Page 12

Introduction

xxix

don't have to stop there--you can choose to continue with your studies and
achieve a higher certification, called the Cisco Certified Network Profes-
sional (CCNP). Someone with a CCNP has all the skills and knowledge he
or she needs to attempt the CCIE lab. However, because no textbook can
take the place of practical experience, we'll discuss what else you need to be
ready for the CCIE lab shortly.

Why Become a CCNA?

Cisco, not unlike Microsoft or Novell, has created the certification process
to give administrators a set of skills and to equip prospective employers with
a way to measure skills or match certain criteria. Becoming a CCNA can be
the initial step of a successful journey toward a new, highly rewarding, and
sustainable career.

The CCNA program was created to provide a solid introduction not only

to the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS) and Cisco hardware, but
also to internetworking in general, making it helpful to you in areas that are
not exclusively Cisco's. At this point in the certification process, it's not
unrealistic to imagine that future network managers--even those without
Cisco equipment--could easily require Cisco certifications for their job
applicants.

If you make it through the CCNA and are still interested in Cisco and

internetworking, you're headed down a path to certain success.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a CCNA?

To meet the CCNA certification skill level, you must be able to understand
or do the following:

Install, configure, and operate simple-routed LAN, routed WAN, and
switched LAN and LANE networks.

Understand and be able to configure IP, IGRP, IPX, serial, AppleTalk,
Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, IPX RIP, Ethernet, and access lists.

Install and/or configure a network.

Optimize WAN through Internet-access solutions that reduce
bandwidth and WAN costs, using features such as filtering with
access lists, bandwidth on demand (BOD), and dial-on-demand
routing (DDR).

www.sybex.com