Boson 8.0 CCNP Path

Hatch1921

Hi all,

Anyone using Netsim and the CCNP labs from Boson? For $575 I'm curious to know if you think the product is worth the time/investment.

Thanks in advance.
Hatch

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Hatch1921

Dude... I didn't go to your link... looked over you forum posts... all 9 were this particular spam.... NO THANKS!!! (REPORTED keep the brackets..)

Anyone out there using Boson to prepare or have used them in the past?

Thanks
Hatch

instant000

I'm using Boson for their practice tests for ROUTE and SWITCH. (I purposely chose not to get one for TSHOOT.)

I don't have much experience with the NetSim product (except in parts that are used during the sims that fire during Boson's exam preps.)

Just keep in mind that it is a simulation.

If you're going to school for Cisco Networking Technology, you should be able to get on hands at school, correct? One big thing is the hands-on portion.

I just did a Skillsoft test to see how well I knew SWITCH, and scored 72%. Anything I hadn't done hands-on labbing with, I was exposed on, as I was asked specific commands about show output and configurations, that I wouldn't know, unless I'd actually gone through the Lab Manual completely. (I haven't gone though it completely.)

My score revealed that I was "correct or partially correct" on 46/52 questions, which doesn't seem so bad, but realizing the score is only 72% shows a lot of weaknesses that can only be properly shored up by going through the Lab Manual.

If you asked about their test practice exams, I am fully confident in those. As far as the simulator, I have no idea.

You can use dynamips for routing, and get a few switches for your MLS practice. That might turn out to be very comparable to 575. Heck, if you only get 3550, you should definitely be able to get 4 for the price of 575. (If you get 3560, then those cost a bit more still.)

However, as I was alluding to earlier, if you can get this through your school, then that would be the advised route.

Hatch1921

instant000 wrote: »

I'm using Boson for their practice tests for ROUTE and SWITCH. (I purposely chose not to get one for TSHOOT.)

I don't have much experience with the NetSim product (except in parts that are used during the sims that fire during Boson's exam preps.)

Just keep in mind that it is a simulation.

If you're going to school for Cisco Networking Technology, you should be able to get on hands at school, correct? One big thing is the hands-on portion.

I just did a Skillsoft test to see how well I knew SWITCH, and scored 72%. Anything I hadn't done hands-on labbing with, I was exposed on, as I was asked specific commands about show output and configurations, that I wouldn't know, unless I'd actually gone through the Lab Manual completely. (I haven't gone though it completely.)

My score revealed that I was "correct or partially correct" on 46/52 questions, which doesn't seem so bad, but realizing the score is only 72% shows a lot of weaknesses that can only be properly shored up by going through the Lab Manual.

If you asked about their test practice exams, I am fully confident in those. As far as the simulator, I have no idea.

You can use dynamips for routing, and get a few switches for your MLS practice. That might turn out to be very comparable to 575. Heck, if you only get 3550, you should definitely be able to get 4 for the price of 575. (If you get 3560, then those cost a bit more still.)

However, as I was alluding to earlier, if you can get this through your school, then that would be the advised route.

Thank you for all the info. I do have access at school... and I will take advantage of the equipment. The school I'm attending is only setup for CCNA level teaching. They are expanding some for CCNAS at the moment. Odds are I will make the move to another school in the fall to take advantage of the CCNP classes and equipment. I think I'm going to pick up the Boson CCNP package just to keep me moving forward with my studies. I like they include all the CCNA labs when you purchase the CCNP package.

Thanks again,
Hatch

nerdydad

Boson's product for TSHOOT is top notch. I really enjoy troubleshooting anyways and found myself staying up until 2 in the morning because I was so consumed.

Hatch1921

nerdydad wrote: »

Boson's product for TSHOOT is top notch. I really enjoy troubleshooting anyways and found myself staying up until 2 in the morning because I was so consumed.

Many thanks for the info. I'm thinking I will pickup the CCNP pack... should be beneficial.

Thanks again,
Hatch

Danielh22185

I've always been a big fan of Boson stuff. I think their simulator tests are challenging and provide good information. I purchased the ExSIM-MAX for ICND2 when I took it and it taught me a lot. I also enjoy their tests as they are laid out very similar to Cisco tests. I have also used the simulator software for ICND2 level stuff. I enjoyed it very much when I was studying for ICND2 because at the time I was not aware of GNS3 or had my own equipment. I will probably stick to GNS3 for my simulation / emulation type stuff but will more than likely purchase the NP ExSIM-MAX exams again to practice test questions.