CCNA Certification Kit: Exam 640-802 [Paperback]

Todd Lammle (Author), William Tedder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 3, 2009 | ISBN-10: 0470447257 | ISBN-13: 978-0470447253 | Edition: 6

The new edition to the certification kit that features a trio of bestselling CCNA study guides This updated and enhanced certification kit contains CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, Sixth Edition; CCNA Fast Pass, Third Edition; and CCNA Virtual Lab, Titanium Edition 2.0. CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, Sixth Edition offers in-depth coverage of every exam objective, plus contains updates that reflect new technology developments and key topics that are featured on the exam. CCNA Fast Pass, Third Edition serves as a focused, concise review guide that consists of high-level chapters that map out the main domains of the exam skill-set. CCNA Virtual Lab, Titanium Edition 2.0 is a virtual network simulator complete with hands-on examples and valuable lab exercises allow readers to create a simulated lab using an unlimited number of routers and switches.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

One purchase. Expert training on limited hands-on experience. A near-guaranteed pass. Does it get any better? Not really.

Like your peanut butter in my chocolate, the combination of Sybex's bestselling CCNA Study Guide and the e-trainer network-simulation software mesh wonderfully. In fact, if truth be told, they always were intended to be sold as one unit; the book contains a lot of rote exercises that is a jumble of instructions if you're not sitting at a terminal, and the CD comes with practically no instructions at all. Put together in the CCNA Certification Kit, however, they create a force to be reckoned with.

But first, let's list for you what's in this little bundle of joy. The CCNA Study Guide is a densely written but comprehensive tome; the writing can be intimidating at times, but Lammle is to be commended for trying to show the reader the reasons that certain networking topics work, instead of merely providing you with lists of items to memorize. The concepts become particularly daunting during the chapters involving TCP/IP subnetting and VLAN trunking--but meticulous rereading will reward you not only with exam-passing knowledge, but with a deep understanding that will serve you well in the corporate world. There are only two slight disappointments: one is the chapter on WAN networking, which is a trifle light compared to the fact-packed density of the rest of the book; the other is that this book is not for absolute beginners, as it skips very quickly over such essential concepts as Ethernet networking and cabling types.

There is a third flaw here--fortunately, it's nonexistent in this bundle. A large portion of the Guide consists of simple exercises to be run on Cisco routers--which normally is a problem for the CCNA student. Most people don't have access to, and cannot afford, the roughly $2,500 in equipment that it takes to set up a sample lab. But that's where the CCNA Virtual Lab e-trainer comes in; it's a software package that emulates a network that consists of three Cisco routers, a Catalyst 1900 switch, and a couple of WAN links.

For what it does at the price, it does it well. It's not, by any means, a full-fledged simulation, but it does emulate most of the basic commands well enough for you to pass--and the amount of learning you'll get from the "hands-on" experience is exponentially better than any amount of book learning. Tinkering around with your own setup will help you remember the oft-cryptic Cisco commands and password levels better than anything else, and the exercises given to you in the study guide will suddenly become full-fledged workshops that expand your learning.

Now, there are those who have criticized the Virtual Lab for many, sometimes valid, reasons: not all the basic commands are adequately supported, the interface is clunky, there are known bugs, and it's useless beyond anything but the CCNA level. (If you go on to the next level of the Cisco exams, most of the advanced commands aren't supported.) But there is a saying in the industry that should be well taken here: "Close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades." Yes, there are better Cisco simulator programs. Yes, there are cheaper ones. No other offering, however, has the range of features and depth that you'll find at this price--more importantly, it's enough to pass. Must you have perfection when you can have a passing grade?

In short, the strengths of each item in this boxed set shore up the weaknesses of the other--and, as such, it's a vital tool in the arsenal of any CCNA aspirant. Highly recommended. --William Steinmetz --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

Three bestselling CCNA study tools—one value-priced set!

CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, Sixth Edition

The latest edition of the perennial bestseller from Cisco networking authority Todd Lammle

• In-depth coverage of all exam objectives for Exam 640-802

• New material on switching, network address translation, IPv6, and more

• Practical hands-on exercises and labs to reinforce critical skills

• Sybex custom test engine

• Real-world scenarios so you learn in the context of actual job roles

• CD with leading-edge exam-prep software

• Supplemental video and audio instruction from Todd Lammle

CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Fast Pass, Third Edition

The perfect CCNA preparation and review tool

• Easy-to-use book is organized by Exam objectives for quick review

• "Exam Essentials" in each chapter helps you zero in on what you need to know

• Reviews critical information for Exam 640-802, including network planning and design, implementation and operation, troubleshooting, and technology

• Includes interactive CD with two practice exams and electronic flashcards

• Targeted and expert content is from leading Cisco networking authority Todd Lammle

CCNA Virtual Lab, Titanium Edition 2.0

Practice on a virtual network with CCNA lab simulation software

• Set up custom network configurations easily with drag-and-drop functionality

• Hone your skills with over 190 hands-on labs from Todd Lammle

• Practice on an unlimited number of switches, routers, and hosts on a virtual network

• Run through a series of gradable scenarios based on Cisco test objectives

• Experiment with hundreds of configuration commands built into the simulator

• Get useful feedback with valuable Net Assessment Tool

• See bottom of box for Virtual Lab system requirements

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 1008 pages
• Publisher: Sybex; 6 edition (February 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470447257
• ISBN-13: 978-0470447253
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #517,220 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a great CCNA 2 Test kit., December 8, 2000

By 

Chris Manesis (NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: CCNA Certification Kit (Hardcover)

I have purchased the kit after reading the comments from other CCNA enthusiasts and they were right... this is defenitely the way to go to get your CCNA. Todd Lamme, wrote a good book! However, the Router Simulator had a few bugs in it that prevented me from entering free hand code to the router telnet simulation. It is still at version 1 and I think that it should be enhanced a little more. Moreover, like all tech books, there were a few minor typo mistakes that I saw in some illustrations, but nothing serious.

I passed the exam the 1st time with a 849/822 but it was because I did not study hard enough. What I used is this kit, Boson's CCNA exam Questions and Answers (that you get with the CDRom) and about 2 hours a day for 1 month of studying. Also, do go to the CISCO website to get some further reference.

Good Luck.

Next, CCNP!!!

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars if you want to pass the CCNA, this is a must buy, August 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: CCNA Certification Kit (Hardcover)

I was nervous about taking the CCNA 2.0 and a friend suggested the Sybex materials by Todd Lammle. I am indebted to that friend and Todd Lammle for life. Lammle takes what is exceptionally technical material and makes it understandable. If you're willing to trudge through the book and really put your mind to work, the material will become crystal clear. Lammle just doesn't provide the answers, he shows you why they are the correct answers, which will make you a more productive CCNA. I've read other Cisco books and this is by far the best. I also recommend CCNA Jumpstart by Sybex.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best package!, August 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: CCNA Certification Kit (Hardcover)

This is the only package you need to pass new Cisco CCNA 2.0 exam.

Although, Cisco Press's exam kit is another good source for this exam, you will not get the same quality for the price you paying for this.

Good luck all!