Attempting CCNA

bluegoon

Hey guys, well long story short, did the ICND 1 class about a year ago. Now looking to write the CCNA exam.

Im armed with Packet Tracer, Tod Lammle's CCNA Sybex book, and the ICND1 / ICND 2 CBT Nugget vid series.

If you guys wont mind im going to use this thread to ask questions etc.

Question 1.0

In the Sybex CCNA book, Todd puts a LOT of focus (Feels like it), on the SDM, what are the chances of facing it in the exam? Just asking because the CBT guys dont seem to put all that much focus.

Question 1.1

I have noticed that, in the Sybex book for instance, VLSM is explained and tested around Class C addresses, same in the CBT nuggets! Is there a reason for this? Does the CCNA requirements mainly hover around class C for some reasons?

Question 1.2

Should I be prepared to face Layer 3 switches in the exam?

Question 1.3

Not sure if this has already been covered, but can you use the "?" handle in the CLI in the exam? *If so, would feel ALOT better!*

Question 1.4

Setting up passwords, encryption etc is fine. But with SSH, setting up the ssh domain server? Not too sure about this one, would they, for instance, supply the SSH domain in the exam when setup is required?

mikej412

SDM is mentioned in the exam blueprint(s) -- so be prepared to dazzle Cisco with your SDM skills and knowledge.

Layer 3 switch on the CCNA? If you have one somewhere it will either be for decoration or probably functioning as a layer 2 switch.

You can use ? and TAB in the SIMs. The SIMLETs may be different story if they are testing you on your knowledge (and existence) of a specific commands to answer the questions. You should always learn the complete command first -- then worry later about learning the shortest abbreviation later.

They should give you the information you need to setup SSH to meet their requirements. Without checking the task list, if you can set up 2 routers so that you can use SSH from either one to connect to the other, then you've probably got the knowledge you need.

steve514

Hey Bluegoon,

With regards to the "?" availability on the actual exam. It is available, but in a very controlled form. What I mean is Cisco will only display edited ? results when used for a particular question as to avoid providing you with the answer for the specific command/topic they are covering in that section of the exam.

weaponmaster

CCNA doesn't ask for layer 3 switch, it is for CCNP.

According to the cisco blue print you have to know a little about SDM

640-802 CCNA - IT Certification and Career Paths - Cisco Systems
Access and utilize the router to set basic parameters.(including: CLI/SDM)
Connect, configure, and verify operation status of a device interface
Verify device configuration and network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH or other utilities

the "?" doesn't work the same as the router. If my memory is correct, if you enter inter s0/0, it doesn't like this, you have to enter inter serial 0/0. You can enter encap and hit tab, it will fill it, so it is just depend.