CCNA Self-Study: CCNA Preparation Library (640-801) (6th Edition) [Hardcover]

Stephen McQuerry (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1587051842 | ISBN-13: 978-1587051845 | Publication Date: March 29, 2004 | Edition: 6

Cisco authorized self-study books for CCNA 640-801 foundation learning

Early-stage preparation for CCNA exam 640-801 with Cisco authorized self-study tutorials

• CCNA Self-Study: Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) presents fundamental internetworking terms, concepts, and components and shows you how to apply this information to configure basic network connectivity via serial and LAN networks using PCs, hubs, routers, and switches. You will master topics on network types, network media, switching fundamentals, TCP/IP, IP addressing and routing, WAN technologies, operating and configuring Cisco IOS devices, and managing network environments.
• CCNA Self-Study: Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND), Second Edition, teaches you how to use Cisco Catalyst switches and Cisco routers connected in LANs and WANs typically found at small to medium-sized network sites. You will learn how to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot the various Cisco networking devices.

CCNA Self-Study: CCNA Preparation Library, Sixth Edition, is a detailed tutorial for the new CCNA exams. Containing two early-stage exam preparation tutorials, CCNA Self-Study: Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) and CCNA Self-Study: Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND), Second Edition, this value-priced bundle provides you with two best-selling Cisco authorized, self-paced learning tools for CCNA foundation learning. These self-study books are comprehensive, foundation-learning tools that provide general training on building and supporting Cisco networks as well as early-stage exam preparation. They present you with the knowledge needed to identify and recommend the best Cisco solutions for small to medium-sized businesses. They teach you how to perform all the basic configuration procedures to build a multirouter, multigroup internetwork that uses LAN and WAN interfaces for the most commonly used routing and routed protocols.

CCNA Self-Study: Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) helps you become literate in the basics of internetworking, TCP/IP, and the use of Cisco IOS Software on Cisco switches and routers. An excellent introduction to computer networking, this book addresses fundamental terms and concepts as well as basic procedures for working with the Cisco command-line interface (CLI) to configure and operate Cisco IOS devices. Upon completion of this comprehensive tutorial, you will be able to describe and identify major network and WAN components along with their functions and purposes.

CCNA Self-Study: Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND), Second Edition, teaches you how to use Cisco Catalyst switches and Cisco routers in connected LANs and WANs. After you read this book, you will have the skills to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot a variety of Cisco networking devices. Part I introduces you to basic networking concepts and setting up and configuring Cisco Catalyst switches and VLANs. Part II explores the operation and configuration of routers within the internetwork. Part III looks beyond the campus network and discusses connecting devices across widely dispersed geographic locations.

Full of detailed information and easy-to-grasp tutorials, this value-priced package forms a comprehensive library for CCNA self-study. Through the chapter-ending review questions, exercises, case studies, and key term definitions, you will gain a thorough understanding of the topics covered on the CCNA exams. Whether you are preparing to become CCNA certified or are just seeking an introduction to building and maintaining small networks, you will benefit from the information presented in these books.

CCNA Self-Study: CCNA Preparation Library, Sixth Edition, is part of a recommended study program from Cisco Systems that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press. To find out more about instructor-led, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered by authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide, please visit: www.cisco.com/go/authorizedtraining.

This volume is in the Certification Self-Study Series offered by Cisco Press. Books in this series provide officially developed training solutions to help networking professionals understand technology implementations and prepare for the Cisco Career Certifications examinations.

158705184203152004

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Steve McQuerry, CCIE No. 6108, is an instructor, technical writer, and internetworking consultant with more than 10 years of networking industry experience. He is a certified Cisco Systems instructor teaching routing and switching concepts to internetworking professionals worldwide. Steve is also a consultant with Intrellix, LLC (www.intrellix.com), an internetworking consulting company specializing in post sales consulting services.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1024 pages
• Publisher: Cisco Press; 6 edition (March 29, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587051842
• ISBN-13: 978-1587051845
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.7 x 3.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,655,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Solid Place to Start Your CCNA Preperation, April 27, 2008

By 

Sean Conway (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: CCNA Preparation Library (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)

Those just starting out on their Cisco certification journey will find these books to be quite helpful. They covered the basic theories well such as the OSI model, IP addressing and network topologies. Additionally, these theories were applied using various examples taken from network design, router and switch configurations, and troubleshooting some of the more common problems that can occur on a day to day basis.

One significant difference in these books from past study guides that I've read, is the concept summary within each chapter. In addition to the usual chapter ending summary, there are what I would I call concept summaries. After each new concept there was a brief summary, which I found made the chapter as a whole easier to digest. There are plenty of examples to reinforce the theory including photos of equipment.

The books lined up well with the exam topics found on Cisco's web site. I feel that the material provides a solid beginning to anyone's CCNA preparation. Even though the section on the SDM utility was adequate, the SDM utility is really something that you really need to use to fully understand. The books were a bit light on lab examples, so I would recommend additional material as well as actual hands on lab time. However, these books combined with the current version of the CCNA Exam Guide, will provide a solid base of knowledge to take the CCNA exam.

The only thing that I would like to see differently would be the addition of a 'recommended reading' section. I always found those additional references to be helpful. The most significant source for more information would of course be Cisco's web site. Cisco has developed a CCNA Prep Center. The site has plenty of web casts, practice labs and practice questions. The site is free, you just have to register.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book you cannot afford to miss if you're serious about your CCNA certification!, October 12, 2008

By 

Christos Partsenidis (Thessaloniki, Greece - www.Firewall.cx) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: CCNA Preparation Library (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)

I've recently had the chance to use and review the Authorised Self Study Guide CCNA and here are my thoughts/views.

Initially, on seeing the pack arrive on my desk, I was filled with dread. Here were two books about Cisco equipment that I had to read through, and which would theoretically give me all the skills I need to undertake the exam, which is quite a tall order, and I don't like doing exams and would rather just learn by using (and breaking) the equipment. So, imagine my surprise when I started to read the first book, and discovered that it wasn't as scary as I thought.

The first book in the set in designed around the ICND1 part of the exam. I opened the book and was very glad to see that the lessons started "right at the beginning" The book works on the idea that you have never done any computer network stuff before and takes you step by step through the basics. One of the things I enjoyed about the initial part of the book was that it didn't just "jump right in" but took time to explain the history of what it was teaching to help you understand more. As the book progressed I came to enjoy the history lessons, and the light and easy reading style of the book. Throughout the book, all the little acronyms are turned into "beginners speak" so you don't get lost in the terminology.

I found the progression of chapter in the book to be very clever. Before you move on to the next chapter, you will have covered quite thoroughly everything you need to understand the concept of the chapter. However, to make sure you have, they provide test questions at the end of each chapter. I have to admit that having got some of the answers wrong, I've gone back and re-read the section concerned. The one thing I feel would have been a nice addition would have been some software. My colleague had the chance to review the Cramm Study book and that has a simulated test/learning environment CD. I feel this might have been a good addition to the Lab Books, but maybe next time.

The further into the book you get, obviously the more technical it gets. At this point, I'd have started to get worried and "run away". However, the book still managed to keep a light and easy style, thus making the difficult technical stuff easy to understand. One of the great things I found about the books is that sometimes there are concepts and ideas that you just can't read. The people writing these books have obviously had occasions like that, and to resolve this, they put lots of pictures, screen shots etc. To me this was a blessing; there were occasions where the concept just didn't make any sense to me. However, the diagrams and screenshots made up for that. I found some of the diagrams and tables so useful that I've made my own version of them and now have them on and around my desk to help keep the ideas fresh in my mind.

One of the other benefits we can't miss to mention about the book, is the popular 'Safari Service'. No it's not something you do in a Landrover in the desert somewhere far off land. I'll let the book explain.

"This book is safari enabled"

The safari enabled icon on the cover of your favourite technology book means the bok is available through Safari Bookshelf. When you buy this book, you get free access to the online edition for 45 days.

Safari Bookshelf is an electronic reference library that lets you easily search thousands of technical books, find code samples, download chapters, and access technical information whenever and wherever you need it.

To gain 45-day Safari Enabled access to this book

Go to the website in the book and enter the code on the inside of the book.

Cool huh?

So, all in all, I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about Cisco equipment but doesn't know where to start.

Note to Editor.

My 9/10 rating was purely because I would have liked to see an accompanying CD with test questions/test exam. However, on a purely book review basis, I'd give the book a 10/10

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not for CCNA Test Preparation, April 1, 2010

By 

A. Sutono, a.k.a., The Observer - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: CCNA Self-Study: CCNA Preparation Library (640-801) (6th Edition) (Hardcover)

I felt misled when I bought this text. I thought it is intended for those who don't plan to take the class, but plan to take the test. If you plan to take the CCNA test, get the official exam certification guide, definitely not this one. The materials covered in the self-study are inadequate to prepare one to take the test, though they are still useful. The author does a good job showing the structure of OSI layers, how they compare to TCP/IP structure, the packet, frame and segment format for the transport and network access (or data-link) layers, how the packets flow through switches and routers. The subnetting section, perhaps the most important skill one needs to understand when working with a network, describes a slow but more scientific way to analyze IP addressing schemes, while the exam certification guide adds the quick and dirty method to help test-takers answer the exam questions more efficiently. In addition, this self-study text has very limited practice problems while the official guide has extensive drills and summary sections to ensure students truly understand the subnetting and other networking concepts. In fact, the official guide also comes with the test software by Boson that covers all possible exam question types and the Network simulation tool.