Cisco CCENT/CCNA

Sparx

Sparx

Sparx

Soldato
Joined
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Lincolnshire
This is one for you guys already working or experience in the Cisco or IT Networking industry. I am looking to move my career into IT doing Networking, I already have a vast interest and a good base knowledge on most xDSL products, setting up a basic home network, etc.

But I don't really fully understand the whole concept of subnets, setting up gateways, DNS servers, servers, etc if I was actually going to try run an IT dept for a company in the real world!

I am looking into doing some Cisco certs, firstly I am looking at doing the CCENT and then the CCNA afterwards. Do people agree this is the best place to start? I am also looking at buying the book CCENT/CCNA ICND1 640-822 Official Cert Guide from the rainforest place.

I've also seen CCENT Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician Study Guide: (ICND1 Exam 640-822) but this isn't released until 3 Jan 2013. However the previous edition of the book has good reviews all round.

Are they worth it? Or do you have any books or other learningresources yourself you can recommend?

Suggestions and opinion chaps would be much appreciated! :)
 
I passed my CCENT and CCNA exams (a few months ago) using mainly the CBT nuggets videos (if you can get your hands on them), the offical cisco CCNA books, and Packet Tracer (the Cisco simulation software).

At the very least you should have either Packet tracer, GNS3, or find an online practice lab where you can book (for free) some time to actually test out commands, learn how to configure the devices etc... as it's much harder to learn the materials entirely from books without practicing it.
 
I passed mine at an approved institution, there was a proper instructor there. If you don't understand it, it may be worth enrolling onto one as you'll get as much help as you need. It's not hard, some bits are quite complicated like encapsulation and would require you to put a lot of effort in, they do go into quite a bit of detail.

So if you can be motivated to self study go ahead and learn it and do it yourself otherwise I'd suggest enrolling onto a course. My local college do an IT Support course with CCNA included.
 
Thanks guys for your advice, much appreciated. I hadn't even heard of the PacketTracer program or GNS3!

Dist said:
I passed my CCENT and CCNA exams (a few months ago) using mainly the CBT nuggets videos (if you can get your hands on them), the offical cisco CCNA books, and Packet Tracer (the Cisco simulation software).

At the very least you should have either Packet tracer, GNS3, or find an online practice lab where you can book (for free) some time to actually test out commands, learn how to configure the devices etc... as it's much harder to learn the materials entirely from books without practicing it.
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Yes, I much prefer learning 'on the job' if I could, but practical tests/software is much more in my comfort zone then reading books! Theory is not my best learning method. :)

I have just downloaded GNS3 and I am in the process of uhh, downloading PacketTracer 5.3.3 now. :D

EDIT: Also just obtained the CBT Nuggets videos. :)
 
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Decided that I want to order a book tonight chaps, what do you believe would be the best book to grab? This is in addition to using GNS3, PacketTracer, etc.

* CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide (640-802) (by Todd Lammle)
or
* CCENT/CCNA ICND1 640-822 Official Cert Guide (by Wendell Odom)

I've read positive feedback on both Todd Lammle and Wendell Odom. I'm leaning towards Lammle's book personally.
 
Down to opinion what one you will prefer. I used the Odom ones, bored the **** out of me. I hate reading and fell to sleep (literally) multiple times reading the Odom books.
Apparently the Lammle ones are written somewhat more "laid back".

I also bought the Chris Bryant ultimate CCNA study guide - think it was like £5. Went over all of the topics and was to the point, some argue that Odom goes into too much detail and spends far to many pages to make a point.

My advise would be to watch the CBT nugget videos and then watch the books, gave the same advise to 5 of my colleagues I work with. Its how I'm going about doing my CCNP, bought and expensed the Odom books for that as well - not looking forward to the read!
 
I would argue to buy the official books and read them (I did). Remember, it isn't just about passing the exam, it's understanding HOW and WHY things work. A lot of the material in the books may seem like fluff or "I don't need this to pass" but I can tell you from experience that understanding the theory is just as, if not more important than just understanding commands and has more real world application than people realise (especially when used daily)

- GP
 
I've now been pondering from someone else's advice if I should do the CompTIA A+ cert first then either Network+ or CCNA.. Really confused as to what I should go with first!

I have a good understanding of Windows OS, basic networking, I can set-up a home network, NAS, etc but that is far as it goes! So now I have been left wondering if I should go for the A+ then CCENT/CCNA, then Network+ or what?!

I really aspire to develop my career and work in the IT Network industry. I just need some solid advice and guidance on what cert would be best to start off with and work towards.

EDIT - I really think working towards the CCENT or CCNA would be best. But then I think the A+ would be a good base cert to go for first, then go for either Network+ or CCNA. But I then wonder is it a waste of money doing the CCENT first if I skip A+ and should I just study longer and go straight for the CCENT course? It's driving me mad!
 
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Personally I wouldn't bother with A+ or N+, apparently they are really easy - isn't A+ general computer things anyway and not just networking?
I think CCENT is more advanced than N+, CCNA obviously being even better - especially as you actually learn how to configure equipment.
Just go straight for the CCNA and don't waste your time with CompTIA exams. :D
 
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That's that decided then! Just ordered the CCNA book. :)

I'm now contemplating setting up a little virtual lab, or maybe buying some cheap Cisco routers to play with. Is any of this worth pursuing? :D
 
I'm studying using CBT Nugget videos, official press guide and packet tracer :) I really reccommend jerermy Cioara for subnetting (guy in the CBT Vids)
 
Simulations/Emulations vs real equipment is a funny one.

I was using PT and then bought 4 switches and 3 routers. Worked great, I learned things that I could never learn from using software. Though I spent a couple of hundred pound, I've now sold my switches and just trying to move on the remaining routers.

Now I have 3 3650 switches and 3 1841 routers at work I just telnet into (hence why I sold my lab).

Having equipment at home is noisy and can be expensive. GNS3 works great, as does packet tracer. I still prefer using real equipment though, the geek inside me :D

Plus I just got approved so I can download all of the Cisco IOS images :)
 
DJMK4 said:
I'm studying using CBT Nugget videos, official press guide and packet tracer :) I really reccommend jerermy Cioara for subnetting (guy in the CBT Vids)
Click to expand...

I don't like his method myself (although I love his instruction), I use another one, but use whatever works for you. :D
 
oli356 said:
Simulations/Emulations vs real equipment is a funny one.

I was using PT and then bought 4 switches and 3 routers. Worked great, I learned things that I could never learn from using software. Though I spent a couple of hundred pound, I've now sold my switches and just trying to move on the remaining routers.

Now I have 3 3650 switches and 3 1841 routers at work I just telnet into (hence why I sold my lab).

Having equipment at home is noisy and can be expensive. GNS3 works great, as does packet tracer. I still prefer using real equipment though, the geek inside me :D

Plus I just got approved so I can download all of the Cisco IOS images :)
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The problem with GNS3 is that there's no switch support. You don't do a great deal of switching for CCNA, but it definitely helps having a couple set up and messing around with VLANs, VTP, switchport security etc. Older 100Mbit managed switches such as the 2940 can be had for very little on eBay, they are small, not noisy and enough for CCNA level and some elements for CCNP Switching. The added benefit of a 2940 is that it can be used on your home network due to having a 1Gbit port to connect back to your router, then use the 100Mbit ports for home devices.
 
MilanoChris said:
The problem with GNS3 is that there's no switch support. You don't do a great deal of switching for CCNA, but it definitely helps having a couple set up and messing around with VLANs, VTP, switchport security etc. Older 100Mbit managed switches such as the 2940 can be had for very little on eBay, they are small, not noisy and enough for CCNA level and some elements for CCNP Switching. The added benefit of a 2940 is that it can be used on your home network due to having a 1Gbit port to connect back to your router, then use the 100Mbit ports for home devices.
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Pretty good post, although to be a PITA you can get """switch support""" using a 3640, but it's buggy at best. I would definitely recommend grabbing a switch though as MilanoChris has said - STP is a heavy subject and you need to understand it

- GP
 
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