ICND1 practical - How to go about?

kakoli_basu

Hello all,
I am studying for ICND1. Since my background is engineering, some of the concepts of networking were covered in masters. So initially, I started as self-study. Now, that I have come to LAN switch 2960, I understand that just reading from the book won't do. Is there any switch simulator available so that I can install in my PC and run the commands?
Or, should I go for practising with the real switch, as might be available with some institutes who run the CCNA course?

Regards,
Kakoli

bryantstewart

Switches are hardware based and routers are software based if I understand correctly. It is pretty much self preference as to going the simulator or the actual hardware route. I prefer to go crazy by listening to those loud 3524XL fans while practicing personally.

kakoli_basu

Hello all,
Has anyone had any experience of passing CCNA/CCENT by using only switch-simulator and router-simulator?

Regards,
Kakoli

mikej412

There's a section in the CCNA FAQ about simulators:
: I don’t have any equipment should I buy a Simulator?

People have passed the CCNA using just the Boson Simulator -- it's enough to get by and pass the exam(s) with. But it may put you at a disadvantage when you go for a job interview and are competing with people who've actually studied with real hardware (home lab, work lab, school lab, work experience).

There's also a simulator that will be available from Cisco Press -- but the delivery date has slipped a few times and they now only have the CCENT portion available (with a limited time offer to get the ICND2 portion for free when it becomes available). Info about that is in the http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/32953-finally-good-simulator-ccna-study.html thread.