CCNA Certification: Routing Basics for Cisco Certified Network Associates [Hardcover]

Robert Myrhe (Author), Robert N. Myhre (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0130861855 | ISBN-13: 978-0130861856 | Publication Date: December 15, 1999

Get a jumpstart on your networking career with CCNA Certification, the hands-on guide to Cisco networking and the introductory-level Cisco exam that's attracting everyone from networking professionals to high school students! Start with a step-by-step introduction to the basics of networking, including the OSI model, and the fundamentals of local and wide area networks. Understand what routers, switches, repeaters, and bridges are, and how Cisco products are used to serve the diverse networking needs of both small and large companies. Learn about TCP/IP addressing and subnetting; the basic principles of routing; and access lists; finally, walk through setting up a small routed network with connections to the Internet. For anyone seeking to become CCNA certified, as well as anyone configuring and managing Cisco routers in small-to-medium-sized networks.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Introduction

As an instructor in a classroom environment, I have learned there are two types of instructors. The first type, whether likable or not, is proud to show off his or her knowledge, but dislikes anyone learning anything. This type of instructor is more concerned with being better than everyone else. The second type of instructor, again whether likable or not, actually enjoys teaching. This person likes to share knowledge and does so in an informative way. I like to think of myself as the latter type.

When I began researching the material for this book, I looked into the various books on CCNA certification in the marketplace. I found a majority of these books to be either from a noninstructor, or from an instructor of the first type. The information lacking in these books was the actual step by step, how to configure a Cisco router. While these books gave you the commands to use, I didn't feel there was any continuity to actually seeing the routers configured and placed into action. To me, this is more important than simply certification. My goal was to take the information needed to pass the CCNA exam and put it in the format needed to perform actual work on the Cisco routers.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is for anyone with at least a small amount of networking experience; roughly equivalent to six months' experience. As an MCSE myself, I found a need to learn new technologies, and since Windows 2000 was delayed, it became apparent that the new technology to learn was not in the Microsoft field yet. Since Cisco products account for a vast majority of the routers and switches in the field, it lent itself to being the technology to learn.

I saw a large number of MCSEs and CNEs start examining the Cisco products, and it became clear this was an ideal direction. Even if you do not wish to pursue the coveted CCIE certification, knowing the basics of routing and switching that you will gain in this book will help you greatly in the field. You never know, it may get you that pay raise you have been looking for.

If you are new to networking and still wish to pursue the CCNA certification, you may wish to pick up a book on networking to fill in the small holes you will find in this book. Use that book in conjunction with this book. How This Book Is Laid Out

The first part of the book (Chapters 1-4) is all knowledge and theory material. Chapter 1 begins with a more thorough look at the OSI model and is relevant to the test. It is also good material to help build your troubleshooting skills. Chapters 2 and 3 are not so much test material as they are for getting everyone up to speed on the basics of LAN technologies. If you have years of experience, you may wish to simply browse through the chapters and pick up any small pieces of information that you do not have. Chapter 4 is a quick look at the TCP/IP protocol suite.

The second part of the book (Chapters 5-14) is the essence of the Cisco router configuration. Chapter 5 starts with a look at the various models of the Cisco product line. It then continues with an in-depth look at the Cisco 2500 model, which can be considered the staple of the products. Chapter 6 looks at TCP/IP addressing and how to configure the Cisco router with addresses. Chapter 7 is a look at subnetting, including what it is and how to do it. There can be many questions about this on the CCNA test, and this should be a chapter that is thoroughly understood. The benefit to you is that this chapter has been a work in progress for over two years and has been class tested. I hope that you find it an easy lesson on subnetting. Chapters 8 and 9 begin the routing portion of the Cisco routers. You will learn static, RIP, and IGRP as the methods to enable routing. Chapter 10 is a quick look at the different methods needed to configure, save, and restore the Cisco router. Chapter 11 is a look at IPX/SPX and how to configure the router to work in these environments. Chapter 12 is about AppleTalk, and although there are no official exam objectives at this time, it is highly possible that AppleTalk will appear on your test when Cisco changes the exam. It is also important to understand because AppleTalk is still encountered in the field, and you should have a basic understanding of how it works. Chapter 13 is a look at access lists and how to set up the router to filter packets for AppleTalk, IPX/SPX, and, most important (to the test), TCP/IP. Chapter 14 is a look at WAN technologies and how Cisco routers can be used in these environments. This is only a brief review of WAN technologies, and should you decide to pursue more certifications in Cisco, you will be introduced to more WAN technologies and in more depth.

The final part of the book (Chapter 15) is not on the test, but it is extra material that you may find useful. This chapter is an accumulation of questions from students on "How do I do this?"

The appendices have the answers to the review questions, and also a flowchart of the commands used in this book. Recommended Strategies When Reading This Book

I have three simple strategies for you as you read this book. The first is to get your hands on at least one Cisco router to try the various commands. There are places on the Net where you can rent time on a router or two. If you have access to a router at work, make sure you can change the configurations before doing these exercises. Also, if you would like to purchase a router, there are a few auction sites on the Internet where you will find good bargains for used Cisco routers.

The second strategy is for you to write down each command as you learn it. Most people learn better by writing items down. I found this to be true in the classroom environment, and it may be the same with you. After Chapter 7, you will find that you have a large list of commands, and you may be tired of writing them down. At that point, you are certainly welcome to use Appendix C for the remainder of the book, where I have laid out the commands in a hierarchical fashion for you.

The final strategy involves the Scenario questions at the end of each chapter. These questions have no right or wrong answers, but are more for you to review each of the chapters' materials. Please take a moment to try to answer each of the questions. Imagine that you are the consultant and have to report to the individual listed in the scenario. If you have the time and inclination, write down the answers in a report format. If you do this, I would love to see your reports. E-mail them to me at ccna@uswestmail Why and How to Obtain the CCNA Certification

Certification is becoming a large part of the corporate world. Sometimes it appears that you cannot even get a new job unless you have the certification to prove you know a little something. This does change depending on the certification (some certifications are required, and then the company will pay you to learn the technologies—these are known as paper certifications), but nonetheless, it may be vital for any career advancement. Cisco certification indicates that you are able to operate a Cisco router in a LAN or small WAN environment. It also means you understand the different protocols such as IPX/SPX and TCP/IP, and how to integrate the routers into these various environments. By becoming a CCNA, you are advertising yourself to your boss or your prospective employer as an individual who can perform these functions.

To become a CCNA, you must pass a single test that is offered through Sylvan Prometric. You can reach them at (800) 204-EXAM (3926). The current version of the CCNA test is 604-407. The cost to take the exam is $100, and although you can pay in advance, it is easier to pay with a credit card. One suggestion I would offer you as a person who has taken more than a few tests through Sylvan Prometric, is to call them 24 hours in advance and confirm your test. You cannot take a Cisco test the same day that you register. Remember to bring some form of identification with you to the test. Other Cisco Certifications

The best way to get a feel for the different certifications is to visit Cisco's Web site at cisco and explore the training and certification paths. You will find there are many other certifications, including:

CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) for designing small LAN and WAN networks.

CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) for building and configuring bigger and more complex LANs and WANs.

CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional) for designing bigger and more complex LANs and WANs.

CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert). The biggest and probably the most coveted certification in the industry. It requires a minimum of $1200 to pass the exams, and that doesn't include airfare. How to Contact the Author

You can reach me at ccna@uswestmail. Questions about this book, scenario reports, and misprints are always welcome. I also have a class that I offer if you have more than a couple of people interested in this certification. About the Author

Robert N. Myhre is an independent trainer and consultant living in the Minn

From the Back Cover

CCNA Certification: Routing Basics for Cisco Certified Network Associates Exam 640-407

Pass your CCNA exam now-and jumpstart your career in networking!

Get a jumpstart on your networking career with CCNA Certification, your hands-on guide to Cisco networking and Cisco's super-hot introductory certification exam!

CCNA Certification starts with an easy introduction to networking basics, including the layered OSI model every network professional must know, and the fundamentals of local and wide area networks. Next, review the essential building blocks of today's business networks and the Internet, including routers, switches, repeaters, bridges, and the TCP/IP Internet protocol. This book covers every CCNA exam objective, and you won't find a better on-the-job-reference! You'll:

• Set up a routed network and connect it to the Internet-one step at a time
• Master the basic configuration and troubleshooting techniques every Cisco networking professional needs
• Test your knowledge with sample questions just like those on the real CCNA exam
• Learn from real-life lab exercises with detailed solutions

Cisco certification gives you a giant step up in today's marketplace! With CCNA Certification, you can take that leap right now-and if you're already running a network, run it smarter and more reliably. It's the first certification book for every networking professional!

ROBERT MYHRE is a consultant specializing in Cisco and Microsoft networking, based in Minneapolis, MN. Myhre is also a Cisco trainer for Learning Tree International.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 500 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (December 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130861855
• ISBN-13: 978-0130861856
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.1 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,829,281 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING STUDY GUIDE!!!, February 5, 2000

By 

Robert Shaffer Jr. MCSE, CCNA (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: CCNA Certification: Routing Basics for Cisco Certified Network Associates (Hardcover)

I bought Robert Myhre's CCNA Certification book and a Cisco 2501 Router on February 1, 2000. Prior to that date I had no working knowledge of Cisco routers and very little knowledge of networking in gereral. Today, February 5, 2000 I passed the Cisco CCNA test with an 804. The only study guide I used was this book and a router. This book covers every CCNA exam objective. It has excellent labs with practice questions at the end of each chapter. The author has done an exceptional job.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even without page numbers this book is still one of the best, March 24, 2000

By 

Michael J Woznicki "Michael J Woznicki" (Holland, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: CCNA Certification: Routing Basics for Cisco Certified Network Associates (Hardcover)

CCNA is one of the fastest growing certifications in the computer industry and there are so many books on the subject that it's hard to make a choice sometimes. If there was a book that would give you what you need and make it easy to understand you would buy it, right?

Maybe you check out CCNA Certification by Prentice Hall. Starting with the OSI model then moving to Hardware devices, followed up with TCP/IP, you have a great starting point. Also there is great overview of other CISCO switches and routers and for the test this is very handy.

There is one of the best breakdowns of TCP/IP addressing and subnetting I have ever read. The author simplifies static and dynamic routing, IPX/SPX, access lists and managing the router. There is also a chapter on router commands and extra features, another useful tool in passing the exam.

Appendix A is the answers to the practice questions, Appendix B is practice exercises and C is command structure and a cd with helpful utilities is also included. The only drawback to the whole book is there is no page numbers making it difficult to find things. Overall this book will give you everything you need to pass and for the money a good purchase.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A major factor in my passing the CCNA!, June 12, 2000

By 

Kevin Long (Harrisburg, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: CCNA Certification: Routing Basics for Cisco Certified Network Associates (Hardcover)

I'm new to the IT world, and I've still never laid hands on a router, so I had to do a great deal of reading to pass the CCNA exam. Mr. Myhre's book did more than any of the others I read to help me become familiar with and understand the exam topics. I had read some other Cisco books prior to reading this one; it's the one that really brought things together. The practice questions seemed easier than those in other books and may give a false sense of security if this is the only book you have read, but I think if you're seeking your CCNA and have limited or no experience you should read more than one book anyway (and find a good router simulator). After reading several books, I recommend this path to folks with limited experience who are pursuing the CCNA*: (1.) Myhre's book (this one!); (2a.) Lammle's study guide; (2b.) Lammle's e-trainer router simulator; (3.) Lammle's CCNA Exam Notes <* Note that this is in reference to CCNA1: 640-407. This test will be retired at the end of July 2000, so the new CCNA (640-507) may change this.>

I really like the way this book is put together - many thanks to Mr. Myhre. I didn't think the page numbers were hard to find, either. This is the best place to start your CCNA pursuit.