CCNP books

pty1196

I will take CCNA soon and it should be fine.
So I searched for CCNA books:

(1) Publisher: Cisco Press; 1 edition (March 5, 2010)
http://www.amazon.com/Routing-Switching-Official-Certification-Library/dp/1587202247/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312303684&sr=8-1

(2) Publisher: Sybex; 1 edition (May 11, 2009)
Amazon.com: Cisco Network Professional's Advanced Internetworking Guide (CCNP Series) (9780470383605): Patrick J. Conlan: Books&

Which one should I go for? I like Sybex book (I guess it is easier to read) but this book states: "May 11, 2009". If I read Sybex book, will I be able to pass current CCNP exams?

Thanks.

CCIEWANNABE

Yeah, I would definitely go with Cisco Press on this purchase. Spend the extra 40 bucks and go Cisco. Its worth it IMO. If you need anything else let me know.

MrBrian

I think both books can help you learn the material, granted you spend enough time doing labs to reinforce the information you read. I actually had both of those books (well 3 since the Cisco press has icnd1/2), but that's just because I wanted more than one source. I liked the way the Sybex book taught subnetting, and the method from that book is the way I subnet in my head. Everyone has there own way, just find what works for you.

I would say the Sybex book is a much easier read, but the Cisco Press books point out the "key topics," making it easier when you're reviewing. Both are good books. Also, if you choose to go the CCENT-->CCNA path, instead of just taking the CCNA, you should probably get the Cisco Press books, because all the topics are obviously in their respective books. Whereas the Sybex book has all the information, but not necessarily in order of the CCENT. So you'll have to look at the exam objectives, and then see what chapters in the Sybex book to study.

DPG

Please note that the Sybex books are not up to date with the new CCNP exams.

Mierdin

One of the CCIEs I work with told me that the "Routing TCP/IP" Vol1/2 books were really good for CCNP, and still provide value at the IE level.

I usually over-invest in book materials so that they can still be used as a reference even after the certification. Practice tests, videos, and practice labs are useful for the main portion of the study period.

Forsaken_GA

Mierdin wrote: »

One of the CCIEs I work with told me that the "Routing TCP/IP" Vol1/2 books were really good for CCNP, and still provide value at the IE level.

I would hope that they provide value at the CCIE level, since they're part of the CCIE Professional Development line

The Doyle books are the bibles of Cisco routing, they're pretty much mandatory reads if you want to be a good R&S engineer.

And I do recommend CCNP candidates read them. Maybe not cover to cover, but it should be able to clear up any questions that may arise during the course of CCNP studying.

I'd also recommend ordering directly from Cisco Press. If you take their short survey, the discount is 40%, and for most of their books, they offer access to them via Safari for 90 days. This will allow you to take the free shipping option, beat amazon's price, and you can start reading as soon as your order is complete if you so desire.

Panzer919

I would recomend not getting the OCG and going for the FLG. It has much more information and alot of examples.

nel

Panzer919 wrote: »

I would recomend not getting the OCG and going for the FLG. It has much more information and alot of examples.

If i had to choose between one of these it would be the FLG too. the OCG is full of mistakes and rather badly written imo, which shocked me cos i loved odoms style for the NA books. The FLG writting style is more to my taste, like the OP said it has more information, but at times it can seem to waffle on too much. Ive found whichever book you go for make sure you lab like a mo fo to help nail what you read...im finding its helping me. also the cbt nuggets route series is also worth a watch.

For any gaps check out the routing tcp/ip doyle books. priceless.

Chris_

Yeah got to agree the OCG is pretty awful - I bought the CCNP OCG library and wish I'd done my research on here before I did. Luckily I got my hands on the BSCI authorised self study guide - which is basically the previous edition of the FLG for Route, so now I have a starting reference for IS-IS and multicast if I need them.

VAHokie56

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

I would hope that they provide value at the CCIE level, since they're part of the CCIE Professional Development line

The Doyle books are the bibles of Cisco routing, they're pretty much mandatory reads if you want to be a good R&S engineer.

And I do recommend CCNP candidates read them. Maybe not cover to cover, but it should be able to clear up any questions that may arise during the course of CCNP studying.

I'd also recommend ordering directly from Cisco Press. If you take their short survey, the discount is 40%, and for most of their books, they offer access to them via Safari for 90 days. This will allow you to take the free shipping option, beat amazon's price, and you can start reading as soon as your order is complete if you so desire.

I hate to ask a stupid question but when you say "Doyle books" you are reffering to Routing TCP/IP, Volume 1 & 2 ?

Bl8ckr0uter

VAHokie56 wrote: »

I hate to ask a stupid question but when you say "Doyle books" you are reffering to Routing TCP/IP, Volume 1 & 2 ?

That's what he means.

Netwurk

Get the free trial at Safari Books Online - Home and you can get full access to almost all the Cisco, Sybex, O'Reilly, and other books you'll need.

Then you can grab the hardcover copies of the best books or pay the monthly fee and keep reading online. The one thing they don't have is the lab books with a few exceptions.

At least one Cisco Press book will probably be a must. Once you get beyond CCNA, not many publishers can keep up with all the changes in the objectives.