More Cisco CCNA, CCENT, and CCNP candidates than ever before are putting together their own home labs for their certification exam study, and that's a great trend - there's nothing like learning on the real thing!
Part of putting a home lab together is getting the right cables and understanding their usage. In this new Cisco home lab series, we'll take a look at the different cable types and how each fits into your home lab. The first cable type we'll look at is the multi-purpose DTE/DCE cable.
When I say "multi-purpose", I mean that while the cable will always perform the same task, it can be used in several different points in your home lab network. If you're going to have a frame relay switch - and you should get one if at all possible, since having your own frame relay cloud is a tremendous boost to your home lab studies and your exam score - you're going to need a DTE/DCE cable.
You can also use a DTE/DCE cable to directly connect two Cisco router serial interfaces and configure HDLC (the default) or PPP encapsulation over that point-to-point link.
Most of today's DTE/DCE cables have "DTE" clearly stamped on one end of the cable - actually, "DTE" is probably embedded into the connector itself. Naturally, the other end will have "DCE" clearly indicated. It's the DCE end that will connect to your frame relay switch. If you're going to use a direct connection to run PPP or HDLC, it almost doesn't matter which end of the cable is connected to a given router.
Keyword: "almost". You must use the clockrate command on the DCE end of the connection in order to bring the line protocol up.
If you're not sure which end of your DTE/DCE cable is connected to a given serial interface, just use the show controller serial command to get that information. Most of the output of that command isn't comprehensible, but what we need is right on top:
R3#show controller serial 1
HD unit 1, idb = 0x11B4DC, driver structure at 0x121868
buffer size 1524 HD unit 1, V.35 DCE cable
Naturally, if it's the DTE end, you'll see "DTE" there. And if you don't have anything connected to that interface, you'll see "no cable".
Whether you have your own frame relay switch or not, you'll want to pick up some DTE/DCE cables for direct connections between your Cisco home lab router's serial interfaces. Just don't forget to put the clockrate command on the DCE end of the cable! And if you're not familiar with a frame relay switch, check this same website soon for a tutorial that will show you how to set one up.
Just about any Cisco router can serve as a home lab frame relay switch, and once you've got it configured, you're in good shape - but it can be a little maddening to get it up and running in the first place. I'll show you how to avoid that aggravation in the next installment of this Cisco home lab tutorial series!
By,
Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
CCNA free Study Guide
If you are intending to study for the CCNA exam on your own by using CCNA books, rather than taking a course at a school or other Cisco authorized training partner, you might be confused by the vast amount of CCNA preparation material out there. Here are 3 types of books you will definitely need in order to do well for the difficult Cisco CCNA networking certification exam: ALso refer ccna exam review questions answer key posted earlier.
1.CCNA books (self study) - These are the books which provide the main learning and technical material for the CCNA exam. The good books are closely aligned with the CCNA syllabus and updated regularly to keep up with the changes that Cisco makes almost yearly to the CCNA exam. They are usually of a high quality and are written by highly qualified and experienced network engineers. These authors usually have a high-level Cisco technical qualification such as the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), which is the highest level of technical certification given to Cisco network professionals. You should be looking out for such qualities when choosing a good CCNA preparation book.
Exam cram books - These are the books you should be looking at once you are finished with the self-study books. At this point, you should be familiar with the technical written material and understand all the necessary concepts required to pass the CCNA exam. These exam cram books serve as a last minute revision so you can remember the essential concepts required to pass the CCNA. Unfortunately, many of the concepts in the exam are still quite recall-intensive, so using exam cram books to boost your ability to recall the facts is a very good idea.
3.Practice tests - Once you have all the necessary knowledge and facts, as well as a good understanding of the material, you should try out practice tests to ensure that you are able to answer test questions in a simulated test environment. Traditionally, these tests come in a book form where you just complete the questions in a book. These days, there are several computerized test programs where will simulate a real test. These ensure that you have a good feel for the exam before going for the real thing.
by,
Francis W Teo
1.CCNA books (self study) - These are the books which provide the main learning and technical material for the CCNA exam. The good books are closely aligned with the CCNA syllabus and updated regularly to keep up with the changes that Cisco makes almost yearly to the CCNA exam. They are usually of a high quality and are written by highly qualified and experienced network engineers. These authors usually have a high-level Cisco technical qualification such as the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), which is the highest level of technical certification given to Cisco network professionals. You should be looking out for such qualities when choosing a good CCNA preparation book.
Exam cram books - These are the books you should be looking at once you are finished with the self-study books. At this point, you should be familiar with the technical written material and understand all the necessary concepts required to pass the CCNA exam. These exam cram books serve as a last minute revision so you can remember the essential concepts required to pass the CCNA. Unfortunately, many of the concepts in the exam are still quite recall-intensive, so using exam cram books to boost your ability to recall the facts is a very good idea.
3.Practice tests - Once you have all the necessary knowledge and facts, as well as a good understanding of the material, you should try out practice tests to ensure that you are able to answer test questions in a simulated test environment. Traditionally, these tests come in a book form where you just complete the questions in a book. These days, there are several computerized test programs where will simulate a real test. These ensure that you have a good feel for the exam before going for the real thing.
by,
Francis W Teo
Friday, August 28, 2009
Don't Get Caught Off-Guard, Be Prepared
The Cisco certification exam is not easy. On top of that, it's pretty expensive, too, with test takers paying $125-$150. Those taking the certification exam should be as prepared as possible. Being certified should be a one-time deal. No one should have to pay for more than one test. The facet of the test that affects most people being certified is the simulator section. Router simulation via virtual labs and practice tests is a great way to help with test preparation. The CCNA exam is not something to be taken lightly.
The CCNA simulator takes the most time on the test and that is where the majority of the test takers will make or break their test. It is both the toughest portion, and the most important portion. You can't simply answer "C" and move on like you can with several other tests. A simulation router helps the one being certified go through extensive practicals and troubleshooting methods. Router simulators should emulate the actual test design so the students are not caught off guard.
Life can get ahead of some people and study time is at a minimum. On the one hand it is important to take time to study for countless hours and on the other, it is equally wise to save the time studying and study effectively. It's common knowledge that the simulator section is the most time consuming and difficult. Why not have the simulation at your fingertips? That is an effective way to prepare for the test.
It is proven that those who have taken advantage of simulator software score higher and oftentimes get certified the first time they take the exam.
By Paras P
The CCNA simulator takes the most time on the test and that is where the majority of the test takers will make or break their test. It is both the toughest portion, and the most important portion. You can't simply answer "C" and move on like you can with several other tests. A simulation router helps the one being certified go through extensive practicals and troubleshooting methods. Router simulators should emulate the actual test design so the students are not caught off guard.
Life can get ahead of some people and study time is at a minimum. On the one hand it is important to take time to study for countless hours and on the other, it is equally wise to save the time studying and study effectively. It's common knowledge that the simulator section is the most time consuming and difficult. Why not have the simulation at your fingertips? That is an effective way to prepare for the test.
It is proven that those who have taken advantage of simulator software score higher and oftentimes get certified the first time they take the exam.
By Paras P
Cisco Simulator - Pros and Cons of Using a CCNA Virtual Lab to Prepare For Your CCNA Exam
Using a Cisco simulator is a popular way to prepare for the practical aspect of the CCNA. Having hands-on practical experience in the configuration of Cisco IOS is important both for passing the CCNA and for your CCNA career. The alternative to using a CCNA virtual lab is to purchase either new or used Cisco switches and routers and hook them up at home to use as a practice lab. Here are some pros and cons of using a Cisco simulator to prepare for your CCNA:
Pros:
Cisco simulators are cheap - This is the number one reason why people turn to using CCNA virtual labs instead of the real thing. The cost of real Cisco switches and routers is extremely high, even if you buy them used. For a CCNA student on a budget, this is not a very feasible option. Cisco simulators can be purchased cheaply for $150 or below and are definitely a cost effective option.
Built in lab scenarios - The virtual labs comprise not only a simulation, but also training materials as well. The good CCNA virtual lab packages usually have built in scenarios which will guide you step by step through the commands you need to know. These scenarios are usually written by highly qualified instructors. This is a feature that you'll need to get separately via lab manuals if you buy a real lab.
Convenient - Unlike a home lab, you can install the Cisco simulator program on your laptop and bring it with you so you can get practice anywhere and anytime even if you aren't connected to the internet. Many CCNA students do not have that much time to study and this is a great way to maximize study time.
Cons:
Not a complete simulation - Any CCNA virtual lab cannot possibly simulate all portions of Cisco IOS or support all the commands of the real IOS. Such CCNA simulators are simply a training aid. If you are using it for your CCNA, it is definitely more than sufficient. If you are intending to explore completely all the functions of the Cisco IOS router or switch, you'll probably want to look at using a home lab.
Not a real router - The Cisco simulator also cannot simulate the real routing of packets. For a real lab, you can integrate it with your home and office network to have a real feel of how packets and frames are switched and routed through the network. This is simply not possible with a mere simulation.
Despite all the cons, I still highly recommend using a CCNA simulator to get some needed hands-on practice on Cisco IOS. It is definitely the most cost effective way to do this for any new CCNA network engineer.
To find out more about how to choose the right Cisco simulator or what to consider when buying a CCNA virtual lab, mail to itmaster.us@gmail.com
by
Francis W Teo
Pros:
Cisco simulators are cheap - This is the number one reason why people turn to using CCNA virtual labs instead of the real thing. The cost of real Cisco switches and routers is extremely high, even if you buy them used. For a CCNA student on a budget, this is not a very feasible option. Cisco simulators can be purchased cheaply for $150 or below and are definitely a cost effective option.
Built in lab scenarios - The virtual labs comprise not only a simulation, but also training materials as well. The good CCNA virtual lab packages usually have built in scenarios which will guide you step by step through the commands you need to know. These scenarios are usually written by highly qualified instructors. This is a feature that you'll need to get separately via lab manuals if you buy a real lab.
Convenient - Unlike a home lab, you can install the Cisco simulator program on your laptop and bring it with you so you can get practice anywhere and anytime even if you aren't connected to the internet. Many CCNA students do not have that much time to study and this is a great way to maximize study time.
Cons:
Not a complete simulation - Any CCNA virtual lab cannot possibly simulate all portions of Cisco IOS or support all the commands of the real IOS. Such CCNA simulators are simply a training aid. If you are using it for your CCNA, it is definitely more than sufficient. If you are intending to explore completely all the functions of the Cisco IOS router or switch, you'll probably want to look at using a home lab.
Not a real router - The Cisco simulator also cannot simulate the real routing of packets. For a real lab, you can integrate it with your home and office network to have a real feel of how packets and frames are switched and routed through the network. This is simply not possible with a mere simulation.
Despite all the cons, I still highly recommend using a CCNA simulator to get some needed hands-on practice on Cisco IOS. It is definitely the most cost effective way to do this for any new CCNA network engineer.
To find out more about how to choose the right Cisco simulator or what to consider when buying a CCNA virtual lab, mail to itmaster.us@gmail.com
by
Francis W Teo
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