CCNA

In David’s latest TechRepublic article, he explains how the seven layers of the OSI Model can help you as a Cisco administrator. Get a brief overview of the OSI model and learn why it is more than just a textbook concept — a true understanding of it will help you every day of your career. To read the full article, visit Understand the OSI Model to become a better Cisco troubleshooter

In this article, author David Davis explains how Cisco’s Network Security and Deployment Methodologies can help you and any enterprise customer. This knowledge is useful whether you are implementing security on your network, doing a major router upgrade or even working on a personal project at home. For the full article, please read: How can Cisco’s Network Security and Deployment Methodologies help you?

I hope you will checkout my latest TechRepublic article - “Learn to configure Cisco IOS NAT on a stick” by David Davis, CCIE & published just today, over at TechRepublic.com! This is very cool stuff for any CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE candidate to understand.

In this video, you will find the answers to “What are OSPF Link State Advertisements (LSA) and how do you configure them?”I know that the video sounds a bit “robotic” but I think it is still good information for all CCNA/CCNP candidates and network admins to know. Enjoy!

Recently, I reviewed Train Signal’s Video course covering Cisco’s 642-845 ONT (Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks) exam. This ONT exam is part of the Cisco CCNP certification.

Honestly, these Cisco training videos are the best I have seen. The instructor is Chris Bryant. He is a CCIE and has a knack for explaining the in’s and out’s of Cisco networking. If you want to learn more about the topics included- Click here for the full list of course topics and to learn more about the Train Signal CCNP ONT Video

If you want to learn more about the topics included- Click here for the full list of course topics and to learn more about the Train Signal CCNP ONT Video

Are you studying for the Cisco CCNA or looking for the best Cisco CCNA, routing, and switching resources available? If so, check out a recent post by Michael. He is a HappyRouter member and has really taken advantage of all the resources here, and at numerous other websites. Michael has been kind enough to share his story and detail out all the CCNA resources that he used in passing his test.

Thanks Michael & Congratulations to you, Mr CCNA!

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Recently, I created a short video that shows you how to configure and use VLAN s on a Cisco IOS Router & Switch. It is a step-by-step 15 minute video. It was originally published over at SearchNetworking.com. A virtual LAN (VLAN) is a broadcast domain created by switches. VLANs are a convenient way to connect ports from different switches and different buildings onto the same network and broadcast domain, preventing the need for a complex system of subnets.

In this video, you will learn how to configure a VLAN in this step-by-step, automated, 15-minute demo. I am a CCIE Cisco networking expert and I will walk you through the steps you’ll need to configure your routers and switches, set up and assign the trunk ports, and perform the necessary tests to get traffic moving across your VLAN successfully. You can view the configuration commands I used in the video at the bottom of this page.

Oh - if you would like to see an EXCELLENT video training course that covers all aspects of VLAN configuration, switch configuration, and prepares you for the CCNP, please check out the Train Signal Cisco CCNP Training Video Series - 642-812 BCMSN

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I consider myself fortunate to run across a new program called the Cisco ACL Editor and Simulator. This program allows you to create ACLs in Windows GUI application by filling out fields on a form. Even better, it allows you to then take that ACL and simulate what traffic would pass through the ACL. This way, you can test your ACL’s before you apply them, saving a huge amount of time and effort.

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Recently, I received a PM from a HappyRouter.com member,asking for help in selecting equipment for his CCNA studies. There are a ton of choices out there and a lot of vendors trying to push equipment on new users that they may or may not need.

In the dialog below, you will see how I made the following recommendations to our member:

1) You don’t have to buy equipment for CCNA preparation but it will help you learn more and retain what you need for the test

2) Only get the most basic equipment needed, such as Cisco 2500 series routers. In fact, you should be able to spend no more than $300 to get a couple of routers and a switch.

3) For learning concepts and seeing how things should work in the Cisco IOS, take a look at the Train Signal CCNA videos - they cover the whole gamut of router, switches, subnetting, VLANS, and more. Plus, they come with study questions and a lab book!

The conversation on this topic follows….

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