Labs

in CCNA & CCENT
Hello,
Well i am on chapter 5 of the cisco press CCENT/CCNA ICND1 book and i am loving all the great information. My concern is the lab aspect of it. I have decided to take the two test route to my CCNA and for now have decided to use packet tracer as a means of practicing the hands on for at least my CCENT test. My first question is should this be enough or do i need real equipment? My second question is where do i find labs for packet tracer and how do i learn the program to know if i am doing anything right? I have messed around with it for a while but i just need more tutorials and labs that give me a step by step so i can understand the process.
Thanks
Well i am on chapter 5 of the cisco press CCENT/CCNA ICND1 book and i am loving all the great information. My concern is the lab aspect of it. I have decided to take the two test route to my CCNA and for now have decided to use packet tracer as a means of practicing the hands on for at least my CCENT test. My first question is should this be enough or do i need real equipment? My second question is where do i find labs for packet tracer and how do i learn the program to know if i am doing anything right? I have messed around with it for a while but i just need more tutorials and labs that give me a step by step so i can understand the process.
Thanks
Bachelors of Science in Computer Science - University Of Houston (Downtown)
Comments
As for labs, well i started with the labs from Todd Lammles sybex CCNA study guide. That should be enough to get you started. Also the Chris Bryant (train signal) material is very good for labs. I bought his ultimate CCNA study guide which really helped.
Another good option for labs is the CBT Nuggets videos. I followed along with the guy and set up the networks like in his videos. Very helpful in drilling in the concepts.
Instead of using Packtracer I would recommend checking out GNS3.
CCIE R&S - using INE workbooks & videos
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