Book Description
Assessment, review, and practice package for the CCNA 640-801, ICND 640-811, and INTRO 640-821 exams
This library combines the most current versions of the Number-One selling CCNA study guides with a bonus CD-ROM containing 30 minutes of video training on difficult exam topics. The library helps you master all the topics on the CCNA exam, including
- TCP/IP and OSI networking models
- Operating Cisco® routers and LAN switches
- IP addressing and subnetting
- Discovering information about an IP network
- Analog modems, PAP/CHAP, DSL, and cable
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), VLANs, and trunking
- RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, and static route concepts and configuration
- Variable-length subnet masking (VLSM) support and route summarization
- Classless interdomain routing (CIDR) and Network Address Translation (NAT)
- Point-to-point leased line implementation
- ISDN and dial-on-demand routing (DDR)
- Frame Relay configuration
- IP access control list (ACL) security
CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, Second Edition, is a comprehensive review and practice package for the latest CCNA® exam. The two books contained in this package, CCNA INTRO Exam Certification Guide, First Edition, and CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide, First Edition, present complete reviews and ample opportunity to test your knowledge of all the CCNA exam topics. Also included is a CD-ROM with training videos that explain select CCNA topics. Senior instructor and best-selling author Wendell Odom shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas requiring further study and improve both your conceptual and hands-on knowledge. The material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing your understanding and retention of exam topics.
This new edition includes the CCNA Video Mentor, Library Edition CD. This CD-ROM contains three select video labs totaling 30 minutes of personal visual instruction at no additional charge! In each 10-minute video, author Wendell Odom walks you through basic CCNA configuration tasks, including navigating router and switch command-line interface, static and connected routes and the IP routing table, and NAT overload (PAT). The videos consist of animation and video captures of a terminal displaying router and switch command entry and output while Wendell provides audio instruction on how to configure various features and offers various tips and shortcuts that truly help make learning easy.
CCNA INTRO Exam Certification Guide, First Edition, and CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide, First Edition, present you with an organized test preparation routine through the use of proven series elements and techniques. “Do I Know This Already?” quizzes open each chapter and allow you to decide how much time you need to spend on each section. Exam topic lists and Foundation Summary tables make referencing easy and give you a quick refresher whenever you need it. Challenging chapter-ending review questions help you assess your knowledge and reinforce key concepts. Scenario-based exercises help you think about exam objectives in real-world situations, thus increasing recall during exam time.
The companion CD-ROMs contain a powerful testing engine that allows you to focus on individual topic areas or take complete, timed exams from INTRO, ICND, or unified CCNA test banks. The assessment engine also tracks your performance and provides feedback on a module-by-module basis, presenting question-by-question remediation to the text and laying out a complete study plan for review. The CD-ROMs also include a wealth of hands-on practice exercises and a copy of the Boson NetSim™ for CCNA, Learning Edition, network simulation software that allows you to practice your hands-on skills in a virtual lab environment.
CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, Second Edition, is part of a recommended study program from Cisco Systems® that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press®. To find out more about instructor-led, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered by authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide, visit www.cisco.com/go/authorizedtraining.
Customer Reviews:
Best Resource for CCNA Test Takers........2007-09-07
This is an excellent in-depth resource for those wanting to complete the current Cisco CCNA certification test. The information in this book covers every scenario on the test in detail, except for the labs, where an understanding of the command structure comes in to play. It should be noted that the test will be updated significantly in 11/2007, so this book may have some outdated information or be missing some new facts for the revised test at that point. But for now, this is the best resource for CCNA test takers to date.
Excellent guide to get CCNA........2007-07-13
This library is an excellent guide for peoples want get CCNA certification , very simple to understand and give you more than one way to learn. I really recomend.
One of the most cost effective and comprehensive resources to study for the CCNA exams!.......2007-07-08
One of the most cost effective and comprehensive resources to study for the CCNA 640-801, ICND 640-811 and the INTRO 640-821 exams! The CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, 2nd Edition, ISBN: 1-58720-169-0, by Wendell Odom is published by Cisco Press.
The two book set, is one of the most comprehensive CCNA resources to date. Currently, Cisco offers the CCNA candidate with two exam formats in preparing for their CCNA certification. These are the INTRO 640-821 and the ICND 640-811 exam or the one exam format: CCNA 640-801. The CCNA Exam Certification library is packaged in a two book set. The exam candidate can study for the CCNA INTRO (640-821) Exam and receive a firm understanding of Network Fundamentals, Operating Cisco Devices, LAN Switching, TCP/IP, and Wide-Area Networking and then take the INTRO 640-821 exam.
Also, if they have hands-on working experience with the Cisco switches and routers they can utilize the CCNA Self-Study CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide to study for the one-exam format: CCNA 640-801 exam or the second exam of the two test format: ICND: 640-811. This book is a more in depth resource that focuses on LAN Switching, Spanning Tree Protocol, Virtual LANS and Trunking, TCP/IP, RIP, IGRP, and Static Route Concepts and Configuration, OSPF and EIGRP Concepts and Configuration, Advanced Routing Protocol and TCIP/IP topics, Wide-Area Networks, ISDN and Dial-on-Demand Routing, Frame Relay and Network Security.
The two certification guides overlap in their content, but it will be clear to the reader that the CCNA ICND book goes in-depth in the topics listed above. I would suggest to begin with the CCNA INTRO guide and when the topics overlap in the two books I would switch to the CCNA ICND guide only after the candidate has a clear understanding of the particular content (i.e., LAN Switching). By performing this technique will ensure that you have fully understood material and will be well prepared for the exam (s).
There is a companion CD-ROM that accompanies the book set that contains more than 400 practice questions for the ICND, INTRO, and CCNA exams, including simulation-based questions. The CD also contains flash card questions, hands-on exercises and a light edition of the NetSim LE network simulation software. The full version of the Network Sim software is: ISBN: 1587201313. The certification library book set also comes with the CCNA Video Mentor Library Edition. The CD contains 3 select video labs from the full version of the CCNA Video Mentor; ISBN 1-58720-168-2, by Wendell Odom.
Updates to the CCNA Self-Study CCNA INTRO Exam Certification Guide can be found at: www.ciscopress.com/1587200945, as well as, for the CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide can be found at: www.ciscopress.com/158720083X.
According to the Cisco training website, [...] the last date to take the CCNA 640-801, ICND 640-811 and the INTRO 640-821 exams is on November 6, 2007. The CCNA candidate would be extremely prepared utilizing this resource! I give these materials 4 out of 5 stars.
Good book with clear explanations.......2007-06-29
Both of these books are structured very well and everything is explained clearly in a easy-to-follow manner. My only caveat is that newbies to routers (like me) may have difficulty passing the exam (the single 640-801 one) with just these texts. The CD-ROM test engine is excellent, and resembles the actual test. I also used Transcender software (a good tool for review and like the test itself), tests from TestKing (much easier than the tests), an Exam Cram book (not like the actual exam at all), another test package, and 2 different computer-based video training packages. That said, I barely passed the exam, even though I feel that I understand the concepts and details pretty well. I could quickly subnet in my head and many questions I could answer in five seconds. But some of the questions were extremely tricky. And it took me 10 minutes to get the router simulation to work properly -- it didn't work as smoothly and easily as it did in the tutorial before the exam. It's not an easy test, by any means. I spent over 10 minutes doing the simulation when I should have had it done in 2.
I may not have done as well as I thought I would because I was afraid I would run out of time, but I ended up with over 20 minutes to spare. However, you can't go back and change your answers, which is a shame for how I test, because I like to put my gut reaction first and think it over later after my mind is refreshed. You definitely have to move through the test quickly.
These books and the CD-ROM included with it were the main reasons I passed. You can't be too prepared for this one. Good luck!
Great Resource.......2007-06-25
If you read these books cover to cover and do the labs in the appendicies, they are a great resource towards your CCNA certification. I do however, recommend that you also suppliment your study materials with hardware,if available, and some additional pracice questions and tests.
The tests in the back of the book are nothing compared to the actual cert. And the netsim, what a joke. Not even worth loading onto your computer. I suggest another program to work on.
For your certs, I recommend you have a strong understanding of switching(STP, VTP, VLAN's, etc.), ACL's, and be able to subnet in your head. No ISDN on the test for me.
Good Luck
Book Description
Master hands-on CCNA skills with a network simulator that lets you build your own network, with up to 200 devices
- Gain hands-on experience for all CCNA exam topics
- Select from 45 different router and switch models
- Learn with integrated content from the number-One selling
CCNA Certification Library written by Wendell Odom
Cisco CCNA Network Simulator is a boxed software product derived from the previously self-published Boson NetSim from Boson Software. It provides users with a means to develop hands-on skills at the CCNA level without the investment in expensive hardware. The software, which includes the Boson Router Simulator, was designed to give users the skills needed to pass the new CCNA 800 series exams (640-801, 640-811, and 640-821). The combination of Cisco IOS and Catalyst simulated command line interface (CLI) establishes a foundation of knowledge that is integral to CCNA success, both in taking the CCNA exams and in one's daily job as a CCNA professional. The title includes a drag-and-drop Network Designer that supports up to 200 devices using 45 different device models, including 40 different router models and 2 Catalyst switch models. Users can have up to 200 active Telnet sessions configuring devices inside the simulator. This unique feature allows users to create their own lab topologies, freeing them for the first time from the configurations locked in place by the software vendor. Currently no other network simulation package offers this much versatility and support.
Cisco CCNA Network Simulator also includes a comprehensive lab menu that contains more than 100 structured labs for users to run. More than 20 advanced-level labs from Wendell Odom's CCNA texts allow users to perform complex tasks on networks that combine all the various CCNA technologies.
Boson Software, Inc. is a software company specializing in products for test preparation and the development of hands-on skills. Boson is a Cisco Learning Partner, and offers practice tests on every major certification in the IT industry, as well many outside the IT market. Boson Software is headquartered in Tampa, FL.
60220041587201313
Customer Reviews:
this is the best network simulator for ccna.......2007-07-16
This network simulater covers every thing that a ccna student will like to know about configuring cisco routers and passing his/her exams.I am very happy with the simulater and hope to pass my ccna exams after I have finished doing the labs,by the grace of God.
CCNA Simular Works Great!.......2007-05-14
This is a great learning tool for anyone who is taking the CCNA curriculum. It works well. The only thing is that it does not support all of the router commands that are in the Cisco curriculum labs. I would find that a lot of times, I would get halfway through the lab and then it would not recognize a command. Other than this "glitch" or if you want to pay through the nose for the CCNP version it's still worth the money. I finished my Cisco curriculum with an A because of the practice labs and the labs included. It sure beats buying the real thing and playing with it. Especially if you want to save some money.
Buy it...You'll like it! :)
good book.......2007-05-13
i ended up changing my careers to websphere application server.
did not get certified in ccna. i am sure this book will get you certified.
Avoid this product.......2007-05-03
If you're trying to pass the CCNA exam (either the single exam or the two-part exam) I would recommend that you buy the Exam Certification Library from Cisco Press (which includes a "Lite" version of the CCNA Network Simulator) and bypass this offering. Then make sure that you get some time on real equipment, if at all possible. The bottom line on the full blown version is that it's not worth the $$$. I wish I'd read the reviews on this product before I bought it. It's true what others have said about the deficiencies of this product. If you're interested in really mastering things like Spanning tree protocol you'll not get that good feeling from this product. STP doesn't work outright! I'm a veteran of certification testing. In all, I've taken 15 tests covering various technologies from various vendors. I took the INTRO test (relying on the books in the Exam Certification Library and the NetSIM) and passed it easily. However, for the first time in my life, I failed a test when I took the ICND exam. I went through the simulator exercises twice before the exam. I read the book cover-to-cover twice before the exam. It's not that I'm a bad test taker. Before the ICND I was 14 for 14. The simulator simply didn't prepare me for the exam. Period.
Great Teacher .......2007-03-16
This is a good investment for anyone new to configuring routers and switches. The labs are very good tools to teach you how to config and help you understand the reasons behind the command.
Book Description
Here's the book you need to prepare for Cisco's CCNA exam, 640-801.
This Study Guide was developed to meet the exacting requirements of today's Cisco certification candidates. In addition to the engaging and accessible instructional approach that has earned author Todd Lammle the "Best Study Guide Author" award in CertCities Readers' Choice Awards for two consecutive years, this updated fifth edition provides:
- In-depth coverage of every CCNA exam objective
- Expanded IP addressing and subnetting coverage
- More detailed information on EIGRP and OSPF
- Leading-edge exam preparation software
Authoritative coverage of all exam objectives, including:
- Network planning & designing
- Implementation & operation
- LAN and WAN troubleshooting
- Communications technology
Customer Reviews:
A great overview.......2007-07-30
This book has consistently been one of the most accessible overviews of the CCNA material. I have been using these books since the 3rd edition and I have yet to be disappointed. Although the book may not go into as much depth as some of the other books on the market, it presents the ideas in a very clear language. If you are looking to get a good idea of how IP networks are put together and a basic introduciton to configuring cisco routers, this book will be a huge help.
Todd Lamle Rocks.......2007-07-15
I am preparing for my CCNA and I am so happy to have this book to prep me for my Exams.
Todd knows exactly how to dissect the difficult topics. I've been putting off taking the exam for 4 years now. With this book I've got the confidence and knowledge I need to ace it!
Thank you Todd
M. Charles
Great to begin with.......2007-05-24
My advice would be to start with this book first, then move onto CCNA Cisco press. Todd Lammle wrote this book as if you where setting in a class and learning from an instructor, some of the basic information that you need to know for exam will be covered in his text that can be easily be pick up by using his book. The only problem with this book is that he doesn't cover everything on the exam; as stated by the other reviewer. Cisco press is going to give you everything you need; but with dry content. The Cisco press content is not that bad if you start off with Sybex.
Excellent.......2007-05-07
There isn't much more I can say about this book than has already been said. I used Todd's guide to help me pass the CCNA in 2000 and am using him again to recertify. Just an excellent book. Period.
Behind the Times........2007-04-10
Five years ago, I took a course on the CCNA exam, and the Sybex book was the standard course material. The Cisco books at that time were overly wordy, dry, and difficult to learn from. This seems to be the major reason Sybex became the textbook of choice for Cisco material. I had good success with that book and passed the test on the first try with little complications.
Then, a few months ago, I decided to go back and tackle the new CCNA exam and get certified again. Naturally, I went back to Sybex and bought this book. After a month of study, I felt I had fully grasped all the concepts in the book and began taking practice tests in preparation for the 640-801 exam. I was disappointed to find that I was repeatedly failing the practice tests. I spent some time reviewing and slowly came to realize that there are a variety of topics you will face on the new CCNA exams that aren't favored enough in the Sybex book. Frustrated, I went and picked up the Cisco Press: Official Exam Certification Library, which consists of the "CCNA Intro" and "CCNA ICND" books. I thought at first that having two books for this material was overkill. After several weeks of reading through these books, I am startled at how much raw content is in these two books that is directly relevant to the test. Even more obvious is how basic the Sybex course material is in comparison.
My personal experience is this: Cisco seems to have toughened up their exams quite a bit since they switched to the new CCNA exam, and Sybex doesn't seem to have kept up with this. Considering Sybex has also tried to squeeze the entire CCNP course material into a single book, when Cisco has four separate books for the same material, I'm not surprised that the CCNA book feels compressed. In particular, the areas I'm finding the biggest gaps between the two are as follows:
Cat 2950 Switch configuration - This is kept to a minimum in the Sybex book and only the most basic commands are offered.
General Routing Troubleshooting - A big theme in the practice tests I have taken thus far is the ability to properly troubleshoot various router setups. While the Sybex book gives you all the basic show commands and gives a very straightforward configuration for each topic, it simply isn't enough. There should have been several chapters dedicated purely to troubleshooting. The Cisco material did not provide dedicated chapters to troubleshooting either, but they take much longer to explain the topics than Sybex did.
Various Miscellaneous Topics - There are a variety of commands, terms, and concepts that I never saw until I started taking practice tests and picked up the Cisco Press CCNA Flash Cards book.
In closing, I will say that I like the way Todd Lammle writes. He is very easy to understand and Chapter 3 of this book (which covers IP subnetting) is a very well written chapter. This book is by no means "bad". It just isn't enough to pass the exam on it's own. If you have yet to purchase any material for the CCNA, I strongly recommend you spend the extra ten dollars and pick up the Official Exam Certification Library from Cisco Press. While it may be a little more difficult to read, it will be worth it when you go to take your test.
Book Description
The complete guide to the most popular Cisco PIX®, ASA, FWSM, and IOS® firewall security features
- Learn about the various firewall models, user interfaces, feature sets, and configuration methods
- Understand how a Cisco firewall inspects traffic
- Configure firewall interfaces, routing, IP addressing services, and IP multicast support
- Maintain security contexts and Flash and configuration files, manage users, and monitor firewalls with SNMP
- Authenticate, authorize, and maintain accounting records for firewall users
- Control access through the firewall by implementing transparent and routed firewall modes, address translation, traffic filtering, user authentication, content filtering, application inspection, and traffic shunning
- Increase firewall availability with firewall failover operation
- Understand how firewall load balancing works
- Generate firewall activity logs and learn how to analyze the contents of the log
- Verify firewall operation and connectivity and observe data passing through a firewall
- Control access and manage activity on the Cisco IOS firewall
- Configure a Cisco firewall to act as an IDS sensor
Every organization has data, facilities, and workflow processes that are critical to their success. As more organizations make greater use of the Internet, defending against network attacks becomes crucial for businesses. Productivity gains and returns on company investments are at risk if the network is not properly defended. Firewalls have emerged as the essential foundation component in any network security architecture.
Cisco ASA and PIX Firewall Handbook is a guide for the most commonly implemented features of the popular Cisco Systems® firewall security solutions. This is the first book to cover the revolutionary Cisco ASA and PIX® version 7 security appliances. This book will help you quickly and easily configure, integrate, and manage the entire suite of Cisco® firewall products, including Cisco ASA, PIX version 7 and 6.3, the Cisco IOS router firewall, and the Catalyst Firewall Services Module (FWSM). Organized by families of features, this book helps you get up to speed quickly and efficiently on topics such as file management, building connectivity, controlling access, firewall management, increasing availability with failover, load balancing, logging, and verifying operation. Shaded thumbtabs mark each section for quick reference and each section provides information in a concise format, with background, configuration, and example components. Each section also has a quick reference table of commands that you can use to troubleshoot or display information about the features presented. Appendixes present lists of well-known IP protocol numbers, ICMP message types, and IP port numbers that are supported in firewall configuration commands and provide a quick reference to the many logging messages that can be generated from a Cisco PIX, ASA, FWSM, or IOS firewall.
Whether you are looking for an introduction to the firewall features of the new ASA security appliance, a guide to configuring firewalls with the new Cisco PIX version 7 operating system, or a complete reference for making the most out of your Cisco ASA, PIX, IOS, and FWSM firewall deployments, Cisco ASA and PIX Firewall Handbook helps you achieve maximum protection of your network resources.
“Many books on network security and firewalls settle for a discussion focused primarily on concepts and theory. This book, however, goes well beyond these topics. It covers in tremendous detail the information every network and security administrator needs to know when configuring and managing market-leading firewall products from Cisco.”
—Jason Nolet, Sr. Director of Engineering, Security Technology Group, Cisco Systems
This security book is part of the Cisco Press® Networking Technology Series. Security titles from Cisco Press help networking professionals secure critical data and resources, prevent and mitigate network attacks, and build end-to-end self-defending networks.
Customer Reviews:
A excellent, detailed book on PIX Firewall configurations.......2007-05-02
The Cisco ASA and PIX Firewall Handbook by Dave Hucaby is an excellent book on PIX firewalls and covers versions 6.x and 7.x, including FWSM configurations. There is negligible coverage of ASA and readers looking for a detailed ASA book best look elsewhere. The cream of this book is really Chapter 6 - Controlling Access Through the Firewall. A detailed chapter of running the Pix in Transparent mode, Address Translation, ACL's, Content filtering, Modular Policy Framework, along with Application Inspection. The section on the Modular Policy Framework is very good and detailed. I plan to refer to this book often when troubleshooting PIX's.
There were hardly any errors or issues with this book. For example, in Chapter 7: Increasing Firewall Availability with Failover, the author writes that Stateful firewall failover packets are sent using IP Protocol 8 (EGP). I presume they meant IP protocol 105.
The authors list configuration commands for FWSM , 6.x and 7.x versions of the PIX. Personally, I'm not too fond of this approach and would rather read commands pertaining to a single version. Commands of other versions are available at the Cisco Documentation site.
More detail, please.......2007-01-12
While the book was rather detailed in several areas, I was hoping it would be more detailed on the subject of VPN. While most of it is straight forward, configuring VPN on the 5520 was a pain. Someone reading this book should be from a large enterprise, using failover, etc. Someone from a small company that is not using these features might find it to be overkill, and start looking for other books to meet their specific needs.
Complement to other sources available.......2006-08-26
I think author did a wonderful job filling in where other popular litrature about PIX left off. I read the CCSP book, and leared alot. This book filled in stuff that CCSP book just does not talk about. Not to knock the CCSP book; each auther can only fill in so much. It is a difficult decision on what to keep and what to leave off. I find the PIX and ASA book is very practical. If you want a good understanding of this platform, then you want this book as the pliers in your tool box of knowledge. Do not expect it to be swiss army tool though. I think author was especially considerate to the reader's needs to publish items that other litrature just does not cover. There is alot of good information. Nice pictures which addressed questions I had and even posted to some CCIE sites and there was no answer. Definately worth buying.
Very little on ASA.......2006-06-26
This book is very helpful for PIX firewalls, but is mislabeled for ASA. There is very little on the ASA product. Usually just a mention of command differences between ASA and PIX. If you are looking for a book on ASA do not buy this book.
One point makes this book a must have.......2006-05-27
Most commands explained have three lines:
PIX 6.3
PIX 7.0
FWSM
This allows you to work on multiple platforms easily with one handbook. Also tells you when something ISN'T supported so you don't have to go digging on the web.
Book Description
If you're serious about getting your CCNA certification and advancing your career in the field of internetworking, then here's the book you need.
This Deluxe Edition of the best-selling CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide was developed to meet the exacting requirements of today's Cisco certification candidates. In addition to the engaging and accessible instructional approach that has earned author Todd Lammle the "Best Study Guide Author" award in CertCities Readers Choice Awards for two consecutive years, this updated fourth edition provides:
* In-depth coverage of every CCNA exam objective
* Expanded IP addressing and subnetting coverage
* More detailed information on EIGRP and OSPF
* Leading-edge exam preparation software, including the CCNA Virtual Lab, Gold Edition, as well as Sybex's custom test engine, electronic flashcards, and the entire book in PDF
Authoritative coverage of all exam objectives, including:
* Network planning & designing
* Implementation & operation
* LAN and WAN troubleshooting
* Communications technology
Customer Reviews:
Network textbook.......2006-10-10
This is a great book for learning the CCNA material. It will teach you all of the major points that you need to study to pass the exam. Even if you are not taking the exam and just want information on how networks are designed, this is the book. I found it a good read and the practice CD was priceless in learning how to issue commands to the various Cisco routers. A great book and worth the money too!!!
Clearify something....5 stars not accurate..........2006-09-21
Everyone here critizes
<
< typos here and there.. lacking this and lacking that... WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND if this book is so bad... remember that next time you write a negative review.. that will help us (the newbies) know where to get this right information....
Thanks~
Disappointing and frustrating.......2005-12-05
For the last 3 years I would have sworn by Todd Lammle's CCNA Study Guides; mainly do to his free-hearted writing style that seem to add an element of humor to complex reads. However, this book has far too many errors and lacked technical intensity. In the past, I used Todd's 607 Study Guide to pass the archived 607 exam on the first try. Two and half years later, I purchased the 801 Study Guide with the same enthusiasm. After reading this book twice, taking all 8 bonus exams repeatedly, and exhausting the capabilities of the simulation software, I took the comprehensive 801 exam this weekend and did not pass! My exam had multiple questions that were not covered in Lammle's book. Not to mention the lack of coverage of NAT, that seems to magically show up on my exam. None of which was covered with enough detail within this book. Moreover, the Virtual Lab was not exhaustive and far too basic (No OSPF, EIGRP or NAT simulation capabilities). In my opinion, this is not acceptable. Especially when I was faced with these topics through out my exam. I wish this book did a better job of pinpointing the areas that were and would be crucial on the exam. Although Todd Lammle attempted to do place emphasis on certain points, none of those points showed up on test day. Obviously, Cisco has made the exam harder to achieve by reading materials alone (even there own text). Therefore, accurate and thought-provoking supplemental materials are a must!!The bonus questions simply repeat themselves over-and-over again. The book as a whole lacked coverage on crucial technologies and is filled with confusing statements and answers that turn out to be mistakes- Go figure! All of which, led me to give this book 3 stars (maybe closer to 2 1/2).
big disapointment...........2005-11-18
Mr. Lammle is still an excellent teacher/writer (the best), but the omission of some crucial material is a setup for test disaster. In particular there is little information on NAT, and zero configuration examples. 4 months ago I recertified on the CCNA and one of the simulation questions was NAT configuration and at least 3 multiple choice were on NAT router commands. I am now tutoring 4 other engineers using this book and we've had to use Cisco Press books to cover NAT and other material that is missing. The Simulator in this book will not do OSPF and EIGRP (both crucial, so we bought Mr. Lammle's routersim from www.routersim.com, this does allow these routing protocols, but VTP doesn't work correctly with the simulator switches. In hindsight I would definitely use Cisco Press now, it doesn't appear that Sybex is keeping up. The Cisco books aren't as well written or real world, but they have everything you need to pass the test.
Well written, Full coverage of all topics except NAT/PAT.......2005-11-10
The author has done a good job in writing the book, which provides detailed explanation of all the topics covered in the exam except for NAT/PAT, which is an important objective of the CCNA exam and you can hardly find one CCNA exam that doesn't test your knowledge in that area.
More enhancements on how OSPF works is needed, since it's not covered clearly in the book.
Other than that the book is enough to pass the test except for the points I discussed previously.
One more thing, the bounce exams found in the study tools CD are very workable, never skip them you may encounter the same questions in the exam. I did!
Book Description
The Most Comprehensive CCNA Self-Study Solution on the Market!
This box set provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to approach the new CCNA exam with confidence. With the best-selling CCNA Study Guide and the CCNA Virtual Lab Platinum Edition, you'll find in-depth coverage of all official objectives and advanced study tools to reinforce critical knowledge and skills.
The new Fifth Edition of the best-selling CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associated Study Guide was developed to meet the exacting requirements of today's Cisco certification candidates. In addition to the engaging and accessible instructional approach that has earned author Todd Lammle the "Best Study Guide Author" award in CertCities Readers Choice Awards for two consecutive years, this edition provides:
* In-depth coverage of every CCNA exam objective
* Expanded IP addressing and subnetting coverage
* More detailed information on EIGRP and OSPF
* Leading-edge exam preparation software, including a test engine, sample simulation questions, and electronic flashcards
The CCNA Virtual Lab Platinum Edition provides the opportunity to gain critical hands-on experience with routers and switches. An affordable alternative to products and courses costing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars, this leading edge software allows you to work at your own pace, on your own time, so you get the most out of your exam preparation efforts.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic book.......2007-04-11
Prior to this book I was reading the Cisco Press CCNA Self-study: CCNA Preparation Library. This book is infinitely better at teaching someone who isn't already familiar with the Cisco world. The Cisco book just seems to present facts, whereas the author of this book seems to truly understand how to teach someone. This book saved me from being eternally lost in subnetting, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I Passed.......2007-01-03
I like the way the book was written. The material isn't the easiest to get through, but this book makes it digestible. I never used the Lab that is included, but I already had years of experience working with Cisco gear.
Amazing book.......2005-10-12
It is a great book which covers all topics in order to pass the CCNA exam. You have the router and switch simulator to improve and apply your skills.
I definitely recommend you buy this book if you really want to pass, but also to learn about routers and switches.
Good Luck !!
Book Description
Learn intermediate and advanced routing techniques with the only Cisco-authorized self-study book for CCNP routing foundation learning
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Learn intermediate and advance routing techniques from the newest edition of the best-selling CCNP BSCI foundational learning book
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Rely on learning from the only Cisco-authorized book publisher
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Master your learning with tools like self-assessment review questions, configuration exercises, chapter objectives and summaries, key term definitions, job aids and command summaries
CCNP Self-Study: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) , Third Edition is a Cisco authorized, self-paced learning tool for CCNP preparation. This book teaches readers to design, configure, maintain, and scale routed networks that are growing in size and complexity. The book covers routing principles of both distance vector and link-state routing protocols; IP addressing techniques; the theory behind the IGP and EGP routing protocols; and configuration and troubleshooting information for each protocol. Upon completion readers will be able to select and implement the appropriate Cisco IOS Software services required to build scalable, routed networks.
The book provides early and comprehensive foundation learning for the CCNP BSCI exam. This revision to the popular second edition is updated to include complete coverage of all important routing topics, including advanced IP addressing, routing principles, manipulating routing updates, and EIGRP, OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP configuration. Chapters open with a list of objectives to focus the reader's study. Configuration exercises at the end of each chapter and a master lab exercise that ties all the topics together in the last chapter help illuminate theoretical concepts. Key terms are highlighted and defined, and each chapter concludes with a summary to help review key concepts.
What's new in the book? The book matches changes to the CCNP course and exam as per Cisco Systems.
Customer Reviews:
Wait for the official certification guide.......2007-08-03
I bought this book because it is (so far) the only one available from Cisco Press. I thought I'd be able to get a head start on passing the exam. It's not worth it. Wait for the official guide due out in a few weeks.
The author of this book is very fond of the acronyms, which is maddening to someone trying to learn IS-IS. Terms are not always clearly defined before being used in context, which also gets very frustrating. The correct answers that you need to learn for the test are often clouded with real world technicalities. These technicalities are usually minute enough you'd never actually run across it in practice, and they confused my studying more than once. This book also doesn't have enough detail to get you through the new test and will need to be supplemented by other studying. Without any kind of practice test, you are far better off waiting for the official book. I wish I had.
Used this book to pass the BSCI 642-901 Exam.......2007-07-20
Pretty concise and detailed, enough information in the book to pass the exam.
The lack of a CD is a big disadvantage for this book.
Great Cisco book from Brianxbarretto (Amazon authorized seller).......2007-07-16
This book is a must to pass the Cisco BSCI exam. Since it is very detailed, use it with more concise books.
Looking to buy any Cisco certification books, look out for Amazon authorized seller Brianxbarretto. I am very pleased with this seller and highly recommend. Seller offers amazing prices and speedy delivery. My order shipped standard but arrived the day after leaving the wharehouse!! Order was in exact condition as described - it was used but looked new!!! And most appreciated by me is the personal touch seller put in our dealings by taking time to answer all my Cisco-related questions. Thanks Brianxbarretto.
Shipped.......2007-07-03
Thanks Amazon for shipping the BCSI book in the right time according the time scheduled before. Regards.
Self Study Guide is better suited for a Course.......2007-06-25
It is not accurate for Cisco Press to deem this a self study guide as the labs provided (11 routers and a switch) are well beyond the means (or space) available for most people pursuing a self study option. It is also easier to gain a better understanding of IGP's from Routing TCP/IP Volume 1, which I has to do to supplement my studies. In hindsight I feel I should have waited for the BSCI Exam Guide to be published.
Book Description
CCNP BCMSN Official Exam Certification Guide
Fourth Edition
- Master all 642-812 exam topics with the official study guide
- Assess your knowledge with chapter-opening quizzes
- Review key concepts with foundation summaries
- Practice with hundreds of exam questions on the CD-ROM
David Hucaby, CCIE® No. 4594
CCNP BCMSN Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition, is a best of breed Cisco® exam study guide that focuses specifically on the objectives for the BCMSN exam. Successfully passing the BCMSN 642-812 exam certifies that you have knowledge and skills necessary to implement scalable multilayer switched networks.
CCNP BCMSN Official Exam Certification Guide, Fourth Edition, follows a logical organization of the BCMSN exam objectives. Material is presented in a concise manner, focusing on increasing readers’ retention and recall of exam topics. Lead network engineer and consultant David Hucaby shares preparation hints and test-taking tips, helping you identify areas of weakness and improve your switching knowledge through the use of the consistent features in each chapter. “Do I Know This Already?” quizzes open each chapter and allow you to decide how much time you need to spend on each section. Exam topic lists and Foundation Summary tables make referencing easy and give you a quick refresher whenever you need it. Scenario-based exercises help you think about exam objectives in real-world situations, thus increasing recall during exam time. Challenging chapter-ending review questions help you assess your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.
The companion CD-ROM contains a powerful testing engine that enables you to focus on individual topic areas or take complete, timed exams. The assessment engine also tracks your performance and provides feedback on a module-by-module basis, presenting question-by-question remediation to the text.
Well regarded for its level of detail, assessment features, and challenging review questions and exercises, this book helps you master the concepts and techniques that will enable you to succeed on the exam the first time.
David Hucaby, CCIE® No. 4594, is a lead network engineer for a large medical environment using Cisco multilayer switching and security products. He also is an independent networking consultant focusing on Cisco-based solutions for healthcare and banking clients.
The official study guide helps you master all the topics on the BCMSN exam, including
- Spanning Tree Protocol concepts
- Virtual LAN (VLAN), VLAN trunking, and inter-VLAN routing
- Gateway redundancy technologies and protocols
- Wireless LAN topologies, components, connectivity, and standards
- Implementing a Cisco Unified Wireless Network
- Access layer voice concepts
- Preventing and mitigating attacks against switched network security
Companion CD-ROM
The CD-ROM contains an electronic copy of the book and more than 200 practice questions for the BCMSN exam, including simulation-based questions, all available in study mode, test mode, and flash card format.
This volume is part of the Exam Certification Guide Series from Cisco Press®. Books in this series provide officially developed exam preparation materials that offer assessment, review, and practice to help Cisco Career Certification candidates identify weaknesses, concentrate their study efforts, and enhance their confidence as exam day nears.
Category: Cisco Certification
Covers: BCMSN Exam 642-812
$59.99 USA / $74.99 CAN
Customer Reviews:
CCNP BCMSN Official Exam Certification Guide .......2007-09-24
Haven't finished the book yet, but so far not that great. The writting does not keep your attention, but maybe it will get better. Have only gone through 2 chapters so far.
Could have been better........2007-09-21
This was the only source I used for the exam. While it did a pretty good job at covering everything, I did notice questions on the exam that I know for a fact were not covered in the book. I'm not sure if those questions counted toward my score, but I do believe I answered them correctly anyhow. The CD that came with the book was a waste of time. The quiz chapters were out of order and had some content that wasn't even in the book (Multicasting amongst other things.) I am hoping for better quality out of the BCSI book I'm about to read.
May not be enough to pass the BCMSN Exam.......2007-09-17
A good text, overall, but a test taker of the new BCMSN exam may need additional resources to pass this exam. I took and passed the exam after extensive study, and found 10-12 wireless questions on the examination in addition to the switching topics.
Agree with R. Bunal.......2007-06-05
I agree with the review by R. Bunal. I took 13 certification exams in the past (Cisco and Microsoft) using only 1 book each (Exam Cram when available) and passed first time every time. Never had any problems.
But this book does not match this test. The questions in the book are simple and one dimensional compared to the exam. The exam questions are very multi dimensional. The book also totally skips things brought up on the exam - not even touched on. And the book drones on a lot about stuff not on the test. The test also uses different terminology than this book. I do recommend that you find other resources than this book alone.
Great Book if you know about WLANS.......2007-06-02
I studied using this book for only 3 months and I scored 825 on the exam. Great book if you already know a bit about WLANS. The wireless section doesn't give enough details about the Cisco's Unified Wireless Network and the practice questions are not a challenge.
Book Description
Identify, mitigate, and respond to network attacks
- Understand the evolution of security technologies that make up the unified ASA device and how to install the ASA hardware
- Examine firewall solutions including network access control, IP routing, AAA, application inspection, virtual firewalls, transparent (Layer 2) firewalls, failover and redundancy, and QoS
- Evaluate Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) solutions including IPS integration and Adaptive Inspection and Prevention Security Services Module (AIP-SSM) configuration
- Deploy VPN solutions including site-to-site IPsec VPNs, remote- access VPNs, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
- Learn to manage firewall, IPS, and VPN solutions with Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM)
Achieving maximum network security is a challenge for most organizations. Cisco® ASA, a new unified security device that combines firewall, network antivirus, intrusion prevention, and virtual private network (VPN) capabilities, provides proactive threat defense that stops attacks before they spread through the network.
This new family of adaptive security appliances also controls network activity and application traffic and delivers flexible VPN connectivity. The result is a powerful multifunction network security device that provides the security breadth and depth for protecting your entire network, while reducing the high deployment and operations costs and complexities associated with managing multiple point products.
Cisco ASA: All-in-One Firewall, IPS, and VPN Adaptive Security Appliance is a practitioner’s guide to planning, deploying, and troubleshooting a comprehensive security plan with Cisco ASA. The book provides valuable insight and deployment examples and demonstrates how adaptive identification and mitigation services on Cisco ASA provide a sophisticated security solution for both large and small network environments.
The book contains many useful sample configurations, proven design scenarios, and discussions of debugs that help you understand how to get the most out of Cisco ASA in your own network.
“I have found this book really highlights the practical aspects needed for building real-world security. It offers the insider’s guidance needed to plan, implement, configure, and troubleshoot the Cisco ASA in customer environments and demonstrates the potential and power of Self-Defending Networks.”
–Jayshree Ullal, Sr. Vice President, Security Technologies Group, Cisco Systems®
This security book is part of the Cisco Press® Networking Technology Series. Security titles from Cisco Press help networking professionals secure critical data and resources, prevent and mitigate network attacks, and build end-to-end self-defending networks.
Customer Reviews:
Very Helpful.......2007-07-03
Excellent reference book. I wouldn't want to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and read it from beginning to end, but it was an essential tool in a recent firewall migration at my workplace. It also seems to be just about the only book about the relatively new asa platform.
Great book........2007-05-08
This book has been very helpful for me. The only issue that I ran into was that the VPN section was a little outdated.
Excellent book.......2006-11-03
This manual was excellent! Definitely something to keep at your desk as a reference.
Good reference.......2006-01-27
This book helped me a lot. I recently deployed over 250 ASAs and was running into a lot of problems with the IPS SSM and VPN features. I got most of my answers from this book.
Very Amatuer.......2006-01-19
What a waste of time it was reading this book. If you are not very familiar with FW/IPS or VPN then this may be helpful, but if you have been working with this technology and Cisco's products that address these technologies (ASA, PIX, IPS, VPN3k) then please don't refer to this joke. Go online to cisco.com and do the research. Sometimes it felt as if whitepapers were copied and pasted.
Very dissapointed.
Book Description
Get Hands-on Experience, Sharpen Your Skills, and Advance Your Career with the CCNA Virtual Lab Platinum Edition
If you're serious about passing the CCNA exam (640-801), you need hands-on experience with routers and switches. The CCNA Virtual Lab Platinum Edition from Sybex gives you everything you need, and more! You can practice with this "equipment" on your own, use it in conjunction with suggested labs that cover CCNA exam objectives, or design your own custom labs. An affordable alternative to products and courses costing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars, the CCNA Virtual Lab Platinum Edition allows you to work at your own pace, on your own time, so you get the most out of your exam preparation efforts.
* Work in a pre-designed network or make your own with the drag-and-drop capabilities of the Network Visualizer(TM). Add network devices and connect them to create a network that can be saved for further practice.
* Access configuration consoles for network devices, including 2600 series Cisco routers and 1900 or 2950 series Cisco switches. Practice with all of the Cisco IOS commands you'll need to be familiar with for the CCNA exam.
* View the configurations, including IP addresses, for all network devices in the Net Configs window.
Equip Yourself with the Knowledge and Skills You Need to Pass the Latest CCNA Exam:
* Logging into a router
* Starting and saving router configurations
* Setting passwords, hostname, banners, interface descriptions, IP address, and clock rate
* Using static routes and default routes
* Implementing dynamic routing with RIP and IGRP
* Routing with EIGRP and OSPF
* Backing up, upgrading or restoring your router IOS
* Resolving IP names
* Using Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)
* Configuring PPP with authentication
* Configuring Frame Relay
Customer Reviews:
Ideal support to practice for CCNA test.......2007-04-05
Many reviewers have given this Virtual Lab harsh reviews because it isn't quite the router simulator they were hoping for. However, the product DOES deliver what it promises: it is a router sim developed to cover the topics on the CCNA exam, and that's it...It does not say anywhere that it is a COMPLETE router simulation solution....So, if you're looking for an additional study tool, give this one a try...
Average.......2006-11-12
This product is frustrating! It has a number of bugs and wasted my study time as I had to keep fixing my labs. It also crashes heaps. I'm happy I didn't pay for it and work did. It's ok for a basic tool, but I would keep looking. I'm at the point now where I'm looking to buy another product. I don't recommend it!
Pretty much useless.......2005-06-06
This has to be one of the worst hundred bucks I've ever spent. Thank goodness my employer reimbursed me for it. Things that suck:
1) you're limited to soo few network devices not a huge deal but why? It's kinda lame
2) The amount of supported commands and features are far too small. I was able to do basic routing protocols, but even with those the commands were very limited. I was unable to do NAT which really disturbed me. Everything I WANT to do, I cant do because this software doesn't support the features. This is decent at best for the first half of the CCNA course where you only cover the basic basic routing protocols, anywhere past that this is completely useless.
3) There's more but this software isn't worth my time to spell it all out.
Dont waste your money on this, seriously I'm very disappointed.
No NAT..........2005-04-01
Took this test this morning. I went through EVERY lab in this simulator and read through the Sybex book a total of three times before taking my test. I was confident in my answers until I got to the simulation questions. ALL...not one...ALL of my simulations were on NAT. Out of all 11 chapters in this simulator, not one of them went over configuring NAT. Not only was I surprised...I was a little upset because of the money spent to be confident in nothing. I went through the website for the upgrade to RouterSim 4.1 thinking maybe that's what I should have done before I took the test..and that too has NO labs for NAT.
Please don't get me wrong. I learned a lot from these simulators and am not completely upset about the purchase, I just assumed that the labs covered by this simulator went over basically EVERY situation the test covers. My fault for assuming...fool my once right? So...just a heads up for whom ever plans on using this tool for a test they will be taking soon...use this in conjunction with another simulator..and pay attention to NAT....it was a pretty HUGE portion of my test!
Total rip-off!!.......2005-01-19
I purchased this product brand new and was only able to use one of the two licenses supportedly available with it. Then I was able to log-on only once and was locked out with an authorization error. I have repeatedly attempted to contact this company, it appears they are not supportive of their product. The one time I did get into the program it seemed to be vague and very simplistic with prompts for upgrade purchases. To avoid an unnecessary headache, save your money and do not buy this product.
Books:
- CISA Exam Cram 2 : Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Cisco ASA and PIX Firewall Handbook
- Cisco Networking Academy Program Fundamentals of Wireless LANs Companion Guide
- CompTIA A+ Complete Fast Pass
- Core Security Patterns: Best Practices and Strategies for J2EE(TM), Web Services, and Identity Management (Core Series)
- CSS Pocket Reference (Pocket Reference (O'Reilly))
- Data Warehousing Fundamentals: A Comprehensive Guide for IT Professionals
- Digital Audio Essentials
- Digital Video Compression (with CD-ROM)
- Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications
Books Index
Books Home
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Testing
| Education
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
CCNA Portable Command Guide (2nd Edition) (Self-Study Guide)
CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, 5th Edition (640-801)
Cisco CCNA Network Simulator (CCNA Self-Study, 640-801)
CCNA Video Mentor: (Exam 640-802) (Practical Studies)
CCNA Practice Questions Exam Cram 2 (2nd Edition) (Exam Cram)
