CCNA - CCNA Preparation

Author

CCNA Preparation

PSUalum

2004-06-24, 12:00 pm

I'm new to this forum, so here's my story. I have quite a number of years in IT with a few of them that include 1721, 1751 and 2621 router hands-on experience. I also had Cisco sponsered hands-on PIX installation and configuration lab training. Over the last five months I got my CompTIA Net+, Sec+ and Server+ certifications and I think I'm ready to tackle CCNA.

I prematurely bought a 2501 to gain more experience with the IOS command set. I know the new version of the exam focuses on command sets from 2600 routers and 2950 switches, so I'm not planning to use the 2501 much for lab training. I'm already going to buy Sybex's 4th Ed. of Hammle's study guide. I know that they also offer a Platinum Ed. Virtual Lab that you can get separately. I'm also aware that there are other test sims out there, but I don't know which are the better ones to buy. I'm leaning to getting the Sybex sim, but would appreciate any input from the community as to the best one to get.

I'm not a newbie to Cisco and IOS, but I'm not exactly an expert either. Based on this bio, are there any other study guides or prep materials strongly recommended for this cert?

Thanks to all of you for your advice!

darthfeces

2004-06-24, 12:39 pm

ios is ios the 2501 will be fine
get two and a dte/dce x-over and you can simulate t1's.

get a 2501 from ebay with 16/16 flash/ram
and run the most current ios you can.
they work fine in my ccie lab.

you only really need the 2600 for advanced features you'll see in the ccie lab.

PSUalum

2004-06-24, 1:15 pm

Darthfeces, thanks for your advice. However, let me quiz you on this. I know whenever I had to upgrade router, switch or PIX IOS with Cisco before, you had to have SmartNet maintenance to get the updates. Once you purchased SmartNet, you had to request a TAC engineer to send you a link to the FTP site.

I don't remember Cisco's site having a link to download IOS updates for products not under a maintenance agreement (which I think is horses**t). I don't think they changed that policy, but I could be wrong.

darthfeces

2004-06-24, 1:24 pm

one way to get arround this is to purchase from a reseller or ebay and make sure you know what ios is on the router when you get it......

http://www.optsys.net/kit1.html

cygnet21

2004-06-25, 5:13 am

Question Guys

I am currently studying CCNA through Academy and want to build a home lab.

It' needs to be good enough for CCNP ( forever the optimist )

But not sure of the 2500 series capabilities i.e VLAN etc.. ?

Can someone recommend a setup for CCNP ?

PSUalum

2004-06-25, 9:32 am

Have you considered using a virtual lab simulator? I've been checking into it and found that theres a bunch out there. Some are gratis and some will cost you. Either way, they can be a big saving over having to buy all of the equipment.

Two that were recommended to me are at www.r1r2.com and www.routersim.com. Both have sims for CCNA and CCNP, but they don't appear to be the same sims.

The newer sims all seem to be using the newer 2600 series routers and 2950 switches with newer IOS. Darthfeces is correct that IOS is IOS, with the exception of the newer commands sets that come with the newer IOS. I'm not sure exactly which technologies you are expected to know for the CCNP to tell you whether the 2500's and an updated IOS and its available interfaces will be just fine either. I've been around in the field for some time and I always try to work with the more current stuff, since thats the equipment employers are likely to have in their infrastructure and ones you will have to support.

The downside to these sims is not being able to do IOS upgrades and patches and other physical things like attaching interfaces together, using visual indicators, doing memory upgrades, etc. Although the exams may not test you on the this stuff, its part of the job to maintain the equipment.

tiklu123

2004-06-27, 8:18 pm

[Edited by moderator]

Do not promote cheating in this forum.

Thank you.

Sexy Lexy

2004-07-04, 6:02 am

The only problem with virtual lab simulators is that they only carry the commands to use in the respective labs; so you get restricted IOS functionality with the software.

If you are only interested in the certification, they are ideal.

However, if you want to make a career out of your efforts then purchase a router or two!

You get the hands on experience, full access to the commands of the IOS with the router, experience of setting up the router and performing upgrades (IOS and hardware.)

And with the added bonus of being cheap, you can pick up an entry level router (2500 series) off e-bay and sell it on once you have finished.

There is a thread kicking around in the CCNP forum I believe, where companies are testing potential employees during the interview with two routers and getting them to communicate.

The hands on is invaluable, as essential as the certification in my opinion.

PSUalum

2004-07-04, 11:50 am

Hey Sexy Lexy,

I'm of the mindset that you (as a Cisco cert holder) should be more than book read. I am going to prepare for CCNA with the sims and routers.

I come from a background where I've had some hands-on and I will tell you from field experience that you need to know your stuff when you are sitting in front of a console connection to troubleshoot connectivity issues for a customer's WAN link and they are asking you every 15 minutes if the network is up yet. Nothing like pressure, you know.

The problem me and my service tech's always had with some holders of industry certs is that they have little or no experience in a live environment. Unfortunately, all the labs in the world and classes you take to get the cert do not adequately prepare you for the pressures you will face from customers or employers. How well can you troubleshoot to resolve the issue, given the situation?

Consequently, I am attempting to get a second 2501 for a deeper understanding of the router IOS. Already have a DTE/DCE crossover cable to simulate T1's. The only remaining question is if there is any value in getting a couple of AUI to RJ-45 transceivers and a crossover cable for Ethernet.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

Sexy Lexy

2004-07-04, 12:34 pm

Considering that the 2501 has two serial ports and an Ethernet post (via AUI connection) is would be a great idea to get a couple of transceivers and a couple of DCT-DTE cables then you can really go to work with routing protocols and see exactly how it works and how to configure each one in turn.

Presumably the cross-over cable should work, I have a switch connecting mine but it should work. Do any other members have any insight into this??

The hands on you get will be so much better.

PSUalum

2004-07-04, 5:45 pm

Hey Lex,

Just got two AUI to Ethernet tranceivers. I know that the crossover between the routers is a valid cabling combination. Guess I'm set for the home lab for this exam, although this combo should also be good for CCNP too. I will likely need to get a few more pieces, but this is a good start anyway.

Thanks for the advice.

Cheers!

Sexy Lexy

2004-07-04, 5:49 pm

You are welcome.

I found that you get a much better insight into the whole routing process with the equipment in front of you.

I came from a predominately LAN administration background and having it all in front of you to build and make mistakes with teaches you a lot more and you are more likely to remember.

If you can see if you can pick up a switch as well, then you will get an even better understanding.

Enjoy!

PSUalum

2004-07-04, 6:02 pm

Hey Lex,

Yeah, I've been trying to get my hands on the EN series of 1900 Catalyst's, but they have been in some demand lately. I must have bid on six or seven different ones up for auction on eBay, but they have been going for more than $80.00. Haven't had as much of a problem with the 2501's. They seem to be more plentiful. Must be a bunch of others looking to sit this exam too.

Let me ask you another follow-up question. Do you think I will be set with a 1900 sitting in between the 2501's, or do you recommend two?

As always, your expertise is very welcome!

Thanks

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