ISO OSI reference model

A comprehensive tutorial is available at tutorialsweb on ISO OSI model. OSI model is the basic building block of CCNA certification preparation, and it is highly required that a CCNA aspirant has a solid understanding of different layers of OSI model. The contents of the tutorial are given below:

• The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model
• Information Exchange Process
• Relationship between the OSI Model and Networking Devices
• Repeaters, Bridges, Routers, Gateways and other network components
• Glossary of Networking Terms

Read complete tutorial on ISO OSI model for CCNA preparation.

CCNA Network Simulator

CCNA Network Simulator is a software tool that simulates a router/switch network. The tool should typically be able to:

• Simulate a router
• Simulate a switch
• Simulate a router/switch network
• Design a router/switch network
• Save semi-finished configurations, and reload for later resumption
• Save the work to a text file for later use.

A router simulator is essential for having hands-on practice. Ofcourse, if you can buy routers and switches and make physical network that would be fine, but normally does not justify the costs involved.

CCNA network simulators are available from the following sources:

http://routersimulator.certexams.com

http://www.boson.com/Product/CIS-NS-CCNA-04.html

A comprehensive CCNA trainer is available at:

http://www.certexams.com/cisco/ccna/download/ccna-trainer.html

Normally, the software is available free for demo version, and you need to pay if you want to unlock the full version. The cost range from $150 down to $25 depending on the requirements. Download, and checkout the features available.

CCNA Preparation Resources - Books, Practice Exams, Cram Notes etc.

Recommended Books: CCNA exam is available in one exam path (CNA:640-801), and two-exam path (CNA Intro: 640-821, and CCNA ICND:640-811). Given below are recommended books for both streams.

1.
CCNA Certification Library (CCNA Self-Study, exam #640-801) (Hardcover) by Wendell odome Cisco Press Book

2.
CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate, Deluxe Edition (640-801) (Hardcover) by Todd Lammle

3.






CCNA Virtual Lab, Gold Edition Sybex Press


4. Only if you are taking two-exam path to CCNA:
ICND:

ICND Interconnecting Cisco networks

5. Only if you are taking two-exam path to CCNA:
CCNA Intro by Cisco Press
CCNA Intro by Cisco Press

6. Only if you are taking two-exam path: CCNA ICND by Cisco Press

CCNA ICND by Cisco Press

CCNA Exam Objectives

Given below are the exam topics covered under CCNA. Cisco(R) may include additional related topics, and please visit Cisco website for most recent list of exam objectives.

Planning & Designing

• Planning and designing simple LANs using Cisco Technology
• Plan and design an IP addressing scheme to meet design requirements
• Select an appropriate routing protocol based on user requirements
• Design a simple internetwork
• Develop an access list (both standard and extended) to meet user specifications
• Choose WAN services (including FR) to meet customer requirements

Implementation & Operation

• Configure routing protocols (including RIP, RIP v2, EIGRP, and OSPF) based on
  user requirements
• Configure IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway addresses on routers and hosts
• Configure a router for additional administrative functionality
• Configure a switch with VLANS and inter-switch communication
• Implement a LAN
• Customize a switch configuration to meet specified network requirements
• Manage system image and device configuration files
• Perform an initial configuration on a router and switch
• Implement access lists (both standard access lists, and extended access lists)
• Implement simple WAN protocols

Troubleshooting

• Utilize the OSI model as a guide for systematic network troubleshooting
• Perform LAN and VLAN troubleshooting
• Troubleshoot routing protocols (including RIP v1, RIP v2, OSPF, and EIGRP)
• Troubleshoot IP addressing and host configuration
• Troubleshoot a device as part of a working network
• Troubleshoot an access list (Standard access lists, extended access lists)
• Perform simple WAN troubleshooting

Technology

• Describe network communications using layered models (ISO OSI Model, and DOD
  Model)
• Describe the Spanning Tree process (including STP algorithm)
• Compare and contrast key characteristics of LAN environments
• Characteristics of routing protocols
• Evaluate TCP/IP communication process and its associated protocols
• Describe the components of network devices
• Study rules for packet control
• Study important characteristics of WANs
  
  

Introduction to CCNA

CCNA (Short for Cisco Certified Network Associate) is offered by Cisco Systems Inc., a US headquartered company specializing in manufacture of Networking devices and software. The certification is widely recognized in the field of networking technologies. CCNA certified candidate will typically be able to plan, configure, and operate simple routed WAN and switched LAN networks using Cisco products. 640-801 is the only exam necessary to pass for obtaining CCNA certification.
Exam details are as given below:
Exam # 640-801, CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
Number of questions 55-65
Time allowed 90
Passing score 849 **
Register for exam at VUE (www.vue.com/cisco)
Prometric (www.2test.com)

You can visit the official website at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/testing/current_exams/640-801.htmlCertification preparation material is available from various sources.
Resources:

ccna router simulator

ccna practice exams

A guide to certification exams

An article is available at simulationexams.com on certification benefits. A brief review of contents is given below.
I. Benefits of Certification:
Recognition and increased job opportunity
Proficiency in Related Technology
Equipping a fresh out of college candidate to face a job
Increased job security, and remuneration - According to CertMag.com study, certified candidates enjoyed salary increase from 10% to as high as 23%. It is also shown that more the number of certifications (higher the skill level) more the amount of compensation. See the article at www.certmag.com/issues/dec00/feature_gabelhouse.cfm.
II. Leading vendor certifications from Microsoft®, CompTIA®, Cisco®, CheckPoint®, and Prosoft®:
Microsoft®, CompTIA®, Cisco®, CheckPoint®, and Prosoft® are among the leading vendors of IT Certifications. Each vendor, in turn may have different certification tracks. For example, Microsoft has MCSE (For Networkers) track, and MCSD (for Developers) track. Usually, each track has different levels of certification aimed at the beginner, the pro, and the expert. As often said, certification is a journey, and not a destination. In fact, many certifications require re-certification after a pre-determined period of time (usually 2-3 years) to remain certified. Therefore, it is important that you choose your certification track after careful consideration of your career plan. Though there are wide range of certifications available, we confine to a few leading certification tracks: MCSE/MCSA, CCNA/CCNP, A+/Network+, CIW, and CheckPoint CCSA/CCSE.
Anyone, who is interested in pursuing certifications is recommended to go through the article, and choose appropriate certification path. View Complete article at: Guide to IT Certifications and Certification Exams

Welcome

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