Cisco CCNA Advice

[logox]

I am preparing to study for the Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching certification and am overwhelmed with the options for study material. There seem to be so many books, lab simulators, and different sources to learn from, I was just wondering what might be the best and least expensive way to learn everything I will need to pass both the ICND1 and ICND2 exams?

I have some experience with Cisco routers and switches, as well as a basic understanding of networking (I took Networking 1 and 2 in college)... I am determined to certify, so I am willing to buy used Cisco hardware and create a home lab, as well as do whatever it takes to pass the exams.

Any help or advice is welcomed!

- Logan

 

[nigelivey]

There are plenty of labs available on Ebay, make sure they have and what version the IOS is, they are quite reasonably priced. GNS3 or Cisco Packet Tracer are good for emulation but lack some features. Todd Lammles' study book is quite popular as a starting point.

CCNA requires a huge amount of study, get subnetting beaten, quickly and in your head. The exam is a one pass multiple choice (you cant revisit questions) Most people struggle with the time limit rather than the difficulty of the questions. Your previous studies will obviously help, but CCNA is all Cisco centric obviously.

 

[logox]

There are plenty of labs available on Ebay, make sure they have and what version the IOS is, they are quite reasonably priced. GNS3 or Cisco Packet Tracer are good for emulation but lack some features. Todd Lammles' study book is quite popular as a starting point.

CCNA requires a huge amount of study, get subnetting beaten, quickly and in your head. The exam is a one pass multiple choice (you cant revisit questions) Most people struggle with the time limit rather than the difficulty of the questions. Your previous studies will obviously help, but CCNA is all Cisco centric obviously.

Thanks for the reply... So I should not have to necessarily use the Cisco material from their website (that they charge for) or a book written by a Cisco employee?

 

[nigelivey]

There are plenty of labs available on Ebay, make sure they have and what version the IOS is, they are quite reasonably priced. GNS3 or Cisco Packet Tracer are good for emulation but lack some features. Todd Lammles' study book is quite popular as a starting point.

CCNA requires a huge amount of study, get subnetting beaten, quickly and in your head. The exam is a one pass multiple choice (you cant revisit questions) Most people struggle with the time limit rather than the difficulty of the questions. Your previous studies will obviously help, but CCNA is all Cisco centric obviously.

Thanks for the reply... So I should not have to necessarily use the Cisco material from their website (that they charge for) or a book written by a Cisco employee?

No, but to be fair I have never used their material so it would be unfair of me to judge it. What ever material you use you should pay for it in my mind, support the community.

 

[logox]

There are plenty of labs available on Ebay, make sure they have and what version the IOS is, they are quite reasonably priced. GNS3 or Cisco Packet Tracer are good for emulation but lack some features. Todd Lammles' study book is quite popular as a starting point.

CCNA requires a huge amount of study, get subnetting beaten, quickly and in your head. The exam is a one pass multiple choice (you cant revisit questions) Most people struggle with the time limit rather than the difficulty of the questions. Your previous studies will obviously help, but CCNA is all Cisco centric obviously.

Thanks for the reply... So I should not have to necessarily use the Cisco material from their website (that they charge for) or a book written by a Cisco employee?

No, but to be fair I have never used their material so it would be unfair of me to judge it. What ever material you use you should pay for it in my mind, support the community.

I am going to pay, I just didn't want to pay Cisco however much if there were other, potentially better, sources for less money... Well, looks like I will be buying some equipment from eBay like you advised as well as packet tracer (what we used in my networking classes so I am familiar) and a few books. Thanks for the help!

 

[Mahendran141990]

Hi Logox,

First of all somehow build your confidence because, without it, you can't pass the exam even you'd got an angel with you.
So start with learning binary. Then, VLSM which helps you to understand subnetting. Subnetting is important. If you can and practice some more! And read Wendell Odoms book.

You can build your confidence and study by undergoing the tests where they provide the answers too.
http://www.exam-labs.com/info/200-125

Any help or suggestions just drop me an email kmahendran007@gmail.com