CCNP - Ccnp

Author

Ccnp

chevymannie

2005-10-24, 3:03 pm

I just recently got a new job where my main job will be working with Cisco routers and switches. Since I will be getting all this experience, I've decided to pursue my CCNP while employed here. I think that the reading for the routing and switching test would be very interesting and helpful since it's been a while since I've played with a router or taken the CCNA test. I've heard that the Sybex books are not too good for the CCNP tests so if anyone out there who has taken the test has some recommendations for books it would appreciated.

johnaspen

2005-10-25, 10:14 pm

Hey Chevy. Congrats on the new Cisco gig!

Sybex has always been solid, they just haven't updated the BCMSN (switching) book since the days of 5.25" floppies. I've just taken my first look through the BCRAN book which is spot on with the objectives, and the BSCI (routing) book was also very good. Watch the amazon.com marketplace sellers (those are the ones that say "used & new from $x.xx" right below the amazon price). I picked up all 4 of the Sybex books brand new (they just have overstock marks on them) for about $10 each after shipping. Some of them are going for $2.50 today which is just plain nuts.

The Cisco Press books on the other hand are absolutely necessary in my opinion. 1587201046 is the currently available ISBN for their boxed hardcover set. (Sybex has converted to softcover if you're used to them being only hardcover). superbookdeals.com had it for $70 shipped when I bought it. Buy.com, amazon.com, and all the others have it as well.

Cisco was supposed to release 1587201496 this month which includes an updated BCMSN book but it hasn't hit the shelves yet. I thought the current edition was fine based on the test I took last week, so that's a judgement call.

Last but not least, an alternative to buying all the Sybex books is to just get their all-in-one condensed uber-book. That ISBN is 0782144217 and goes for about $50. Either way, this Sybex or the individuals should probably only be used as your 2nd read next to the Cisco's.

chevymannie

2005-10-26, 7:12 am

Thanks. That helps a lot. So how are the exams? Are they easier after taking the CCNA? And do you recommend I take the BCSI exam first or BCMSN?

johnaspen

2005-10-26, 3:24 pm

My view is that these babies are easier than the CCNA. Each exam is very focused and there's a decent amount of overlap from CCNA. There are still some difficult topics in each test, but nothing that made me sweat as much as CCNA.

The CCNP track is designed to be taken progressively in the order that they're numbered. Some people do take them out of order for whatever reason, and I can't say that it will make a big difference. I don't remember seeing anything on the switching test that I would have needed to know from the routing test. The exception of course is CIT which combines the 3 prior tests. Routing is the first test and has the most pages to read through so it is nice to get that one out of the way first. The others are fairly short reads.

Just to make sure, you mentioned that it had been awhile since you took the CCNA; are you still within your 3yr period?

chevymannie

2005-10-27, 9:37 am

Thanks,

Yeah, I still have another year left before my recertification date. I've just really been into Cisco since I was in school and never really got a chance to work with it extensively until now. This job is a refresher and a goal.

chevymannie

2005-10-27, 12:30 pm

What routersim software is the best? I've used the sybex CCNA Virtual Lab and I've played with routersim. Sybex gets some bad reviews for command support, access list, and NAT. I just want to have everything I need for the CCNP and get my money's worth.

johnaspen

2005-10-27, 4:56 pm

Boson's Netsim tends to be the most widely used simulator, but they're unfortunately only adding CCNP level material now. Beta 3b is where they're at with it and it does include full support for BSCI and BCRAN commands. Even though they support the commands right now, actually making those commands do something is another story. Todd Lamle (author of the Sybex CCNA) also produces RouterSim which is offered in CCNP variations (switchsim, etc.). Haven't played with those very extensively myself so I can't pass judgement there. It does look like a very solid product and the price isn't too bad for each test.

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