Cisco LAN Switching (CCIE Professional Development series) (CCIE Professional Development)

Book Description

The most complete guide to Cisco Catalyst(r) switch network design, operation, and configuration

Master key foundation topics such as high-speed LAN technologies, LAN segmentation, bridging, the Catalyst command-line environment, and VLANs
Improve the performance of your campus network by utilizing effective Cisco Catalyst design, configuration, and troubleshooting techniques
Benefit from the most comprehensive coverage of Spanning-Tree Protocol, including invaluable information on troubleshooting common Spanning Tree problems
Master trunking concepts and applications, including ISL, 802.1Q, LANE, and MPOA
Understand when and how to utilize Layer 3 switching techniques for maximum effect
Understand Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching configuration with the Catalyst 6000 family, including coverage of the powerful MSFC Native IOS Mode

Cisco LAN Switchingprovides the most comprehensive coverage of the best methods for designing, utilizing, and deploying LAN switching devices and technologies in a modern campus network. Divided into six parts, this book takes you beyond basic switching concepts by providing an array of proven design models, practical implementation solutions, and troubleshooting strategies. Part I discusses important foundation issues that provide a context for the rest of the book, including Fast and Gigabit Ethernet, routing versus switching, the types of Layer 2 switching, the Catalyst command-line environment, and VLANs. Part II presents the most detailed discussion of Spanning-Tree Protocol in print, including common problems, troubleshooting, and enhancements, such as PortFast, UplinkFast, BackboneFast, and PVST+. Part III examines the critical issue of trunk connections, the links used to carry multiple VLANs through campus networks. Entire chapters are dedicated to LANE and MPOA. Part IV addresses advanced features, such as Layer 3 switching, VTP, and CGMP and IGMP. Part V covers real-world campus design and implementation issues, allowing you to benefit from the collective advice of many LAN switching experts. Part VI discusses issues specific to the Catalyst 6000/6500 family of switches, including the powerful Native IOS Mode of Layer 3 switching.

Several features in Cisco LAN Switchingare designed to reinforce concepts covered in the book and to help you prepare for the CCIE exam. In addition to the practical discussion of advanced switching issues, this book also contains case studies that highlight real-world design, implementation, and management issues, as well as chapter-ending review questions and exercises.

This book is part of the Cisco CCIE Professional Development Series from Cisco Press, which offers expert-level instruction on network design, deployment, and support methodologies to help networking professionals manage complex networks and prepare for CCIE exams.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent reference in need of an update.......2007-08-31

Nails Spanning Tree protocols (particularly in Cisco switching networks) more thoroughly than any other text except possibly Perlman. Unfortunately this book was published in 1999! I think it's about time to drop the MPoA and token-ring information, and cut this book down to 400 pages. More than half the book is irrelevant to most users, and is thus grossly overpriced. Without this I'd give it five.

A great resource on a little understood subject........2006-02-03

CiscoPress's "Cisco LAN Switching" by Clark and Hamilton is one of the classics of Networking. For years, this book has been considered the "Bible" or the "Source" for LAN switching topologies.

Having written that, I feel that LAN Switching had covered a topic to a degree where it wasn't necessary to write another book on the same subject. Most Cisco Networkers live at Layer 3, and moving down to Layer 2 (and, in particular) STP is both a mystery and, perhaps, beneath them (both literally and figuratively - on the OSI stack). For a lot of people, Layer 2 is plug-n-play (dangerous indeed!). As Cisco's main switching workhorses (6500s) increase in functionality - the lines between layer 2 and layer 3 start to get hazy. But fear not - the layers are still distinct! LAN Switching does a superb job at dissecting the vagaries of STP - along with discussing VTP and trunking.

For 99% of people requiring LAN skills (both CCIE candidates and networkers), this will be the resource to put on their bookshelf. And "Cisco LAN Switching" by Clark and Hamilton will fill this role nicely for them.

I give this book 5 pings out of 5:
!!!!!

Needs updating.......2005-06-20

This book provides great information on the core switching concepts. The Spanning tree section is excellent. Unfortunately the text's age is starting to show. Most of the examples are in CatOS.

Practical, useful guide to issues in Cisco switching.......2005-01-05

Cisco LAN Switching by Kennedy Clark and Kevin Hamilton is considered a definitive guide to Cisco switching - and rightly so. The book contains an exhaustive presentation on all aspects of switching - from the basics of switching technologies, to the protocols and algorithms used in campus switching, to real-world designs of campus switching environments. All this with an added bonus of tidbits of humor thrown into the discussion of serious, no-nonsense topics!

The book is surprisingly well written and easy to understand for readers who have a basic understanding of switching and routing in the Cisco world. The formatting in the book follows the standard Cisco layout for advanced level books. The headings, diagrams, tables, and notes are laid out in a clear and easy-to-scan format. Each chapter ends with review questions for those who wish to test their understanding of the material - these can prove particularly useful for the readers who may be studying for one of the Cisco certifications. The index is a crucial part of any technical book. Those of us working in the field can appreciate the importance of having a detailed and useful index when trying to put out fires at the workplace. This book offers a comprehensive, detailed index - spanning over 30 pages -- which provided me with useful knowledge on the topic(s) that I was trying to look up.

While the book claims to be a switching resource for those studying for the advanced Cisco certifications, I personally selected the book in order to help me in my work environment. It has served its purpose very well. The sample configurations given throughout the book for various situations were particularly helpful in tying the theory to the practical and especially helped in troubleshooting some of the issues I encounter every day. Presentation of the inner workings of some of the advanced material like the Spanning Tree protocol was surprisingly detailed and practical, while being easy to understand at the same time. I have not read any other book that covers this topic effectively with such detail.

The only suggestion I have for the authors is to look into writing an updated edition. Some of the topics - like layer 3 switching - do not seem to cover the latest switch types offered by Cisco. For example, the Cisco 3550 layer 3 switch, a popular and important milestone in the Cisco switching hierarchy, is not covered in any significant detail.

Overall, the authors present the material in a very well thought-out way, making sure that readers at all (reasonable) levels can understand the topics. At the same time, the material is not fluffy like some other books; it is a detailed, no-nonsense study of the important field of campus switching.

A very detailed and very useful overview........2004-03-25

Although this book is designed for readers whose goal is to become CISCO CCIE certified, it could still be read profitably by anyone who needs to understand in detail the design and operation of LANs using CISCO technology. It could even serve as an introduction to general LAN networking technology, even though the book is dedicated to CISCO equipment. As someone involved in the mathematical modeling and simulation of networks, my interest in the book was to obtain knowledge of LAN network configurations and behavior in order to gain insight into performance issues that arise in these types of networks. The book is very detailed, and has exercises at the end of every chapter with answers given to all of these in the Appendix to the book. The emphasis of the book is on both the theory and practical issues that arise in CISCO LANs and how to administer them properly. Since the interest of this reviewer was in performance issues, I only skimmed briefly the discussions on LAN administration.

Performance issues are addressed in the book, such as those that arise in Ethernet. The authors show how to calculate the theoretical frame rates for Ethernet, and also give advice on when to judge whether or not an Ethernet network is functioning well. That judgment will be dependent on subjective factors such as user perceptions, as well as quantitative measurements taken from the network. The authors also stress the need for being aware of the hardware limitations of the client when increasing the network bandwidth. Clients could handle a Fast Ethernet for example, and there are times when such bandwidth is needed. However a Gigabit Ethernet connection could actually slow down a typical client workstation due to software interrupts. They elaborate on the Fiber Channel technology when addressing these issues also. Also discussed are the differences between copper and fiber optic media and what kinds of configurations they are best suited for.

The authors give the reader insight into the need for LAN segmentation, and compare collision and broadcast domains. They are careful to point out the need for actually measuring the average and peak bandwidth consumed by the applications, rather than just relying on the quoted theoretical bandwidth. All of the network configurations that the authors discuss can be modeled by commercial simulation software available on the market today. This software can complement the book in that the reader can see just what can happen when making network design changes as specified in the book.

Large enterprise businesses frequently need to make use of VLANs and the authors discuss in detail the justifications for using them. These include network security and privacy, broadcast distribution, bandwidth utilization, network latency from routers, and complicated access lists. The authors though emphasize that VLANs may not be as simple to manage as some network administrators believe. The complexity of the network may in fact increase with the use of VLANs, due to the nature of the Spanning Tree algorithm and the dispersive characteristic of broadcast domains. The desire to have a "flat" network via "end-to-end" VLANs ran into issues with scalability, due mostly to the Spanning Tree algorithm.

Due to its importance, the Spanning Tree protocol is discussed in great detail in this book, with two chapters spanning 136 pages devoted to its elucidation. It is introduced as a loop-prevention protocol that allows bridges to communicate with each other with the goal of discovering physical loops in the network. An example is given of a feedback loop that resulted in 2.4Gbps of traffic in 45 minutes, in order to convince the reader of the severity of feedback loops. All of the examples discussed in these two chapters illustrate the need for great care when implementing the Spanning Tree protocol in LANs. Also discussed is the tricky task of doing Spanning Tree load balancing, which must be done if one is interested in creating a network with optimal performance. Root bridge placement, port and bridge priority, and port cost are the techniques discussed for doing Spanning Tree Load Balancing. The role of VLANs in the creation of multiple Spanning Tree domains over a single physical infrastructure is readily seen in all of these techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are summarized in detail by the authors.

Networks rarely exist in isolation, with connections between them being the norm rather than the exception. The authors therefore discuss different methods of doing the interconnection, via AIM, FDDI, or Ethernet. This is called "trunking" and is discussed in great detail in the book. As pointed out by the authors, trunking has more scalability then access links since a network administrator can distribute the VLAN connectivity without the need to use a large number of cables and interfaces. One of the most useful of trunking technologies, at least to this reviewer, is EtherChannel, which can give trunk speeds on the order of FastEthernet and Gigabit Ethernet without the need to use another technology. The authors discuss the advantages of using EtherChannel, its ability to function as both an access or a trunk link, and its ability to bundle segments so as to offer more effective bandwidth than any one of the individual links. The authors also discuss the proprietary CISCO link negotiation protocol called Dynamic Trunk Protocol, which reduces the possibility of incompatibility when links are being configured. The trunking capabilities of ATM technologies are also discussed in the context of their long-distance capabilities and their ability to carry different types of traffic, such as voice and video. For readers not familiar with ATM, the authors give a fairly detailed review of it, and an overview of Emulated LAN (ELAN), the latter of which is a special type of VLAN, namely a LAN emulated over ATM. This motivates a treatment of LANE, and then a discussion of trunking in a Catalyst environment, with Multiprotocol over ATM (MPOA).

Average customer rating:

Cisco LAN Switching Fundamentals review

Looks Like Size does not matter anymore! Filled with Gems!

Suitable For the Almost Beginner up to Intermediate

Well written & good topic coverage

Cisco LAN Switching Fundamentals
David Barnes , and Basir Sakandar
Manufacturer: Cisco Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Cisco Field Manual: Catalyst Switch Configuration

Cisco Field Manual: Router Configuration

Routing TCP/IP, Volume 1 (2nd Edition) (CCIE Professional Development)

Cisco ASA and PIX Firewall Handbook

Cisco LAN Switching (CCIE Professional Development series) (CCIE Professional Development)

ASIN: 1587050897

Book Description

The essential guide for understanding Ethernet switched networks

Understand various Ethernet technologies from 10BASE-T to Gigabit Ethernet
Learn about common switching modes, paths, and architectures
Delve into the Cisco Catalyst switch architecture and examine the various Catalyst switch models, including the 6000/6500, 4500, and 3750
Become familiar with VLAN concepts, including types of trunks, VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP), and private VLANs
Understand Multilayer Switching (MLS) and the various hardware components that make MLS work
Learn how to configure Cisco Catalyst switches in both native and hybrid mode
Implement QoS on Cisco Catalyst switches
Deploy multicast features and protocols, including PIM, IGMP snooping, and CGMP
Utilize data link layer features such as BPDU Guard, BPDU Filter, Root Guard, Loop Guard, RSTP, and MST
Evaluate design and configuration best practices
Learn how to manage LANs and troubleshoot common problems

Local-area networks (LANs) are becoming increasingly congested and overburdened because of a dramatic increase in traffic, faster CPUs and operating systems, and more network-intensive applications. Many organizations that use network and computing technology use LAN switching to take advantage of high-speed traffic forwarding and improved performance of traditional Ethernet technologies that don't require costly wiring upgrades or time-consuming host reconfiguration. Cisco LAN Switching Fundamentals provides administrators of campus networks with the most up-to-date introduction to LAN switching within a traditional Ethernet environment.

Cisco LAN Switching Fundamentals presents an in-depth look at modern campus network requirements. It provides an easy-to-understand introduction to LAN switching best practices using Cisco Catalyst switches. This book provides you with a wealth of details on the architecture, operation, and configuration of the Cisco Catalyst family of switches. You learn about a wide range of topics, including quality of service (QoS), multicast, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), Multiple Spanning Tree (MST), private virtual LANs (VLANs), and configuration using the native and hybrid software interfaces. Design advice and configuration examples are discussed liberally throughout the book to provide you with the best perspective on effective deployment techniques. Finally, the book wraps up with a discussion of steps necessary to troubleshoot common problems and optimize LAN performance.

Whether you are looking for an introduction to LAN switching principles and practices or a Cisco Catalyst configuration and troubleshooting reference, this book provides you with the invaluable insight you need to design and manage high-performance campus networks.

Customer Reviews:

Cisco LAN Switching Fundamentals review.......2005-07-11

Cisco LAN Switching Fundamentals is a well-written, easy-to-understand book, even for people whose first language is not English. The book explains the bases of 4 of the most common families of Cisco Switches: 5000/5500, 4000/4500, 6000/6500 and 3750. It goes quite in depth into showing the differences between these families, and showing where they fit best.

Written by two CCIE, David Barnes and Basir Sakandar, this book shows all their expertise in the area managing to clearly explain layer-2 and layer-3 usage. Through several chapters, the authors try to convince the readers to use a different, more modern, approach to networks, like using layer-3 switches at the distribution layer instead of simple routers.

Some drawbacks I found reading include some confusion in the QoS chapter and the need to give more depth to the Multicast chapter. After reading them I got the feeling that I did not manage to get a good understanding of these two areas. Another small issue is about chapter one where the ISO/OSI stack is explained, since this is a so often repeated item in all networking books I would have given less explanations about the basics of it and focused more on layer 2 and 3 related arguments.

On the contrary I found the remaining of the book to be satisfactory. A detailed explanation of the switches families functions, their features and commands has been given in chapter 3. Chapter 5 focuses on the differences between Hybrid versus Native software versions, giving also a useful chart to compare commands between the two modes. I would rate with a 5/5 score the chapter about Multilayer switching, which is very clear and gives more than a basic knowledge about this argument. Appendix A is a useful hands-on description on how to migrate a 6500 switch from native to hybrid and vice-versa modes.

The last two chapters about design and troubleshooting are a good start for those technicians that need to work on switches and do not need too much theory to get their job done. In particular the troubleshooting one shows several modes on how to track the problems both locally and remotely.

Overall this CiscoPress book shows the usual quality of this Editor's products even if I would not put it as outstanding. It is a good reading to get a grasp on the switching architecture, but needs to be completed in some areas with other more specific volumes.

Looks Like Size does not matter anymore! Filled with Gems!.......2004-11-21

This book is only 375 pages and one can read it during a weekend. But do not underestimate it because of its size as it is filled with information and tips which you wont find anywhere else. Do you know what scp is? Do you know what IGMP fallback is? Do you know how to find out for an IP pair, which link in the etherchannel bundle getting used? The book is filled with these kinds of tips throughout. Its your source of quick lookups at work when you are stressed looking for something. It can help you to recall what certain knob is used for? The book covers all major areas of Lan Switching. It has a detailed chapter on Cisco switches architecture and it is indeed very informative. Chapter 11 goes into Campus design details and some common pitfalls are discussed.

Overall the book has a great flow. It covers LAN switching concepts, architecture, design and troubleshooting. Youll learn about a varietyof topics, including QoS, IGMP, Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), Multiple Spanning Tree (MST), private virtual LANs (VLANs), and configuration using the native and hybrid software. The book will help new and intermediate professionals and also aspiring CCIEs. This book along with CCNP Practical Studies from Justin Menga can provide everything one needs to know about Lan Switching has to offer these days.

Great effort by Basir and David!

Suitable For the Almost Beginner up to Intermediate.......2004-11-03

After the dot.com bubble burst, a lot of us had serious concerns about Cisco as a company. There was so much used equipment (much of which hadn't even been taken out of the box) that new sales had to fall. But time marches on and Cisco has clearly survived and even thrived. But there have been some changes. New products and even new product directions have come about. Still, however more than half the revenue of the company comes out of ethernet switches.

This book focuses on the concepts, architecture, configuration, and troubleshooting of Cisco Ethernet switches. It is designed to fit the needs of the networking professional from the almost beginner through intermediate level. The book begins, just as it should, with a discussion of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model. From here it goes on for a truly excellent first thirty pages, the thirty pages that most computer books seem to leave out. It goes on to giving some description of the older technologies (that many of use still have to maintain) and finally to the newest, latest and greatest.

This is an in depth coverage that is truly excellent.

Well written & good topic coverage.......2004-08-10

I was very impressed with this book. I didn't know what to expect, as the book has only been available for a short time now. However, I was able to read the entire book over the weekend, and found the book to cover all the major LAN Switching topic areas (and with more in-depth coverage than I was expecting).
This is an outstanding intermediate level book which provides thorough topic coverage while also being written in an easy to read format.
As a fellow CCIE and author, it is refreshing to find good, quality reference material being developed in the industry. This book is defintely a keeper :) :) :)

Cisco Switching Black Book: A Practical In-Depth Guide to Configuring, Operating and Managing Cisco LAN Switches

Average customer rating:

Outdated choice
for rookies only
Another Rave
Really Good!
Don't wast your money

Cisco Switching Black Book: A Practical In-Depth Guide to Configuring, Operating and Managing Cisco LAN Switches
Sean Odom , and Hanson Nottingham
Manufacturer: Coriolis Group Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Cisco Field Manual: Catalyst Switch Configuration
Cisco LAN Switching Fundamentals
Cisco Cookbook
Cisco Network Security Little Black Book
Cisco IOS in a Nutshell (In a Nutshell (O'Reilly))

ASIN: 157610706X

Amazon.com

The problem, generally speaking, with books about Cisco Systems data-networking equipment is that they're organized around passing the Cisco certification exams, and that kind of organization differs from what working professionals need. Alternately, Cisco Switching Black Book gets right to the point, emphasizing practicality over theory, and how-to procedures over academic platitudes. If you want to know how to reconfigure ports on static virtual local area networks (VLANs) on a Catalyst 5000, the command to enter and the router's response are right there on a single page. The book also usually points out pitfalls--a quick warning such as "If you do A, don't forget to do B" calls immediate attention to problems other books might explain with multiple pages and diagrams.

That's not to say that this book is all recipes. There is background and explanatory material in the "In Depth" sections that follow the "Immediate Solutions" segments in which the snappy procedures appear. Some readers might like to see more frequent links between the procedures and the relevant background material (such as "For more information on what's happening here, refer to..."), but the omission is not a big deal. Those who read the material will find that it provides decent preparation for parts of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam, despite its general-interest design. --David Wall

Topics covered: Configuration of local and wide area network (LAN and WAN) switching equipment sold by Cisco Systems; more specifically, switching as it applies to virtual local area networks (VLANs), IP multicasting, multilayer switching, and LightStream switches; Hot Standby Routing Protocol (HSRP), Internetwork Operating System (IOS) variations among Cisco products, and troubleshooting. A brief but praiseworthy appendix offers some advice on freelance Cisco consulting.

Book Description

Written as a comprehensive guide for intermediate and advanced network professionals, who want to install or maintain a Cisco switching environment or learn about Cisco switching technologies. No other book thoroughly covers the advanced topics required to achieve this level of comprehensive Cisco knowledge or certification in the new CCNP curriculum. Includes valuable information for those studying for the CCNP certification including tips and hints, sample review questions and lab exercises. Explores complex topics in-depth, in the popular Black Book format, using a complete systematic approach to Cisco switching along with comprehensive examples and diagrams.

Customer Reviews:

Outdated choice.......2005-01-06

This book is completly out dated. it teaches you about ios options on a cisco 5000 and 1900... very poor choices considering they are completly different then what is on the market today.

for rookies only.......2003-12-11

if you want the definitive source get ciscopress' configuration guide and handbook for switches

Another Rave.......2001-11-29

Look, this book is worth the price for the first chapter alone. I'm near completion of semseter 4 of the Cisco Adademy, and I found Odom's opening overview to be the most cogent and well written description of the subject I've read. I didn't buy the book to pass the CCNA (I'll have that handled with sybex and Cisco press) but rather because this book, and this writer, have the ability to seamlessly communicate the subject in a way that creates real understanding, placing sometimes disparate pieces of information into an understandable context. Do what you want, but I'd buy the thing..

Really Good!.......2001-03-07

I just took Sean Odom's Switching Class so I know the value of this book. After going through it and comparing it to the courseware books and others I have quickly learned that there is not a book that I can find that matches the step-by-step information this book provides. So I am giving it 5 stars.

Don't wast your money.......2000-12-16

I bought this book this week hoping it would be like the Cisco Routers black book. Now that was a GREAT book. Every cisco professional should have a copy. This book is not even closse to that book. It is almost twice the size it should be and a lott of the book seems to be copied form his other book. Do yourself a favor and buy Richard Deals examcram or stick with Kennedy Clarks CLSC book. Now that is a great book on swithing.

Average customer rating:

not bad
Great Book!!
Excellent Reference
Need different text for new Switching exam
Good Writing, Older Technology

Cisco Catalyst LAN Switching
Louis R. Rossi , and Thomas Rossi
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0071349820

Amazon.com

Cisco Catalyst LAN Switching explains how Cisco's line of Catalyst network switches work in theory and in practice. Written by folks who teach Cisco engineers for a living, this book has the feel of a classroom lecture in which the instructor projects an image onto a screen and then proceeds to discuss it.

As such, this book demystifies important concepts and provides an introduction to practical experimentation. Switching and bridging are complex tasks that the authors ably explain, along with the differences among the components in the Catalyst line and strategies for fitting Catalyst switches into virtual local area networks (VLANs).

This book provides detailed configuration information on the Catalyst 5000 series. Ultimately it shuns Cisco Works for Switched Internetworks in favor of the raw command line in order to highlight the differences between the Catalyst operating system and standard Cisco Internetworking Operating System (IOS).

You'll find concise statements describing many administrative tasks, including the configuration of Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) and Token Ring networks. Here, the authors support their command and output listings with conceptual diagrams that show the effects of the command sequences. You can use this book as a training aid for the Cisco professional certification exams too--review questions appear at the end of each chapter. --David Wall

Topics covered: Switching and bridging concepts, contrasting bridging architectures, virtual private networks (VPNs), virtual local area networks (VLANs), and details of configuring the Cisco Catalyst 5000 series of products.

Book Description

Configure Cisco catalyst switches with ease.

The perfect partner for those studying for the CLSC Cisco LAN Switch Configuration exam, not to mention anyone who works in a Catalyst environment. This comprehensive resource by Louis R. Rossi, Louis D. Rossi and Thomas Rossi, covers the entire Cisco Catalyst LAN switching family of products from theory to implementation. Using this roadmap, you'll learn how to:
*Visualize the catalyst switching architecture
*Understand VLANs and Trunking, Transparent Bridging, and the Spanning Tree Protocol
*Handle Source Route Bridging
*Distinguish between static and dynamic VLANs
*Configure the Cisco Catalyst 5000 series of switches
*Work with the Catalyst 1900, 2900XL, and 4000 switch series
*Prepare for the CLSC and CCIE exams with practice questions in every chapter Whether you're looking to ace the exam or just make your job a whole lot easier, you'll get the help you need here! Order your copy today!

Download Description

The perfect partner for those studying for the CLSC Cisco LAN Switch Configuration exam, not to mention anyone who works in a Catalyst environment, this book covers the entire Cisco Catalyst LAN switching family of products from theory to implementation.

Customer Reviews:

not bad .......2005-08-13

As a relative beginner, I find it a little verbose, I'd prefer more of a how-to book. But this book gives a good overview of several switches, and there is a lot of useful information. A good book to have on your shelf.

Great Book!!.......2002-07-20

This book is great for beginners and expert alike (up to Catlayst 5500 series).

The author explains everything about using Cisco Catalyst Switches and give valuable examples as well which is a must.

Just a reminder for those taking CCNP Switching exam, this book is a text not a study guide. You can use this book together with a study guide for higher exam score result.

Excellent Reference.......2001-01-07

This book is the best switching resource I own. I found it to be very readable, concise, and yet thorough. It's true that it suffers from many typos and it is getting rather dated, but most of this book is still extremely useful. (I very much hope that the authors are working on the 2nd edition.)

To expect this book to read like an exam cram is hardly fair. In the preface, the book itself claims to be intended as a reference for an intermediate level reader. Still, I used this book as my primary means of studying for the 640-504 exam, and easily passed.

Need different text for new Switching exam.......2000-11-25

Although if you like manual type books, this is a fine book, it doesn't cut to the point and give you what is needs for the new CCNP Switching exam. Hard to read, with typos make it not a good choice.

Good Writing, Older Technology.......2000-06-16

The book is very well organized and written. However, if you want to implement the newest generation of switched Ethernet based on gigabit Ethernet technology, you need to use several series of new Catalyst switches, which are not covered in the book. You will also find a few errors and typos in the book.

CCNA Routing and Switching Exam Cram, Second Edition (Exam: 640-507)

Average customer rating:

Absolute must!
Serves its purpose
Good Review of Exam Materials
Apply The Cost Toward Better Study Material
946/1000

CCNA Routing and Switching Exam Cram, Second Edition (Exam: 640-507)
Jason T. Waters , Matthew J. Rees , Jeffrey T. Coe , and Matt Waters
Manufacturer: Coriolis Group Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1576106284

Book Description

Covers the installation, configuration, and operation of simple-routed LAN, WAN, and switched LAN networks. Discusses remote access and integrating dial-up connectivity with traditional, remote LAN to LAN access, as well as supporting the high levels of performance required for new applications such as Internet commerce and multimedia. Demonstrates ways to optimize WAN through Internet solutions that reduce bandwidth and WAN cost.

Customer Reviews:

Absolute must!.......2004-08-24

This book is very well structured with great content.

The concepts are explained well and in exactly the right detail.

I read this book and got my certification the first time.

Serves its purpose.......2002-04-07

The Exam Cram series is supposed to be used for a general review of the major concepts of a study area and this book, like it's sibling books does its job. This book does a good job of reviewing the major CCNA topics and is easy to read and has review questions (maybe too easy of ones) at the end of each chapter and then a final test at the end. Like many have said before me, this is not meant to be your only study guide to be a CCNA (that would be Todd Lammle's book), but if you want something that as a review before you take the exam then this is a great buy. I passed the Exam in April of 2002 having this and Lammle's book and scored a 961!

Good Review of Exam Materials.......2002-02-11

This book is not intended to be the *only* source of your CCNA preparations. What it is intended to be is a solid overview of the general items tested. If you're comfortable with the concepts and IOS commands commands, well and good. If not, then this is a good highlight of what you should review. The explanations are good, albeit brief. Overall, worth the purchase.

Apply The Cost Toward Better Study Material.......2002-01-27

This book is of no benefit in preparing for the CCNA exam. It is barely more than a list of what is on the exam. I took and passed the exam and in retrospect can say that this book did not help me in any way. While it is well written, it is completely inadequate and can give the reader a deeply erroneous impression of the exam itself. It is of no value as a reference either, because of lack of depth in the material contained. A CCNA candidate would do well in applying the cost of this book toward better exam preparation material.

946/1000.......2001-12-18

I passed with 946/1000 using this book and several free online practice tests. Everything was straight to the point with very little errors. The chapters and material are also organized well making it easy to follow. The real test was very similar to the practice test in the back of the book. No negative comments..

CCIE Professional Development Cisco Lan Switching

Average customer rating:

CCIE Professional Development Cisco Lan Switching
Kennedy Clark Kevin Hamilton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q9UDFM

CCNA Routing and Switching Exam Prep (Exam: 640-507)

Average customer rating:

The Cram has more that the Prep
Coriolis CCNA Exam Prep is an Excellent Prep book for CCNA
Great Book...
Good Foundation Needed For Further Cisco Certs
Very good book, but many typos

CCNA Routing and Switching Exam Prep (Exam: 640-507)
Mark A. Poplar , Jason Waters , Shawn D. McNutt , David Stabenaw , and Mark Poplar
Manufacturer: Coriolis Group Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Certification Central | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1576104400

Book Description

Includes the installation, configuration, and operation of simple-routed LAN, WAN, and switched LAN networks. Discusses remote access and integrating dial-up connectivity with traditional, remote LAN to LAN access, as well as supporting the high levels of performance required for new applications such as Internet commerce and multimedia. Demonstrates ways to optimize WAN through Internet solutions that reduce bandwidth and WAN cost.

Customer Reviews:

The Cram has more that the Prep.......2003-01-21

No doubt this CCNA book is very easy to read, unlike the ones from Cisco Press. I am reading it alongside with the Exam Cram & found out that this Prep book actually has less info on Switching & VLANs as compared to the smaller size Cram, which is ODD.

The 1st edition CCNA Exam Cram which I got, actually shows what the IOS looks like when booting Cisco switches, it also shows how to enter the IP address & netmask, but none of that in the Prep. I don't have the newer 2nd edition CCNA Exam Cram, therefore I can't comment.

I notice that the CCNA for Dummies also left out the IOS part in Switches & maybe it's not that important in the exam, but "Less in Prep & More in Cram"... goodness, the "Less is more" sounds about right.

To conclude, I think the CCNA focus more on routing than switching, it is better to get the CCNP or the new CCIP to get you a job.

Hope the Exam Prep series can find a new home soon...
The Exam Cram is now owned by QUE & called it Exam Cram 2.

Coriolis CCNA Exam Prep is an Excellent Prep book for CCNA.......2002-09-20

I highly recommend all Coriolis Exam Prep and Exam Cram books and the Exam Prep "Routing and Switching" is no different. I just passed the CCNA exam today after reading both the Exam Cram and Exam Prep books. They were a tremendous help.I have used this series of books to acquire 3 certifications in the IT field.

Coriolis has designed these books to work as a 2-part system. Step 1, read the larger and more detailed Exam Prep book to gain a thorough understanding of the material. Step 2, read the Exam Cram book to prepare you for the test itself. Reading both books gives you a solid foundation of understanding and excellent preparation for the exams themselves.

I feel skipping either book is cheating yourself of knowledge and will make obtaining the certification more difficult.

I have heard that Coriolis is having problems and maybe going out of production. I hope not. Their Exam Prep and Exam Cram books are some of the best on the market and been a valuable resource in my career development.

Great Book..........2001-07-25

I used this book and the Exam Cram series only to study for my CCNA 2.0 exam and passed with little trouble. The Exam Cram has a few errors but nothing that will cause you much grief. I highly recommend the Exam Prep Series to all test takers.

Good Foundation Needed For Further Cisco Certs.......2001-06-02

I used this book and Cisco Press's ICND to prepare for my NA exam and passed it with a nearly perfect score. This book covered the details needed for the exam well. When I was taking my NP/DP, I came back to this book to review details needed for the Remote Access portion of the NP track. This is where this book really shines. WAN protocols are covered in great detail. Use this book for the WAN protocols and ICND for the switching portion. With both of these books, the routing portion of the NA exam will be covered sufficently.

Very good book, but many typos.......2001-06-02

Using this book as my primary study source, I passed CCNA with 967/1000. It's a terrific book - well organized, has all the information that was on CCNA and more. I would have given this book a 5, but there were many minor errors in it (which you can easily catch once you know your stuff very well). I'd recommend this book to anyone with at least basic networking knowledge, who'd like to pass CCNA, or would just like to learn more about Cisco hardware & IOS syntax, TCP/IP & IPX, routing, LAN/WAN hardware, etc.

CCNP Cisco Certified Network Professional

Average customer rating:

Warning, don't buy! Buy Cisco press instead!
A very good orgnized book.
Read the book and passed the test
too sketchy

CCNP Cisco Certified Network Professional
Inc. Syngress Media
Manufacturer: Osborne Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Ace the CCNP CLSC exam! Covering all official CCNP CLSC test objectives, CCNP Cisco LAN Switch Configuration Study Guide (Exam 640-404) draws on Cisco Systems Distinguished Training Partner Global Knowledge's100,000+ hours of training experience to deliver the ultimate CLSC study partner. Prepared by actual CCIEs and complete with Certification Exercises modeled after classroom labs, Exam Watch warnings that alert you to trick questions, experienced How to Take the Exam pointers, and more ù this unmatched tool shows you how to: *Segment your Lan physically to reduce the number of nodes competing for bandwidth *Assign clients to VLANs, track them between switches, and integrate them with traditional backbone networks *Integrate a Catalyst 5000 series switch to maximize topology while minimizing congestion *Navigate the Catalyst Network Management Processor (NMP) Image Command Line Interface *Configure a set of Catalysts to implement a highly redundant network with multiple virtual LANs *Much more!

Customer Reviews:

Warning, don't buy! Buy Cisco press instead!.......2000-02-17

If you use this book alone you will fail! I have passed 7 certification exams and never failed one until now, by one question! Book mentions next to nothing about SAINT, SAGE, SAMBA, and Phoenix ASICs. Chapters on 1900/2820 and 3000 appear to be written by a different author who is less qualified with both Cisco switches and technical writing! Book does not clearly cover the stated Cisco objectives! Technical Inaccuracies throughout the book! The questions at the end of the chapters are way too easy! The questions on the CD are the same as in the book! Why did I buy this book? Buy the Cisco press book, it has none of these shortcomings! Buy the way, anyone want to buy this book from me - cheap?

A very good orgnized book........2000-02-09

I found this book is very useful, it is better orgnized than Todd's book. It first build all the information you needed to understand the following material regarding config C5K, ANE,etc.

I found it best read with other books such as Cisco Switched Internetworks(McGRraw-Hill).

Read the book and passed the test.......1999-10-27

Overall this book is far better than any other I have read on the same subject. I failed the first time I took the test so I bought the book and I passed. Good examples and real depth to what you see when entering certain commands. I've used all the books from Syngress so far and have passed all tests.

too sketchy.......1999-10-05

too sketchy,too sketchy, very few config exmaples. guaranteed to fail the exam if using this book alone as a test prep. Richard A Deal's same title is much much fleshier.

Customer Reviews:

Very good supplemental material.......2000-01-06

Thanks to Mr. Lammle for one more excelent studying material. Very good exam notes to read a day or two before the CLSC exam. I just passed it and use only this book and Sybex study guide to prepare. Did not give it a five star only, because of the some confusing typos.

CCNP Switching Exam Prep (Exam: 640-504)

Average customer rating:

Unbelievable
Coriolis has a winner with this one.
If details are important, find another book.
Too Many errors
This is great!

CCNP Switching Exam Prep (Exam: 640-504)
Sean Odom , Doug Hammond , Hammond , and Doug
Manufacturer: Coriolis Group Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1576106896

Book Description

Includes a comprehensive tutorial on the curriculum objectives for the new CCNP Switching exam (640-504), and all necessary study materials to pass the new CCNP Switching exam. Offers a proven method for in-depth study, review, and real-life practice. Provides all of the overviews, concepts, and terminology necessary to help candidates get up to speed on the new certification as quickly as possible. Provides focused sample exams with skill assessment to help the candidate test their knowledge.

Customer Reviews:

Unbelievable.......2002-05-31

It is truly incredible that a book with this many errors could be published. The chapter on multicasting is a disaster.

Coriolis has a winner with this one........2000-12-29

To become a CCNP you have to take several exams, one of which is the exam 640-504 Switching. Leading the way in certification preparation books is Coriolis and this book should make taking the exam a little easier.

The authors for this book are very knowledgeable in the coverage of the switching side of Cisco as they begin your certification journey with switching fundamentals. What I liked about this book is how the authors were able to separate switching from routing in an easy to understand language.

After that you then tackle the breakdown of the switch and there is a section that goes over Several Cisco switches. The authors move onto the configuration, management and multicasting with switches.

The is coverage of ATM and LANE and I was able to learn about layer 2, 3 and 4 switching, making this a very complete book. As with other Exam prep books there is review questions and projects at the end of each chapter to gauge your learning.

And as with other exam prep books there is the cd-rom with practice questions in fixed, random, review and test all formats. Coriolis is again leading the way - excellent job!

If details are important, find another book........2000-12-28

the best thing about this book is that it will test how much you really know about Cisco switches. the technique it uses is that it has an endless number of typos and nearly as many inaccuracies. when you read any section regarding the specifics and details of a switch, check Cisco's site to verify. the test will ask some spec driven questions (regarding which switch can do what and would be best suited given these variables) and if you go strickly by this book, you will answer wrongly. if you have already purchased this book, don't let it be your only resource.

oh, BTW, the customer service department is a little on the weak side. i submitted four separate feedbacks, regarding the inacuracies and typos, and never heard, read, or saw any feedback.

go for cisco press. if you want to pass and take training and certification seriously.

Too Many errors.......2000-12-17

This book might be a good for others but not for me. I found some errors (I don't have any switch background) For examples. Answer for question number2 on chp 2 is B, not d. Answer for question number16 on chp 2 is d, not e. and on page 175, Global Configuration Mode should be look like this, Hostname(config)#. Not hostname#(config) I can not trust this book

This is great!.......2000-12-06

Out of all the Cisco Exams this is the Cisco Switching Exam for the CCNP 2.0 course is the first exam I have passed with reading the book only. Doug Hammond and Sean Odom did a great job and created a book for those with no Cisco experience. I like the imaginary CCIE character that walks you through the labs. That was cool in fact to have step by step lab resolutions. I like chapter 4 which lists all the switches and their features in bar graphs as well. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone studying for their CCNP 2.0 Switching Exam. Looking at the comments from other I see I am not a minority either.

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