CCNA Blog

#01 vladmin00

I would like your recommendations on the best (self paced) learning resources for the CCNA 640-802 single exam. I’m particularly interested in learning Cisco’s philosophy on the technology and subject matter covered.

I’ve got Lammle’s Sybex book and am disappointed by all the technical and grammatical errors it contains. I thought that I could get by using it and this site’s resources alone, but such has not been the case.

I’ve failed the exam twice so far (749 and 801). The amount of memorization required along with the question ambiguity is making the test environment difficult for me. I’m looking for something to really drill in the concept details (as Cisco sees them) as well as provide me with practical test examples/questions.

Any advice is appreciated; thanks for your help. I’d like to pass the next time.

#02 Rickey

I’d recommend testout for simulations and cisco press for the material books. I found both to be great resources, and I will purchase CCNP book library when I try to strive for that in the upcomming year.

#03 Thomas Lee

I bought both Lammle’s book, plus the Cisco Press ICND1, and ICND2 books by Wendell Odom.

I like Odom’s books and as there are two (smaller) ones, I can carry one and read on the train/plane. I prefer the style to Lammle’s book, but I’m sure mileage varies.

You should also consider doing a CCNA course or bootcamp. I recently attende one (see my blog for a description). In the interest of fair disclosure, I work for Global Knowledge!

#04 shah.meet

I will be sitting my exam soon as well so i got all the objectives for the exam and then started making notes according to what they mean, i have to run around on lot of chapter but then i am getting all the write stuff you are reading and writing notes in your own manner so thats one of the best ways to learn, you can look for cram sheet online to get real basic notes.

Get a few simulators, boston is quite good. But try practising all aspects not just sims and theory, try setting up topologies and ask someone to sabatoage something and try to figure it out. Thats all i can suggest for now.

#05 Jordan Mazurke

I think the best advice I can give you regarding the 640-802 is to subnet, subnet and then subnet some more. Only when you have a true grasp on the complexities of subnetting and general IP addressing schemes can you really begin to appreciate other topics.

The CISCO press books are a little dry but they are packed with the information required. I would probably then plump for a ExamCram volume as a reference point in the last few weeks before the exam. These books will not teach you the topics in any great depth but they can act as good benchmarks.

You are right in saying that there is a lot of memorising involved with this exam but if you persevere it will eventually stick - by actually dedicating yourself to this study path you have shown you possess the correct attitude to succeed and I wish you all the best.

#06 Christopher Church

I agree with one of the other posters, the ability to subnet quickly and accurately is very important.

Lammlee’s book is a good resource. I also used the Transender practice exams and purchased a couple of routers and switches off ebay to practice on. I was able to pass the ICND1 on the first attempt using only these resources. (I decided to go the two-exam route)

The ICND2 exam is a little tougher IMO. Make sure you understand spanning tree, OSPF, NAT/PAT.

If you have access to the Cisco Partner Education Connection web site, there is some great material there, including a few simulations.

There’s also some free videos availiable at here. The advanced switching series is worth a look.

#07 TX858

I agree with Thomas Lee - Odom’s (Cisco Press) ICND1 and ICND2 and both are excellent.

I used Odom’s ICND1 to prepare for the 1st exam. I followed his study plan recommendations and did very well on the exam.

I’m using Odom’s ICND2 now to prepare for next exam and my studies appear to be going well. Below is a summary of what I’m doing.

1. I’m using both the ICND1 and ICND2 texts to prepare as if I’m studying for the composite (640-802) exam. I’ve found this helps me better understand topics covered in ICND2 text.
2. After I read a topic in ICND2, I go back through the material and practice the commands and configurations on my home lab. I go over and over the ’show’ commands used.
3. I spend 3-4 hours a week getting more hands-on to drill in what I’ve covered to date.

I tend to recall commands and show output much better from hands-on than from the text. I may be wrong but it seems that way to me.

I purchased Lammle’s text for the composite (640-802) exam thinking I would read it in conjunction with the Odom texts. Again, maybe it’s just me, but that didn’t work well for me. In fact, I pulled Lammle’s text off the shelf tonight to read his section trunking, vtp, etc. I had already covered the material in Odom’s text and I thought Lammle’s would help me catch anything I missed. Didn’t work. In fact, I stopped and put it back on the shelf because I didn’t want it to confuse me. (It also appears to me that Lammle doesn’t devote as much time as I need to some topics.)

I hope this helps you in some way. Best of luck to you!

#08 Thomas Lee

There are a number of resources, Mirza - to some degree it depends on how you learn best.

I’ve posted above two sets of books (Lamie and Odom) that for me are very good. I guess these are a great starting point.

In addition to this, you might consider taking a training course. I’m biased because I work there, but take a look at Global Knowledge’s classes (www.globalknowledge.com, or www.globalknowledge.net). Depending on how much you can do youself, consider the CCNA bootcamp vs the ICND1/ICND2 classes.

Getting some real hardware or a good simulator is also important. Boson’s product looks pretty good, and there’a an open souce product (but that needs actual IOS images that may not be readily available to you). But picking up a couple of switches and a router should not be too expensive (ebay to the rescue).

Finally, Google is your friend.

#09 Doug Ingersoll

If you go to www.ciscopress.com/ccna you can find out about all the Cisco Press CCNA resources, including not only books but videos, quick references, portable command guides, flash cards, etc.

#10 Thomas Lee

Thanks for the pointer Doug - these sound like great resources.

Another idea: get the manuals for some common switches - these are available on cisco.com. The 2960 switch reference manual is a mere 790 some odd pages, but it contains some good information. Of course, some of the info there is way beyond CCNA standard, but the background is still useful and (for me at least) helpful.

Robin Lee :: Oct.10.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

So you want to get your CCNA and you need to buy a router for your CCNA home lab? Now the question is which router should you get? I have been in your shoes and know when you are just starting out, it is tough to make sense of all the different models of Cisco Routers available. The good news is there are a lot of good options available to get a good CCNA router for a fair price.

I recommend getting a Cisco 2611 Router or a Cisco 2621 Router because they have to two Copper ports instead of one and offer the most training flexibility. If the cost isn’t much different, go for the 2621 because it offers 2 10/100 Ethernet ports and has 128MB of memory versus the 2611 that has 2 10Mb ports with 64MB of memory. Don’t forget to buy 2 routers as most of the CCNA Labs require two routers. You could also get 3 routers, but from my experience, you will rarely actually need 3 routers to practice for your CCNA.

Another issue that comes into play is the IOS. If you can get a router with 12.4 already installed, you are way ahead of the game. Remember, the only legal way you can get a copy of the IOS is to buy a Cisco Smartnet contract for your router. If worse comes to worse, look for 12.3, but do your best to avoid 12.2. While it is a solid IOS for production, the new CCNA really focuses on the newer 12.4 version and some commands may be different from what you are learning.

This recommendation is for building a CCNA Home Lab. If you plan on building a CCNP Home Lab, then you should check back later for a post about which router you should buy for CCNP. The great part is even though the routers for CCNP are more expensive, if you buy them while working on your CCNA, you can use them for both certifications.

Also, if you have the money, you may be better off buying a complete CCNA Home Lab. You can usually find a complete CCNA Lab Kit including 2 or more routers and 1 or more Cisco Switches. Just keep in mind what I said about the routers.

Article Posted By Atomm

Robin Lee :: Oct.08.2008 :: Articles And Tutorials :: 1 Comment »

Good news for everyone.

Readers of www.ccnablog.com can buy pass4sure ccna practice engines from exam4sure website at low prices. You can save 20% by using exam4sure promotion code.

Exam4sure promotion code: ccnablog

Exam4sure CCNA http://www.exam4sure.com/Cisco/CCNA.html

About Exam4sure And Pass4sure

Pass4sure.com was founded in 2004. Pass4sure is a company specialized on providing high quality IT exam practice study materials (including Q&As, study guide,Audio, Video case study and etc.), especially Cisco CCNA CCDA CCNP CCIE, Checkpoint CCSE, CompTIA A+ Network+ certification practice exams and so on. Pass4sure guarantee that the candidates will not only pass any IT exam at the first attempt but also get profound understanding about the certificates they are putting off.

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. Why are you still hesitant? Buy cheap pass4sure pruducts at www.exam4sure.com now!

Robin Lee :: Oct.08.2008 :: CCNA Prep Kits :: No Comments »

#01 Tarun Vyas

Now CCNA has incresed certification amount so I can not afford second attemp.

I have made compleate prepration for ccna exam and study all but still unable to solve the question.

Please any one can help me how can I clear the CCNA certification in first attemp.

#02 Travis Newshott

Study hard, lab it out, learn the technologies, understand the concepts. Once you are confident in your comprehension, relax and go knock it out. Don’t worry about failing, failure should be the last thing to cross your mind. Remember, you’re just answering some questions on stuff you should know. If you’ve studied hard, you’re just a few dozen mouseclicks away from certification.

I know this sounds generic and vague, but in my opinion, that is how it should be. You’re getting tested from the same pool of questions everyone else is, and the onus is on you to show up and pass. There is no guarantee for anyone…..

#03 bytesnagger@CLN

Excellent response. Here’s some more information from the website. Note the date restrictions.

Here’s how to redeem your Cisco “Second Chance” Exam:

Register for an exam at full price. If you fail the exam, you may schedule a free retake of the same exam by entering the promotion code: SECONDCHANCE at the time of registration.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Both the full-price exam and free Second Chance retake must be scheduled and taken between April 15, 2008 and October 15, 2008, to qualify for this special promotion. Free exams may only be scheduled via the web.

Robin Lee :: Oct.06.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

Robert J Stowell’s Question:

Hello, does anyone have experience with Todd Lammel’s CCNA study guide? I have heard it is good. Also does anyone have any recommendations as a self study routine using Todd’s book to take the exam with about a month of studying? Thanks!

List of helpful answers:

#01 Ryan 

I’m currently studying under Lammle’s 640-802 CCNA study guide 6th Edition book. I’ve also taken cisco netacad and read one of those books. Lammle’s is deff better in comparison between the two of those. For selfstudy I would reccomend it as he does tend to be less flat (makes for easier reading).

I have not however taken the CCNA exam yet, (taking the one exam). So I do not know how it compares to the actual test.

As far as studying or self-studying.. I currently combine Lammle’s book + Cbt Nuggets Video for review + dynamips for an emulated hands on approach. I did recieve classroom training for the catalyst switches. There are simulators out there that can emulate the CLI interface for you though such as Boson.

#02 Andrew

otherwise affiliated with, any content provided by unauthorized third-party training companies. We recommend that certification candidates train with Cisco Learning Partners for authorized course offerings that align with current Cisco exam topics. A current list of Cisco Learning Partners can be accessed at here.

Cisco Press products are the only authorized self-study publications that align with Cisco learning paths. To see the catalog of publications and other resources visit http://www.ciscopress.com.

For more information on Authorized Cisco training and self-study material, please visit here.

Robin Lee :: Oct.04.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: 1 Comment »

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.

Why Choose Pass4sure CCNA Testing Engine:

• If you prepare for the exams using our Pass4sure testing engine, we guarantee your success for CCNA certifications in the first attempt. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt we will give you 100% Money Back Guarantee.
• We are committed to the process of vendor and third party approvals for the CCNA certification exams. We believe CCNA IT professionals and executives alike deserve the confidence of quality coverage these authorizations provide.
• Exam4sure offers free pass4sure demo of each product. You can check out the interface, question quality and usability of our practice exams before you decide to buy CCNA exam simulators.

Robin Lee :: Sep.28.2008 :: CCNA Prep Kits :: No Comments »

Krishna Kumar A:

Could any body tell me what is the minnimum time gap for CCNP after competing CCNA. Because today only i had completed CCNA.

Jim Woodward:

Congratulations Krishna, on completing your CCNA today! I don’t believe there is any minimum time gap, but I am just saying what I know (as a fellow student, not as a Cisco employee or moderater, etc). I know there is a minimum of 5 days (I believe) to re-take a test that you have just failed, but . . . to go from CCNA to CCNP - I don’t think there is a minimum required delay.

As far as the CCNP goes - I think that probably your brain will have a minimum delay - lol. I passed my CCNA in 2005 and did not really do anything with it (various circumstances, none real important as far as this discussion/venue goes) and have only begun in the past year studying for my CCNP. I have a decent home lab and am self-studying (I took courses for the CCNA, but didn’t find myself stimulated more in the classes than in my own studies), and will sit for my BSCI later in July. And I’m nervous as ****, to be honest. And the rest of the exams make me nervous as well.

There is a lot of material covered in the 4 CCNP exams. BSCI will seem very familiar to you, since it covers Subnetting, CIDR, DHCP, EIGRP, OSPF, RIP (a bit), etc. And BCMSN will also seem familiar to you as well. But the breadth and depth of material covered in the CCNP material makes the CCNA seem a small pond. As I’m sure the breadth and depth of material covered for the CCIE seems an ocean compared to that of the CCNP.

So . . . congratulations on your CCNA. It is a truly awesome, awesome thing to walk out of the exam room and think “Wow, I just did it!!”. So enjoy . . . study, prepare, practice, learn, discuss, grow . . . and don’t worry about racing to get your CCNP. Your mind deserves a break. It will be challenged by the CCNP and accompanying material more than you may anticipate. And it will thank you for the brief respite you give it now, as you bask in the glory of your achievement.

btw - wait till you get the little wallet card. See how many times you take that out and flash it to your friends - lol.

Congrats again!

Robin Lee :: Sep.27.2008 :: CCNA Q&As :: No Comments »

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. Why are you still hesitant? Buy cheap pass4sure pruducts at www.exam4sure.com now!

List Of  Promotion Codes of Exam4sure

• VP85-mOA718tX
• VP85-A9UKJcjm
• VP85-oPg52h1L
• VP85-ohQ3XpGr
• VP85-tQHYuspp
• VP85-a9UvBI6n
• VP85-qKDYQtrt
• VP85-XXKWsTnQ
• VP85-TOl9Y5Ki
• VP85-l5K4zZyX

These promotion codes will just be used for one time. Enjoy shopping at Exam4sure.

Robin Lee :: Sep.09.2008 :: CCNA Prep Kits :: No Comments »

1. Which statement is true about full-duplex Ethernet in comparison to half-duplex Ethernet?

A: Full-duplex Ethernet consists of a shared cable segment. Half-duplex Ethernet provides a point-to-point link.
B: Full-duplex Ethernet uses a loopback circuit to detect collisions. Half-duplex Ethernet uses a jam signal.
C: Full-duplex Ethernet can provide higher throughput than can half-duplex Ethernet of the same bandwidth.
D: Full-duplex Ethernet uses two wires to send and receive. Half-duplex Ethernet uses one wire to send and receive.

Correct Answers:  C

2. Which are valid modes for a switch port used as a VLAN trunk? (Choose three.)

A: transparent
B: auto
C: on
D: desirable
E: blocking
F: forwarding

Correct Answers:  B, C, D

3. You and a co-worker have established wireless communication directly between your wireless laptops. What type of wireless topology has been created?

A: BSS
B: ESS
C: IBSS
D: SSID

Correct Answers:  C

4. What is the maximum data rate specified for IEEE 802.11b WLANs?

A: 10 Mbps
B: 11 Mbps
C: 54 Mbps
D: 100 Mbps

Correct Answers:  B

5. A routing protocol is required that supports:

1) routing update authentication
2) an addressing scheme that conserves IP addresses
3) multiple vendors
4) a network with over 50 routers

Which routing protocol fulfills these requirements?

A: RIPv1
B: RIPv2
C: EIGRP
D: OSPF

Correct Answers:  D

The Five FAQs 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. 

Robin Lee :: Sep.07.2008 :: CCNA Exam Braindumps :: No Comments »

Be careful what companies you give your certification numbers to.

We recently had a case where a partner company was decertified for multiple violations of the partner agreement. They attempted to dodge this disciplinary action by re-registering under a different name. Some of the key tools that made that possible were the CCIE numbers of two part-time employees. Since it appeared that those employees were willing participants, we banned them and put a block on their certifications.

Further investigation revealed that the part-time employees were just pawns, innocent bystanders who did not know their certification numbers were being used to intentionally violate the Cisco Partner Agreement. The block on their profiles has since been lifted, but only after weeks of nervous anticipation, as they waited to see if they would be banned for life from any and all Cisco certifications.

Lesson 1 from this incident is to vet potential employers you will be giving your cert number to as best as possible. As with anything of value, your cert number is not something you want to hand over to just anyone. And while you won’t always be able to predict that an employer will become unscrupulous down the road, due diligence on your part may help weed out some companies and will at least send a message to others that you do not hand over your cert number lightly.

Lesson 2 is that, when you leave a company, you make sure to take your cert number with you. Update your information in the candidate database just as you would a new email or postal address, being very clear about when you moved on and when the old company should have stopped using your number.

Posted by Cris Cohen, From Cisco Learning Network.

Robin Lee :: Sep.03.2008 :: Articles And Tutorials :: No Comments »