INTRO exam - simulation labs?

fbarsoba

Hi guys,

I have just starting studying for the CCNA.. I've got a masters in networking, so I should be able to kill this thing in three-four months (i hope so at least )... but I'd like to go first for the INTRO and then the ICND.

My question is about the INTRO exam, the simulation labs. Are there simulation lab questions in the INTRO exam? If so, are they at the same difficulty level as in the ICND?

thanks for your answers and good luck to those preparing for the CCNA like me!

Fernando

Paul Boz

Boson Netsim for the CCNA, as well as Dynamips (Which is free) are both valid and wise sim/emulation software.

fbarsoba

thanks for your answer, but perhaps I did not phrase my question correctly.

It is my understanding that the INTRO exam contains lab questions (perhaps configuring a router, copying configuration files into a file, etc.). I'd like to know how much I should prepare for those lab questions, that is, what kind of lab questions do most commonly appear.

From other posts in this forum, the true hands on exam is the ICND, so I'd like to pass the INTRO as quickly as possible and then concentrate on the ICND spending more time on lab exercises.


thanks!
Fernando

Paul Boz

You don't need someone to administer a lab for you to study this stuff. Just set up a simple LAN using a few routers and a routing protocol and you're fine. As you read the book of your choice just experiment with the commands and configurations and you'll get it.

Bob_the_Goon

I think fbarsoba is asking whether or not the Intro exam contains any simulation questions.

As I haven't taken the exam before I'm not in a position to comment, but I'm sure somebody out there will know the answer to this???

Bob the Goon

Netstudent

Yes the Intro will probably have a Hands on type of question. How much experience do you have with Cisco hardware? You stated you had a masters in IT so the intro should be no problem. The ICND is the one you will have to crunch for. The "hands-on" type of questions will be less difficult than ICND. This is what I have learned from other people that have taken the test.

fbarsoba wrote:

(i hope so at least ).

I hope so too...but if you have a Masters then you have the aptitude to pass the test. It's not really a matter of if, but when.

markieman31

both the INTRO and ICND exams do contain SIMs. I took both exams back in March. Personally, I found the SIM on the ICND easier then on the INTRO exam. The ICND simulation required more router command knowledge...but it was actually less work and less configuring.

The simulations give you maybe a network diagram, a few routers, maybe a PC. When you click a router a type of hyper terminal window pops up and allows you to config the router...you may need to telnet into the other routers from that one to config. them.

You'll need to know your subnetting, as you might need to figure out IP addresses, what should be where, maybe need to assign an IP or mask to a router or a static route. Know your config command as i don't think the /? works in the simulations...but not positive on that one.

know your commands and know your subnetting.

But yes...simulation question or questions on both the INTRO and ICND exams.

fbarsoba

Thanks for your answers, guys.. very helpful

I do not have access to Cisco gear, but I think the Boson NetSim should do it.. It is clear I should prepare for some lab questions in the INTRO exam..

I'll keep you posted on my progress

thanks!
Fernando