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Book Review - CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide #640-811

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PostPosted: Mon Oct 13, 2003 6:28 pm    Post subject: Book Review - CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide #640-811 Reply with quote

CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide #640-811

Author(s): Wendell Odom, CCIE (No. 1624)
Publisher: Pearson Education
Book Specifications:Hard-Cover, 626 Pages with CD
Category: Cisco Certification Aide
User Level: Intermediate (knowledge of networking principles required)
Suggested Publisher Price: $39.95 USA/ $59.99 CAN/ £28.20 Net UK (inc of VAT)
ISBN: 1-58720-083-X
Amazon.co.uk: CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide #640-811
Amazon.com: CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide #640-811




Info from Back: "Cisco ICND Exam Certification Guide is part of a recommended study program from Cisco Systems that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners, and self-study products from ciscopress. To find out more about instructor-led, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered by authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide, please visit www.cisco.com/go/authorizedtraining"


Introduction

With the advent of larger and more complex networks in today’s workplace environment it has become even more important to have an understanding of routers. Routers are an integral part of a network’s architecture, and therefore must be understood by the network professional. Cisco is the industry leader when it comes to routers, and it makes sense for one to want to achieve a recognized knowledge level for Cisco routers. This is where the Cisco CCNA certification comes in. It is arguably the most important as well for it is the introductory Cisco certification on which you will continue to build your knowledge and expertise.

Details

Just as some of the other CCNA certification books offered by ciscopress, this one also has many wonderful attributes. As noted in one of my other CCNA certification book reviews is the fact that these books come with an extremely intuitive layout. At the beginning of each chapter there is a quick test. The purpose of this test is to see if you already have a grasp of that chapter’s subject material. What this feature allows you is the maximum usage of your valuable study time. Most network professionals have a definite shortage of time when it comes to training. All of the chapter features noted in the other CCNA book review here have been incorporated into this one as well. To whit, exam topics covered in each chapter are shown prior to actually beginning that chapter. Following that is a brief discussion of the material covered in that section. You then go on to cover that material if you need it. Lastly at the end of the chapter are tips on how best to use the knowledge you have just absorbed.

Detailed above is part of the excellent book layout which is also continued by the inclusion of a “foundation summary” at the end of every chapter. This summary will review key material covered. After this is a “question and answer” area which will as noted pose questions based on that chapters topics. Using this three pronged approach for revision allows you to assimilate the information in a logical and ordered fashion.

Included at the end of the book is five appendixes. The first one contains the answers to the “Do I Know This Already” quizzes, and the Q&A questions. The next appendix contains a handy decimal to binary conversion chart. Following this is the one which deals with using the simulation software for the Hands-on exercises. Lastly the two remaining one’s deal with comparisons of dynamic routing protocols, and configuring a cisco 1900 switch.

Also of note in this book is the accompanying CD which contains 300 practice questions for the ICND, INTRO, and CCNA exams. This CD also contains a customized copy of the NetSim LE network simulation software.

Style and Detail

The book details listed above are what truly separate this book from the pack. It is this attention to detail, and the accumulated learning experience of the Cisco instructors which make this book exceptional. The combined learning experience is very much evident in the books layout, and approach to learning.

Conclusion

I have yet to find a certification aide which rivals the offerings of ciscopress. It is only natural that they are the leader, however it is also the bundled CD which has the NetSim network simulation software that adds to this books value. Though this book does not contain an overview of the OSI stack, and other topics which may be germane to this certification it is still more then worth buying. I very much encourage anyone who is seeking the #640-811 CCNA certification to buy this book.

It's gets an SFDC 9/10 from me, the book is another excellent offering in the CCNA certification line.



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This review is copyright 2003 by the author and Security-Forums Dot Com, and may not be reproduced in any form in any media without the express permission of the author, or Security-Forums Dot Com.
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