With CIM Router Basics, you can gain an understanding of routing principles and the Cisco IOS® command-line interface (CLI), which is used to configure and manage Cisco routers. Offering self-paced instruction and practice, this robust learning tool gives you a quick and cost-effective way to acquire Cisco knowledge and expertise. From an overview of the Cisco IOS CLI architecture to the application of Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), you’ll learn how to configure Cisco 4000 series routers for basic operation, how to establish connectivity between routers in an internetwork, and how to perform fundamental maintenance tasks. Based on techniques developed by the Cisco Technical Assistance Center engineers, you’ll practice router initialization, status evaluation, password recovery, updating software images, and TCP/IP and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) configurations. An excellent preparation tool for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
When it says basics, it means basic. The software is fine and runs well for what it does, but it doesn't offer that much for the beginning student and practically nothing for the prospective CCNA--making it very pricey for the environment it offers. Be warned.
The program starts off with several pages' worth of instruction on routing basics, but all told there are probably about 30 pages' worth of data total in Cisco Interactive Mentor Router Simulator. The data is sparse but fairly well written, getting the few points across that it needs to--and hyperlinked generously to various definitions and illustrations for those not familiar with routing concepts. There are extremely simple pop quizzes that show up, throw out a softball question or two, and disappear. The real selling point of this is the CIM Simulator, which emulates a Cisco router and allows you to fool around with it.
The method of teaching on the simulator is fairly simple--you get into the simulator and press "Play," and a cheerful female voice tells you what commands to press and what buttons to push to get the "router" to do what you need it to. A command reference is a button-click away. The exercises cover a couple of basic topics--simple configuration, password recovery, downloading images from TFTP servers, and TCP/IP and RIP configuration. It does well at getting the user to understand the basic functions of these two sections.
Unfortunately, that's the main problem with the software. The CCNA covers many more topics that aren't covered here--things like LAN switch configuration, IGRP and EIGRP, IPX, IP filtering, frame relay, and ISDN... The list goes on. You can enter almost any Cisco command and get the dreaded, "This simulator only supports a subset of the command set a real router offers; please use only the command you're instructed to," including such standbys as "shutdown," "interface," "ping," and "show interfaces." For $150, one would hope that this software would at least get a potential CCNA up to speed beyond the simplest of commands, but apparently not. Given that for $80 you can buy sets of books that will almost guarantee a pass for the CCNA exam and give you a much better router overview, this seems light.
In short, this isn't a bad program, it is just very overpriced for the content it offers. If the price drops to below book levels, you might wish to consider it. --William Steinmetz
From the Publisher
Test-drive the Cisco Interactive Mentor network simulators with three free browser-based demos available from the Cisco Press Web site. With audio/video components, animation, tutorials, quizzes, reference material, configuration labs, and troubleshooting labs, the CIM products are the only comprehensive network simulators available from Amazon.com.
The Cisco Interactive Mentor products do not require you to spend more money on another book in order for you to use them. These are true stand-alone products; all the reference material you need to complete the labs and acquire the knowledge is fully contained within the CIMs. Just search for "Cisco Interactive Mentor" to find all six CIM products here on Amazon.com.
Whether you are preparing for a Cisco certification or just need to get some network experience, turn your desktop into a training lab with CIMs. Visit the Cisco Press Web site for more information on Cisco Interactive Mentor.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I finally have a product to help me train for the CCNA exam!,
By A Customer
This review is from: CIM Router Basics Simulator (Cisco Career Certifications) (CD-ROM)
I must have been using a completely different product, because I have to say that I found that the CIM Router Basics Simulator is probably the most robust simulator product out there. And I believe I actually underpaid what this product should truly be worth. I had tried another simulator on the market, or what I had originally thought to be similiar. After working with collegues here at US West (now Qwest) who are actually using this to train for the CCNA, I've found that this to be anything but similiar. It's light-years ahead. First of all, this is the only simulator that can operate as a standalone product. I had bought the Sybex book and eTrainer (which both must be bought together to form one complete package) and found them to be riddled with mistakes and incomplete areas. I also have a different learning style (which may be perfect for others). I've found the CIM Router basics product is self contained and I understand why Cisco uses this product to teach their own people. The biggest assets here are the troubleshooting labs and quizzes. No other product I've found includes them or are as robust. We heard about this product in Packet Magazine from Cisco Systems. It's the 3rd Quarter 2000 issue. I'd take a look there if you get it and you'll see what I mean. If you are looking for help in learning the CCNA, this is the product that should become the standard.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Cisco CIMS are great but this one is shallow,
This review is from: CIM Router Basics Simulator (Cisco Career Certifications) (CD-ROM)
Don't get me wrong. I have all the Cisco CIM products Cisco Press put out. This one is very shallow and brief. It only covers the RIP Protocol, and the rest is reading and how to type "en" or "conf t" to log into a router and configure it. I blew through this in less than an hour.In my opinion, it is not worth the price. If you know nothing about Cisco routers, than I may say check it out. But if you learn quickly and know even a little about Cisco, spend your money on the next CIm series like Distance Vector Protocols, LAN switching or even the IP Expert Lab. Keep in mind that if you get stuck on a problem in the CIM, you can always view the answer, reflect on it for a couple days, and go back and do it again and try not looking at the answer the second time round. My point here is spend the money for a CIM that will challenge you, not one you'll finish in one evening and set on your shelf or resell on ebay. I have my MCSE and CCNA and am working on my CCNP. If you buy this CIM, you will most likely feel as if you just blew $150 bucks and didn't get much out of it. In fact, you could probably learn more about routing and RIP just by reading the CCNA Exam Certification guide by Cisco Press (excellent book by the way) and come out spending only $40. I value reader reviews so it's very important that I be as honest about this as possible to all individuals thinking of buying this product. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Ridiculous price!,
By Brian13 "Brian13" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
This review is from: CIM Router Basics Simulator (Cisco Career Certifications) (CD-ROM)
Good information but hardly in depth. Router Basics is more than "basic"...it amounts to information on how to change passwords and interface states. The TCP/IP and RIP section only has one lab configuring only RIP on one router.For $150 I expected MUCH more material, more labs (maybe even a "topology creator"), and more testing. I would ask for a way to bookmark my progress but there is so little that I had no problem keeping track of where I was.
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