The Cisco CCNA exam really focuses on the core commands that have been there for years. So again, there is no need for an immediate upgrade day one when you get your Cisco router from 11.x to 12.x IOS. Take your time and become comfortable with the router and the commands. Otherwise you may mess up the upgrade and sit there cursing at the router as you try to figure out how to get IOS back on the router that you deleted by mistake. But don’t worry; you will be able to recover if you deleted the IOS by mistake too. It is just a little different of a process. Now when you feel you are pretty comfortable with the IOS commands, then perform the Cisco router IOS upgrade. After all, you will need to be able to complete such as exercise to pass the Cisco CCNA exam.

Now in this article, I am going to make an assumption that you have our study CD which has some of these files on it. If you don’t have our CD, you can purchase it or search the web for stuff like the SolarWinds TFTP server. Ok, here we go!

Here are the steps to start….

1) On the CD, follow the link to install the trial version of the SolarWinds TFTP server. You can access this by inserting the CD in your computer, auto-running the CD and you should see the CiscoKits splash screen. On the splash screen you should see a link for “Handy Programs”. Click that link and then follow the link for the install of the SolarWinds TFTP Server.

2) After you install the TFTP server, you will copy the 2500 IOS file that you want to upgrade the router with to the c:tftproot folder if you followed the default install directories for the TFTP server. This file is a .bin(binary) file so you will not be able to open. Many people will tell us that there is a problem with the file as they can’t open it. You are not supposed to be able to open and launch it as it is not an .exe file.

3) Launch the TFTP server.

4) Once in the TFTP server application, go under File, click Configure and click the Start services button. Click Ok. You should see in the bottom of the TFTP server application box that it says service status is “Started” and you should see the IP address(ex. 192.168.1.100) of the TFTP server to the left of that along with the c:tftproot folder as the default folder to the left of that(again, that is where the TFTP server will look for the .bin IOS file). If you do not see all that, you have missed a step somewhere so please go back and verify your steps.

5) This step could go a few different ways. 5a will be the steps if you already have a good version of IOS on the router. 5b will be if you accidentally deleted the IOS from the router. Now in my example here I am going to assume you have some sort of switch or hub that you have the Cisco router and your PC connected into. I will also assume you are using an internal IP address scheme of 192.168.1.x. The address for the router will be 192.168.1.80 and the IP address of the TFTP server will be 192.168.1.100. If you are not using that IP schema, then you will need to modify these instructions accordingly to fit your IP schema.

5a) Boot the unit normally. You should be brought to a normal user mode. In step 7, we will get you into privileged mode.

5b) Boot the unit and if you have no IOS on the flash, it will boot using the boot image from ROM. You will know this as your prompt will look like this: Router(boot)

6) Put a transceiver on the AUI port. Hook an Ethernet patch cable to the transceiver and the other end to the hub or switch your computer is connected to.

7) The next set of commands we are doing to setup an IP address on the Cisco router. We have to have an IP address assigned to the Ethernet interface or we will not be able to communicate via IP with the TFTP server. Do the following commands: En Config t Int E0 Ip address 192.168.1.80 255.255.255.0 No shut Exit Exit Copy tftp flash

It will ask you the name of the remote host. Address or name of remote host []? 192.168.1.100 Put the IP address of your TFTP server.

9) Next it will as you the Source file name. Source filename []? c2500-is-l.123.24.bin It is the name of the IOS file you copied over to the c:tftproot folder.

10) Next it will as you the Destination file name. Destination filename [c2500-is-l.123.24.bin]?y Hit y for yes to use the current file name. It may ask you to confirm. Enter y for yes.

11) It will then ask you if you want to erase the current flash file system. Enter y for yes. It may ask you to confirm a second time, if it does, enter y for yes again. Erase flash: before copying? [confirm]y

12) Next is should start the flash erase as seen below and you will see the file copy process as noted by the exclamation points. Erasing device… eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeee …erased Erase of flash: complete Loading c2500-is-l.123.24.bin from 192.168.1.100 (via Ethernet0): !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

13) If you start to see a bunch of periods, then that means you have some sort of connectivity issue. Here are the things I suggest you look at: A) Is the link light on the hub or switch for both the PC connection and the Cisco router connection? B) From a command prompt on the PC, can you ping the IP address of the PC? C) From a command prompt on the PC, can you ping the IP address of the Cisco router? D) From hyperterminal on the router, can you ping the IP address of the Cisco router? E) From hyperterminal on the router, can you ping the IP address of the PC? F) Is the service still started on the TFTP server and is the IP address still 192.168.1.100? These things should start to give you an idea of where the problem may be.

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CCNA Certification is necessary to validate to employers that the holder has demonstrated an understanding of the foundation of networking using Cisco devices; basic routing and switching, TCP/IP, the Open Systems Interconnect model, WANs, and more. In preparing for the CCNA exam, its important that candidates are adequately prepared for the environment they will be testing in and make the most of their study time and subsequent attempts at the exam.

Since the programs inception in April of 1998, Cisco has managed to maintain the difficulty of its exams by changing the requirements every so often. This, combined with Ciscos strong policy on disclosing exam content (those found in violation of this policy can a face lifetime ban from even attempting the exam and obtaining certification), proves passing the exam to be a formidable task for even the most prepared candidate. Not all applicants will pass the exam on the first try. Often the test has required multiple attempts by professionals before achieving success. At $125 for each portion of the two-part CCNA exam (640-822 ICND1 and 640-816 ICND2) or $250 for the full program in one test (640-802 CCNA), not passing on the first attempt can prove to be very costly and frustrating. Cisco also requires a minimum of 5 calendar days before a second or subsequent attempt at passing the exam. For these reasons, those seeking this certification should go to any length to familiarize themselves with the material and how it will be presented to them before spending valuable time and money on certification.

This article will not focus on the specific material found on the test, rather the nature of questioning, some guidelines of what to expect, and some information on how to properly prepare oneself for the actual day of the examination. As stated earlier, the nature and expense of this test makes it very important to be prepared so as not to require multiple attempts before successfully completing the exam. Also, once the exam is successfully passed, the certificate holder is required every three years to either re-take the exam or upgrade their certification to one of Ciscos other levels, such as CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) or CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert).

As a candidate for CCNA certification, one is expected to have abilities in the following areas of network service using Cisco products:

Planning and design Implementation and operation Troubleshooting and technology Configuration and administration

It is expected that some months of studying and training will precede the actual exam. It is often recommended that applicants take a two-pronged approach to preparing for test day. This includes two forms of self-study: primary and secondary. Primary study is the core learning portion of the preparation process, where a foundation is built around a solid understanding of the topics to be found on the exam. This is the candidates initial learning of all topics to be mastered. It will be achieved through extensive reading, research, and whenever possible, actual lab work. Once this has been accomplished, it will be necessary to stimulate solidify these concepts in the memory. This is the secondary part of the process, and it usually necessitates some kind of randomized, birds eye view of the material learned in primary study. Most programs recommend that this type of learning be put into use some 30-60 days prior to the day of examination.

Once the candidate has adequately prepared themselves mentally, they must make arrangements with Pearson VUE or another approved testing center for a testing appointment. Once an appointment has been made, finally comes the ugly task of actually going into the testing center and taking the 90-minute (75 minutes for the ICND2) exam.

Pearson VUE, Ciscos primary test delivery partner, expects that applicants arrive at the testing center a full 30 minutes prior to the time of the test. This, as with any test, is very important. It is not only key in assuring that traffic, detours, or unclear directions do not make the applicant late to the test, but it also allows some time to relax and prepare the mind for the examination about to take place. After the time, effort, and money put into preparing for this test, it would be a waste to rush and stress the morning of the exam.

The test will be administered by a proctor, and will be timed. For this reason, it is imperative that time is managed responsibly. This in mind, however, all answers on the exam are final. The test engine will prompt the user to proceed following each question. Take time to answer each question as accurately as recollection will allow, however its important not to allow one particularly challenging question to dominate too much time. There are 50-60 questions on each exam, 90 minutes to answer them, and later questions may demand more time. Be sure to answer all questions, even when uncertain as to the correct answer. No points are removed for incorrect answers or blank answers, so its best to at least attempt to answer the question when unsure.

Keeping all these things in mind, lets look at the 7 different types of questions that will be found on the test:

Single answer multiple choice -These are multiple choice questions where there is only one correct answer. A question will be posed, and a radio button will allow the user to select the proper answer to the question.

Multiple answer multiple choice -These are multiple choice questions where there are multiple correct answers. A question will be posed, and checkboxes will allow the user to select the proper answer to the question.

Drag and Drop (DND) -A green list of options will be provided on the left side of the screen, prompting the user to drag each of these to the correct yellow category box on the right side. The items can be removed from the chosen category and rearranged before submitting a final answer using the Submit button.

Fill in the Blank -The user will fill in the correct answer to a question or complete an existing sentence, making an accurate statement.

Router Simulation -Individual real-world scenarios are given, and the user is prompted to negotiate the proper network arrangement or perform the functions necessary using a simulated hyperterminal screen.

Testlet -The user is provided with a real-world scenario, and 3 or more questions are posed with regard to the scenario given.

Simlet -This is similar to a testlet question, however each sub-question is offered in the form of a router simulation.

All that said, by the day of the test the candidate should have a pretty good idea of what to expect on the test. The important thing is that he or she has worked hard and prepared themselves sufficiently so as not to panic the day of the exam. This is not a test that requires memorization; its a test that requires the test taker to understand concepts and how to properly use the functions of the equipment. Cramming, or excessive studying immediately or the night prior to the test, will be more of a hindrance than a help in preparing for this exam. It is absolutely vital that the applicant comes to the testing center the morning of the exam with a good, clear head on their shoulders. Remembering these things will help to ensure first-attempt success, and will also prevent an awful lot of test-day anxiety that will undoubtedly bolster the final score of the test taker a great deal.

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If you are reading this post you probably want to begin a career in Cisco computer networking. Perhaps you have just graduated from college or have many years of experience in the computer industry and are looking to specialize. It usually takes a few years of experience before you can become good at your network job.

There are certainly a few things you can do to help speed up the learning process and show to any future firms that wish to employ you that you have the pre-requisite experience and networking skills to perform effectively at the job. I will try to share with you some of them here.

Here are 2 things you need to have which should help speed up the learning process and help you become good more quickly:

1. Obtain the CCNA – The CCNA certification is one of the most respected IT certifications today, and is highly recognized by the networking industry as a whole. Getting the CCNA certification is a great way to begin your career in networking.

And because Cisco is the biggest player in the enterprise networking market, having a CCNA certification will demonstrate to a future employer that you have the pre-requisite networking skills to be able to troubleshoot and configure small to medium-sized enterprise networks.

2. Configuration Experience – There are many people who will resort to cheating in order to get their certification. In order to stop this, Cisco has made the certification exam more difficult. Many companies also conduct their own internal test to determine which candidate has real skills and experience and who actually obtained their CCNA certification in an dishonest manner.

Because of this, you should obtain some hands-on configuration and troubleshooting skills and this will prove to your future company that you have the relevant networking skills. Such skills will also prove to be very useful once you’ve got the networks job, as you will be able to contribute more effectively as soon as you are hired.

What should you do once you’ve obtained your CCNA certification? For most people, the logical next step is to get a job as a basic networks engineer either designing or supporting the network infrastructure of a small to medium sized corporation. Many people might also be looking to switch career paths from a more general role in technology to a networking specialization. In either case, you should note these 2 things to improve your chances of success:

1. Practical Knowledge – The CCNA, being the entry level Cisco networking certification, is possibly the most common network certification these days. Just having the CCNA does not guarantee you a job as employers are getting more demanding. The one thing that will really set you apart from the other applicants is your experience with the configuration and troubleshooting of real Cisco networks, rather than something you read out of a book and only know how to do in theory.

You should aim to obtain such configuration and troubleshooting skills. A good way to do this is to build your own Cisco lab either at home or if you employer allows it, in the office. This will allow you to practice in the lab before doing it for real on a production network.

A good alternative to using real Cisco devices, is to use Cisco simulators such as the dynamips simulator or buy other Cisco simulator packages. However, one downside of these simulators is that you will only be able to practice your configuration skills but not problems like patch cord faults and other physical layer issues.

2. Networking Technology – It’s important to keep yourself apprised of the latest networking technology. In particular, if you know what your future company uses, this will help a lot when it comes to being interviewed because they will tend to focus on those areas.

Please note, however, that some companies consider this information to be a business secret. If you obtain the information unethically, you will not only not get the job but word will probably get around pretty quickly. Please only do this if the information is freely available and they are OK to tell you what technologies are being used. If you have this, do take the opportunity to brush up on the relevant technologies before going for the interview.

Cisco offers three levels of Career Certifications, starting with lowest to highest:

• Associate
• Professional
• Expert

To start your certification path, you need to earn the Associate level first. There are currently 6 Associate level certification areas, as shown below:

Since I also have the security professional certification (CCSP) in addition to the network CCNP certification, I decided to take the 642-523 exam (Securing Networks with Cisco PIX and ASA Firewalls). As I have successfully passed it a few days ago, I have managed to recertify both CCNP and CCSP for 3 more years…..

To recertify one of the CCNA or CCDA you need the following:

• Pass the current certification exam
• Pass a current Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams)
• Pass any Professional level exam bearing a 642 prefix
• Advancing to the next level or recertifying at the Professional level automatically renews all related Associate level certifications
• Pass a current CCIE written exam