Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I thought after finishing my MCSE last year I knew all about computer networks. This book sure opened my eyes. It's a smooth path from that curriculum to the Cisco networking world. It starts with the OSI model and moves into network structure then has a real good chapter on the different Cisco products: switches, routers, modular devices, DSL, ATM etc. Then it explains the Cisco IOS, how to program the router copy and transfer images, NVRAM, Flash etc. This was all well explained so I could move on with confidence. Next came the protocols, IP, IPX and routing protocols which I never knew existed, but learned well. The book finishes with lots of coverage on WANs particularly Frame Relay which was heavily covered on the exam. Then came access lists which were well explained and also covered on the exam. Simply put, this book had all the coverage for the exam and only having unrelated A+ and Microsoft training I was able to pass the CCNA on the first try. Word of warning though, don't take it lightly, study hard, the test is hard but the material is all in here. The CD is great to determine if your ready too.

I finally passed thanks to this one. I had bought the Sybex book which was OK but I failed, then I got the simulator which was a real waste of money. I finally got this one because I used the Exam Cram to pass the Network+. This book is great and it had a lot more info than the others and I really felt confident by the time I was finished. The test was still tough but I passed with the information I finally got in this book. The CD is great too, study all the questions and answers and you should pass too. Many thanks for a book well done!!

Now here is a book that rocks. I like this stuff and I couldn't put it down. It has lots of good information that the Microsoft MSCE training never touched. Now I'm sure Cisco is the next step for me. It's easy reading but the material is real in-depth so I've decided to read it again before I blow a hundred bucks on the exam. I also found I didn't need to spend the big bucks on a router either, all the command print outs and stuff are in here. Go for it with this one, it's a lot to learn but a great book to learn it from. BTW The CD is great too, works just like the sylvan exams.

Well organized and written. I'm counting on this book to get me a passing score. I have read other CCNA books but fell short of a passing score by just a few points. When I heard the CCNA 1.0 was no longer going to be offered, I rushed to study and take the test. Big mistake #1. I didn't think there was much of a difference between 1.0 and 2.0 so I rescheduled (since I do have industry experience with switches and plus I was so close). Big mistake #2 (totally different test, I felt "green" like a MCSE in a CCIE's world). Out of $200 I was like...BUMMER. I invested in Exam Prep to fill in what I was missing. Now that I have finished this book I feel confident that I am equipped with the real deal. I am eager to take the test, it will be a great way to bring in the New Year. The review questions and hands-on projects are great (providing you have access to equipment). The coverage in WAN Protocols is awsome which happend to be one of my weak points. I understand ISDN now. EXAM PREP is the tool to put me over the top. Buy it, read it, and welcome aboard the fantastic world of "real" networking.

Every time a certification comes out Coriolis is right there with a learning tool to help you in passing the certification exam. I have found Coriolis to a trusted name and their books are complete, accurate and highly detailed. Coriolis is a publisher of the first order.

In this exam prep for exam 640-507 you have the entire exam covered and a little more. Having taken the exam I found this book to right in line with the objectives and the information presented is not only first rate but also put in a understandable language.

While this book requires working knowledge of networking and TCP/IP, for the most part you can learn all other concepts with very little exposure. Topics like internetworking concepts, the OSI model, LAN segmentation and routing and switching solutions are but the start of the learning experience.

Moving into the IOS, TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, basic routing, dynamic routing, RIP and IGRP, WAN and WAN Protocols and security round out this book. There are review question along the way to make sure you are understanding the concepts.

Also included are tables, figures, diagrams, router screen shots and a cd-rom with over a 100 practice questions given in four formats. You get to test in the Fixed, Random, Review and Test all formats, each giving a different look and learning. Overall including the price, this book is the perfect companion to the test.

I used this book alone to study for the CCNA exam and found it to be more than enough to pass. I found it covered all the areas that were on the test and explained them in an exceptional manner. In a lot of ways it went beyond the exam and really helped in some of the configuration problems I have been having. Its a great book and I'll use it plenty even though the exams over. Thanks all for a great book!

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.

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.

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.

This book has a ton of good information about Cisco devices, the IOS and the many routed and routing protocols. Most of it is covered in real detail and is not really for those (who are) new to computer networking. I'd say this is a little of the advanced course although it does start with the beginning Cisco information you do need to have some decent backround in computer networking to be able to read this and pass the exam. All the different protocols which are on the exam were covered in detail here. It covered the IOS real well, the different parts of Cisco switches and routers and troubleshooting. The chapter on Access Lists covered the exam questions real well. I felt real comfortable and passed with a 92%. Warning though: The test is not easy and if you don't understand the material in the book, you won't pass. If you know the book and do the questions and exercises you'll pass. It's all in there.