Chapter 14 covers wireless technologies. This is an introductory chapter regarding wireless technologies as Cisco views wireless. However,
I also added some advanced wireless topics that cover Cisco’s newest gear. At this time, advanced wireless gear is not covered within the
Cisco CCNA objectives, but that can change. Make sure you understand basic wireless technologies like access points and clients as well
as the difference between 802.11a, b, and g.
Chapter 15 covers IPv6. This is a fun chapter and has some great information. IPv6 is not the big, bad scary monster that most people think it
is. IPv6 is an objective on the latest exam, so study this chapter carefully. Keep an eye out at www.lammle.com for late-breaking updates.
Chapter 16 concentrates on Cisco wide area network (WAN) protocols. This chapter covers HDLC, PPP, and Frame Relay in depth. VPNs
and IPSec are also covered in this chapter. You must be proficient in all these protocols to be successful on the CCNA exam. Do not skip the
written lab, review questions, or hands-on labs found in this chapter.
How to Use This Book
If you want a solid foundation for the serious effort of preparing for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA Composite) 640-802 exam, then
look no further. I have spent hundreds of hours putting together this book with the sole intention of helping you to pass the CCNA exam and learn
how to configure Cisco routers and switches.
This book is loaded with valuable information, and you will get the most out of your studying time if you understand how I put the book together.
To best benefit from this book, I recommend the following study method:
1. Take the assessment test immediately following 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 question you get wrong and note the chapters
in which the material 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 extra-close attention to any chapter that includes material covered in questions you missed.
3. Complete the written labs at the end of each chapter. Do not skip these written exercises, because they directly relate to the CCNA
exam and what you must glean from the chapters in which they appear. Do not just skim these labs! Make sure you understand completely
the reason for each answer.
4. Complete all hands-on labs in the chapter, referring to the text of the chapter so that you understand the reason for each step you take.
Try to get your hands on some real equipment, but if you don’t have Cisco equipment available, try to find Cisco’s Packet Tracer for a
router simulator that you can use for all the hands-on labs needed for all your Cisco certification needs.
5. Answer all of the review questions related to each chapter. (The answers appear at the end of the chapters.) Note the questions that
confuse you and study the topics they cover again. Do not just skim these questions! Make sure you understand completely the reason for
each answer. Remember that these will not be the exact questions you find on the exam; they are written to help you understand the
chapter material.
6. Try your hand at the practice exams that are included on the companion CD. The questions in these exams appear only on the CD.
Check out www.lammle.com
for more Cisco exam prep questions.
7. Also on the companion CD is the first module from each of the first three CDs from my complete CCNA video series, which covers
internetworking, TCP/IP, and subnetting. This is critical information for the CCNA exam. In addition, as an added bonus, I have included
an audio section from my CCNA audio program. Do not skip the video and audio section!
Please understand that these are preview editions of the video and audios found at www.lammlepress.com and not the full versions, but are still a great value,
chock full of information.
8. Test yourself using all the flashcards on the CD. These are brand-new and updated flashcard programs to help you prepare for the
CCNA exam. They are a great study tool!
To learn every bit of the material covered in this book, you’ll have to apply yourself regularly, and with discipline. Try to set aside the same time
period every day to study, and select a comfortable and quiet place to do so. If you work hard, you will be surprised at how quickly you learn this
material.
If you follow these steps and really study—doing hands-on labs every single day—in addition to using the review questions, the practice exams,
the Todd Lammle video/audio sections, and the electronic flashcards, as well as all the written labs, it would be hard to fail the CCNA exam.
However, studying for the CCNA exam is like trying to get in shape—and if you do not go to the gym every day, you won’t get in shape.
What’s on the CD?
The folks at Sybex and I worked hard to provide some really great tools to help you with your certification process. All of the following tools should
be loaded on your workstation when you’re studying for the test. As a fantastic bonus, I was able to add to the CD included with this book a preview
section from both my CCNA video and audio series! Please understand that these are not the full versions, but they are still a great value for you
included free with this book.
The Sybex Test Preparation Software
The test preparation software prepares you to pass the CCNA exam. In the test engine, you will find all the review and assessment questions from
the book plus two practice exams with 140 questions that appear exclusively on the CD.
Electronic Flashcards