CCNA

[AFB]

I am looking at getting a cert in addition to some schools classes over the summer, it seems the CCNA is probably the one I will go with. Do you really need a pair of routers or will a sim do ? Also, which one would you recomend ?

BTW, Hands on learner.

 

[Boscoh]

By far, I recommend actual routers. I have yet to see a sim that can simulate the Layer 1 problems that can be encountered in the real world. Transceiver problems, bad V35 cables, some idiot mixing up the DTE/DCE's, bad ethernet cables, etc. You'd do yourself a lot of good getting real routers. 25/2600's are great for this. Real routers dont always perform as flawlessly as sims do.

In the event you lack the money to get routers, sims are the next best thing. They're better than nothing, but they're not my first choice.

 

[SpunkyJones]

As mentioned, the actual hardware would serve you better, but in a pinch a sim will get you the feel for generic configurations. Also if you buy hardware, you'll probably want at least 3 2500/2600 routers, and a switch or two. Only two routers wont show you quite enough when configuring dynamic routing protocols.

 

[ITJunkie]

Originally posted by: Boscoh
By far, I recommend actual routers. I have yet to see a sim that can simulate the Layer 1 problems that can be encountered in the real world. Transceiver problems, bad V35 cables, some idiot mixing up the DTE/DCE's, bad ethernet cables, etc. You'd do yourself a lot of good getting real routers. 25/2600's are great for this. Real routers dont always perform as flawlessly as sims do.

In the event you lack the money to get routers, sims are the next best thing. They're better than nothing, but they're not my first choice.

 

[tmccann11]

Originally posted by: Boscoh
By far, I recommend actual routers. I have yet to see a sim that can simulate the Layer 1 problems that can be encountered in the real world. Transceiver problems, bad V35 cables, some idiot mixing up the DTE/DCE's, bad ethernet cables, etc. You'd do yourself a lot of good getting real routers. 25/2600's are great for this. Real routers dont always perform as flawlessly as sims do.

In the event you lack the money to get routers, sims are the next best thing. They're better than nothing, but they're not my first choice.

I agree. I just passed my CCNA 2 weeks ago. I used Cisco Press Books, and I bought 2 2501's and a 1912, and it was the best thing I could've done. Before I bought the stuff, I was using SemSim, which is a pretty good simulator, but it doesn't allow you to do anything other than the set tests and such. Check eBay for some good deals on hardware, you just missed mine, I just sold my setup too.

Good Luck.
Tom

 

[howdyduty]

Nice advice here.

 

[Turfzilla]

I used the eRouter Sim V 2.0 and it worked just fine for me. I would recomend the Cisco 3600 series router if you were going to use one for hands on learning. The certification for CCNA is not something u can just decide you want. It takes a least 4 semesters of Cisco acadamy to get near passing the certification test.. It's no walk in the park

 

[jensenja]

Originally posted by: Turfzilla
...The certification for CCNA is not something u can just decide you want. It takes a least 4 semesters of Cisco acadamy to get near passing the certification test.. It's no walk in the park

Not necessarily. I did all four semesters, but the most I ever learned was studying on my own using the Cisco Press book for the CCNA 640-607. That was what I believe to be the key - diligent self-study. While routers do provide good hands-on experience I don't believe they are a necessity in order to pass the exam.

 

[Hyperlite]

Not so much to address your question, but just as a worldly update...my high school is offering Semester 1 of the Cisco course of which i just completed. Unfortunantly, i don't belive there are any plans to teach a Semester 2 or further class. perhaps they just think it becomes to complicated for HS students. I'll admit, it did get rather difficult for me, as it was my first look into in-depth networking, but i did manage to pass the Online Course with a 94 Average. Personally, i think its great that they are offering these courses in High School.

 

[spidey07]

i'm of the belief that you can just read a book or two and pass it if you have basic network skills like subnetting, osi model, etc.

 

[ktwebb]

i'm of the belief that you can just read a book or two and pass it if you have basic network skills like subnetting, osi model, etc

Agreed. I passed my CCNA without any software or hardware router. Granted, this was two versions ago of the test and I assume it's gotten tougher with all the paper certs. I would certainly prefer either the soft or hardware router if I was going to recertify but I would bet a paycheck I could do it without em if I HAD to.

 

[HKSturboKID]

Originally posted by: ktwebb

i'm of the belief that you can just read a book or two and pass it if you have basic network skills like subnetting, osi model, etc

Agreed. I passed my CCNA without any software or hardware router. Granted, this was two versions ago of the test and I assume it's gotten tougher with all the paper certs. I would certainly prefer either the soft or hardware router if I was going to recertify but I would bet a paycheck I could do it without em if I HAD to.

Actually I think the new test 640-607 is actually easilier. Remember that there are no more TOKEN RING and IPX on the latest CCNA test.

 

[Boscoh]

Sure, you can pass the cert all day long without using a router or a switch.

However, if you've never had experience with Cisco gear, or high-end routers and switches, then the first time you get thrown into a situation where you have to troubleshoot something you're gonna be in trouble. The CCNA material that's out there and the CCNA test in general does not focus much on troubleshooting. So thats why I say get real routers/switches. They might not be required to pass the test, but they'll help you professionally.

I'm dont just study for an exam, I also study the "why", "how" and "what if's" that will likely help me the most in a real situation, and likely arent covered in the "study material". And that's the easiest to do on real equipment. But hey, thats just me.

Kind of OT: This summer I was planning on taking the CISSP. But I dont think I quite meet the 'years of professional experience' requirement. Crap. Anyone in here an SSCP (the 'lite' version of the CISSP)? Or know anyone who is? I dont want to get a cert that no one knows about...and I dont think a lot of people know what the SSCP is. Doesn't look too difficult to pass.

 

[blakeatwork]

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
Not so much to address your question, but just as a worldly update...my high school is offering Semester 1 of the Cisco course of which i just completed. Unfortunantly, i don't belive there are any plans to teach a Semester 2 or further class. perhaps they just think it becomes to complicated for HS students. I'll admit, it did get rather difficult for me, as it was my first look into in-depth networking, but i did manage to pass the Online Course with a 94 Average. Personally, i think its great that they are offering these courses in High School.

Most likely it's the cost factor... it's $698CDN for each semester for CCNA, and around $1098 for CCNP... Definitely makes you want to be sure that you want to get into CCNA/CCNP/Other Cisco certs...

 

[blakeatwork]

Originally posted by: Boscoh
Sure, you can pass the cert all day long without using a router or a switch.

However, if you've never had experience with Cisco gear, or high-end routers and switches, then the first time you get thrown into a situation where you have to troubleshoot something you're gonna be in trouble. The CCNA material that's out there and the CCNA test in general does not focus much on troubleshooting. So thats why I say get real routers/switches. They might not be required to pass the test, but they'll help you professionally.

I'm dont just study for an exam, I also study the "why", "how" and "what if's" that will likely help me the most in a real situation, and likely arent covered in the "study material". And that's the easiest to do on real equipment. But hey, thats just me.

Kind of OT: This summer I was planning on taking the CISSP. But I dont think I quite meet the 'years of professional experience' requirement. Crap. Anyone in here an SSCP (the 'lite' version of the CISSP)? Or know anyone who is? I dont want to get a cert that no one knows about...and I dont think a lot of people know what the SSCP is. Doesn't look too difficult to pass.

Found this:

SSCP Exam Structure
The SSCP Certification examination consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have up to 3 hours to complete the examination. Seven SSCP information systems security test domains are covered in the examination pertaining to the Common Body of Knowledge:


Access Controls
Administration
Audit and Monitoring
Risk, Response and Recovery
Cryptography
Data Communications
Malicious Code/Malware

I'm not sure what CISSP involves, outside of having any Field Work done approved before being eligible to write the exam...

But I don't think it would hurt to have SSCP