There is an ongoing debate among network professionals: is it possible (and is it worth it) to prepare for the CCNA exam on your own or? In this article, we would like to give some useful tips to those who have chosen the path of self-preparation for the Cisco CCNA exam.
So, is it possible or not?
The short answer is yes, you can prepare, and not just somehow, but well. Successfully pass industry certification and make a career in the field of networking technologies, while spending a minimum of money. All you need for this is a great desire to achieve success, high level of organization, the ability to plan your time and strictly follow these plans. In short, it is possible if you have a head for more than just wearing a hat!
The preparation process can be divided into two stages - theory and practice.
Theory
Theoretical materials on the Internet - a carriage and a small cart. The problem is not with finding them, but with how to swallow and digest such a volume of information, and not choke.1. Cisco Education Network
An excellent guide for self-study is the Cisco educational network website. Access to site materials is limited, full access is only for registered users, but registration is free.Here you can find a list of topics you need to know to pass industrial certification - Syllabus, get acquainted with the details of the requirements for examinees and such details of the exam itself, such as its completion time and cost.
In the “exam preparation” section - Study/Learn You can view videos and other materials on specific topics, most of which are available for free. In the “workshop” section - Practice, there are test options on individual topics, and in the “Take your exam” section, you can practice performing the certification exam itself in “close to combat” conditions, although not for free.
Thus, the Cisco educational network is the largest and most authoritative resource, always containing verified, up-to-date information for self-study. The only drawback is that all materials are in English. Is this a drawback though? For a modern specialist in the field of computer networks, English should become a native language!
An overview of training programs and training methods in Russian can be found at.
2. Best books
It is also recommended to purchase self-study guides from Cisco Press here. These books are called the official guide to preparing for the CCNA exam, these books have been published for many years Wendell Odom, CCIE 1624, latest edition - 2011 - CCNA 640-802 Official Cert Library, Updated, 3rd Edition.There are also alternative sources of information. For example, books Todd Laemmle, their publication correlates with the release of official guidelines, and often precedes them. The latest CCNA preparation guide from Laemmle was also published in 2011 - CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, 7th Edition. If you compare the prices of books, official manuals are more expensive, the typical cost is $50-100. As for quality, the balance here is not always in favor of official guidelines. The language in which Todd Laemmle writes is more lively than Odom’s and the information in his interpretation is easier to perceive, although this is just my subjective opinion.
3.CBT Nuggets
Another way to learn is through video tutorials from CBT Nuggets, - cbtnuggets.com. True, several dozen video lessons by Jeremy Cioara, as well as books and courses by Todd Laemmle, are not distributed by the authors for free, and all of this is also in English, but they can be found online not only from official distributors.4. Russian-language materials
If with English language There are problems, but I really want to learn, so there are intermediate options:On all of the listed resources you can find interesting, detailed and understandable explanations of individual issues and topics covered in the certification exam, not only in English, but also in Russian. But don’t expect a ready-made and complete training course! You will have to do the systematization of the material and check the assimilation of knowledge yourself, and this is a lot of work. You can say - this is the price for free!
Practice
The second part of the preparation task is practice.To gain practical skills you need equipment: Cisco switches and routers. For how long is such access needed? The question is complex and the answer to it is individual in each specific case; from experience, it is undesirable to have less than 20 hours of total access time during the entire preparation period. Options for obtaining the equipment itself or access to it.
1. Own hardware
Purchase of used equipment. The entire laboratory (3 routers, 3 switches) will cost $300 - $400. The advantage of purchasing equipment is obvious - unlimited access and any time of work on it. And if you are lucky, then you can find the necessary equipment at your work for free.2. Equipment rental
Rent a rack with equipment and connect to it remotely to perform laboratory work. There are many offers of this kind on the Internet. The cost and method of paying rent can vary greatly. From hourly wages of $4-8 per hour to buying rent for weeks and months, for example, 3 months for 200 euros.There are also free offers, the most famous are www.myrouterlab.com and packetlife.net/lab, the latter is temporarily unavailable due to relocation. As always, the free service has a number of limitations - the client is unable to connect SDM or CCP, outdated equipment. You will have to reserve time a week or a month in advance and wait in line, and once you have access, follow certain rules, for example, if you have reserved 2 hours of work for PacketLife, you’ve worked for 10 minutes and are tired of it, then it’s possible that next time you won’t be able to use the service - you’ll get a “ban” for “bad behavior.” If, having reserved 4 hours, you are half an hour late connecting, you may find that you will no longer connect at all, your time has been freed up and someone else has taken it. On paid services, for your money you will receive everything in the best possible way, no one will take your paid time and no one will teach you the correct behavior.
3.Dynamips
Using a virtual machine Dynamips. Recently, working with this virtual machine and the graphical frontend has been most often described. GNS3, not console Dynagen. Although the Dynagen window is retained and present in GNS3, it is barely used during operation. There were several publications on Habré on the topic of basic setup of a virtual router and or creating a laboratory for the Voice track. This topic is a big one and several articles are too few to reveal all the intricacies of working with this wonderful product. He has helped and will continue to help many generations of “Ciskars” master the intricacies of network technologies when they do not have sufficient funds to purchase or rent a laboratory bundle. The disadvantages of Dynamips are that they only support legacy platforms, with the possible exception of the 7200, and the inability to fully virtualize a Cisco switch. When preparing for CCNA certification, these shortcomings are almost invisible, because... the basic elements of the technology that have not changed in modern implementations are explored, and operation on a 3640 router with a 16-port switch module is "almost" the same as a switch.4. Emulators
The last available option for gaining practical skills is working with software emulators. Probably the best of them is a product of Cisco itself, the program Cisco Packet Tracer, the latest version of the product 5.3.3 allows you to build large and complex network topologies and even supports multi-user operation, i.e. parts of the topology can be distributed to different computers, as remote as desired.Other famous product NetSim from Boson, current version 8.0. It is not so universal and is focused on a specific task - mastering the skills of configuring devices on the command line, therefore it always comes with a set of pre-installed laboratory works. Both programs are protected by licenses. The cost of NetSim depends on the set of laboratory works included in the program, for the minimum level of CCENT certification (ICND1) the price is $99. Packet Tracer is only available through Cisco Networking Academies, where students receive it free of charge. This program is not officially for sale. One of the most interesting opportunities to gain practical skills is to complete the virtual labs included in the free training courses positioned by Cisco as Additional materials for training IT professionals. They are grouped by areas and products and here you will also need preliminary free registration on the cisco.com website itself.
Conclusion
Which preparation option should you choose? You decide. There is another method of preparing for certification that I have not mentioned - the use of so-called “dumps” - ready-made answers to exam questions. I will quote here Andrey Biryukov (System Administrator magazine, No. 11, 2008): “When traveling through various Internet resources dedicated to certification, sooner or later you will find mention of braindump, testking, pass4sure and other “training materials.” …Braindumps are actually exam questions stolen by unscrupulous test center employees. These questions are presented with answers, and this is where the fun begins, as these answers... contain errors. In addition, even if the answer is correct, there is no explanation for it, which also does not contribute to understanding the material. ...... It is useless to memorize answers from a dump... But dumps will be useful if you do not look at the answer, but try to answer each of the questions yourself and, if unclear, check on the appropriate thematic forum, and do not take the answer from the dump at face value. ... the material needs to be understood, not memorized.”There is nothing to add to what has been said. I wish everyone success in their certification and professional careers.
IT Academy is an authorized Cisco training center - Cisco Learning Partner Associate. Every year our company is recognized as one of the best Cisco training centers in Europe, in the High Quality Training category - Quality Distinction Award. Authorized Cisco courses are offered in all branches of the IT Academy in Russia. Our Testing Centers provide certification of Cisco specialists according to the qualification levels Specialist (Associate), Professional (Professional) and Expert (Expert, CCIE). Various tracks at three levels meet professional needs. In addition, there are a number of specialist certifications designed to test knowledge of specific technologies, solutions or job responsibilities. Cisco is a global leader in networking technologies that are transforming the way people communicate, connect and collaboration. The company's activities are focused on five main technology areas: backbone routing, switching and services; collaboration solutions; data center virtualization and cloud computing; video technologies; architecture for business transformation. Cisco solutions are used in the main sectors of the Russian economy: mechanical engineering, metallurgical and oil and gas industries, construction and real estate, retail trade, banks, investment and insurance companies.
Since 2005, Cisco has maintained and developed partnerships with the Specialist Center at MSTU. N.E. Bauman in the field of education. Long-term cooperation confirms the competence, reliability and high quality educational services of the Center. All classes are conducted by the best trainers of the Center using the most modern and effective foreign techniques recommended by Cisco Systems.
Oksana Barsukova
Manager for work with training partners in Russia and other CIS countries
Center computer training"Specialist" at MSTU. N.E. Bauman is an authorized Cisco training center. We offer you a unique training program for certified specialists for the CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, CCIE and CCDP statuses.
The quality of classes meets uniform international standards and is guaranteed double control of everything educational process : from Cisco and from the Specialist Center at MSTU N.E. Bauman (Cisco Learning Solutions Partner Associate). In 2013, the high quality of Cisco technology training at the Specialist Center was twice awarded the Cisco Quality Distinction Award and . Upon completion of the courses, you receive an international Cisco certificate - your pass to the world of high information technologies and successful career growth!
The best teachers
Close cooperation of the Specialist Center with Cisco Systems will allow you to better prepare for exams, thanks to the most the latest courses training in Cisco network technologies. Classes are taught by experienced teachers with the highest level of training, awarded with special Cisco awards, whose qualifications are confirmed by the most prestigious certificate in the industry CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert). Teaching is conducted using the most advanced and effective foreign teaching methods recommended by Cisco Systems. The combined approach to the learning process allows students to convey not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical knowledge, thanks to illustrated examples.
Practice and seminars
Listeners can really practice on the latest Cisco Systems network equipment, which forms the basis of training in Cisco network technologies at the Specialist Center. Thus, from the very first minutes of training, students begin to immerse themselves in the principles of interaction between routers, routers and switches. Only the Specialist Center provides on-site training on its own Cisco equipment.Online training
If you do not have time, if you cannot physically attend classes, then you have at your disposal a unique technology for teaching Cisco network technologies - online training. Thanks to it, you will be able, without leaving your home, to actually be present in the class, see everything that other students see, communicate with the teacher, ask questions and comment on the answers of others. Training in Cisco network technologies online allows you to gain knowledge in full, without loss of quality. You save your time, money and study in a familiar environment!
Convenient schedule and discounts
The Specialist Center has a flexible training schedule. At your disposal Cisco courses morning, afternoon, evening and weekends! The Center has a special system of promotions and discounts; in addition, the schedule reflects discounts on individual courses.
Employment
Only the Specialist Center provides support to its graduates after training. Cisco certified technology specialists occupy a special place in the IT personnel market. For several years now, these have been the most sought-after and highest paid professionals. Cisco Systems is a global leader in networking technologies and the largest manufacturer of sophisticated networking equipment. Cisco supplies more than 80% of the routers that form the backbone of the Internet. The company's modern solutions provide integrated networks for thousands of organizations, government agencies and services around the world.
Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco Networking Academy is a special project of Cisco, carried out with the support of the Specialist center. The key feature of the academy is training from scratch any person, regardless of his place of residence and degree of training, to the level of an international specialist. At the same time, due to a specially developed training program, the cost of training is significantly lower.
Since 2005, Cisco has maintained and developed partnerships with the Specialist Center at MSTU. N.E. Bauman in the field of education. Long-term cooperation confirms the competence, reliability and high quality of educational services of the Center. All classes are conducted by the best trainers of the Center using the most modern and effective foreign techniques recommended by Cisco Systems.
Oksana Barsukova
Manager for work with training partners in Russia and other CIS countries
Center for Computer Training "Specialist" at MSTU. N.E. Bauman is an authorized Cisco training center. We offer you a unique training program for certified specialists for the CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, CCIE and CCDP statuses.
The quality of classes meets uniform international standards and is guaranteed double control of the entire educational process: from Cisco and from the Specialist Center at MSTU N.E. Bauman (Cisco Learning Solutions Partner Associate). In 2013, the high quality of Cisco technology training at the Specialist Center was twice awarded the Cisco Quality Distinction Award and . Upon completion of the courses, you will receive an international Cisco certificate - your pass to the world of high information technology and successful career growth!
The best teachers
Close cooperation of the Specialist Center with Cisco Systems will allow you to better prepare for exams, thanks to the latest training courses on Cisco network technologies. Classes are taught by experienced teachers with the highest level of training, awarded with special Cisco awards, whose qualifications are confirmed by the most prestigious certificate in the industry CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert). Teaching is conducted using the most advanced and effective foreign teaching methods recommended by Cisco Systems. The combined approach to the learning process allows students to convey not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical knowledge, thanks to illustrated examples.
Practice and seminars
Listeners can really practice on the latest Cisco Systems network equipment, which forms the basis of training in Cisco network technologies at the Specialist Center. Thus, from the very first minutes of training, students begin to immerse themselves in the principles of interaction between routers, routers and switches. Only the Specialist Center provides on-site training on its own Cisco equipment.Online training
If you do not have time, if you cannot physically attend classes, then you have at your disposal a unique technology for teaching Cisco network technologies - online training. Thanks to it, you will be able, without leaving your home, to actually be present in the class, see everything that other students see, communicate with the teacher, ask questions and comment on the answers of others. Training in Cisco network technologies online allows you to gain knowledge in full, without loss of quality. You save your time, money and study in a familiar environment!
Convenient schedule and discounts
The Specialist Center has a flexible training schedule. At your disposal Cisco courses morning, afternoon, evening and weekends! The Center has a special system of promotions and discounts; in addition, the schedule reflects discounts on individual courses.
Employment
Only the Specialist Center provides support to its graduates after training. Cisco certified technology specialists occupy a special place in the IT personnel market. For several years now, these have been the most sought-after and highest paid professionals. Cisco Systems is a global leader in networking technologies and the largest manufacturer of sophisticated networking equipment. Cisco supplies more than 80% of the routers that form the backbone of the Internet. The company's modern solutions provide integrated networks for thousands of organizations, government agencies and services around the world.
Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco Networking Academy is a special project of Cisco, carried out with the support of the Specialist center. The key feature of the academy is training from scratch any person, regardless of his place of residence and degree of training, to the level of an international specialist. At the same time, due to a specially developed training program, the cost of training is significantly lower.
Lack of IT specialists. I am sure that many system integrators, and even ordinary companies, are faced with this problem. In this case, I mean “network specialists” and “security specialists”. It seems that universities have been increasing their enrollment of students for specialized specialties for several years, but the deficit is not decreasing and is even growing. And let’s be honest, the quality of specialists immediately after university leaves much to be desired (of course, there are exceptions). And this is not the fault of the students themselves, it’s just that our current education system does not fully provide practical skills. That is why we have been taking 3rd and 4th year students for internships for several years in a row. And almost every year we retain one or two talented engineers. If you are interested in the internship format, then you can, but now we are not talking about that.
Usually, as a first practical task, we give students Young fighter course, which unexpectedly for me, became very popular in RuNet. After that, we moved on to more specialized things (we still deal with security): Check Point, Fortinet, Splunk, Kali-Linux. However, it soon became clear that this was too abrupt a transition - from ordinary networks directly to such complex information security products. Let's face it, the same Check Point is not the same the best option to familiarize yourself with Firewalls. It was necessary to start with something simpler. That's why we started creating the course “ Cisco ASA Administrator" We immediately decided that we would make this course open and launch it on the channel NetSkills, simply because there are more subscribers, which means more people will see it. Why this course and what it is about, we will tell you below.
Why Cisco ASA
First, let's look at the “global” reasons:- Cisco ASA is one of the most popular firewalls in the world. It is unlikely that you will meet a network specialist who does not know what a Cisco ASA is. A huge number of companies use this particular firewall. This leads to the following reason...
- It's easier to find a job. You can check for yourself by going to the Headhanter website and searching for vacancies using the query “cisco”. In most cases, you will find knowledge of Cisco ASA as a requirement for a candidate.
- Cisco ASA is the de facto standard for stateful inspection class firewalls. If you understand how ASA works, then mastering other devices will not be difficult for you.
- And another important advantage is the ability to emulate in GNS3 and EVE NG. Even Cisco Packet Tracer has this opportunity in the form of a Cisco ASA 5505 (although the functionality there is very poor).
What is the course about?
The following topics will be covered during the course:- What is a firewall
- History of Cisco Firewalls
- Layout preparation (GNS3, EVE NG)
- Security Level and Stateful Inspection
- Basic setup
- VLANs
- Access-Lists
- NAT/Static NAT
- VPN (Site-to-Site, RA VPN)
- Troubleshooting
- Conclusion, recommendations
Video lessons
All lessons, as usual, are in video format, where there is theory and practice. After some lessons you need to take a test. Currently, only 5 lessons have been recorded. There was a long break in releases (efforts were focused on the course Check Point to the max), but we plan to resume in the near future.After recording all lessons, you will be asked to take an exam and receive a certificate of successful completion of the course.
