CCNA Self-Study

Bakedgoods

Bakedgoods

Bakedgoods

Capodecina
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Since networking is the area of computing I want to eventually be in, it makes sense to look at the CCNA course. I'm not looking at taking the exam for a good while but the sooner I start reading and so on the better.

Right now I don't want to be doing any of the lab courses and want to teach myself, i'm just looking for advice really.

I learn from doing and being told best (having a good tutor explain/show you something) as opposed to just reading text. So is there any videos around? What about software that simulates the actual Cisco kit or something along that line.

Cheers for any help guys :)
 
I'm sure you'd be able to find some CBT training materials for the CCNA. Boson make some netsimulators, and they perform OK, more than well enough for learning the ccna. You can also pick up a basic home Lab relatively cheapy from auctions. The study guides make useful reference material.
 
I used the Sybex CCNA training guide and got 100% on the CCNA test. Then I never went on to do CCNP nor get a job using it!
 
You can usually find cheap cisco routers on ebay to practice with, get some of them and a few books and you will be all set.
 
ic1male said:
I used the Sybex CCNA training guide and got 100% on the CCNA test. Then I never went on to do CCNP nor get a job using it!
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I'll check it out :)

Chaos said:
You can usually find cheap cisco routers on ebay to practice with, get some of them and a few books and you will be all set.
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Any models you specifically recommend?
 
Don't bother getting a physical router, just get a simulator. I can recommend Boson simulators.

http://www.boson.com/Product/18.html

Like another user, I did my CCNA and I have never touched a cisco router since. So if you go ahead with it, you should be pretty sure that you will use the skills you learn.
 
Work are letting me out 1 afternoon a week to study a course at college called "Advanced University Certiface in Computer Networks". It's basically just the CISCO moudles from a degree course and is moderated by UCLAN. So it allows me exemption from certain degree modules.

It's spaced out over two years and covers everything needed to sit the CCNA exam afterwards.

Much better option than self-teaching I would say :D
 
rick827 said:
Just make sure they're teaching you the new version as its just changed :o
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Well some of it is done using the online CISCO net accademy, so i'm guessing it will be. Just gives a chance for us to get lectured then play around with the kit ourselves.
 
I've done my CCNA, but it's expired now. I think you need to do a refresh exam every couple of years.

However if you get a job with them, or a good enough company and use it, chances are they will pay or help pay for you to do the higher levels. CCNP, CCND etc....
 
Going to be doing my Networking + course next month and then CCNA the following month - personally I'd get my mits on the CCNA manuals and start reading cover to cover - it's hard going.
 
One of the many things my brother self-studied, and now he is working in Hong Kong on £40k, not shabby at 28 years old :)
 
Liverpool-Lad said:
Its early November that changes IIRC.
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Early november is the last date for the 3.1 exam. The course materials have changed over already.

Your cert is valid for 3 years but this only effects the highest level Cert. ie: if you do CCNA then CCNP, your CCNA is valid while your CCNP is. If you want to do CCNP after, get on it right away as you need a valid CCNA to even take a CCNP exam

The 2600 series routers are most common for labs as they were very good sellers, getting out of date and being replaced and are quite thus cheap and readily available. They also have all the interfaces you require. If you can get one with 2 serial I/f cards all the better
 
Yup, just trying to sneak some hard study in now and hopefully pass before the exam material changes.

The 2500 series routers are also good to practice with.
 
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