CCNA Certification

New CCNA Certification Practice Exam Engine Launched

2011-05-20T03:42:00.001-07:00

SimulationExams is happy to announce the release of new CCNA Certification practice tests with .NET exam engine. The exam engine has several features including the following:
1. Easy User Interface: Users will be able to browse through the Exam Simulator Home. It contains a parent frame in which all downloaded exams will be provided, with another tab for exams that are available but not downloaded yet by the user. User may simply click a button or two, and install new demo exam.
2. Online Product Activation: The product activation may be done online after confirmed order placement. Users will need Internet connector for activating the product online. It is possible to activate the product offline (without having Internet connectivity) by sending an email providing the Product ID and order number.
3. 300+ Questions: The CCNA Certification tests consist of 300+ questions spread over 4 individual tests. Candidates may take the test in either learn mode or exam mode. Each question has been explained thoroughly, and usually covers different exam topic.
4. Online Update: Customers will be able to check for any updates, and download an update online without any emails, etc. with customer support.
5. Question Feedback: A candidate taking the test may provide instant feedback by using feedback form without leaving the exam environment.
6. Comprehensive Results Section: Each test taken by a canhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifdidate may be saved for future reference. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

One important feature of CCNA Cert practice tests is the ability to support multiple question formats just as that of actual exam. The question formats include a} Multiple choice questions, Exhibit-based questions, Simlets, Testlets, and Router Simulations. Hardly any other practice test vendor is providing such vast variety of question types for CCNA Certification practice.

The product may be viewed at:
http://www.simulationexams.com/exam-details/ccna.htm
and download link is given below:
http://www.simulationexams.com/downloads/cisco-tests/ccna/ccna-practicetest-download.htm

CCNA Network Simulator now supports VLAN, VTP, and STP

2011-04-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

The network simulator product now supports VTP (VLAN Trunking Protocol), VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), and STP (Spanning Tree Protocol). Further, several new labs have been added as below:

12.0 IPv6 Routing Protocol labs
12.1 Enabling RIPng (IPv6 RIP Process) on a cisco router interface
12.2 Enabling RIPng on two routers and pinging between them
12.3 Entering RIPng router configuration mode and setting global parameters on a cisco router
12.4 Configuring EIGRPv6 on a router interface
12.5 Configuring EIGRPv6 on two routers and pinging between them
12.6 Enabling OSPF for IPv6 on a Cisco router interface
12.7 Configuring OSPF on two router interfaces
12.8 General IPv6 configuration on 2610 series router
13.0 DHCP labs
13.1 Configuring cisco router as a DHCP server
13.2 DHCP client configuration
13.3 Configuring two DHCP clients and DHCP verification commands
14.0 Exercises on Spanning Tree Protocol
14.1 Enabling STP
14.2 Configuring root switch
14.3 Configuring port-priority
14.4 Configuring switch priority of a VLAN
14.5 Configuring STP timers
14.6 Verifying STP
Please refer to the lab exercises page of CCNA for complete list of labs provided. Note that the demo version will have access to limited number of labs, whereas it is possible to run all the labs in the

full version of the simulator

.

The supported commands are given below:
http://routersimulator.certexams.com/commands.html

Product page: http://routersimulator.certexams.com/network-simulator-designer.html

Network Simulator for Cisco CCENT

2009-07-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

Network Simulator for CCENT has the following features:
1. Lab exercises for hands-on practice.
2. Router and switch simulator
3. Simulate Cisco® IOS routers (2501/2503) or switches (2950).
4. Support for 200+ router and switch commands
5. Labs for 1900 and 2950 switches included
6. Detailed help files
7. Network designer that provides drag and drop feature for inserting devices and connectors.
8. GUI vased device configurator.
9. Support short form commands. You can type short form commands in IOS simulator for router/switch commands just like in actual router/switch.

Download at Cisco CCENT Simulator
Visit Network Simulator home page

VLAN Types

2009-07-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

1. Native VLAN: It's a VLAN that is not tagged when used on dot1q trunk. Frames using native VLAN traverse without any tagging. Workstations and some switches do not understand dot1q, and only work with frames without tag (Native VLAN).

2. Default VLAN: It's typically VLAN 1 (At least on Cisco switches) - Vlan that is assigned to the switch port, when u get switch "out of box". You can change the default VLAN to any other specific VLAN by using "native vlan" command on Cisco swiches.

3. Static VLAN: "Static VLAN membership is perhaps the most widely used method because of the relatively small administration overhead and security it provides. With Static VLANs, the administrator will assign each port of the switch to one VLAN. Once this is complete, they can simply connect each device or workstation to the appropriate port." The other method is 4.

4.Dynamic VLAN: Static VLANs are the most common form of port VLAN assignments. It is possible to have the switch dynamically choose a VLAN based on the MAC address of the device connected to a port. For dynamic VLAN assignment, you need a VTP database file, a VTP server, a VTP client switch, and a dynamic port. After you have properly configured these components, a dynamic port can choose the VLAN based on whichever device is connected to that port.

5. Access VLAN: There are two modes of a switch port, Access and Trunk: Access switchport mode is used to connect to the end devices, and trunk switchport mode is typically used to interconnect two switches (or a router and a switch). So Access VLAN is the vlan which is assigned to port that is in ACCESS mode and connected to the end device

Tidbits - IP Helper Address

2009-07-08T01:40:00.000-07:00

The Internet is based on client/server model. For example, a host may need to contact a DHCP (Short for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server for obtaining its IP address. The requests are usually sent as broardcast messages. Since routers do not forward broadcasts, the DHCP server must be located in the same subnet as that of the client requesting the service. But, practical reasons may prohibit a DHCP server to be placed on each subnet of a network. One workaround to this problem is IP helper address. A router, configured with IP helper address can unicast the broadcast message received from a client (or host) in one subnet to a given IP address (of the server) in another subnet, which in turn provides the DHCP information to the client computer.
IP helper addresses can also be used for any other requests such as DNS requests or to locate TFTP servers on a network. IP helper address enables a network administrator to centralize the server services, such as DHCP service or DNS service.

Few CCNA Questions ...

2009-03-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

What is true about VLAN trunk protocol?

a. VTP is statically configured, but no built-in intelligence is available.
b. VTP provides intelligence to configure switches across the network
c. VTP is not designed to distribute information across the switch fabric
d. None of the above

ans: b

VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP) is a layer 2 protocol that maintains VLAN configurations through a common administrative domain. Configurations are made to a VTP server, and are propagated
across trunk lines to all switches in the VTP domain. VTP provides auto-intelligence for configuring switches across the network.

CCNA Certification - New 2 Exam Track

2008-08-27T03:05:00.000-07:00

Cisco's CCNA certification consists of 2 exams:
1. CCENT (stands for Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician) exam, and
2. CCNA ICND (ICND stands for Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices).
One can also pass CCNA directly by taking one exam option (640-802)

For beginners, two exam track is the preferred method of study. SimulationExams.com offers practice tests for all the exam tracks as below:
CCENT 640-822 Exam
CCNA ICND 640-816 Exam
CCNA 640-802 Exam

Downloads consist of free demo version of the exam. Interested candidates may purchase full version of the tests at Cisco Exams section of simulationexams.com

Online version of the exams is available from CertExams.com.
Register online and take demo online tests at CertExams.com
1. CCENT 640-822 Online Tests
2. CCNA ICND 640-816 Online Tests
3. CCNA 640-802 Online Tests

Several other cisco certifications are also available. Please visit the website for details.

CCNA ICND2 Practice Tests

2007-11-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

SimulationExams.com, recently released CCNA ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2) practice tests. ICND2 exam counts toward CCNA certification awarded by Cisco Systems®. CCNA ICND2 isintended for candidates who have experience in configuration and troubleshootingof Cisco networking devices.. The practice tests offered by SimulationExamsprovide a simulated test environment for candidates before appearing for thecertification exam.

The advantages of a simulated exam are:

Ability to gauge one's preparedness to take actual certification exam
To strengthen weak areas
To familiarize oneself with actual exam environment (such as timed test, lab practice, relevant practice questions, etc.)

CCNA ICND2 is one of the two qualifying exams available to candidates pursuing a two-exam option for Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification. To achieve CCNA, one need to pass both CCENT (also known as CCNA ICND1), and the CCNA ICND2 exams. Alternatively, one can obtain CCNA certification by passing a single exam, 640-802.

Related exam: CCNA ICND1

Disclaimer: SimulationExams.com is neither associated nor affiliated with Comptia®, Microsoft®, Cisco Systems® or any other Company. All trademarks are duly recognized.

VTP Trunking Protocol

2007-11-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

VLAN Trunking Protocol

VTP sends messages between trunked switches to maintain VLANs on these switches in order to properly trunk.
VTP is a Cisco proprietary method of managing VLANs between switches and runs across any type of trunking mechanism.
VTP messages are exchanged between switches within a common VTP domain.
VTP domains must be defined or VTP disabled before a VLAN can be created.
Exchanges of VTP information can be controlled by passwords.
VTP manages only VLANs 2 through 1002.
VTP allows switches to synchronize their VLANs based on a configuration revision number.
Switches can operate in one of three VTP modes: server, transparent, or client.
VTP can prune unneeded VLANs from trunk links.

Reference: Cisco Press Book

CCNA Exam Trainer

2006-10-30T05:40:00.000-08:00

Announcement:

CCNA Exam Trainer is available from certexams.com.
The ccna training software has the following features:

CCNA Practice Questions

Multiple choice single answer
Multiple choice multiple answers
True/False Type questions
Drag-n-drop Type questions

Admin Log-in for complete configuration control

Set question randomization
Set number of questions for exam
Set answer randomization
Save and manage results
Enable/disable options with a password

Network Simulator

Simulate a router network
Design a router network
Use existing network labs to gain experience

Download CCNA exam training software

CCNA Tutorial

2006-09-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

A brief tutorial on ccna is available at simulationexams.com. The contents of the tutorial are given below:

IP Addressing
Subnet masking -I
Subnet masking -II
Routing Fundamentals
Cisco IOS
Access Control Lists (ACL)
Wide Area Networks
VLANs
VLAN Fundamentals
Types of VLANs
VLAN Routing

Simulationexams.com provides ccna practice tests that are suitable for candidates preparing for taking CCNA certification exam.

Networking Primer -IP Addressing

2006-07-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

An IP address is a unique logical identifier for a node or host connection on an IP network. An IP address is a 32 bit binary number, and represented as 4 decimal values of 8 bits each. The decimal values range from 0 to 255. This is known as "dotted decimal" notation.

Example: 192.189.210.078

It is sometimes useful to view the values in their binary form.

192     .189     .210     .078
11000000.10111101.11010010.01001110

Every IP address consists of network identifier and node identifier. The IP network is divided based on Class of network. The class of network is determined by the leading bits of the IP address as shown below.

Address Classes

There are 5 different address classes. You can determine which class any IP
address is in by examining the first 4 bits of the IP address.

Class A addresses begin with 0xxx, or 1 to 126 decimal.
Class B addresses begin with 10xx, or 128 to 191 decimal.
Class C addresses begin with 110x, or 192 to 223 decimal.
Class D addresses begin with 1110, or 224 to 239 decimal.
Class E addresses begin with 1111, or 240 to 254 decimal.

Addresses beginning with 01111111, or 127 decimal, are reserved for loopback and for internal testing on a local machine. Class D addresses are reserved for multicasting. Class E addresses are reserved for future use. They should not be used for host addresses.

Now we can see how the Class determines, by default, which part of the IP address belongs to the network (N) and which part belongs to the Host/node (H).

Class A: NNNNNNNN.HHHHHHHH.HHHHHHHH.HHHHHHHH
Class B: NNNNNNNN.NNNNNNNN.HHHHHHHH.HHHHHHHH
Class C: NNNNNNNN.NNNNNNNN.NNNNNNNN.HHHHHHHH

In the example, 192.189.210.078 is a Class C address so by default the Network part of the address (also known as the Network Address) is defined by the first three octets (192.189.210.XXX) and the node part is defined by the last one octets (XXX.XXX.XXX.078).

In order to specify the network address for a given IP address, the node section is set to all "0"s. In our example, 192.189.210.0 specifies the network address for 192.189.210.078. When the node section is set to all "1"s, it specifies a broadcast that is sent to all hosts on the network. 192.189.210.255 specifies the broadcast address.

Private Subnets

There are three IP network addresses reserved for private networks. The addresses are 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, and 192.168.0.0/16. They can be used by anyone setting up internal IP networks, such as an intranet. Internet routers never forward the private addresses over the public Internet.

CCNA Intro and CCNA ICND exams.

2006-06-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

There is a two-exam option for attaining ccna certification. Here, you need to pass two individual exams, namely CCNA Intro and CCNA ICND for attaining ccna certificate. This stream is useful for candidate who are new to networking, and prefer slower pace of study.
See CCNA Intro exam details, and CCNA ICND exam details
Download, and practice CCNA Intro exam questions, and CCNA ICND exam questions.

The combined syllabus for CCNA Intro, and CCNA ICND is close to CCNA. If you are a working professional with atleast 1 or 2 years of experience in networking, it is suggested to take single exam path. If you are completely new to networking, it is recommended to take two-exam path.

CCNA Exam Cram Notes

2006-05-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

A quick revision notes for CCNA exam is available at examguides.com The ccna exam cram notes is useful for those who are in the final stage preparation.

ISO OSI reference model

2006-04-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

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.

2006-04-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-22T00:10:00.000-07:00

This is a welcome post to CCNA Certification blog. Thank you for visiting!