Career in Networking.. Where to start?

MrKnifey

MrKnifey

MrKnifey

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I'm looking to hopefully change my career. I'm interested and would like a career in Networking. I've had a read online and researched where I should start as I have no previous qualifications in IT bar a GCSE. I have knowledge on setting up home networks which is obviously basic stuff. I'm interested in the Cisco qualifications, if I am correct I should start off with CCENT progressing onto CCNA then going on from there. But the questions is, should I do any other courses before I do the Cisco qualifications? I realistically cannot go to full time UNI if that is any help for peoples suggestions.

So am I on the right track?
 
You need to learn some theory: frames, datagrams, packets, TCP/IP 4/6, subnetting, VLANing etc However, without some work to put this into context, it's like a weapon you still don't quite know how to use. I would go the CCNA route, that's useful, but look at an entry level IT job as well and work from there.
 
CCNA is worth doing if you already know your way around computers, I've been doing it at uni for the last year and a half but it could easily be done 6 months, I'm just waiting for a voucher for the exam (about £120). There are also voice and wireless certs you can do after that to specialise.

After that you can do the CCNP which is much more complicated, 3 exams (switching, routing and troubleshooting), it will take you longer, but having that under your belt looks great on a CV.
 
I'd say cisco is a good root to go down. The CCENT is a nice place to start as it will explain the basics and give you a solid base before you go for the CCNA

Pick up the study guide, look for some videos online and just take your time and work though it.
 
So basically, it isn't worth me doing any other courses before the CCENT? Whats the best way to learn it, instructor led (don't fancy it) or self study with an exam?
 
crankbro said:
So basically, it isn't worth me doing any other courses before the CCENT? Whats the best way to learn it, instructor led (don't fancy it) or self study with an exam?
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There is like N+ but I don't see the point. CCENT should be harder and you will be wasting money doing N+.

Instructor led courses are obviously going to push you back a lot of money and if you have no networking experience they are going to cram a lot of information in over a week or two period. Unless your on like the networking academy where you will learn it over a few months.

So buy a book, download Packet Tracer or GNS3, get your hands on videos like the CBT Nugget or INE ones - take your time and then do the exam. This is what I did for my CCNA and still doing for CCNP. Though I use 12 routers and 4 switches instead of using GNS3/PT.
 
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As a matter of interest, why networking? Personally it is an area I find to be incredibly dull but that is a matter of preference.
 
RDM said:
As a matter of interest, why networking? Personally it is an area I find to be incredibly dull but that is a matter of preference.
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You answered your own question :p given the popularity of the Cisco courses etc, many people find networking interesting, myself included :)
 
Don't know why really, something I've always been interested in. I enjoyed setting up my home network with my server etc. I've also helped out at work a little with the system in place there.
 
RDM said:
As a matter of interest, why networking? Personally it is an area I find to be incredibly dull but that is a matter of preference.
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Didn't you just answer your own question, matter of preference. I find web design and programming extremely dull.

I like to be around big expensive noisy things :P
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crankbro said:
Also, where would I go about booking my exam?
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http://www.pearsonvue.com/cisco/
ICND1 (CCENT) and ICND2 (CCNA part) will cost you about £100 each. The whole 1 route exam is a bit less as far as I remember.
 
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Can't beat the delicious whine inside a datacenter or the hot air blasting your face trying to access a console port. :).
 
Right, ive had a look on Pearson VUE. I take it I start off with the 640-822 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 test, which gives me the CCENT "qualification". Then part 2 which will give me the CCNA? Sorry to go on, just all the sites give varied information.
 
crankbro said:
Right, ive had a look on Pearson VUE. I take it I start off with the 640-822 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 test, which gives me the CCENT "qualification". Then part 2 which will give me the CCNA? Sorry to go on, just all the sites give varied information.
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Yeah that's correct.

You can either do the 1 test route (640-802) or the 2 test route (640-822, ICND1) and then ICND2 640-816.

The advantage of the 2 test route is that you don't have to remember as much information for one exam, you also get a certification half way through your studies. With no previous networking experience I would recommend the 2 test method. Trust me if you want to know anything else and not post it here :p
 
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Hi guys, been doing the CBT nugget videos now. Watching some of them twice as well as writing notes. Enjoying it so far! I think the main problem I got in my mind is if I get the qualification I cant see me walking straight into a lower network admin job. So should I be looking at basic IT support work? What type do people recommend? I've been applying for jobs, just don't fully know where I should start job wise if that makes sense?
 
Just to repost what I put in the networks forum as it might be of help:

I just passed my CCENT recently so I thought I'd add my 2p worth of advice for others.

I have been running the IT in a medium size business for ~6 years so I do have a good practical base but I decided to study to get some portable skills. I decided on the 2 exam route as it looked like the least stressful option (a lot of people have said that the 1 exam route was tight on time restrictions).

For CCENT I used CBT nuggets, the official Cisco Press book (Odom) and a 3 router 2 switch starter kit. I watched the videos and then read the book. It worked out best this way as the book is heavy reading (as others have said) so having an idea of what's going on from the videos before looking at the detail in the book was essential. The practice test that came free with the book is good too. I also took the option to have access to an official Cisco practice test as part of my exam package. I would go as far as saying the practice tests were essential as they give you an idea on what type of questions are in the exam and highlight weaknesses (don't be afraid of discovering weaknesses, it's the only way of finding where you need to improve!)

The physical equipment was great but I often fell into the trap of getting it all working and then leaving it (habit of the job, if it works leave it alone!). In the end I got the best out of it by constantly ripping the network to pieces and starting again with a slightly different config. Physical properties of equipment are in the syllabus so it helps to have the physical units there.

All in all I would recommend CBT Nuggets for anyone but you will need other study material to reinforce and add to it. For books Odom's writing style is very heavy so if that is something that doesn't fit your study style look elsewhere. The I found the physical hardware great (but noisy) so if you have enough cash to get some I would recommend it. Lastly get the practice tests!

I'm currently going through the CBT Nuggets videos and the official Cisco Press book (Odom) for CCNA (ICND2). I plan to do the same for CCNA security too.
 
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