What does the CCNA Composite exam (200-125) cover? Pretty much the same topics covered in the ICND1 and ICND2 exams. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Todd Lammle authorized Cisco boot camps. Exam 200-125 tests a candidate's knowledge and skills required to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small to medium-size enterprise branch network.
While you can take the Composite exam to get your CCNA, it's good to know that Cisco offers the two-step process I discussed earlier in this introduction. And this book covers both those exams too! It may be easier than taking that one ginormous exam for you, but don't think the two-test method is easy. It takes work! However, it can be done; you just need to stick with your studies.
The two-test method involves passing the following:
■ Exam 100-105: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1)
■ Exam 200-105: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2)
I can't stress this point enough: It's critical that you have some hands-on experience with Cisco routers. If you can get a hold of some basic routers and switches, you're set, but if you can't, I've worked hard to provide hundreds of configuration examples throughout this book to help network administrators, or people who want to become network administrators, learn the skills they need to pass the CCENT and CCNA R/S exams.
For Cisco certification hands-on training, which includes CCNA videos and practice test questions all from CCSI Todd Lammle, please see www.lammle.com/ccna.
What Does This Book Cover?
This book covers everything you need to know to pass the CCNA Composite exam (200-125) The composite CCNA book is available on Amazon. But regardless of which path you choose, as I've said, taking plenty of time to study and practice with routers or a router simulator is the real key to success.
You will learn the following information in this book:
Chapter 1: Network Fundamentals In Chapter 1, you will learn the basics of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model the way Cisco wants you to learn it. There are plenty of review questions to help you.
Chapter 2: LAN Switching Fundamentals This chapter will provide you with the Ethernet foundation you need in order to pass the composite exam. Data encapsulation is discussed in detail in this chapter as well. And as with the other chapters, this chapter includes review questions to help you.
Chapter 3: Routing Technologies In this chapter, I will discuss routing concepts. This will include a discussion of the routing table, routing protocols, and static routing. I will also cover the configuration of RIP and single-area OSPF and the process of troubleshooting end-to-end connectivity at layer 3. Don't skip the 10 review questions.
Chapter 4: WAN Technologies In this chapter, I will cover wide area network (WAN) technologies. This will include a discussion of multilink Point-to-Point Protocol interfaces, PPP over Ethernet (PPoE), and Generic Routing Encapsulation tunnels. I will also cover the configuration of Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). And you'll find plenty of help in this chapter as long as you don't skip the review questions at the end.
Chapter 5: Infrastructure Services Here, you'll find out all about infrastructure services. These services include DNS, DHCP, HSRP, and NAT. It will cover the configuration, verification, and troubleshooting of these vital network services. As with Chapter 4, plenty of help is there for you if you don't skip the review questions.
Chapter 6: Infrastructure Security This chapter introduces you to port security and the common access layer attacks it can help prevent. It will also include the configuration, verification, and troubleshooting of access lists and the proper hardening of network devices. Be sure to complete the review questions.
Chapter 7: Infrastructure Management This chapter provides you with the management skills needed to run a Cisco IOS network. The topics will include device maintenance and the monitoring of devices. I'll also describe the tools used to troubleshoot and resolve issues, and I will close the chapter with a discussion of network programmability. As always, complete the review questions.
Appendix: Answers to Review Questions This appendix provides the answers to the end-of-chapter review questions.
Be sure to check the announcements section of my forum at www.lammle.com/ccna to find out how to download bonus material I created specifically for this book.
Interactive Online Learning Environment and Test Bank
I've worked hard to provide some really great tools to help you with your certification process. The interactive online learning environment that accompanies the CCNA Routing and Switching Complete Review Guide, Second Edition, provides a test bank with study tools to help you prepare for the certification exam – and increase your chances of passing it the first time! The test bank includes the following:
Sample tests All of the questions in this book are provided, including the assessment test, which you'll find at the end of this introduction, and the chapter tests that include the review questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, there are two practice exams with 50 questions each. Use these questions to test your knowledge of the study guide material. The online test bank runs on multiple devices.
Flashcards The online text bank includes 100 flashcards specifically written to hit you hard, so don't get discouraged if you don't ace your way through them at first! They're there to ensure that you're really ready for the exam. And no worries – armed with the review questions, practice exams, and flashcards, you'll be more than prepared when exam day comes! Questions are provided in digital flashcard format (a question followed by a single correct answer). You can use the flashcards to reinforce your learning and provide last-minute test prep before the exam.
Other study tools A glossary of key terms from this book and their definitions are available as a fully searchable PDF.
Go to www.wiley.com/go/sybextestprep to register and gain access to this interactive online learning environment and test bank with study tools.
In addition to the online test bank, I have provided additional study material that'll help you get the most out of your exam preparation:
Todd Lammle Bonus Material and Labs Be sure to check the www.lammle.com/ccna for directions on how to download all the latest bonus material created specifically to help you study for your CCNA exam.
How to Use This Book
If you want a solid foundation for the serious effort of preparing for the CCNA Routing and Switching exam, then look no further. I've spent hundreds of hours putting together this book with the sole intention of helping you to pass the Cisco exam, as well as really learn how to correctly configure Cisco routers and switches!
This book is loaded with valuable information, and you will get the most out of your study time if you understand why the book is organized the way it is.
So to maximize your benefit from this book, I recommend the following study method:
1. Take the assessment test that's provided at the end of this introduction. (The answers are at the end of the test.) It's okay if you don't know any of the answers; that's why you bought this book! Carefully read over the explanations for any questions you get wrong and note the chapters in which the material relevant to them is covered. This information should help you plan your study strategy.
2. Study each chapter carefully, making sure you fully understand the information and the test objectives listed at the beginning of each one. Pay