Crunching for CCNA

Juddog

Diamond Member
Dec 11, 2006
7,851
6
81
Who else is crunching for the CCNA before they change the test?

So far I have binary subnetting and VLSM down pat but seem to be hitting a slowdown when it comes to the router commands and the WAN portions.

Anybody have advice as far as the router commands, meaning should I go out and try to get a cheap router to play with, or will one of the virtual switch programs be sufficient to learn?
 

Lifted

Diamond Member
Nov 30, 2004
5,748
2
0
I'm taking the new exam (attended a CCNAX bootcamp couple of weeks ago) and I find the simulators/emulators are more than enough, especially if you have experience in networking or access to hardware at work.

GNS3 is a good emulator and requires actual IOS images to run. It has randomly locked up/crashed a few times on me and I lost all of my configuration since the last save, so make sure you save often. They have a good tutorial on youtube for getting it running.

Cisco Packet Tracer is a simulator, is very stable, and has L2 and L3 switches which GNS3 is missing (GNS3 does have a L2 switch built in but I don't think it's managed - i haven't tried). It is missing some commands you may want to run, but they probably aren't needed for the CCNA.

If you have any questions about acquiring IOS images or packet tracer shoot me a PM.
 

Juddog

Diamond Member
Dec 11, 2006
7,851
6
81
I'm taking the new exam (attended a CCNAX bootcamp couple of weeks ago) and I find the simulators/emulators are more than enough, especially if you have experience in networking or access to hardware at work.

GNS3 is a good emulator and requires actual IOS images to run. It has randomly locked up/crashed a few times on me and I lost all of my configuration since the last save, so make sure you save often. They have a good tutorial on youtube for getting it running.

Cisco Packet Tracer is a simulator, is very stable, and has L2 and L3 switches which GNS3 is missing (GNS3 does have a L2 switch built in but I don't think it's managed - i haven't tried). It is missing some commands you may want to run, but they probably aren't needed for the CCNA.

If you have any questions about acquiring IOS images or packet tracer shoot me a PM.

Thanks for the response; unfortunately I don't have access to physical hardware at the moment. I'll check these out.
 

lif_andi

Member
Apr 15, 2013
173
0
0
Did CCNA a few months back and am currently doing CCNA Security (exam in two days:) ). For CCNA I used Packet Tracer exclusively and it was fine. Make sure you understand access lists and routing protocols for the exam ;)

Now I have access to all kinds of hardware through work and am using that along with Packet Tracer for smaller tests and experiments and am finding Packet Tracer more limited, but just for CCNA it was fine. Have GNS3 installed but haven't gotten it started yet. My co-workers have used it a lot but it requires more preperation and time so I haven't gotten round to it.
 

brshoemak

Member
Feb 11, 2005
166
4
81
Who else is crunching for the CCNA before they change the test?

I have an exam scheduled for Sept 20th, which will be more of a 'test run' so I can get familiar with the test format and still have time to schedule a follow-up test. Obviously passing the first time would be ideal but I'm being realistic.

I am waaaaaay behind on pretty much everything, but I do have prior networking knowledge and hands-on with configuring Cisco gear - so that will help (I hope). The biggest issue I am having is that there is the RIGHT answer, then there is the CISCO answer - you have to momentarily unlearn what you know is right if you want to get a question correct on the test.

Packet Tracer is definitely a great resource. GNS3 will do pretty much everything you would really need, but the setup is a PITA and it's a bit convoluted.

You should really look into getting some physical gear. A couple 2611XMs (routers) and a couple 2950s (switches) should be pretty cheap on ebay or a site that sells them as kits. Just make sure you get the latest IOS version - at least 12.4.
 

Juddog

Diamond Member
Dec 11, 2006
7,851
6
81
Did CCNA a few months back and am currently doing CCNA Security (exam in two days:) ). For CCNA I used Packet Tracer exclusively and it was fine. Make sure you understand access lists and routing protocols for the exam ;)

Now I have access to all kinds of hardware through work and am using that along with Packet Tracer for smaller tests and experiments and am finding Packet Tracer more limited, but just for CCNA it was fine. Have GNS3 installed but haven't gotten it started yet. My co-workers have used it a lot but it requires more preperation and time so I haven't gotten round to it.

Excellent; will download and use the packet tracer this weekend while crunching.
 

Juddog

Diamond Member
Dec 11, 2006
7,851
6
81
I have an exam scheduled for Sept 20th, which will be more of a 'test run' so I can get familiar with the test format and still have time to schedule a follow-up test. Obviously passing the first time would be ideal but I'm being realistic.

I am waaaaaay behind on pretty much everything, but I do have prior networking knowledge and hands-on with configuring Cisco gear - so that will help (I hope). The biggest issue I am having is that there is the RIGHT answer, then there is the CISCO answer - you have to momentarily unlearn what you know is right if you want to get a question correct on the test.

Packet Tracer is definitely a great resource. GNS3 will do pretty much everything you would really need, but the setup is a PITA and it's a bit convoluted.

You should really look into getting some physical gear. A couple 2611XMs (routers) and a couple 2950s (switches) should be pretty cheap on ebay or a site that sells them as kits. Just make sure you get the latest IOS version - at least 12.4.

Yeah I got pounded while taking the practice exam with the cisco way versus the real-life way. Little stuff like the proper order when installing a wireless access point, etc., really hammer away at getting the order correct. I'm approaching the CCNA as "study for the test" versus "study for knowledge".
 

Juddog

Diamond Member
Dec 11, 2006
7,851
6
81

Haven't purchased my exam voucher yet; so far I've watched a bunch of the youtube videos and am following up with the study guides. I'm hoping to crunch 100 pages a day or so.

I have subnetting and VLSM down pat; from what I have heard, the WAN technology sections throws a lot of people for a loop, so I'm going to spend extra time on that.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Thanks for the response; unfortunately I don't have access to physical hardware at the moment. I'll check these out.

CiscoPress Network Simulator is a great resource. I think they are including it free now with a CCNA book bundle.

www.addall.com is the first place to plug in the ISBN to find where the best price is.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Haven't purchased my exam voucher yet; so far I've watched a bunch of the youtube videos and am following up with the study guides. I'm hoping to crunch 100 pages a day or so.

I have subnetting and VLSM down pat; from what I have heard, the WAN technology sections throws a lot of people for a loop, so I'm going to spend extra time on that.

http://1examamonth.com/ is excellent

http://hackingcisco.blogspot.com/ is excellent

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/certifications/index.html is excellent

For CCNA there are tons of great freebies.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
I'm taking the new exam (attended a CCNAX bootcamp couple of weeks ago) and I find the simulators/emulators are more than enough, especially if you have experience in networking or access to hardware at work.

GNS3 is a good emulator and requires actual IOS images to run. It has randomly locked up/crashed a few times on me and I lost all of my configuration since the last save, so make sure you save often. They have a good tutorial on youtube for getting it running.

Cisco Packet Tracer is a simulator, is very stable, and has L2 and L3 switches which GNS3 is missing (GNS3 does have a L2 switch built in but I don't think it's managed - i haven't tried). It is missing some commands you may want to run, but they probably aren't needed for the CCNA.

If you have any questions about acquiring IOS images or packet tracer shoot me a PM.

GNS3 relies on using a NM 16 port switch module, NM-16ESW. It's more complicated than a real switch. IMHO attach real switches to your pseudo-environment.

This is the real reason GNS3 is shunned by Cisco is because you can use a PC to become one of their routers.

Being a partner I have some access to IOU and stuff Cisco would send someone out to kill you over.
 
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Mushkins

Golden Member
Feb 11, 2013
1,631
0
0
TBH, stick to the emulators. Many of them have built in practice problems that go along with whatever book/resource they come with and they have one key study benefit that a full on cisco device does not have: no help menu.

The test itself does not have help commands enabled in the questions, each one that uses a simulator *only* takes the correct commands to complete the exercise, you can't go poking around through help if you dont remember the syntax. The emulator study software will help you get used to this and really focus on knowing the material instead of using help as a crutch.
 

Juddog

Diamond Member
Dec 11, 2006
7,851
6
81
TBH, stick to the emulators. Many of them have built in practice problems that go along with whatever book/resource they come with and they have one key study benefit that a full on cisco device does not have: no help menu.

The test itself does not have help commands enabled in the questions, each one that uses a simulator *only* takes the correct commands to complete the exercise, you can't go poking around through help if you dont remember the syntax. The emulator study software will help you get used to this and really focus on knowing the material instead of using help as a crutch.

Ah ok good point; I'll stick with the emulators then.
 

RadiclDreamer

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2004
8,622
40
91
I wouldnt worry about crunching to get in under the old test, I've taken the new one and cleared with 1000/1000 it was cake, even easier than the old one IMO. Sure there is more content, but some of the more archaic stuff is gone and more of what is actually in use is in its place....well frame is still there but I guess you dont get everything you want ;)
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
I wouldnt worry about crunching to get in under the old test, I've taken the new one and cleared with 1000/1000 it was cake, even easier than the old one IMO. Sure there is more content, but some of the more archaic stuff is gone and more of what is actually in use is in its place....well frame is still there but I guess you dont get everything you want ;)

You really aren't supposed to share scores, but it's rare for a perfect score from anything other than braindumping.

Also the idea is to just pass and move on. If you score perfectly legitimately, you spent to long studying for one exam when you should have been on your way to the next.
 

RadiclDreamer

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2004
8,622
40
91
You really aren't supposed to share scores, but it's rare for a perfect score from anything other than braindumping.

Also the idea is to just pass and move on. If you score perfectly legitimately, you spent to long studying for one exam when you should have been on your way to the next.

Must you always start with this type of crap? I don't recall anyone asking what you thought of a perfect score, you insult me either way. How about you either focus on OPs question or GTFO of the discussion?
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Must you always start with this type of crap? I don't recall anyone asking what you thought of a perfect score, you insult me either way. How about you either focus on OPs question or GTFO of the discussion?

It's against the rules of your certification. I take that pretty seriously. They will pull your cert for such discussion. Cisco really doesn't want people getting perfect scores...it just slows down engineers getting into the work force.

No one asked for test scores, by posting them you opened up the conversation and I was simply letting you know Cisco takes it seriously.

Most will not find passing CCNA 'cake', it's a very challenging test. I work with one of the largest concentrations of CCIEs in the country and I have heard no one say any Cisco test was easy except for those that used bad ways to pass such tests.

This is relevant to this post as you have two schools of thought on what a cert means:

1) Boss wants you to get some ridiculous cert that has nothing to do with your day to day work.

2) Boss wants you to be able to speak to a cert as soon as you pass it.

[replace Boss with any combination of doing it for yourself, your family, as a challenge, etc]

In the first case, doing a brain dump and passing gets you whatever carrot held in front of you and no one will ever be the wiser probably.

In the second case, the second you are handed a switch, a topology and told you have an hour to get it talking to the network is when you may be walked out the door.

I have my CCNA, CCNA Wireless, CCNA Voice, CCNP R&S. The only test I'd say was not terribly difficult was TSHOOT. When I took it you were allowed to skip ahead and back. Since all the answers are given on that test (it's all multiple choice for those that don't know), as long as you knew what you were doing you could do stares and compares through the other questions to figure out the questions you were vague on.

I failed ICND 1 thinking since people on the internet said it was so simple. I learned too many people buy 'sample tests'. 'Sample tests' are in fact the real test dumped by recent test takers. That's cheating and BS.

I also failed my SWITCH test the first time I took it. Google maps had the wrong test location listed (the facility knew this so allowed me to still test showing up 1 hour late), the facility's phone was ringing busy the whole time I was trying to get an update, it started majorly storming, I had to walk through 1 foot of water from the parking area...it was a stressful test day. I re-took it 2 weeks later and passed.

I really should delete some of these posts, but I won't. With that said, this is a help thread. So if you don't have something nice to say Alky, this isn't the place for it. Implying someone is doing it wrong is not going to fly here.
-ViRGE
 
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