# A practical way to commit to taking the CCNA in one month after Networking Academy study and understand the process
# A way to review key points of the Networking Academy information with a specific focus on CCNA objectives
# Description of the 640-802 CCNA exam organization and sign up process, includes how to use a voucher
# Strategies from the author help you to be mentally, organizationally, and physically prepared for exam day
# The only CCNA exam preparation resource to address a student CCNA exam readiness gap
Features and Benefits
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A Day by Day Quick Reference Study Guide for the Cisco Networking Academy any CCNA Student
* A practical way to commit to taking the CCNA in one month
* A way to review key points of the Networking Academy information with a specific focus on CCNA objectives
* The only CCNA exam preparation resource to address a student CCNA exam readiness gap
Table of Contents
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Introduction
xxv
Part I: Networking Basics
1
Day 31: Network Devices, Components, and Diagrams
3
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
3
Key Points
3
Devices
3
Switches
3
Routers
5
Media
5
LANs and WANs
7
Networking Icons
7
Physical and Logical Topologies
8
The Hierarchical Network Model
9
The Enterprise Architecture
10
Network Documentation
11
Study Resources
12
Day 30: Network Models and Applications
13
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
13
Key Points
13
The OSI and TCP/IP Models
13
OSI Layers
14
TCP/IP Layers and Protocols
15
Protocol Data Units and Encapsulation
16
Growth of Network-Based Applications
17
Quality of Service
17
Increased Network Usage
17
The Impact of Voice and Video on the Network
18
Study Resources
19
Day 29: Network Data Flow from End-to-End
21
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
21
Key Points
21
The TCP/IP Application Layer
21
The TCP/IP Transport Layer
21
TCP Header
22
Port Numbers
23
Error Recovery
24
Flow Control
25
Connection Establishment and Termination
25
UDP
26
The TCP/IP Internet Layer
26
The TCP/IP Network Access Layer
27
Data Encapsulation Summary
28
Using Layers to Troubleshoot
29
Study Resources
29
Part II: Switching Concepts and Configuration
31
Day 28: Connecting Switches and Ethernet Technology
33
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
33
Key Topics
33
Ethernet Overview
33
Legacy Ethernet Technologies
34
CSMA/CD
35
Legacy Ethernet Summary
35
Current Ethernet Technologies
36
UTP Cabling
36
Benefits of Using Switches
37
Ethernet Addressing
38
Ethernet Framing
39
The Role of the Physical Layer
40
Study Resources
41
Day 27: Network Segmentation and Switching Concepts
43
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
43
Key Topics
43
Evolution to Switching
43
Switching Logic
44
Collision and Broadcast Domains
45
Frame Forwarding
45
Switch Forwarding Methods
45
Symmetric and Asymmetric Switching
46
Memory Buffering
46
Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching
46
Accessing and Navigating Cisco IOS
46
Connecting to Cisco Devices
46
CLI EXEC Sessions
47
Using the Help Facility
48
CLI Navigation and Editing Shortcuts
48
Command History
49
IOS Examination Commands
50
Subconfiguration Modes
50
Storing and Erasing Configuration Files
51
Study Resources
52
Day 26: Basic Switch Configuration and Port Security
53
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
53
Key Topics
53
Basic Switch Configuration Commands
53
Configuring SSH Access
55
Configuring Port Security
56
Shutting Down and Securing Unused Interfaces
58
Study Resources
59
Day 25: Verifying and Troubleshooting Basic Switch Configurations
61
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
61
Key Points
61
Troubleshooting Methodology
61
Verifying Network Connectivity
62
Interface Status and the Switch Configuration
65
Interface Status Codes
65
Duplex and Speed Mismatches
66
Common Layer 1 Problems On "Up" Interfaces
67
CDP as a Troubleshooting Tool
68
Study Resources
70
Day 24: Switching Technologies and VLAN Concepts
71
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
71
Key Points
71
VLAN Concepts
71
Traffic Types
72
Types of VLANs
72
Voice VLAN Example
73
Trunking VLANs
74
Dynamic Trunking Protocol
75
VTP Concepts
76
VTP Modes
77
VTP Operation
77
VTP Pruning
78
STP Concepts and Operation
78
RSTP Concepts and Operation
80
Configuring and Verifying STP
82
PVST+, PVRST, and MIST
82
Configuring and Verifying the BID
82
PortFast
84
Configuring RSTP
84
Troubleshooting STP
84
Study Resources
85
Day 23: VLAN and Trunking Configuration and Troubleshooting
87
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
87
Key Points
87
Sample Topology
87
VLAN Configuration and Verification Commands
88
Configuring and Verifying Trunking
91
Troubleshooting VLAN and Trunking Problems
93
Study Resources
95
Day 22: VTP and InterVLAN Routing Configuration and Troubleshooting
97
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
97
Key Points
97
VTP Configuration and Verification
97
VTP Troubleshooting
102
Inter-VLAN Routing Configuration and Verification
103
Troubleshooting Inter-VLAN Routing
105
Study Resources
106
Part III: Addressing the Network
107
Day 21: IPv4 Address Subnetting
109
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
109
Key Topics
109
IPv4 Addressing
109
Header Format
109
Classes of Addresses
110
Purpose of the Subnet Mask
111
Subnetting in Four Steps
112
Determine How Many Bits to Borrow
113
Determine the New Subnet Mask
114
Determine the Subnet Multiplier
114
List the Subnets, Host Ranges, and Broadcast Addresses
114
Subnetting Example 1
114
Subnetting Example 2
115
Subnetting Example 3
115
VLSM
116
Summarizing Subnet Addresses
118
Private and Public IP Addressing
119
Study Resources
120
Day 20: Host Addressing, DHCP, and DNS
123
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
123
Key Topics
123
Addressing Devices
123
ARP
124
DNS
126
DHCP
127
Configuring on a Cisco Router as a DHCP Server
128
Network Layer Testing Tools
132
Ping
132
Study Resources
134
Day 19: Basic IPv6 Concepts
137
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
137
Key Topics
137
Overview of IPv6
137
IPv6 Address Structure
139
Conventions for Writing IPv6 Addresses
139
Conventions for Writing IPv6 Prefixes
139
IPv6 Global Unicast Address
140
Reserved, Private, and Loopback Addresses
141
The IPv6 Interface ID and EUI-64 Format
141
IPv6 Address Management
142
Transitioning to IPv6
142
Study Resources
144
Part IV: Routing Concepts and Configuration
145
Day 18: Basic Routing Concepts
147
Key Topics
147
Packet Forwarding
147
Path Determination and Switching Function Example
148
Routing Methods
149
Classifying Dynamic Routing Protocols
150
IGP and EGP
150
Distance Vector Routing Protocols
150
Link-State Routing Protocols
151
Classful Routing Protocols
151
Classless Routing Protocols
152
Dynamic Routing Metrics
152
Administrative Distance
153
IGP Comparison Summary
154
Routing Loop Prevention
155
Link-State Routing Protocol Features
156
Building the LSDB
156
Calculating the Dijkstra Algorithm
157
Convergence with Link-State Protocols
158
Study Resources
158
Day 17: Connecting and Booting Routers
161
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
161
Key Topics
161
Router Internal Components
161
IOS
162
Router Bootup Process
162
Router Ports and Interfaces
164
Router Connections
164
Study Resources
166
Day 16: Basic Router Configuration and Verification
167
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
167
Key Topic
167
Basic Router Configuration
167
Verifying Network Connectivity
175
Study Resources
177
Day 15: Managing Cisco IOS and Configuration Files
179
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
179
Key Topics
179
The Cisco IOS File System
179
IFS Commands
179
URL Prefixes for Specifying File Locations
181
Commands for Managing Configuration Files
182
Cisco IOS File Naming Conventions
182
Manage IOS Images
183
Backing Up an IOS image
184
Restoring an IOS Image
185
Recovering an IOS Image Using a TFTP Server
186
Recovering an IOS Image Using Xmodem
187
Recovering a Lost Password
188
Study Resources
189
Day 14: Static, Default, and RIP Routing
191
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
191
Key Topics
191
Static Route Configuration
191
Static Routes Using the "Next Hop" Parameter
193
Static Routes Using the Exit Interface Parameter
193
Default Static Routes
194
RIP Concepts
197
RIPv1 Message Format
197
RIPv1 Operation
198
RIPv1 Configuration
198
RIPv1 Verification and Troubleshooting
199
Passive Interfaces
203
Automatic Summarization
204
Default Routing and RIPv1
206
RIPv2 Configuration
207
Disabling Autosummarization
208
RIPv2 Verification and Troubleshooting
208
Study Resources
209
Day 13: EIGRP Routing
211
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
211
Key Topics
211
EIGRP Operation
211
EIGRP Message Format
212
RTP and EIGRP Packet Types
212
DUAL
214
Administrative Distance
214
EIGRP Configuration
214
The network Command
215
Automatic Summarization
216
Manual Summarization
217
EIGRP Default Route
219
Modifying the EIGRP Metric
219
Modifying Hello Intervals and Hold Times
220
EIGRP Verification and Troubleshooting
221
Study Resources
226
Day 12: OSPF Routing
227
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
227
Key Topics
227
OSPF Operation
227
OSPF Message Format
227
OSPF Packet Types
228
Neighbor Establishment
228
Link-State Advertisements
229
OSPF Network Types
230
DR/BDR Election
230
OSPF Algorithm
231
Link-State Routing Process
232
OSPF Configuration
233
The router ospf Command
234
The network Command
234
Router ID
235
Modifying the OSPF Metric
236
Controlling the DR/BDR Election
237
Redistributing a Default Route
238
Modifying Hello Intervals and Hold Times
238
Verifying and Troubleshooting OSPF
239
Study Resources
243
Day 11: Troubleshooting Routing
245
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
245
Key Topics
245
The Basic Commands
245
VLSM Troubleshooting
246
Discontiguous Networks
246
Troubleshooting RIP
247
Troubleshooting EIGRP and OSPF Interface Issues
248
Troubleshooting Neighbor Adjacency Issues
249
Study Resources
250
Part V: Wireless Concepts and Configuration
251
Day 10: Wireless Standards, Components, and Security
253
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
253
Key Topics
253
Wireless Standards
253
Wireless Modes of Operation
254
Wireless Frequencies
254
Wireless Encoding and Channels
255
Wireless Coverage Area
256
CSMA/CA
256
Wireless Security Risks
257
Wireless Security Standards
258
Study Resources
259
Day 9: Configuring and Troubleshooting Wireless Networks
261
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
261
Key Topics
261
Implementing a WLAN
261
Wireless LAN Implementation Checklist
262
Wireless Troubleshooting
264
Study Resources
264
Part VI: Basic Security Concepts and Configuration
265
Day 8: Mitigating Security Threats and Best Practices
267
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
267
Key Topics
267
The Importance of Security
267
Attacker Terminology
267
Thinking Like an Attacker
268
Balancing Security and Availability
269
Developing a Security Policy
269
Common Security Threats
270
Vulnerabilities
270
Threats to Physical Infrastructure
271
Threats to Networks
271
Types of Network Attacks
271
General Mitigation Techniques
273
Host and Server Security
273
Intrusion Detection and Prevention
273
Security Appliances and Applications
273
Maintaining Security
275
Study Resources
276
Part VII: ACL and NAT Concepts and Configuration
277
Day 7: ACL Concepts and Configurations
279
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
279
Key Topics
279
ACL Concepts
279
Defining an ACL
279
Processing Interface ACLs
279
Types of ACLs
280
ACL Identification
281
ACL Design Guidelines
281
Configuring Standard Numbered ACLs
282
Standard Numbered ACL: Permit Specific Network
282
Standard Numbered ACL: Deny a Specific Host
283
Standard Numbered ACL: Deny a Specific Subnet
283
Standard Numbered ACL: Deny Telnet Access to the Router
284
Configuring Extended Numbered ACLs
284
Extended Numbered ACL: Deny FTP from Subnets
285
Extended Numbered ACL: Deny Only Telnet from Subnet
285
Configuring Named ACLs
286
Standard Named ACL Steps and Syntax
286
Standard Named ACL: Deny a Single Host from a Given Subnet
286
Extended Named ACL Steps and Syntax
287
Extended Named ACL: Deny a Telnet from a Subnet
287
Adding Comments to Named or Numbered ACLs
287
Complex ACLs
288
Study Resources
288
Day 6: Verifying and Troubleshooting ACL Implementations
289
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
289
Key Topics
289
Verifying ACLs
289
Troubleshooting ACLs
291
Problem 1: Host Has No Connectivity
291
Problem 2: Denied Protocols
292
Problem 3: Telnet is Allowed #1
293
Problem 4: Telnet Is Allowed #2
294
Problem 5: Telnet Is Allowed #3
294
Study Resources
295
Day 5: NAT Concepts, Configuration, and Troubleshooting
297
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
297
Key Topics
297
NAT Concepts
297
A NAT Example
298
Dynamic and Static NAT
299
NAT Overload
299
NAT Benefits
300
NAT Limitations
300
Configuring Static NAT
301
Configuring Dynamic NAT
301
Configuring NAT Overload
303
Verifying NAT
303
Troubleshooting NAT
304
Study Resources
306
Part VIII: WAN Concepts and Configuration
307
Day 4: WAN and VPN Technologies
309
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
309
Key Topics
309
WAN Technology Concepts
309
WAN Components and Devices
309
WAN Physical Layer Standards
311
WAN Data Link Protocols
312
WAN Switching
312
WAN Connection Options
313
Dedicated Connection Options
314
Circuit-Switched Connection Options
314
Packet-Switched Connection Options
315
Internet Connection Options
317
Choosing a WAN Link Option
319
VPN Technology
320
VPN Benefits
320
Types of VPN Access
320
VPN Components
322
Establishing Secure VPN Connections
322
Study Resources
326
Day 3: PPP Configuration and Troubleshooting
329
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
329
Key Topics
329
HDLC
329
HDLC Encapsulation
329
Configuring HDLC
330
Verifying HDLC
331
PPP Concepts
331
The PPP Frame Format
331
PPP Link Control Protocol (LCP)
332
PPP Configuration and Verification
334
Basic PPP
334
Study Resources
336
Day 2: Frame Relay Configuration and Troubleshooting
337
CCNA 640-802 Exam Topics
337
Key Topics
337
Frame Relay Concepts
337
Frame Relay Components
338
Frame Relay Topologies
339
NBMA Limitations and Solutions
340
Inverse ARP and LMI Concepts
341
Inverse ARP and LMI Operation
342
Configuring and Verifying Frame Relay
343
Full Mesh with One Subnet
344
Partial Mesh with One Subnet per PVC
347
Frame Relay Verification
348
Troubleshooting WAN Implementations
349
Troubleshooting Layer 1 Problems
350
Troubleshooting Layer 2 Problems
350
Troubleshooting Layer 3 Problems
351
Study Resources
352
Day 1: CCNA Skills Review and Practice
353
Key Topics
353
CCNA Skills Practice
353
Introduction
353
Topology Diagram
353
Addressing Table
354
VLAN Configuration and Port Mappings
355
ISP Configuration
355
Task 1: Configure Frame Relay in a Hub-and-Spoke Topology
356
Task 2: Configure PPP with CHAP
356
Task 3: Configure Static and Dynamic NAT on HQ
356
Task 4: Configure Default Routing
357
Task 5: Configure Inter-VLAN Routing
357
Task 6: Configure and Optimize EIGRP Routing
357
Task 7: Configure VTP, Trunking, the VLAN Interface, and VLANs
357
Task 8: Assign VLANs and Configure Port Security
358
Task 9: Configure STP
358
Task 10: Configure DHCP
359
Task 11: Configure a Firewall ACL
359
CCNA Skills Practice (Answers)
360
Task 1: Configure Frame Relay in a Hub-and-Spoke Topology
360
Task 2: Configure PPP with CHAP
362
Task 3: Configure Static and Dynamic NAT on HQ
362
Task 4: Configure Default Routing
364
Task 5: Configure Inter-VLAN Routing
364
Task 6: Configure and Optimize EIGRP Routing
365
Task 7: Configure VTP, Trunking, the VLAN Interface, and VLANs
367
Task 8: Assign VLANs and Configure Port Security
369
Task 9: Configure STP
370
Task 10: Configure DHCP
371
Task 11: Configure a Firewall ACL
372
CCNA Skills Challenge
374
Part IX: Exam Day and Post-Exam Information
375
Exam Day
377
What You Need for the Exam
377
What You Should Receive After Completion
377
Summary
378
Post-Exam Information
379
Receiving Your Certificate
379
Determining Career Options
379
Examining Certification Options
380
If You Failed the Exam
380
Summary
380
TOC, 1587131978, 10/21/08
Preface
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Introduction
You are almost there! If you're reading this Introduction, you've probably already spent a considerable amount of time and energy pursuing your CCNA certification. Regardless of how you got to this point in your travels through your CCNA studies, 31 Days Before Your CCNA Exam most likely represents the last leg of your journey on your way to the destination: to become a Cisco Certified Network Associate. However if you are like me, you might be reading this book at the beginning of your studies. If such is the case, this book provides you with an excellent overview of the material you must now spend a great deal of time studying and practicing. I must warn you, though; unless you are extremely well versed in networking technologies and have considerable experience configuring and troubleshooting Cisco routers and switches, this book will not serve you well as the sole resource for CCNA exam preparation. Therefore, let me spend some time discussing my recommendations for study resources.
Study Resources
Cisco Press offers an abundance of CCNA-related books to serve as your primary source for learning how to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks. See the inside cover of this book for a quick list of my recommendations.
Foundational Resources
First on the list must be Wendell Odom's CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, Third Edition (ISBN: 1587201836). If you do not buy any other books, buy this set of two. Wendell's method of teaching, combined with his technical expertise and down-to-earth style, is unsurpassed in our industry. As you read through his books, you sense that he is sitting right there next to you walking you through the material. The practice exams and study materials on the CD in the back of the book are worth the price of the book. There is no better resource on the market for a CCNA candidate.
Next on the list must be Steve McQuerry's Authorized Self-Study Guide CCNA Preparation Library, Seventh Edition (ISBN: 1587054647). These two books are indispensable to those students who take the two Cisco recommended training classes for CCNA preparation: Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1 (ICND1) and Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2 (ICND2). These courses, available through Cisco Training Partners in a variety of formats, are usually of a very short duration (1 to 6 weeks) and are geared toward the industry professional already working in the field of networking. Steve's books serve the reader well as a concise, but thorough, treatment of the CCNA exam topics. His method and approach often differ from and complement Wendell's approach. I recommend that you also refer to these books.
If you are a Cisco Networking Academy student, you are blessed with access to the online version of the CCNA curriculum and the wildly popular Packet Tracer network simulator. Although there are two versions of the CCNA curriculum-Discovery and Exploration-I chose to use the four CCNA Exploration courses in my daily review of the exam topics. The Exploration curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of networking, from fundamentals to advanced applications and services. The Exploration courses emphasize theoretical concepts and practical application, while providing opportunities for students to gain the skills and hands-on experience needed to design, install, operate, and maintain networks in small-to-medium businesses, as well as enterprise and service provider environments. In an Academy class, not only do you have access to Packet Tracer, but you have access to extensive, guided labs and real equipment on which to practice your CCNA skills. To learn more about CCNA Exploration and to find an Academy near you, visit http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/course--catalog/CCNAexploration.html.
However, if you are not an Academy student but would like to benefit from the extensive authoring done for these courses, you can buy any or all of the CCNA Exploration Companion Guides (CG) and Lab Study Guides (LSG) of the Academy's popular online curriculum. Although you will not have access to the Packet Tracer network simulator software, you will have access to the tireless work of an outstanding team of Cisco Academy Instructors dedicated to providing students with comprehensive and engaging CCNA preparation course material. The titles and ISBNs for the CCNA Exploration CGs and LSGs are as follows:
*
Network Fundamentals (CG ISBN: 1587132087; LSG ISBN: 1587132036)
*
Routing Protocols and Concepts (CG ISBN: 1587132060; LSG ISBN: 1587132044)
*
LAN Switching and Wireless (CG ISBN: 1587132079; LSG ISBN: 1587132028)
*
Accessing the WAN (CG ISBN: 1587132052; LSG ISBN: 158713201X)
You can find these books at http://www.ciscopress.com by clicking the CISCO NETWORKING ACADEMY link.
Supplemental Resources
In addition to the book you hold in your hands, I recommend two more supplemental resources to augment your final 31 days of review and preparation.
First, Eric Rivard and Jim Doherty are coauthors of CCNA Flash Cards and Exam Practice Pack, Third Edition (ISBN: 1587201909). The text portion of the book includes more than 700 flash cards that quickly review exam topics in bite-sized pieces. Also included are nearly 200 pages of quick-reference sheets designed for late-stage exam preparation. And the included CD features a test engine with more than 500 CCNA practice exam questions.
Second, Wendell Odom has put together an excellent collection of more than four hours of personal, visual instruction in one package, titled CCNA Video Mentor, Second Edition (ISBN: 1587201917). It contains a DVD with 20 videos and a lab manual. Wendell walks you through common Cisco router and switch configuration topics designed to develop and enhance your hands-on skills.
The Cisco Learning Network
Finally, if you have not done so already, you should now register with the Cisco Learning Network at http://cisco.hosted.jivesoftware.com/. Sponsored by Cisco, the Cisco Learning Network is a free social-learning network where IT professionals can engage in the common pursuit of enhancing and advancing their IT careers. Here you will find many resources to help you prepare for your CCNA exam, as well as a community of like-minded people ready to answer your questions, help you with your struggles, and share in your triumphs.
So which resources should you buy? That question is largely up to how deep your pockets are or how much you like books. If you're like me, you must have it all! I admit it. My bookcase is a testament to my Cisco 'geekness.' But if you are on a budget, choose one of the foundational study resources and one of the supplemental resources, such as Wendell Odom's certification library and Rivard/ Doherty's flash cards. Whatever you choose, you will be in good hands. Any or all of these authors will serve you well.
Goals and Methods
The main goal of this book is to provide you with a clear and succinct review of the CCNA objectives. Each day's exam topics are grouped into a common conceptual framework that uses the following format:
*
A title for the day that concisely states the overall topic
*
A list of one or more CCNA 640-802 exam topics to be reviewed
*
A Key Topics section to introduce the review material and quickly orient you to the day's focus
*
An extensive review section consisting of short paragraphs, lists, tables, examples, and graphics
*
A Study Resources section to provide a quick reference for locating more in-depth treatment of the day's topics
The book counts down starting with Day 31 and continues through exam day to provide post-test information. You will also find a calendar and checklist that you can tear out and use during your exam preparation inside the book.
Use the calendar to enter each actual date beside the countdown day and the exact day, time, and location of your CCNA exam. The calendar provides a visual for the time that you can dedicate to each CCNA exam topic.
The checklist highlights important tasks and deadlines leading up to your exam. Use it to help you map out your studies.
Who Should Read This Book?
The audience for this book is anyone finishing preparation for taking the CCNA 640-802 exam. A secondary audience is anyone needing a refresher review of CCNA exam topics-possibly before attempting to recertify or sit for another certification to which the CCNA is a prerequisite.
Getting to Know the CCNA 640-802 Exam
For the current certifications, announced in June 2007, Cisco created the ICND1 (640-822) and ICND2 (640-816) exams, along with the CCNA (640-802) exam. To become CCNA certified, you can pass both the ICND1 and ICND2 exams, or just the CCNA exam. The CCNA exam covers all the topics on the ICND1 and ICND2 exams, giving you two options for gaining your CCNA certification. The two-exam path gives people with less experience a chance to study for a smaller set of topics at one time. The one-exam option provides a more cost-effective certification path for those who want to prepare for all the topics at once. This book focuses exclusively on the one-exam path using the entire list of exam topics for the CCNA 640-802 exam.
Currently for the CCNA exam, you are allowed 90 minutes to answer 50-60 questions. Use the following steps to access a tutorial at home that demonstrates the exam environment before you go to take the exam:
Step 1: Visit http://www.vue.com/cisco.
Step 2: Look for a link to the certification tutorial. Currently, it can be found on the right side of the web page under the heading Related Links.
Step 3: Click the Certification tutorial link.
When you get to the testing center and check in, the proctor verifies your identity, gives you some general instructions, and then takes you into a quiet room containing a PC. When you're at the PC, you have a few things to do before the timer starts on your exam. For instance, you can take the tutorial to get accustomed to the PC and the testing engine. Every time I sit for an exam, I go through the tutorial, even though I know how the test engine works. It helps me settle my nerves and get focused. Anyone who has user-level skills in getting around a PC should have no problems with the testing environment.
When you start the exam, you are asked a series of questions. Each question is presented one at a time and must be answered before moving on to the next question. The exam engine does not let you go back and change your answer. The exam questions can be in one of the following formats:
*
Multiple choice
*
Fill-in-the-blank
*
Drag-and-drop
*
Testlet
*
Simlet
*
Simulation
The multiple-choice format requires that you point and click a circle or check box next to the correct answer or answers. Cisco traditionally tells you how many answers you need to choose, and the testing software prevents you from choosing too many or too few.
Fill-in-the-blank questions typically require you only to type numbers. However if words are requested, the case does not matter unless the answer is a command that is case sensitive (such as passwords and device names when configuring authentication).
Drag-and-drop questions require you to click and hold, move a button or icon to another area, and release the mouse button to place the object somewhere else-typically in a list. For some questions, to get the question correct, you might need to put a list of five things in the proper order.
Testlets contain one general scenario and several multiple-choice questions about the scenario. These are ideal if you are confident in your knowledge of the scenario's content because you can leverage your strength over multiple questions.
A simlet is similar to a testlet in that you are given a scenario with several multiple-choice questions. However, a simlet uses a network simulator to allow you access to a simulation of the command line of Cisco IOS Software. You can then use show commands to examine a network's current behavior and answer the question.
A simulation also uses a network simulator, but you are given a task to accomplish, such as implementing a network solution or troubleshooting an existing network implementation. You do this by configuring one or more routers and switches. The exam then grades the question based on the configuration you changed or added. A newer form of the simulation question is the GUI-based simulation, where a graphical interface like that found on a Linksys router or the Cisco Security Device Manager is simulated.
What Topics Are Covered on the CCNA Exam
The topics of the CCNA 640-802 exam focus on the following eight key categories:
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Describe how a network works.
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Configure, verify and troubleshoot a switch with VLANs and interswitch communications.
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Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP Services to meet network requirements in a medium-size enterprise branch office network.
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Configure, verify, and troubleshoot basic router operation and routing on Cisco devices.
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Explain and select the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLAN.
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Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats.
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Implement, verify, and troubleshoot NAT and ACLs in a medium-size enterprise branch office network.
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Implement and verify WAN links.
Although Cisco outlines general exam topics, it is possible that not all topics will appear on the CCNA exam and that topics that are not specifically listed might appear on the exam. The exam topics provided by Cisco and included in this book are a general framework for exam preparation. Be sure to check the Cisco website for the latest exam topics.
Cisco Networking Academy Student Discount Voucher
If you are a Cisco Networking Academy student, you have the opportunity to earn a discount voucher to use when registering and paying for your exam with Pearson VUE. To receive the discount voucher, you must complete all four courses of the CCNA Exploration curriculum and receive a score of 75 percent or higher on your first attempt of the final exam for the final CCNA Exploration course, Accessing the WAN. The amount of the discount varies by region and testing center, but typically it has been as much as 50% off the full exam price. Log in to the Academy Connection and click Help at the top of the page to research more information on receiving a discount voucher.
Registering for the CCNA 640-802 Exam
If you are starting your 31 Days to Your CCNA today, register for the exam right now. In my testing experience, there is no better motivator than a scheduled test date staring me in the face. I'm willing to bet it's the same for you. Don't worry about unforeseen circumstances. You can cancel your exam registration for a full refund up to 24 hours before taking the exam. So if you're ready, you should gather the following information in Table I-1 and register right now!
Table I-1 Personal Information for CCNA 640-802 Exam Registration
Item
Notes
Legal Name
Social Security or Passport Number
Cisco Certification ID or Test ID1
Cisco Academy Username2
Cisco Academy ID Number2
Company Name
Valid Email Address
Voucher Number2
Method of Payment
1Applies to exam candidates if you have previously taken a Cisco certification exam (such as the ICND1 exam)
2Applies to Cisco Networking Academy students only
To register for an exam, contact Pearson VUE via one of the following methods:
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Online: http://www.vue.com/cisco.
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By phone: In the United States and Canada call 1-800-829-6387, option 1, then option 4. Check the website for information regarding other countries.
The process and available test times will vary based on the local testing center you choose.
Remember, there is no better motivation for study than an actual test date. Sign up today.
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About the Authors
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Allan Johnson entered the academic world in 1999 after ten years as a business owner/operator to dedicate his efforts to his passion for teaching. He holds both an MBA and an M.Ed in Occupational Training and Development. He taught CCNA courses at the high school level for seven years and has taught both CCNA and CCNP courses at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 2003, Allan began to commit much of his time and energy to the CCNA Instructional Support Team providing services to Networking Academy instructors worldwide and creating training materials. He now works full time for the Academy in Learning Systems Development.
