CCNA 640-802 certification!

CCNA Fast Pass (640-802,640-801,icnd) free download

Introduction

Cisco’s Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) certification provides a way to distinguish those brilliant and talented enough to become Cisco administrators from those who just might be, umm-well, better suited to another occupation. It’s basically Cisco’s version of separating the wheat from the chaff. The main reason that it’s a really good thing to be the proud possessor of Cisco’s certifications is that they give you a serious edge over the poor, wretched, unfortunate, and noncertified masses. Having one or more of these little beauties just screams, “I’m a wiz-I’m your living-breathing IT answer-hire me, not that hopeless, bungling uncertified quack you just interviewed!” In addition, any prospective employer worth his or her salt who’s seeking solidly skilled, trained, experienced administrators knows to look for a job candidate with a CCNA certification. Okay, it’s true. Being certified in something doesn’t necessarily preclude hands-on experience. But people who have experience combined with certifications are well sought out, even in the toughest economies. It’s simply, “have certs, will travel.” They make you special.

Be forewarned, however-these certifications are not easy to get a hold of. You should know that the new Cisco 640-801 CCNA exam is downright harsh! You’ve just got to be prepared-no cruising with this one. If you want to seriously increase your odds of passing, meet two of your new best friends: this book and the CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide Fourth Edition (640-801) , written by yours truly (Sybex, 2004). These two references are what you need to prepare for the new and nasty CCNA exam. Both of these valuable resources will also serve to further your understanding of a whole bunch of the vital knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Cisco administrator.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification

The CCNA certification was the first in the new line of Cisco certifications, and was the precursor to all current Cisco certifications. With the new certification programs, Cisco has created a stepping-stone approach to CCIE certification. Now you can become a CCNA for the meager cost of this book, plus $125 for the test. You don’t have to stop there-you can choose to continue with your studies and achieve a higher certification, the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Someone with a CCNP has all the skills and knowledge he or she needs to attempt the CCIE lab. However, because no textbook can take the place of practical experience, I’ll discuss what else you need to be ready for the CCIE lab shortly.

Why Become a CCNA?

Cisco, not unlike Microsoft or Novell, has created the certification process to give administrators a set of skills and to equip prospective employers with a way to measure skills or match certain criteria. Becoming a CCNA can be the initial step of a successful journey toward a new, highly rewarding, and sustainable 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. At this point in the certification process, it’s not unrealistic to imagine that future network managers-even those without Cisco equipment-could easily require Cisco certifications for their job applicants.

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 CCNA?

To meet the CCNA certification skill level, you must understand or be able to do the following: Install, configure, and operate simple-routed local area networks (LAN), routed wide area networks (WAN), and switched LAN networks.

Understand and be able to configure Internet Protocol (IP), Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP), Enhanced IGRP (EIGRP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), ISDN, PPP, Frame Relay, IP Routing Information Protocol (RIP), virtual LANs (VLANs), Ethernet, and access lists.

Install and/or configure a network.
Optimize WANs through Internet-access solutions that reduce bandwidth and WAN costs, using features such as filtering with access lists, and dial-on-demand routing (DDR).

How Do You Become a CCNA?

The first step to becoming a CCNA involves passing one little test (exam 640-801 CCNA) and-poof!-you’re a CCNA. (Don’t you wish it were that easy?) True, it’s just one test, but you still must possess enough knowledge to understand (and read between the lines-trust me) what the test writers are saying.

However, Cisco has announced two tests that you can take in order to become a CCNA that may be easier then taking one longer exam. These tests are:
640-811 ICND
641-821 INTRO

The CCNA Exam Objectives

Cisco has posted four categories that each contain specific objectives. As I mentioned earlier, these exam objectives form the outline for this book. Here are Cisco’s objectives for the CCNA:
Planning & Designing
Design a simple LAN using Cisco Technology.
Design an IP addressing scheme to meet design requirements.
Select an appropriate routing protocol based on user requirements.
Design a simple internetwork using Cisco technology.
Develop an access list to meet user specifications.
Choose WAN services to meet customer requirements.
Implementation & Operation
Configure routing protocols given user requirements.
Configure IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway addresses on routers and hosts.
Configure a router for additional administrative functionality.
Configure a switch with VLANS and inter-switch communication.
Implement a LAN.
Customize a switch configuration to meet specified network requirements.
Manage system image and device configuration files.
Perform an initial configuration on a router.
Perform an initial configuration on a switch.
Implement access lists.
Implement simple WAN protocols.
Troubleshooting
Utilize the OSI model as a guide for systematic network troubleshooting.
Perform LAN and VLAN troubleshooting.
Troubleshoot routing protocols.
Troubleshoot IP addressing and host configuration.
Troubleshoot a device as part of a working network.
Troubleshoot an access list.
Perform simple WAN troubleshooting.
Technology
Describe network communications using layered models.
Describe the Spanning Tree process.
Compare and contrast key characteristics of LAN environments.
Evaluate the characteristics of routing protocols.
Evaluate TCP/IP communication process and its associated protocols.
Describe the components of network devices.
Evaluate rules for packet control.
Evaluate key characteristics of WANs.

Click here to free download this PDF file : Sybex - CCNA Fast Pass(2004)