Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I checked twice to make sure I was reading reviews of the book I am currently reading(now on Ch 8), because this is an excellent book. Before I begin - one caveat - I have the the Networking Basic, CCNA 1 Companion Guide (cc 2006) not the CCNA 1 & 2 Companion Guide. However, judging by the contents and excerpt it appears that Part I of this book is the same as the book I am reading.
This is perfect for self study as it is heavy in pedagogy and takes real pains to make sure key concepts are conveyed with special notation, graphics and some repetition. There are plenty of illustration and excercises you can do with the included network simulator to drive home concepts and practice some practical configuations of devices and experiment with topologies.
I can't understand how anyone would think this is too technical assuming they are interested in acheiving a working understanding of networking. At times I wished they would dive just a little deeper, but I appreciate that this is not an engineering text, but rather is written on what I would call a technician level.
I have had no trouble understanding any of the concepts and found it to be one of the more readable texts I have encountered. Good explanations and a logical flow to the text. Prior to this book I had read one book on the subject; it is non-technical (in as much as is appropriate when covering a technical topic) but covers a wide scope so that I would get an nice overview before delving into details - Sam's Teach Yourself Networking in 24 hours.
I have a BS in Electronic Engineering so I can appreciate that those without this kind of background might find the CCNA CG more challenging, but if you are attempting to be a professional networker then I suspect you may be in over your head if you find this book too difficult. I don't want to imply that my BS gave me an advantage in terms of knowledge of the material since I had no networkin courses, but rather I am just used to reading much more difficult texts and solving much more difficult problems. The only portion so far that my EE degree gave me an advantage in was the explanation of the physics of cable and fiber transmissions. The books explanation is written on a 9th grade level and would be simple reading for an arts major IMO.
As for preparation for the CNNA I can't speak with any authority since I have not taken the exam yet. Of course you will need other resources besides these books to prepare for the exam but I have to believe this provides a solid theoretical and to a some degree practical grounding in networking - assuming of course you also study CCNA 3& 4 CG's which I hope are as well written as this book.
Click Here to see more reviews about: CCNA 1 and 2 Companion Guide, Revised (Cisco Networking Academy Program) (3rd Edition)
The only authorized textbook for the Cisco Networking Academy ProgramThis revised and expanded edition, which has 1:1 chapter-to-online module alignment, contains many learning aids that have been redesigned to help you reinforce the material in the course, focus on important concepts, and organize your study time for exams.Chapter Objectives are stated as questions at the beginning of each chapter. The objectives cover only the topics that are critical to passing the certification exam. The question format encourages you to think about finding the answers as you read through the chapter's content. Additional Topics of Interest is a new feature that indicates related information provided in the chapter that is not pertinent to pass the certification exam but would certainly be worthy to know on the job. Key Terms are now also listed at the beginning of each chapter in order of occurrence to alert you to the technical vocabulary that you need to understand as you work through that chapter. Key terms are then highlighted at first reference and defined at the end of the corresponding chapter. At the back of this book, an extensive Glossary collects all the key terms and their definitions. Check Your Understanding questions with an answer key help you keep track of your progress and aid studying for the assessments.Cisco Networking Academy Program CCNA 1 and 2 Companion Guide, Revised Third Edition, is the Cisco approved textbook to use alongside version 3.1 of the Cisco Networking Academy Program CCNA 1 and CCNA 2 web-based courses. The topics covered provide you with the necessary knowledge to begin your preparation for the CCNA certification exam (640-801, or 640-821 and 640-811) and to enter the field of network administration.As in the courses, the CCNA 1 section covers networking basics, including the basics of Ethernet technologies, TCP/IP, network media, IP addressing, and routing. The CCNA 2 section covers routers and routing basics, including the basics of configuring routers, routing protocols, more TCP/IP concepts, access control lists, and networking troubleshooting skills.Use this Companion Guide as a portable desk reference to access the information for study and review at any time!In addition, new icons throughout this Companion Guide refer you to additional skill-building activities found on the companion CD-ROM or in the separate Lab Companion.Companion Titles for CCNA 1 and 2:Cisco Networking Academy ProgramCCNA 1 and 2 Lab Companion Revised Third Edition ISBN: 1-58713-149-8Cisco Networking Academy ProgramCCNA 1 and 2 Engineering Journal and Workbook Revised Third Edition ISBN: 1-58713-151-XCompanion CD-ROMThis CD-ROM includes 25 new Interactive Media Activities, a customizable test engine with more than 250 practice questions, 10 PhotoZooms of Cisco equipment, 25 instructional Videos and Animations, and the Case Study Materials files you will need. PLUS Packet Tracer 3.2 is included, which is a Flash-based simulation environment to design, configure, and troubleshoot CCNA-level networks and animate packet flow. Also included is a special offer to save at ciscopress.com.This book is part of the Cisco Networking Academy Program Series from Cisco Press. The products in this series support and complement the Cisco Networking Academy Program.
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