Cisco CCENT/CCNA
- Thread starter Sparx
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Associate
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Kind of disagree with some of the above. I had the same level of experience as the OP, had a degree in IT too.
I started with the CCNA and was getting 90+ in the questions at the end of each chapter (Lammle), but I felt I was missing out on the grounding of the subject. So I started Network+ which is a bit higher than A+.
The CBT nuggets videos were brilliant, then when I went back to the CCNA I felt more confident and the book just read a bit easier for me.
I understand the need to get certified fast but I feel like the simple groundings are essential. CCNA is not that easy, you need to get pretty much perfect to pass.
I started with the CCNA and was getting 90+ in the questions at the end of each chapter (Lammle), but I felt I was missing out on the grounding of the subject. So I started Network+ which is a bit higher than A+.
The CBT nuggets videos were brilliant, then when I went back to the CCNA I felt more confident and the book just read a bit easier for me.
I understand the need to get certified fast but I feel like the simple groundings are essential. CCNA is not that easy, you need to get pretty much perfect to pass.
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.
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.
My 2p:
Just finished a CCNA course and about to sit the exam. I came from a similar background to OP: Loads of personal experience, but only some corporate grade, and some confusion as to what a VLAN actually was! So, I opted to do a proper course. I went for the OU T216 course. 9 months part time, best part of a grand but well worth the money.
I wouldn't bother with CCENT, just go straight for the CCNA as module 1 of the CCNA will tidy up your basics and introduce you to the more advanced stuff needed for the rest of the course. (I know the CCNA is 'basic' as far as network engineers with years of experience are concerned, but to a new starter it isn't). Just be prepared for the volume of work. I found very little of the course difficult, but especially towards the end the volume of stuff to get through demanded 15-20hrs pw. But, that's what I found was needed to not just pass, but pass easily. Besides, if I can do that with a full time job and family (also full time), then anyone should be able to.
As for A+ and N+, I've seen the exams and IMHO any employer that treats them with respect doesn't deserve a decent engineer. Don't bother. I've not seen a decent non-first line IT job in years that asks for either.
As for virtual vs physical home labs. The PacketTrace stuff will see you through the CCNA no problem. There is no comparison to actually getting your hands on the real thing, but it will teach you all you need to know, just make sure you play with it a lot. I'm now looking for a physical lab setup before starting my CCNP as now I feel I'd benefit from it, but that's a different thread.
Just finished a CCNA course and about to sit the exam. I came from a similar background to OP: Loads of personal experience, but only some corporate grade, and some confusion as to what a VLAN actually was! So, I opted to do a proper course. I went for the OU T216 course. 9 months part time, best part of a grand but well worth the money.
I wouldn't bother with CCENT, just go straight for the CCNA as module 1 of the CCNA will tidy up your basics and introduce you to the more advanced stuff needed for the rest of the course. (I know the CCNA is 'basic' as far as network engineers with years of experience are concerned, but to a new starter it isn't). Just be prepared for the volume of work. I found very little of the course difficult, but especially towards the end the volume of stuff to get through demanded 15-20hrs pw. But, that's what I found was needed to not just pass, but pass easily. Besides, if I can do that with a full time job and family (also full time), then anyone should be able to.
As for A+ and N+, I've seen the exams and IMHO any employer that treats them with respect doesn't deserve a decent engineer. Don't bother. I've not seen a decent non-first line IT job in years that asks for either.
As for virtual vs physical home labs. The PacketTrace stuff will see you through the CCNA no problem. There is no comparison to actually getting your hands on the real thing, but it will teach you all you need to know, just make sure you play with it a lot. I'm now looking for a physical lab setup before starting my CCNP as now I feel I'd benefit from it, but that's a different thread.
Associate
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- 29 Aug 2012
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- 193
I'm currently studying for the CCNA. I've finished module one and so far I'm 3 classes into part 2. I've recently "borrowed" ahem some older cisco kit which was going off for scrap. I've added 3 routers to it and in the little time I've had to play I've learnt more by having to setup the actual equipment rather than just use packet tracer.
I'm currently working through CCENT/ICND1 by Wendell Odom myself.
Am I right in thinking that the ICND1 exam is the same as the CCENT?
With both the ICND1 and the ICND2 making up the CCNA?
Just to clear that up? Also, how much configuration do you actually do in the ICND1 exam?
Am I right in thinking that the ICND1 exam is the same as the CCENT?
With both the ICND1 and the ICND2 making up the CCNA?
Just to clear that up? Also, how much configuration do you actually do in the ICND1 exam?
ICND1 is the exam which gives you the CCENT certification.
Having done ICND1 AND ICND2 you then achieve the CCNA certification.
There isn't anyway near as much config in ICND1 as there is in 2. 1 is about introduction to networking how switches work and stuff. 2 then talks about VLANs and things.
Yeah, that's what I thought. Thanks for clearing that up.
So, in terms of exam/question structure for ICND1, is the majority of it multiple choice? With a few simlets and similiar stuff thrown in?
GNS3 or Packet Tracer will be more suitable when preparing for ICDN2 (CCNA) exam?
Yeah all 3 of the Cisco exams I've done (ICND1/2, CCNP Switch) have the majority of the questions as multiple choice. Then you will have a couple of simlets/simulations and possibly drag and drops.
Depending on the number of simulations impacts the number of questions in the exam.
Yeah both of those are fine for CCNA, as mentioned GNS3 doesn't really do switching so use packet tracer for your STP stuff. I do prefer GNS3 for general router stuff.
Depending on the number of simulations impacts the number of questions in the exam.
Yeah both of those are fine for CCNA, as mentioned GNS3 doesn't really do switching so use packet tracer for your STP stuff. I do prefer GNS3 for general router stuff.
Soldato
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- Bromley, Kent
Go through the books too. Jeremy covers a lot of things, but you will benefit from reading the books to cover the rest of the theory in detail and the bits he misses
- GP
- GP
Are there any good videos/tutorials for using GNS3 to prepare for some of the stuff you may need to know on the CCENT.
How much actual configuration is required in the CCENT exam? I'm assuming the CCNA has more, i.e. set up routing, DHCP, NAT all that sort of thing?
How much actual configuration is required in the CCENT exam? I'm assuming the CCNA has more, i.e. set up routing, DHCP, NAT all that sort of thing?
From experience I would say it is essential to go over the book in addition to the CBT nuggets videos. The videos just don't have enough detail relevant to the exam but they do however give you a great understanding of the principles and their application.
Soldato
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Loads about it 
The old VLAN database command was superseded, it's no longer a sub configuration option and is done via the terminal configuration.
What IOS/model are you using?
- GP
The old VLAN database command was superseded, it's no longer a sub configuration option and is done via the terminal configuration.What IOS/model are you using?
- GP
So what should I be using instead of the vlan database command? What is the syntax? Does it have something to do with VTP by any chance?
Cisco IOS Software, 7200 Software (C7200-ADVENTERPRISEK9_SNA-M), Version 15.0(1)M, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Bear in mind that doesn't have a switch module, I've already had the same problem using C3640 IOS too!
Cisco IOS Software, 7200 Software (C7200-ADVENTERPRISEK9_SNA-M), Version 15.0(1)M, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Bear in mind that doesn't have a switch module, I've already had the same problem using C3640 IOS too!
Last edited:
Soldato
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Well you can only do vlans on a switch (or switch module) not a router (directly). What are you trying to achieve?
To answer your other questions:
- VTP is VLAN synchronisation mechanism used between switches within the same VTP domain (and others if you're not careful!) and operates only over trunk links between switches. If set up correctly then each segment with connected switches in the same domain can have their vlan database managed by a single or more server switches.
- The commands on newer IOSs are :
Switch#
Switch#conf t
Switch(config)#vlan <number>
Switch(config-vlan)#name herpderp
Switch(config-vlan)#end
Switch#show vlan brief
If you're trying to connect a single interface on a router to a trunk interface on a switch, then you need to use sub interfaces set with dot1q/ISL respectively
- GP
To answer your other questions:
- VTP is VLAN synchronisation mechanism used between switches within the same VTP domain (and others if you're not careful!) and operates only over trunk links between switches. If set up correctly then each segment with connected switches in the same domain can have their vlan database managed by a single or more server switches.
- The commands on newer IOSs are :
Switch#
Switch#conf t
Switch(config)#vlan <number>
Switch(config-vlan)#name herpderp
Switch(config-vlan)#end
Switch#show vlan brief
If you're trying to connect a single interface on a router to a trunk interface on a switch, then you need to use sub interfaces set with dot1q/ISL respectively
- GP
Alright, thanks for that info. Appreciate that! 
How come everything I seem to come across on the net still talks about using the vlan database command. Don't know if it's just me not looking properly.
In terms of stuff for the CCENT, how much are you expected to know and be able to do within the IOS as I thought the ICDN1 exam was more theoretical.
How come everything I seem to come across on the net still talks about using the vlan database command. Don't know if it's just me not looking properly.
In terms of stuff for the CCENT, how much are you expected to know and be able to do within the IOS as I thought the ICDN1 exam was more theoretical.