CCNA Blog

# 01 rOckY

Hi, i have started studying for CCNA R&S and want even a virtual partner to take part in it. My roadmap leads me to CCIE Security and CCIE R&S. Anyone volunteering? We can hook up on gtalk/msn and keep discussing it through emails as well. I am already having other technical certifications and have a masters in info security so i assume myself not to slow you down…

# 02 Harold Carter

I have a great CCNA roadmap that includes labs and videos based on the 31 days before your CCNA book.  For the labs though you need to have Cisco’s Packet Tracer, to get this you must me an academy alumni.  How much Cisco experience do you have?

# 03 rOckY

I am not a pro.. what do you suggest i go through this roadmap?

# 04 real_magiz

I am practising with PT for my CCNA exam soon. can you help me anything?

# 05 Harold Carter

Here is a lab i use in my CCNA study groups. It is taken out of the 31 Days Before your CCNA study guide with some additional tweaks.  See if you can get it to work. I have the answer keys I have created, either as a completed project or each individual task.  Let me know what you think. In the zip file is the PT setup and the project tasks.  The cloud and ISP are already configured. 

Attachments: Study Group Lab.zip (36.2 K)

# 06 biola

I’m interested in taking up your offer of a study partner, but I don’t like have a definite road map yet, unlike you. But my exam is booked for the 5th, there’s so little time, but I’m sorta ready to do waht it takes. But I really don’t even know the set-up of the exam, like how many questions, is there like a lab session part and all, please fill me in.

# 07 Wayne

Hi Biola, Go to Cisco learning site. They have an outline and some sample question and what is covered on the test you take. First you goto www.cisco.com and sign up with their site they have some useful material. When done there you ned to go to www.cisco.learnig.com then sign up here they have all materials Cisco offers plus games to help teachyou to understand them better. Let me know how it works for you.

Robin Lee :: Jan.21.2010 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

#01 dselmeyer

When did Cisco change the CCNA renewal to include the CCDA?
Takeing the CCDA to renew is an easy way to go in my opinion.
This is from the Cisco site:

Recertification

CCNA certifications are valid for three years. To recertify, pass the ICND2 exam, or pass the current CCNA exam, or pass a CCNA Concentration exam (wireless, security, voice), or pass the current CCDA exam, or  pass any 642 – XXX professional level or Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams), or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam.

#02 GSauls

Hi Dselmeyer,
i guess it would depend on what you believe is easy. If you are a designer then the CCDA is easy and if you a config person then the CCNA would be easy and if you both even better.
I do think it’s fair… i don’t say this because i’m CCDA amongst other things but i think it is a lateral move because it’s at the same level. you should be a CCNA to go into design as how would you design without knowing the setup/config environment.
Can i ask why you think CCNA is tougher than CCDA?
Cheers
Grant

#03 dselmeyer

Grant,
By no means am I saying it’s easy easy, but I guess to me it seemed a lot easier than CCNA.  When you look what you need to do for a CCNP, you need your CCNA, not CCDA.  You only need the CCDA for the CCDP(plus your CCDA).
It just seems as if it’s odd that the CCDA will recertify the CCNA, thats all.
Is that the way I am reading it though?   By me passing the CCDA, that renews my CCNA for another 3 years?
Thanks
Dale

#04 GSauls

Hi Dale,
firstly i was just asking… nothing wrong with what you said. alway interesting to know another person viewpoint (kinda like why CLN is here)
i hear what you saying but when you look deeper into the CCDA you need it for Data Center Specialization(storage,application services, network infrastruction), Advanced WLAN design, Unified Comm design, security design specialization…
Just as you need CCNA for voice, wirless, security, CCNP, CCIP and CCSP.
If your a config man than yes it does seem odd that a design track would recertify a R&S track. I’m currently completing my CCIP and CCDP and CCDE.
Hopefully will be done by end of next year.
what are you busy with at the moment?
Grant

#05 dselmeyer

I have been so busy at work that trying to work towards certification was put on a back burner for 2 years.  I realized my CCNA was about to expire on Nov. 15 and started going down the path of CCDA b/c that seemed to be the simplest thing for me.
My goal is now that I have it renewed to start down the CCNP path and get that out of the way.  It’s a long road, but I know it will pay off in the end, in more ways than one.

#06 GSauls

hi Dale,
sounds good.  Have you thought about just doing CCNA Voice or Wireless.
regards,
Grant

Robin Lee :: Sep.07.2009 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

# 01 Edith CCNA Voice
HI All,
If anyone interested I have attached a brochure from the training course I attended for CCNA Voice, CVOICE 6.0. Thought to share with all, It is designed by Harith (Quadrupel CCIE).
Cheers!
ccna_voice_enterprise.pdf (6.1 MB)
# 02 GSauls
Hi Edith,
Thank you for the information. i write my CCNA Voice next week. i’m trying to push it for this week but i just finished my second MCITP today so i need a few days off to regroup and get out of a MS mind frame.
regards,
Grant
# 03 Abu Hadee
Hello Edith,
This is Abu, group leader of this group.
Thank you for sharing the document. It’s really nice for you to share your experience and knowledge.
I’ll be happy to answer your any question that you may have.
Thanks
- abu

Robin Lee :: Aug.12.2009 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

# 01  Harris

I passed CCNA yesterday. First of all, I want to thank everyone on the forum for answering my sometimes-curious-and-strange questions. The syllabus was relatively easy for me to understand, as I hold a postgraduate university degree in computer networks. However, I have to say I am impressed with the topics covered by CCNA, as there were many concepts we didn’t even touch in university!  Of course the knowledge required for a cisco certification is more technical-oriented than the knowledge acquired in university, but now I can see that having both the academic and the practical/technical knowledge is a great advantage.

I also need your opinion about what will be the best thing to learn after CCNA. I’m now working as a Network engineer (since three weeks ago ). I’m thinking to start studying for CCNA wireless or CCNA security. Do you think that such a certification will be useful, or is it better to go straight to CCNP ? Also, what non-cisco certification will be most useful combined with Cisco knowledge ? for example, is it worth to go for a Microsoft or Linux Certification ?

# 02 Rickey

My personal opinion is to go for the CCNP then head for a concentration.  i really don’t think it would be a mistake if you went straight for the CCNA wireless or security.  I think both of those certifications are nice certifications.  I have got some microsoft certifications to accompany my cisco knowledge.  I prefer to be a well rounded engineer that way I can better lead a team.  That’s my opinion.

# 03 NtwrkAnkS

Congrats harris i would also recommend whats suggested above as i am also preparing for ccnp and now i realise that the topics covered in ccna are just the tip of the iceberg they only introduce the topics but ccnp is what actually explains you evrything in detail….

# 04 GSauls

Rickey’s advice is good. CCNP is always a good place to go to next.
As for the Microsoft stuff i would recommend doing the either MCSE or MCSA or do a good MCITP…

Your current position what type of business is it. Enterprise/SP/Data Centre?

Let us know and we can improve on our recommendations.

# 05 Jared H.

Congrats on the pass!  As for what to do next, if it were me, that would depend on my current job.  I would do what ever would apply to my job the most and help me improve in my job the most.  For my situation, after getting CCNA, I went for the CCNP because it covers routing switching, wireless, security & qos.  I do 4 out of those 5 things so CCNP seemed to be a good fit.  I have now gone back and am working on CCNA Wireless and will be pursuing CCNA Security & CCDA.

Good Luck in whatever you do.

# 06  Harris

Thanks for the info!

The company I’m working for, provides Network Infrastructure and security solutions to other companies. I’m mostly involved with cisco products in work.

What certification can help you to acquire more knowledge in specific topics like security or wireless ? CCNP or CCNA security/wireless ?

Robin Lee :: Aug.09.2009 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

I’m planning to write a CCNA exam. Would you please suggest me which one is better shall I give two exams ICND1 and ICND2 or single CCNA exam. Also could you please let me what is main difference between those single and two exams.  ———— 22karthikreddy

There is no “difference” really.  It just depends on how much you want to study and how much you want to be tested on at one point in time versus another.  if you take the single exam route you will be responsible for everything.  if you take the 2 exam route you can break down what you need to study per exam.  I personally liked the two exam route because I could concentrate on certain technologies at a time to make the testing easier.  It really depends on what your personal preference is.  if you don’t mind studying more go for the single exam.  it also depends on your current knowledge and experience.  if you have been in networking a while it might just be easier to go the single exam.  it’s all up to you!  —————-  Rickey

Robin Lee :: Jul.28.2009 :: CCNA Q&As :: 1 Comment »

# 01 Jimeni

I passed my CCNA in May, I’ve been in Tech support for seven years now but I’ve been working for myself for the last four years. I spent three months studying for the exam and now hope to move into networking in an organisation.

I’m really enthusiastic about learning new things and getting going down this new path but it seems getting a job is easier said than done.

I’ve applied for plenty but I think being self employed may be putting people off. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get my foot in the door? I’m thinking of writing letters to some companies to ask for work experience, it obviously means more time with no wages but it might get me the experience required. Any ideas on the types of companies? Just any large company with a Network?

# 02 Rickey

I’d keep hunting.  I know one thing that helped me is I sought out everyone I knew of to try to get something started.  I used all the online tools to help find employers seeking employees in my area.  I would definitely seek out people to volunteer.  That would definitely boost your rep to another company when they see you volunteered to learn the stuff.  I ended up just getting a normal IT job, but in the interview process I showed that I had excellent networking skills so from the get go I was thrown projects with networking every now and then.  It always helps to wear multiple hats.

# 03 Scottyyyc

I was in a similar position several years ago. I just treated my own company as any other company as far as listing experience on my resume. There shouldn’t really be much about it that turn people off otherwise.

Keep in mind, despite everyone’s best intentions, the whole global economy thing is a big issue right now. The fact of the matter is that just about everything has slowed down a bit, and most company’s are being very cautious hiring. I’m in a pretty strong economy in Western Canada, and things are still a little slow. I’ve noticed about 1/2 to 1/3 as many job postings as compared to a year or two ago.

Just keep plugging at er. Remember, try to differentiate yourself on your resume. Don’t just list the kinds of things you ‘did’, mention all of the innovations you brought to the table, and the things that changed as a result of your individual efforts. You really have to go that extra mile in selling yourself. Simply mentioning you installed this, and setup that, isn’t enough right now.

# 04 dmolfetas

Some good advice was posted already. Have you visited any job fairs in your area ? Is the available time being used for pursuing an additional certification ?

Also, consider creating a profile on an online networking site if you don’t already have one.

I, too, am also available for immediate hire which gives me an excellent opportunity to continue studies in R&S through the CCNP.

# 05 Jimeni

Thanks for the good advice everyone, its good to hear other people have been in the same shoes. I’m using my time to study for my MCSA and ITIL foundation. Its not being wasted but I’ll be sure to get on and try to do some volunteer work, would an ISP be a good start? I’ve seen a few offering networking jobs requiring experience and I’ve started asking them if they have any more junior positions or if I could do some work experience.

I’ll keep and it and try to keep my chin up, I just really want to ‘Dive in’ and get working ASAP. I’m certain if I got an interview my passion and work ethic would get someone interested I’m just struggling to get to that stage.

I’ve just joined linked in so I’ll see how that goes. I feel like going for a CCNP without networking experience may not be the best idea so thats why I’m trying to get my Microsoft Cert and then hopefully move back to Cisco if I can land a networking job in between.

Thanks so much for the advice any more would be much appreciated!

Robin Lee :: Jun.11.2009 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

# 01 ldgotz

I am presently studing to my ccna exame..

One of the videos that I watched was and example of setting up a trunk link

the discussion talked the definition of a trunk being..

 A link that passes all vlan trafic …
then they continued with the tutorial of setting up this trunk link..
and it ended with them assigning a Vlan to the trunk link…

If the trunk passes all vlans.. why would you assign a vlan to it? after a day of searching the web, with no real luck for an answer

other then   ==> best practice..
I came here to ask the question….

Is there a real reason to assign a vlan to a trunk link?

# 02 Chris Buscemi

Because it is a trunk link and is designed to pass all VLAN traffic to the next switch you don’t (actually I believe you can’t) assign that port to a VLAN. The only time you assign any VLAN configuration on a trunk link (aside from manual pruning) is when configuring router-on-a-stick. And the VLAN configuration goes on the router side of the trunk under the subinterface, not on the switch port.

# 03 Conwyn

Normally trunks carry all the vlans  but in voice network you often have two trunks one carry vlan traffic for data and the other carrying the voice vlan traffic. You can also prune so you do not send data for vlan x down a trunk when you know there are no vlan x ports beyond the trunk.

# 04 ldgotz

I understand this concept…
BUT why would you assign a vlan to a trunk…..
yes it can be done.. i did it on the lab equipment,
and in the simulator program….

I Just do not understand the reason for doing it..  if there is a reason.

# 05 Chris Buscemi

From what I’ve seen on my lab equipment, you’re right, you can assign a VLAN to a trunk port. However, as long as the port is in Trunking mode, the VLAN assignment is listed as “inactive” under the show interface (int#) switchport output. Once you code the interface to be in access mode, the access VLAN comes up.

I don’t know of any circumstance where you would even bother assigning the trunk port to an VLAN, given what the trunks are designed to do. Perhaps one of the resident experts here know of some reason why you would. However it is best practice to know what interfaces on your switches are trunks, and to therefore hard code them to be trunks, thereby disabling the VLAN assignment you’ve given them.

Now, in reference to Conwyn’s comments, I can definitely see why you would want a seperate trunk for your VoIP traffic, but that would actually be a seperate physical trunk link on the switch that you only allow the Voice traffic on. And while you can control which VLANs are allowed on the trunk, that is not the same as assigning the trunk port to a VLAN.

So in short, I too don’t see the reason why you would bother, and more over why they would have shown you the process to do that.

# 06 Matt Kerry

Hello ldgotz, Can you post the config that was demonstrated in the video you watched?

# 07  Conwyn

Sorry I mis-understood. You assign a vlan to trunk port because if the other end is not defined as a trunk then this end becomes an access port in that vlan.

# 08 Travis Newshott

Conwyn is correct, assuming the port is configured with DTP to allow it to negotiate the state.  If you hardcode a port to be trunk and disable DTP, the purpose of assigning a VLAN is generally through the native vlan command to tell the trunk which VLAN should be untagged.  This allows you to specify the untagged VLAN to comply with network design standards, security procedures, etc.

When DTP is configured for negotiation, Conwyn is absolutely correct – you set a VLAN to ensure if it falls back to access mode, the correct VLAN will be utilized.

Robin Lee :: Jun.07.2009 :: CCNA Q&As :: 1 Comment »

# 01 alvand555

Where can we get them? How reliable are websites who claim to have vouchers? How often promotions happen and how inexpensive can we take an exam?

# 02 John

I don’t know the full details on this but i believe it is some sort of promotion for 2009 on certain exams.

I used a voucher after i failed my CCNA Wireless exam, I was entitled to a voucher/free go at a retest.

I am not sure if you can believe these websites, they are probably advertising something which you can get anyway like i did from a normal testing centre.

# 03 ciscoskeemz

I have a question in regards to this.

Does the comeback2009 count towards CCNA recertification. I’ve heard that, if you’re certification has expired, you can use this promotion to get certified again. Not sure if it’s true or not. Maybe a moderator can give some insight.

# 04 Rickey

The comback2009 does work for the CCNA concentration exams.  I definitely recommend using it if you fail a test.

# 05 ErickBCCNA

I am 99% sure the COMEBACK2009 promotion is for individuals that had existing CCNA certification and let them expire. hence the promo. name? 

That promotion is what inspired me to retake the exam.  I did not need to use the promotion, as I passed the first time through, but I was prepared to use it had I not passed.

It can also be used for concentration exams.

# 06 Andrew

Cisco offers promotions from time to time that target different audiences and have differing rules and time limits. Eligible participants receive an email invitation to participate.

Robin Lee :: May.26.2009 :: CCNA Q&As :: 1 Comment »

# 01 Miizarebel

What is the best way to go about getting a job after passing the CCNA exam? Would it make sense to continue on the CCNP track, using real equipment and wait until the opportunity comes along?

In these tough times when the market is so rough, i feel like i am falling behind in gaining a position. I currently do helpdesk/Jr. Administrator <– fancy title…  6 years desktop support experience looking to move over to networking….

I am currently studying for the BSCI exam…

# 02 Rickey

I would continue looking for a job.  Search for things like network technician, network engineer, network administrator.  Simple titles like that.  If you have a JR. Admin title and can explain the server/network experience you have then I would imagine that would increase your chances.  Make sure to highlight your certifications and career goals and desire to progress forward with the certification process.  I don’t know if you have any college education, but make sure that is highlighted as well.  That can make a big difference a lot of times.

# 03 ErickBCCNA

Congrats on getting the CCNA!

I am not sure if you have any experience in the networking industry.  Unless you have some conections with the powers that be, you are going to have to start small.  99.99% of employers aren’t going to just let you touch a Cisco router, switch, AP, ASA etc, until you can demonstrate to them that you have sufficient, “demonstrated” knowledge of the basics in the field first.  This may even begin with basic break/fix issues.  You are going to have to sweep up behind the elephant before you can run the circus so to speak.

Look for anything that will get your foot in the door even if it is break/fix things and continue to work on your CCNP track or next level certification.

Robin Lee :: May.13.2009 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

# 01 Abdul Quddoos

Is anyone please describe the CCNA Voice Lab equipment for me please. As I am preparing CCNA Voice at home and want to make my own Lab. I have complete CCNA Lab, will it help at all?

# 02 Edwin Matos

Before everything I have to say this is an expensive lab not like any CCNA lab.

The ideal lab will be using a Cisco UC520 with one FXs, and one FXO and at least 2 IP phones , and some others analog phone, and using you PSTN line at home.

But that will be somehow too expensive, this lab won’t be cheap no matter how you set it.

After reading the book CCNA Voice from Cisco press and watching the CBT Nuggets from the same author Jeremy my home lab was assembled like this.

Cisco 2801 plain (no bundles), no PVDM (DSP), no AIM-CUE installed the price was around $ 800.00 in a prety good condition it had the IOS with them CME installed with it ( ebay ), you could get it cheaper.

Cisco 2620XM ( to communicate with the 2801 with a SIP trunk ) I like this because this one will use the VIC-2FXS and VIC-2FXO which are needed for the analog communication and they are cheaper then the VIC2-2FXS with are used in the 2801. I pay $ 100.00 for it and came with the CME installed with an old version ( 3.2 ). About $30 box for each for each Vic and $65 for the Network Module that will support the VICs, and it will have the DSP need this for this VIC.

My old Catalyst 2950 from my previous CCNA lab did the job on connecting my IP phones I pay like $50.00 ( yes ebay again ). Note that if you have this Switch you won’t get POE which it can turn expensive to get switches with POE included. My solution was to get 4 Power adapters for $10 each one they came from Hong Kong I realized this after ordering them, took 15 days to arrive keep an eye on that.

I used and old analog phone and my analog fax to connect to the 2620XM and reach the CISCO 2801 with the IP phones through a SIP Trunk.

You can get crazy trying to get the VIC2, VWIC2, and the CUE for the 2801, but based on my experience you won’t need them if you read all the information that is provided in the book, in the CBT and look more information by you own you should be good to go.

# 03 Abdul Quddoos

I appreciate you for the answer. I hope thats the best option to go for. Anyway whats about the IP Phones; they can be any or any specific?

# 04 Edwin Matos

Oops,  I forgot my phone description of my home lab.

You will need at least one IP Phone this way you get the real feeling. 7961 Give you 6 Lines, 7941 Give 2 Lines more than enough for your lab, 7902 no display and two lines. My eBay deal went like this (1)7941 $54.00 new, (1)7961 new for $95.00, (1)7961 $60.00 used, (1)7902 $21.00 used.

I went a bit crazy with phones, but two 7941 should do the work for this lab + an analog phone.

Robin Lee :: Apr.23.2009 :: CCNA Q&As :: 1 Comment »