|
> I just started studying CCNA, can i get some advice?? what should i be
focus
> on when i study? > > thx > Hi Jimmy, I took the CCNA a couple months ago. Although I took the 1.0
exam, by most accounts the 2.0 seems to cover most of the same things, with some
additions. But these basic things probably haven't changed
much:
- Subnetting, know it cold. As a veteran of several other
certification tracks, I wouldn't rate Cisco's subnetting questions as too very
difficult, but you do need to know your stuff.
- Access Lists (ACLs): Any syntax questions are fair game on the exam,
expect them. You should definitely know what range of ACLs goes with which
protocol (i.e. 100-199 are extended IP). Know how ACLs handle wildcard
masks. Remember as much of the syntax as you can, especially for IP ACLs,
it's pretty unlikely that you'll get any complex esoteric ones like IPX, but it
is possible.
- Know basic switching functions, know how switching works, the different
methods of switching (store-and-forward and cut-through) and know what switching
accomplishes (breaks up broadcast domains).
- Know the differences between the two routing algorhythms, distance-vector
and linked-state, as well as hybrid. Especially know some of the methods
that distance vector uses to overcome its limitations, such as split horizon and
route poisoning. Also know what routing protocols are examples of each
method, and know the basics of each protocol; like the rate at which they
exchange routes, etc. RIP and IGRP were the ones I remember seeing
most.
- Know all the WAN protocols, the terminology associated with each, and the
way in which they work. Know the protocols associated with them, and know
what general WAN technology they use (ie. circuit-switched vs. packet
switched). Also know some of the basic router commands for implementing
the WAN protocols.
- Be comfortable with IOS. I would recommend finding access to a
router for this one and poking around in it, or possibly a router simulation
program, though I've never tried one.
I know it sounds like a lot, but the test as a whole isn't that bad.
If you study thoroughly you'll have no problem. I was quite nervous about
the test, I had certified extensively in Microsoft and Novell, and had heard
people say that the Cisco tests were much more challenging. And I'm
finding that true with the CCNP exams. But for the CCNA you should have no
problem as long as you learn your stuff. The New Riders book on the CCNA
in my opinion had great practice questions at about the level of the actual
test, including a couple straight from the test.
Good luck studying, be sure to let everyone know when you pass.
~Seth~ |
- Question regarding CCNA JimmyL
- Seth Wilson
