Help Networking from scratch

[ramathorn]

Hi Folks,

I've been moved from one role to a completely different one in work (from a largely server / microsoft role to cisco / trapeze / networky role) - more out of necessity than anything (some people been laid off).

I can get my head round the trapeze kit and wireless in general but my networking knowledge is severely lacking. I've my CCNA course coming up in a few weeks, I'd like to get a headstart though and try to get into it a soon as possible.

Can anyone recomend any good books, video's, sites etc. anything that i can sit down with and work through. I also hear there are a few switch virtualisation programme's out there, some better than others and some with more functionality than others - if anyone has any experience with any of these and could point me in the right direction it would be mucho appreciated.

Cheers in advance

 

[soze]

Look for the CBT Nuggets i have used them a few times and they are really good. The usual places should have the CCNA ones.

 

[Bob007]

First off GL with the CCNA. I start my final semester next week at night school and plan to sit my CCNA in June/July.

There are two paths to a CCNA. One path involves two exams and breaks the work load up a bit, 640-822 ICND1 (CCNET Qual) and 640-816 ICND2 (CCNA Qual). The other path is to sit one exam 640-802 CCNA (CCNA Qual), My guess from your post is that 802 will be the path you taking so make sure anything you buy is geared towards the 640-802 exam.

Switch/router emulation programs. They all have drawbacks and none of them contain the full IOS's (Internetwork Operating System) so at some point you'll hit a wall were some book says some thing and emulation software just won't do it. With that in mind Packet Tracer (v5.2.1) from Cisco and CCNA Virtual Lab again from Cisco are the best i've used.

If your a reader I havn't a bad word to say about Todd Lammle, stunning books and easy to follow. Coupld of books I'd recommend.

CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide: Exam 640-802
Very good book. Has a few Videos and Audio files for you to look at.

CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide (Exam 640-802) Special Edition
Another good book. his one is a bit more pricey but you get CCNA Vlab with it emulationg a router 2600 and switch 1900 and 2950 to practise on and try things out that are in the book. This is my book of choice and it has a happy place in my home.

Todd Lammle's CCNA IOS Commands Survival Guide
This last book isn't just a CCNA book as such. Its a survival book. It is geared towards CCNA study but its one of the few books you'll reference many many times. Not just for study but also has a place in work. Buy it, pop it in your bag and love it. When ever you stuck, pull it out and it will point you in the right direction.
me --> <-- this book.

For videos I would go with CBT 802 stuff and Testout 802 stuff both avail from the normal places. CBT is a straight video watch and done thing. Very well done but has its drawbacks and you get nothing to reinforce what you've watched. Testout has a mix. Its broken down into chapters and will test you at the end of each chapter to reinforce what you been watching. I find testout the better but i use both. Just confirm its 802.

Can you IPV4 subnet ? If not. Start now. As soon as you finish reading this learn to subnet. Its important and Cisco will test you on it. Can help you with some stuff if you want. But its not something for the open forums. Drop me a whisper.

For web smipets check out Pro Profs its a good forums and they do alot of good web schools that are free. Also checkout Ciscos own websites. They have games on there geared towards CCNA enducation. Will have to become a member to access them but its free and theres a good subnetting game on there to reinforce your skills again.

And finaly. Good luck with you studies and remember on a Cisco exam you can't go back so answer all the questions even if you guess

 

[ramathorn]

Thanks for your help guys, I'll dish out some rep.

Bob, that site is awsome, the worksheets on subnetting etc look like they'll be a great help. I'll be knuckling down this weekend and getting started, also got those three books order. Say good bye to the social life!

Thanks again, really appreciate it. Have a good weekend!