated lists of networking vocabulary introduced and turn to the highlighted terms in context in each chapter.
• Glossary—Consult the comprehensive glossary with more than 150 terms.
• Check Your Understanding questions and answer key—Evaluate your readiness with the updated end-of-chapter questions that match the style of questions you see on the online course quizzes. The answer key explains each answer.
• Challenge questions and activities—Strive to ace more challenging review questions and activities designed to prepare you for the complex styles of questions you might see on the CCNA exam. The answer key explains each answer.

This book is part of the Cisco Networking Academy Series from Cisco Press®. The products in this series support and complement the Cisco Networking Academy online curriculum.

About the Author

Rick Graziani teaches computer science and computer networking courses at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California. Rick has worked and taught in the computer networking and information technology field for almost 30 years. Prior to teaching, Rick worked in IT for various companies including Santa Cruz Operation, Tandem Computers, and Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporation. He holds an M.A. in computer science and systems theory from California State University Monterey Bay. Rick also does consulting work for Cisco and other companies. When Rick is not working, he is most likely surfing. Rick is an avid surfer who enjoys longboarding at his favorite Santa Cruz surf breaks.

Allan Johnson entered the academic world in 1999 after 10 years as a business owner/operator to dedicate his efforts to his passion for teaching. He holds both an M.B.A. and an M.Ed. in occupational training and development. He is an information technology instructor at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 2003, Allan began to commit much of his time and energy to the CCNA Instructional Support Team, providing services to Networking Academy instructors worldwide and creating training materials. He now works full time for the Academy in Learning Systems Development.

Robin Lee :: Aug.22.2008 :: CCNA Books :: No Comments »

Michael Foxon’s Question:

I’m already studying for the 642-552 Securing Cisco Network Devices exam but have just realised that it will be discontinued as of 17th November 08. Cisco has released a new exam 640-453 IINS which seems to be the same as 642-552. If I pass the 642-552 exam before 17th Nov will I obtain a CCNA Security?

List of helpful answers:

I just passed the SND-exam last week, so I am also curious to know if it will be converted to a CCNA security. I sent an email to my local trainingpartner. If I hear back from them, I will post the info here. — Anders Frederiksen

No, you won’t. IINS is based on SND, but had additional contents and the exam is different. AS far as I know, there is no upgrade from SND to CCNA Voice. However, if you’re pusuing SSSP, either route will do: SND or CCNA Voice. — Sergio Porter

To Sergio Porter: SSSP and CCNA:Voice…. ??? It should be CCSP and CCNA:Security — Hussain Arsalan Ali

Robin Lee :: Aug.20.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

Network Fundamentals, CCNA Exploration Labs and Study Guide is designed to support your classroom and laboratory experience in Version 4 of the Cisco® Networking Academy® CCNA® Exploration curriculum. Each chapter contains a Study Guide section and a Labs and Activities section.

Study Guide

The dozens of exercises in this book help you learn the concepts and configurations crucial to your success as a CCNA exam candidate. Each chapter is slightly different and includes multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and open-ended questions designed to help you:

• Review vocabulary
• Strengthen troubleshooting skills
• Boost configuration skills
• Reinforce concepts
• Research topics

Labs and Activities

Hands-On Labs–This icon identifies the hands-on labs created for each chapter. Work through all the labs as provided to gain a deep understanding of CCNA knowledge and skills to ultimately succeed on the CCNA Certification Exam.

Packet Tracer Companion–This icon identifies the companion activities that correspond to some hands-on labs. You use Packet Tracer to complete a simulation of the hands-on lab.

Packet Tracer Skills Integration Challenge–Each chapter concludes with a culminating activity called the Packet Tracer Skills Integration Challenge. These challenging activities require you to pull together several skills learned from the chapter, as well as previous chapters, to successfully complete one comprehensive exercise.

This book is part of the Cisco Networking Academy Series from Cisco Press®. Books in this series support and complement the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum.

About the Author

Antoon “Tony”W. Rufi currently is the associate dean of computer and information science for all the ECPI College of Technology campuses. He also teaches the Cisco Networking Academy CCNA, CCNP, Network Security, Fundamentals of Wireless LAN, and IP Telephony curricula. Before becoming an instructor for ECPI, he spent almost 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, working on numerous electronic projects and computer programs. Tony has a master’s degree in information science from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Southern Illinois University.

Priscilla Oppenheimer is an author and network consultant with more than 25 years of experience in the computer industry. Priscilla has a master’s degree in information science from the University of Michigan and has worked at such big-name companies as Apple Computer and Cisco Systems. She currently teaches at Southern Oregon University and provides network consulting to companies in her hometown of Ashland, Oregon, and elsewhere.

Belle Woodward, CCNA, CCAI, CCNP, is an assistant professor in the School of Information Systems and Applied Technologies in the College of Applied Sciences and Arts at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, Illinois. She has more than nine years experience in the networking and network security field. Belle teaches network security, advanced networking, and telecommunications. After redesigning the networking and network security undergraduate curriculum, her students took first place at the 2006 Regional Midwestern Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) and fourth place at the national CCDC. In addition to publishing several journal articles in the network security discipline, Belle has also contributed several chapters included in published network security and networking books.

Gerlinde Brady has been teaching Cisco CCNA and CCNP courses at Cabrillo College, a Cisco Regional Networking Academy, since 1999. She holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Hannover, Germany, and a master’s degree in translation (English/German) from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Her IT industry experience includes LAN design, network administration, technical support, and training.

Robin Lee :: Aug.19.2008 :: CCNA Books :: No Comments »

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Exam4sure is Pass4sure’s strategic partner, and on exam4sure site you can find the same high-quality products as pass4sure released. Worthy of note, with the purchase of a same product, Exam4sure price is 10 dollars cheaper than Pass4sure.

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Robin Lee :: Aug.18.2008 :: CCNA Prep Kits :: No Comments »

Many people understand the value of the Cisco certifications in the industry and want to know where to start to obtain their Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) which:

“The Cisco CCNA network associate certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. This new curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This new curriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2),VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs)”

You can take one exam (640-802 CCNA) that is 90 Minutes and 50-60 questions.
-OR-
You can take two exams, The ICND Part I test (640-822) that is 90 Minutes and 50-60 questions as well as ICND Part II Test (640-816) that is 75 minutes and 45-55 questions.

I recommend taking the single test to save money and time. There is also a great preparation page located here: http://forums.cisco.com/eforum/servlet/PrepCenter?page=main

After you decide you want to take the test, there are a few steps people can take to ensure you follow through. The biggest hurdle for the CCNA exam is execution of taking and passing the exam, so these steps help ensure your success:

1. Commit to the exam and get the support of your family and friends.
2. Set a date for taking the test!!!
3. Create a study plan around that date with set milestones that allow you to cover all the material by your test date.
4. Use one solid study guide source (like an updated Cisco Press Book) to use and reference other sources when needed. There are so many sources out there, that you can easily get rat holed with deeper and deeper material. Using one will you help you stay on track and test your knowledge.
5. Make sure your material is for the updated CCNA test. There were previous versions.
6. Use some kind of practice test to gauge your progress.
7. Find some way to practice basic commands on gear (checking connectivity, cdp, nat, etc..things you see mentioned to ensure you can do them if you are given a hands on simulation.)
8. Make sure you are FAST at subnetting by hand. There are several quick and easy tables you can use to work on this and it just takes practice to get it down.
9. Look for a study group or buddy to go through this process with. It makes it easier.

I think those are some good guide lines to get started.

So, for now, I wish you good luck with all your studying and hope you all get your CCNA!

Article posted by Nicole Johnson

Robin Lee :: Aug.16.2008 :: Articles And Tutorials :: No Comments »