CCNA Certification Kit, (Exam 640-802) (Book & CD Rom)

Like your peanut butter in my chocolate, the combination of Sybex's bestselling CCNA Study Guide and the e-trainer network-simulation software mesh wonderfully. In fact, if truth be told, they always were intended to be sold as one unit; the book contains a lot of rote exercises that is a jumble of instructions if you're not sitting at a terminal, and the CD comes with practically no instructions at all. Put together in the CCNA Certification Kit, however, they create a force to be reckoned with.

But first, let's list for you what's in this little bundle of joy. The CCNA Study Guide is a densely written but comprehensive tome; the writing can be intimidating at times, but Lammle is to be commended for trying to show the reader the reasons that certain networking topics work, instead of merely providing you with lists of items to memorize. The concepts become particularly daunting during the chapters involving TCP/IP subnetting and VLAN trunking--but meticulous rereading will reward you not only with exam-passing knowledge, but with a deep understanding that will serve you well in the corporate world. There are only two slight disappointments: one is the chapter on WAN networking, which is a trifle light compared to the fact-packed density of the rest of the book; the other is that this book is not for absolute beginners, as it skips very quickly over such essential concepts as Ethernet networking and cabling types.

There is a third flaw here--fortunately, it's nonexistent in this bundle. A large portion of the Guide consists of simple exercises to be run on Cisco routers--which normally is a problem for the CCNA student. Most people don't have access to, and cannot afford, the roughly $2,500 in equipment that it takes to set up a sample lab. But that's where the CCNA Virtual Lab e-trainer comes in; it's a software package that emulates a network that consists of three Cisco routers, a Catalyst 1900 switch, and a couple of WAN links.

For what it does at the price, it does it well. It's not, by any means, a full-fledged simulation, but it does emulate most of the basic commands well enough for you to pass--and the amount of learning you'll get from the "hands-on" experience is exponentially better than any amount of book learning. Tinkering around with your own setup will help you remember the oft-cryptic Cisco commands and password levels better than anything else, and the exercises given to you in the study guide will suddenly become full-fledged workshops that expand your learning.

Now, there are those who have criticized the Virtual Lab for many, sometimes valid, reasons: not all the basic commands are adequately supported, the interface is clunky, there are known bugs, and it's useless beyond anything but the CCNA level. (If you go on to the next level of the Cisco exams, most of the advanced commands aren't supported.) But there is a saying in the industry that should be well taken here: "Close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades." Yes, there are better Cisco simulator programs. Yes, there are cheaper ones. No other offering, however, has the range of features and depth that you'll find at this price--more importantly, it's enough to pass. Must you have perfection when you can have a passing grade?

In short, the strengths of each item in this boxed set shore up the weaknesses of the other--and, as such, it's a vital tool in the arsenal of any CCNA aspirant. Highly recommended. --William Steinmetz

Product Description
Two bestselling CCNA study tools--one value-priced set

Here's everything you need to prepare for the CCNA certification exam, including in-depth coverage of all exam objectives, CCNA Virtual Lab, Titanium Edition simulation software that lets you to practice on a virtual network--complete with over 250 hands-on labs--leading-edge testing software, and over an hour of additional video and audio instruction from Cisco expert Todd Lammle, and much more.

Prepare with confidence with the very latest edition of this consistent bestseller from top Cisco networking authority Todd Lammle. The book includes a CD with Sybex's leading-edge exam-prep software.
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In-depth coverage of all objectives for exam 640-802
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New material on switching, network address translation, IPv6, and more
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Practical hands-on exercises and labs to reinforce critical skills
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Sybex custom test engine
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Real-world scenarios so you learn in the context of actual job roles
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Supplemental video and audio instruction from Todd Lammle

Sharpen your hands-on skills on a virtual network with this unique CCNA lab simulation software. It's the perfect companion to the CCNA Study Guide.
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Create a virtual network of unlimited devices for unlimited practice
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Practice using 2621 Cisco routers and the 1900, 2950, and 3550 Cisco switches
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Test your knowledge of over 470 commands
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Run problem-solving scenarios and test your troubleshooting skills
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Hone your skills with over 250 hands-on labs from Todd Lammle
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Save time and money with this affordable learning alternative

I am telling you that you just HAVE to have this kit if you want to pass the CCNA new 607 exam with simulations.


This is the "HAVE TO HAVE" kit for CCNA!   August 23, 2002
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I passed my CCNA exam after using this kit. I am an MCSE and MCP+I and now a CCNA thanks to these materials. The kit covers the vast majority of what you need to know to pass this exam.

After using several other books to prepare for other exams, this is by far the most thourough. The simulator did have some bugs, but it was still a valuable tool to simulate hands on practice. You can pass the exam using this kit alone, or got to ... for the complete router simulator.

This is excellent for those who want to learn on Cisco Routers and Switches and who are interested on CCNA exams. Certainly this is the best book, well written most of the topics, easy approach.