CCNA/NP self study

[alpineranger]

I recently learned that my employer is encouraging all of us engineers (I'm a software engineer) to go for certification, and is willing to pay for any tests (including CCIE), as this is relevant to our work. However, the economy has affected us and they've cut back a lot, so I don't know if they'll pay for any classes.

Although I do have practical networking experience outside of work, I have very limited ios knowledge outside of a very specific and somewhat esoteric part of the software. I also have ready access to more cisco routers than I could possibly need (both real and simulated).

How difficult would this route be, and what is the least I can probably get away with spending?

 

[ScottMac]

You could almost certainly get by studying a book or two.

CCNA is primarily foundational concepts, things like IP addressing, routing protocols, route precedence, and basic logical mechanics. Depending on what kind of programming you do, you could have more knowledge of "the stack" than most CCNPs or even some CCIEs (I interviewed a CCIE that didn't know about how/when ARP happens, and another CCIE that truly didn't understand the difference between a POTs phone and ISDN).

The concepts taught in CCNA (or similar levels from other vendors) are critical for building an understanding of higher-level concepts and practices. Check out Cisco NetPRo (www.cisco.com/go/netpro) and review some of the suggestions for study in the "Career Certifications" board. There are discussion of books and simulators / simulation practice that may be helpful.

Good Luck

 

[alpineranger]

The programming I do is fairly high level, but I'd say I have a good understanding of the common protocols involved in networking, from ethernet framing on up. Curiously, even though I deal with routers every day, I never have to configure more than 4 routers in a simple topology, and I don't do anything with routing protocols, so I'd say my knowledge is generally theoretical rather than practical - for example, I know about MPLS pseudowires, but I have never actually used it.

Looking at the overview material cisco has about CCNA, I'd say it seems basically like things I already know, but I'm not too sure about how in depth it goes for this level.

 

[mcmilljb]

Is there any salary incentive?

If all they do is pay for the test and no classes or materials, I wouldn't say it's worth it. You could probably get by doing the CCNA without spending much money. If it's not essential to your day to day operations, I don't think it would be worth taking time away from that.

If you have access to some hardware and have an interest, then it may be worthwhile to pursue it. Could help you move on to the next job is they let you go. It really depends on your situation as to how worthwhile it is.

 

[drebo]

CCNA can easily be done without a lab or any classes. I used the ExamCram2 book for the test and GNS3 and that was more than enough to get me where i needed to be to pass the test with flying colors.

 

[alpineranger]

There is no salary incentive, I'm not in IT. However, the customers using the software I work on are the IT departments of service providers and enterprises, so without additional exposure to this knowledge, I'm not always able to put the software in the appropriate context. I do have an interest in networking, and if I had the knowledge (beyond CCNA, of course), I would be potentially more help to some non-profits and other charitable organizations I support. While I have access to pretty much any equipment I might want, it seems like a good time to avail myself of this opportunity.

I'm not too certain on the specifics, but the people I work with who are also going for their certs have been able to get study materials (Cisco press books, pretty much), but no classes.

 

[mcmilljb]

If they provide everything you need and pay for the tests, then it seems reasonable to work on it. It could give more credibility to your company and shows initiative to keep pace with technology. I would just keep the focus on technologies the customers are using.

 

[Jamsan]

For books, look at either the ICND1 and ICND2 Cisco Press books or the Sybex CCNA 6th Edition book by Todd Lammle. In edition (if the budget is available), check out either Train Signal or CBT Nuggets computer based training videos. They are relatively inexpensive (couple hundred dollars) but are a great supplement/alternative to book learning. You also get a little bit of the real world input that you may not get from a book (of course, not nearly as good as a course with an instructor would be, but better than a book).

 

[spidey07]

I'll just add that the tests are pretty good and really test your understanding of the principles involved. There is no downside to learning all of that. Some is IOS specific for syntax and what commands are used to to give you certain information. But by and large they are questions regarding networking theory and principle of operation. If you're interested at all in that, you'll learn it - you have to to pass.