What do I need for CCNP?? am I ready for CCNP ??

[azev]

Hi all, I am thinking of getting CCNP as my next cert target. I've been working in IT field for around 5 years and pretty good at it. I'be been working with windows networking since windows NT time, and recently have been doing more work in the network side of the house. I have multiple windows cert and only one cisco cert CCNA. Recently I've been doing more cisco stuff, and to me, it is much more interesting that doing windows stuff. I have decent experience working with cisco stuff, mostly setting up switch, and some frame relay router . I'd really like to do more network infrastructure stuff and would like to learn more. I figure getting CCNP will help me get my foot in the door of network infrastructure jobs. With my background in windows network I hope I can study and pick this up quickly (in the next years or two). A friend of mine suggest me getting a decent CCNP lab. It is going to cost alot, but I am willing to do it. Currently I have lots of computer, (2) 2501, and (1) 2924en switchthat I got 3 years ago when I took my CCNA, but I know I needed more. Here is a link to ebay auction that i've been keeping my eyes lately:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3039988833&category=28033

So what do you network expert here thinks ? should this be good enough ?
I know I will need an ISDN emulator, can someone suggest what to get ?
Where can I get some lab scenario that I can use with my equipment ?
Will those equipment be enough to learn some advance CCIE stuff ?

Thanks Guys

 

[Macro2]

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/le3/le2/le37/le10/learning_certification_type_home.html

 

[azev]

Yup, I've read that.

 

[rock33]

first off you need to look at when you got your CCNA. In order to get your CCNP you have to be CCNA certified, The CCNA cert only lasts 3 yrs, so if you took it 3 years ago you might need to recert. Also the CCNP exams are changing so what might have been good equipment wise, might be useless now. I would research for the new exams what equip you need to know first. Instead of buying a rack of equipment you would be better off purchasing time on another companies racks of equip ( there are a ton of companies out there selling this service). If you feel really comfortable in your networking skills try going to a bootcamp or class to help with your cert.....good luck!

 

[azev]

I retook my CCNA about 1 year ago when they roll out the new test. It was tougher, than the previous test, but it wasnt that hard. Currently I am reading Cisco press CCNP cert library, but I think the book lack scenarios / real life implementations. I am about 1/3 through the routing book, and I think the book basically explain same stuff as the ccna book. That is why I'd like to get some old routers/switch and just play around with them. My problem is now to find a good scenario questions! Any ideas where I can get them ?

Thanks

 

[spidey07]

I think the boson tests are pretty good. Haven't looked at 'em in years though.

When I took the ccnp it wasn't that hard (1998). Did one test a week and just studied for a few hours every night and taking notes.

Read through the requirements of the tests, if you have it down then you're fine.

 

[azev]

Spidey, from what I heard the hardest test was the RAS. You know, almost no one uses RAS (ISDN) at least where I work we dont use ISDN anymore. We either get a dedicated connections or some sort of broadband connections. I wonder why cisco still want us to take the hardest test (RAS)

 

[spidey07]

Because RAS is everywhere.

Remember that little think that dials a phone number to connect to a network - thats ISDN? Frame-relay anyone?

-edit- also because knowing remote access is what separates the "men from the boys" in networking. LAN stuff is about as easy as it gets.

 

[azev]

That is true. Now that I think about it most of network have some sort of ras build in to the technology.
VPN, PPPoe, and windows RAS server which we have on our network. Well look like I must get some 2500 series router with ISDN and get an ISDN simulator....