Become a CCENT and CCNA R/S?
Cisco, like Microsoft and other vendors that provide certification, has created the certification process to give administrators a set of skills and to equip prospective employers with a way to measure those skills or match certain criteria. And as you probably know, becoming a CCNA R/S is certainly the initial, key step on a successful journey toward a new, highly rewarding, and sustainable networking career.
The CCNA program was created to provide a solid introduction not only to the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) and Cisco hardware but also to internetworking in general, making it helpful to you in areas that are not exclusively Cisco's. And regarding today's certification process, it's not unrealistic that network managers – even those without Cisco equipment – require Cisco certifications for their job applicants.
Rest assured that if you make it through the CCNA and are still interested in Cisco and internetworking, you're headed down a path to certain success!
What Skills Do You Need to Become a CCENT?
This ICND1 exam tests a candidate for the knowledge and skills required to successfully install, operate, and troubleshoot a small branch office network.
The exam includes questions on the operation of IP data networks, LAN switching technologies, IPv6, IP routing technologies, IP services network device security, and basic troubleshooting.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a CCNA R/S After You Have Passed ICND1?
The Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (200-105 ICND2) exam is a 90-minute, 45–55 question assessment that is associated with the CCNA Routing and Switching certification. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills related to LAN switching technologies, IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, and infrastructure maintenance.
Another test you can take instead of taking both of the ICND1 and ICND2 is the composite CCNA v3.0 exam, number 200-125.
How Do You Become a CCNA R/S with Just One Test?
The way to become a CCNA R/S is to pass one little test (CCNA composite exam 200-125) without having to take the CCENT and ICND2 exams. Then.poof!.you're a CCNA R/S. Oh, but don't you wish it were that easy? True, it's just one test, but it's a whopper, and to pass it you must possess enough knowledge to understand what the test writers are saying and you need to know everything I mentioned in the sections above! Hey, it's hard, but it can be done!
What does it cover? The 200-125 CCNA exam is the composite exam associated with the CCNA Routing and Switching certification. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Todd Lammle authorized Cisco boot camps. This composite exam tests a candidate for the knowledge and skills required to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small to medium-size enterprise branch network. The topics include all of the areas covered under the 100-105 ICND1 and 200-105 ICND2 exams.
You can take the one composite test (200-125), but it is good to remember that Cisco offers the two-step process to become a CCNA as I discussed earlier in this introduction. It may be easier for you than taking that one ginormous exam, but don't think the two-test method is easy. It takes work! However, it can be done; you just need to stick with your studies. The two-test method involves passing the following:
■ Exam 100-105: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1)
■ Exam 200-105: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2)
I can't stress this point enough: It's critical that you have some hands-on experience with Cisco routers. If you can get a hold of some basic routers and switches, you're set, but if you can't, I've worked hard to provide hundreds of configuration examples throughout this book to help network administrators, or people who want to become network administrators, learn the skills they need to pass the CCENT and CCNA R/S exams.
What Does This Book Cover?
This book covers everything you need to know to pass the ICND2 200-105 exam. But as I've said, taking plenty of time to study and practice with routers or a router simulator is the real key to success.
You will learn the following information in this book:
Chapter 1: Enhanced Switched Technologies This chapter will start off with STP protocols and dive into the fundamentals, covering modes as well as various fl avors of STP. VLANs, trunks, and troubleshooting are covered as well. EtherChannel technologies, configuration, and verification are also covered. There are hands-on labs, a written lab, and plenty of review questions to help you. Do not even think of skipping the fundamental written and hands-on labs in this chapter!
Chapter 2: Network Device Management and Security This chapter describes how to mitigate threats at the access layer using various security techniques. AAA with RADIUIS and TACACS+, SNMP, and HSRP are also covered in this chapter. Don't skip the written lab and review questions at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 3: Enhanced EIGRP This is a full chapter on nothing but EIGRP and EIGRPv6. There are lots of examples, including configurations, verification, and troubleshooting labs, with both IP and with IPv6. Great hands-on labs are included, as well as a written lab and review questions.
Chapter 4: Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) This chapter dives into more complex dynamic routing by covering OSPF routing. The written lab, hands-on labs, and review questions will help you master this vital routing protocol.
Chapter 5: Multi-Area OSPF Before reading this chapter, be sure you have the previous chapter down pat with a strong OSPF foundation. This chapter will take off where that CCENT OSPF chapter left off and add multi-area networks along with advanced configurations and then finish with OSPFv3. Hands-on labs, a written lab, and challenging review questions await you at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting IP, IPV6, and VLANs I want to say this is the most important chapter in the book, but that's hard to do. You can decide that yourself when you take the exam! Be sure to go through all the troubleshooting steps for IP, IPv6 and VLANs. The hands-on labs for this chapter will be included in the free bonus material and be dynamic labs that I'll write and change as needed. Don't skip the written lab and review questions.
Chapter 7: Wide Area Networks This is the longest chapter in the book. It covers multiple protocols in depth, especially HDLC, PPP, MLP, and PPPoE, along with a new section on BGP. Good troubleshooting examples are provided in the PPP PPPoE and BGP configuration sections, and these cannot be skipped! Hands-on labs meant to focus squarely on the objectives are included at the end of the chapter, as well as a written lab and challenging review questions.
Chapter 8: Evolution of Intelligent Networks I saved the hardest chapter for last. What makes this chapter challenging is that there is no configuration section so you really need to dive deep into the cloud, APIC-EM, and QoS sections with an open and ready mind. I stuck as close to the objectives as possible in order to help you ace the exam. The written lab and review questions are spot on for the objectives.
Appendix A: Answers to Written Labs This appendix contains the answers to the book's written labs.
Appendix
