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Cisco CCNA / CCNP Home Labs: Developing Troubleshooting Skills |
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CCNA / CCNP candidates are going to be drilled by Cisco when
it comes to troubleshooting questions. You're going to have
to be able to analyze configurations to see what the problem
is (and if there is a problem in the first place), determine
the meaning of different debug outputs, and show the ability
not just to configure a router or switch, but troubleshoot
one.
That's just as it should be, because CCNAs and CCNPs will
find themselves doing a lot of troubleshooting in their careers.
Troubleshooting isn't something that can just be learned from
a book; you've got to have some experience working with routers
and switches. The only real way to learn how to troubleshoot
is to develop that ability while working on live equipment.
Of course, your company or client is going to take a very
dim view of you developing this skill on their live network.
So what can you do?
Assemble a Cisco home lab. When you start working with real
Cisco equipment, you're doing yourself a lot of favors. First,
you're going to be amazed at how well you retain information
that will become second nature to you before exam day. But
more importantly, both for the exam room and your career,
you're developing invaluable troubleshooting skills.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying knowing the theory of
how routers and switches work is unimportant. Quite the opposite
- if you don't know networking theory, you're not going to
become a CCNA or CCNP. But the ability to apply that knowledge
is vital - and the only way you can get that is to work on
real Cisco routers and switches. As for these "router
simulators" on the market today, ask yourself this simple
question: "When I walk into a server room, how many router
simulators do I see?"
I often tell students that they'll do their best learning
when they screw something up. I've had many a student tell
me later that I was right - when they misconfigured frame
relay, ISDN, or another CCNA / CCNP technology and then had
to fix it themselves, it not only gave them the opportunity
to apply their knowledge, but it gave them the confidence
to know they could do it.
And you can't put a price on confidence - in the exam room
or in the network center!
About the Author:
Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage,
home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA Study
Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages. For a FREE copy
of his latest e-books, “How To Pass The CCNA” and
“How To Pass The CCNP”, visit the website and download
your free copies. You can also get FREE CCNA and CCNP exam
questions every day! Pass the CCNA exam with The Bryant Advantage!
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Relevant Resources |
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Need Cisco Hardware for your Cert? |
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| Call 813.852.6400 now for more information to find the best router or switch to best help you with your certification exam. Having "real" hands-on experience is extremely beneficial not just for testing, but also ensures you are actually familiar with the device you are working on.
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