Starting CCNA

WingedTek

Hello all,

I've been looking around the forum to get a feel of where to start in the CCNA program. I'm somewhat not to experienced with higher end Cisco hardware. Should I start out with getting acouple books? If so which books? Also I see lots of sites offering Cisco lab packages that include a router an switch with misc cabling....would I need these kits to help me understand the material? Will these labs I do be on the test? Thanks in advance if you can help me on these topics!

John

Netstudent

What worked best for me was to read the sybex 5th edition by tod lammle first, then I read cisco press ICND next. Then crossreferenced between them. Most preassembled kits are too expensive in my opinion. You can build your own for half the price. For the best possible studying, you will need 3 routers and 2 switches. You need one router that has at least 2 serial interfaces to make a frame-re;ay switch. The others should have at least 1 serial interface. You also need a router that can do intervlan routing.

The test is changing in November6th. IF you can;t get it done by then, you might want to consider buying the new books that I think are coming out in the end of August or early september.

WingedTek

ah okay so do other people think I should wait for the new books to come out or what? Also what do you mean "build" your own? Do you mean get items separately from places such as eBay? Can you list for me some good Cisco routers and switchs to complete a kit? Please let me know...Thanks!!

Netstudent

It depends on how much money you want to spend. YOu can get 3 or 4 2500's and 2 2924's for pretty cheap. One of those 2500's would need to be a 2520 for a frame-relay switch, and one would need to do intervlan routing. Only thing is, those models wont be good for CCNP.

If you want something a little more "high-end" YOu could get 2 or 3 2600's, a 2950 switch and a 2924 switch, or just a couple 2924's. You would need some cards for those routers though. Like some WIC-1T's and maybe a NM-4as.

read the stickies, there are lots of info about homelabs.

Darthn3ss

i'd hold off until updated books are out since the CCNA exam did change recently. the last day to test is early november. i'd also hold off on buying much equipment. ie, you may not need a frame switch and all that.