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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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