Right now I’m looking into really getting some knowledge on networking. I’ve asked the networking admin at my job about where to start and he recommended I get some solid knowledge of TCP/IP OSI model and things along those lines. In researching and seeing where I’d want to aim myself I was thinking of doing CCENT and CCNA since from what I can tell starts with basic network info and builds to more. It’s not like I have no understanding at all but I know that I could really make some progress if I put the ideas of how things work with the solid info of how it really does operate. Anyway to get to the point I’m looking for some materials to help me. Anything that’s free is a big help but if not it’s still appreciated.
4 Spice ups
Every time this topic comes up, I highly recommend the Cisco Portable Command Guides.
http://www.amazon.com/CCNA-Portable-Command-Guide-Edition/dp/1587201933
Also, CBT nuggets video series.
And Packet Tracer is an invaluable tool for learning Cisco commands “hands on”, that is with virtual routers and switches and computers. It’s as close to having a physical device as you can get. All the same commands and operations.
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Candido1527 wrote:
Right now I’m looking into really getting some knowledge on networking. I’ve asked the networking admin at my job about where to start and he recommended I get some solid knowledge of TCP/IP OSI model and things along those lines. In researching and seeing where I’d want to aim myself I was thinking of doing CCENT and CCNA since from what I can tell starts with basic network info and builds to more. It’s not like I have no understanding at all but I know that I could really make some progress if I put the ideas of how things work with the solid info of how it really does operate. Anyway to get to the point I’m looking for some materials to help me. Anything that’s free is a big help but if not it’s still appreciated.
One of the first things I had to memorize was the osi model.
It was utterly useless to me without context.
It only became relevent years later when I could actually apply it against real world scenarios.
so glad i got ccna and ccnp
If you are just starting out with Networking the CompTIA Network + exam is a good alround course that isn’t product specific and covers most basic networking. You could always further your skills with a CCENT or CCNA certification once you have a good grounding and know the basics.
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I actually looked into the CompTIA Network+ exam. Wasn’t sure if it would give me a solid foundation or not. Guess it does though.
JimbobSquarepants thanks for the heads up on the book. It seems its really a beginners guide with plenty of walk throughs in it.
Do you guys know any books or guides with solid material in it to get me started before I bury money in trying to take an exam or class for that matter?
IMHO, CompTIA certs are useless. I’ve met (and interviewed) plenty of people that have Network+ certs that don’t understand the fundamentals of networking.
If you are looking for an excellent networking foundation, CCENT is exactly what you’re looking for
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johnwhite
(John White)
8
I like the O’Reilly books.
I’m due to take my CCENT exam in August, Wendell Odom has 2 books with practice tests included in both that are helping a great deal towards preparing me for the exam.
CCENT/CCNA ICND1 640-822 is the book I have for the CCENT exam…the practice test are pretty challenging. Packet Tracer is a really valuable tool if you don’t have access to any Cisco Routers/Switches as JimBob pointed out.
Good Luck!
