Most CCNA students are familiar with two privilege levels, which are the privilege level 1(user EXEC mode) and the privilege level 15(privileged EXEC mode). Cisco IOS software offers 16 privilege levels numbered from 0 to 15. The privilege level 0 is the most restricted level (you cannot configure anything and you cannot display the router configuration). The privilege level 15 is the least restricted (you can do anything on the router).
The Cisco IOS software gives you the ability to attach a set of command to each privilege level according to you network administrators’ needs. To secure access to a privilege level, you’ve to use the enable command in global configuration mode.
The enable command the following syntax:
enable {password | secret} [level level] {encryption-type encrypted-password}
In this article we”ll use a customized syntax of the enable command to set the password for the privilege level 15 as follows:
enable { password | secret } {password}
The enable secret command creates a highly secure password (the password is encrypted using a non-reversible encryption algorithm). But, the enable password command creates an unencrypted password unless the service password-encryption command is issued. The first command takes precedence over the second they are both configured on the router.
Note that the password is case sensitive and can contain up to 25 characters (uppercase and lowercase alphanumeric characters). Additionally, the password can have as first character a number. In these videos, you’ll to configure the enable password using both methods above.
Setting the password using enable password command
Use the following configuration to set the enable password using the enable password command. To remove the password use the no enable password command.
R1#conf t
R1(config)# enable password cisco
R1(config)# end
R1#
Setting the password using enable secret command
Use the following configuration to set the enable password using the enable password command. To remove the password use the no enable secret command.
R1#conf t
R1(config)# enable secret cisco
R1(config)# end
R1#
Note that if the enable password is not already set either using the enable password command or the enable secret command, and the console password is already configured, you”ll have to supply this password after you issue the enable command whenever you start a VTY session.
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Filed under study guides by on Mar 2nd, 2010. 
In my first blog CCNA Certification Advantages, I discussed the core reason and the opportunities that we need to explore for making the best out of the networking industry. We have determined that CCNA certification makes lots of sense since it is highly recognized in the industry as excellent qualifications for an employee. Earning a Cisco certification means that you have a good grasp of the technology and most importantly you are competent to design and implement Cisco solutions and products.
I am taking this opportunity to share with you all the details regarding the subject area that it covers, exam structure, reference materials and couple of forums that has done me good.
Since you have decided that CCNA is going to be elixir of life for your career, then chalk out your plan, first and foremost being to convince yourself that it is not at all a tough nut to crack and simple systematic approach can make you walk out with the certificate in hand to all the way to your PC to update the resume.
So let me adopt that systematic approach and avoid all my exemplary linguistic skills and stick to plain old bulleted format.
To begin with…
1) Map out the learning materials.
2) Setting up a proper study routine (can be tricky, read 3)
3) You’ll realize, time is precious and goes by whizzing past you, so use yours wisely (why am I telling you this?… read 2)
Your study schedule should comprise of 2-3 hours of continuous segments each day. Now that can be challenging if you are a student pursuing career courses during this period or a full time working professional.
Getting to the course materials… no doubt your choice would make loads of difference.
My suggestion would be…to go to the nearest book store (online store only if you have already previewed the book). Lay your hands on all the books that has CCNA written in bold. Quickly flip through the pages and fish out the book which grabs your interest.
Here are few that you can try sticking to…
1) Wendell Odom’s CCNA Official Exam Certification Library (CCNA Exam 640-802), 3rd Edition, published by Cisco Press
2) Todd Lammle’s CCNA Study Guide, published by Sybex.
3) Todd Lammle’s CCNA IOS Command Survival Guide, published by Sybex
In my case, I picked up Todd Lammle. What matters is…
-hands on exposure
-reading and retaining the fundamentals &
-Going through all those notes again which I found difficult while reading through the book.
Exam structure (640-802 CCNA exam):
CCNA certification can be achieved by taking Cisco’s two-exam approach (640-822 & 640-816) also called ICND1 & ICND2 respectively, earning Cisco’s CCENT certification when they pass the 640-822 exam or the single exam 640-802.
Now you know the codes…. Great !!….
The following topics are general guidelines for the contents included in the Cisco 640-802 exam.
Describe how a network works
• Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices
• Select the components required to meet a network specification
• Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to explain how data flows in a network
• Describe common networked applications including web applications
• Describe the purpose and basic operation of the protocols in the OSI and TCP models
• Describe the impact of applications (Voice Over IP and Video Over IP) on a network
• Interpret network diagrams
• Determine the path between two hosts across a network
• Describe the components required for network and Internet communications
• Identify and correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3 and 7 using a layered model approach
• Differentiate between LAN/WAN operation and features
Configure, verify and troubleshoot a switch with VLANs and interswitch communications
• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect switches to other network devices and hosts
• Explain the technology and media access control method for Ethernet networks
• Explain network segmentation and basic traffic management concepts
• Explain basic switching concepts and the operation of Cisco switches
• Perform and verify initial switch configuration tasks including remote access management
• Verify network status and switch operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH, arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands
• Identify, prescribe, and resolve common switched network media issues, configuration issues, auto negotiation, and switch hardware failures
• Describe enhanced switching technologies (including: VTP, RSTP, VLAN, PVSTP, 802.1q)
• Describe how VLANs create logically separate networks and the need for routing between them
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VLANs
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot trunking on Cisco switches
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot interVLAN routing
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VTP
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RSTP operation
• Interpret the output of various show and debug commands to verify the operational status of a Cisco switched network.
• Implement basic switch security (including: port security, trunk access, management vlan other than vlan1, etc.)
Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP Services to meet network requirements in a medium-size Enterprise branch office network
• Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP addressing
• Explain the operation and benefits of using DHCP and DNS
• Configure, verify and troubleshoot DHCP and DNS operation on a router.(including: CLI/SDM)
• Implement static and dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment
• Calculate and apply an addressing scheme including VLSM IP addressing design to a network
• Determine the appropriate classless addressing scheme using VLSM and summarization to satisfy addressing requirements in a LAN/WAN environment
• Describe the technological requirements for running IPv6 in conjunction with IPv4 (including: protocols, dual stack, tunneling, etc).
• Describe IPv6 addresses
• Identify and correct common problems associated with IP addressing and host configurations
Configure, verify, and troubleshoot basic router operation and routing on Cisco devices
• Describe basic routing concepts (including: packet forwarding, router lookup process)
• Describe the operation of Cisco routers (including: router bootup process, POST, router components)
• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect routers to other network devices and hosts
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2
• Access and utilize the router to set basic parameters.(including: CLI/SDM)
• Connect, configure, and verify operation status of a device interface
• Verify device configuration and network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH or other utilities
• Perform and verify routing configuration tasks for a static or default route given specific routing requirements
• Manage IOS configuration files. (including: save, edit, upgrade, restore)
• Manage Cisco IOS
• Compare and contrast methods of routing and routing protocols
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot OSPF
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot EIGRP
• Verify network connectivity (including: using ping, traceroute, and telnet or SSH)
• Troubleshoot routing issues
• Verify router hardware and software operation using SHOW & DEBUG commands.
• Implement basic router security
Explain and select the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLAN
• Describe standards associated with wireless media (including: IEEE WI-FI Alliance, ITU/FCC)
• Identify and describe the purpose of the components in a small wireless network. (Including: SSID, BSS, ESS)
• Identify the basic parameters to configure on a wireless network to ensure that devices connect to the correct access point
• Compare and contrast wireless security features and capabilities of WPA security (including: open, WEP, WPA-1/2)
• Identify common issues with implementing wireless networks. (Including: Interface, missconfiguration)
Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats
• Describe today’s increasing network security threats and explain the need to implement a comprehensive security policy to mitigate the threats
• Explain general methods to mitigate common security threats to network devices, hosts, and applications
• Describe the functions of common security appliances and applications
• Describe security recommended practices including initial steps to secure network devices
Implement, verify, and troubleshoot NAT and ACLs in a medium-size Enterprise branch office network
• Describe the purpose and types of ACLs
• Configure and apply ACLs based on network filtering requirements.(including: CLI/SDM)
• Configure and apply an ACLs to limit telnet and SSH access to the router using (including: SDM/CLI)
• Verify and monitor ACLs in a network environment
• Troubleshoot ACL issues
• Explain the basic operation of NAT
• Configure NAT for given network requirements using (including: CLI/SDM)
• Troubleshoot NAT issues
Implement and verify WAN links
• Describe different methods for connecting to a WAN
• Configure and verify a basic WAN serial connection
• Configure and verify Frame Relay on Cisco routers
• Troubleshoot WAN implementation issues
• Describe VPN technology (including: importance, benefits, role, impact, components)
• Configure and verify a PPP connection between Cisco routers.
Browsing forums also play a vital role in….
o Information exchange
o Tips to crack tricky/difficult questions
o Last but not the least, tonnes of CCNA dumps.
My personal favorites are…
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Filed under study guides by on Feb 24th, 2010.
CCNA Security certification meets the needs of IT professionals who are responsible for network security. It confirms an individual’s skills for job roles such as Network Security Specialists, Security Administrators, and Network Security Support Engineers. CCNA Security is a new Associate Level certification designed to build upon the CCNA certification and as a prerequisite for the Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP). Of the three new CCNA certifications Security, Voice, and Wireless the CCNA Security certificate may well be the most valuable of all.
Knowledge:
While learning CCNA security it gives you a lot knowledge about defending against Worms, Viruses, Trojan Horses, and other network attacks, performing a security Using SDM to lock the router down. To protect data and unauthorized access encrypted passwords, privilege levels, the Supervisor role, and other CLI-based defenses and configuring RADIUS, TACACS+, AAA, named ACLs.
Skills:
The IINS course focuses on the necessity of a comprehensive security policy and how it affects the posture of the network. Delegates who attain this new certification will be able to perform basic tasks involved in securing a small branch office network using Cisco IOS security features available through web-based GUI’S on the Cisco routers and Switches.This certification validates skills including installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices and develops competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security structure.
Eligibility:
To take the 640-553 Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security (IINS) exam and become CCNA Security certified, you must first be a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). So if you’re not working on the valuable certification already, you need to get started so you can take advantage of the opportunities presented by these new certifications.
Validity:
The CCNA Security is valid for three years. To continue being a CCNA security professional there one test out of three options which is to be passed. One has to pass any current CCNA concentration exam (wireless, security, voice) or pass a current 642 professional exam or pass the current Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) written exam or the current Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) written exam.
Exam:
After doing CCNA 640-553 test of IINS is required to pass to become a CCNA security professional. For this test the recommended training is Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security course.
Guaranteed Success:
Security administrators are in huge demand now, and according to a recent study performed by Forrester Consulting for Cisco that demand is literally going to almost double over the next five years. Presently, 46% of companies included in the survey have at least one dedicated security network admin, and over the next five years that percentage will reach 80%.
Employers who hire people with CCNA Security certifications can feel confident that their staff has the skills needed to develop a security infrastructure, to recognize vulnerabilities in networks, and to detect potential security threats.
For More About CCNA.
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Filed under study guides by on Feb 20th, 2010.
First of all let me say that I have used Exambible in the past. I held CCNP and CCDP but had allowed them to expire. So I’m starting back over and having experience with Exambible in the past I thought I’d buy this one then go take the test. I have no doubt after take it I can pass the test. To be honest I could most likely pass it right now. I’ve had the book a a little over a week and am about 1/3 of the way through it. After finding yet another error, I thought I’d come here to post a review. Parts of this book are just painful to read. The grammar is so bad it hurts. Then instead of than, possesive that shouldn’t be, plural that should be singular and many others. Here is an example – “…by default, there’s may or may not be a password set.” There are two to three errors like that per chapter and it left me wondering if anybody proof reads his work. I am guilty of making typing mistakes myself. The better I get at typing my fingers seem to have a mind of their own and I’m not aware of some of the mistakes I make as my fingers fly over the keyboard. I’m not publishing a book though. The mistakes like that make Todd appear to be well… not extremely intelligent. The subject matter itself is just ok. I guess for CCNA and an introduction it will suffice but some of it is watered down and some of it it seems that he falls shy of stating what should be stated ( I have 12 years of experience with Cisco and working as a network engineer as well as an administrator for ISP’s and ASP’s which leads me to make that statement ). His style is also a just a hair too relaxed: “Hey dude, don’t sweat it. We’ll cover that neato stuff in later chapters.” If you just want to pass the test, I have no doubt this book will get you there. If you want to pass the test and be competent on the job, read this and the Cisco Test. I was very happy with my six previous books by Todd but this one is not up to par with his work in the past.
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Filed under study guides by on Feb 7th, 2010.
Following your computer training toward your career path, you can go for the CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate), which indicates a foundation in the apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA training allows you the ability for installations and operation of LAN, WAN, and dialup access services for small networks with 100 nodes or less.
The Computer training program online consists of 2 sections; “Introduction to Network Engineering”, allowing the student to understand the world of network engineering, learning fundamental facts of data network theory and current technologies making the Internet tick.
The CCNA course includes, but not limited to use the different networking protocols such as Ethernet, Access Lists, Serial, IP, IGRP, Frame Relay, IP RIP, and VLANs. Cisco’s CCNA Prep Center Pilot offers simulations and sample questions, besides the e-learning modules and laboratories.
Computer training includes also valuable tips from CCNA professionals, in addition to expert advice, and encouragement through CCNA certification success stories. CCNA training does not require any prerequisite and makes available many other resources to help students with the preparation of their CCNA certification exams.
CCNA course, exams and recommended training include the Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO), the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices (ICND) or both. CCNA training and additional training, probably cover most of your career path expectations.
However, Cisco’s CCNA certifications are valid for 3 years, so it is necessary for additional computer training to re-certify. This is achieved by either passing the current CCNA exam at the moment of the original certification’s expiration, passing the ICND exam, passing the 642 professional levels.
CCNA training online focuses the coverage of Cisco router configuration procedures, mapped to exam objectives in order to prepare you for Cisco Exam 640-80, in partnership with major universities and colleges offering as well CCNA certification.
After CCNA training your can also re-certify by passing the Cisco Qualified Specialist exam, excluding the Sales Specialist exams, or passing a CCIE written exam, which is a re-certify form valid for individual who had a CCNA certification starting from October 1, 2004.
Cisco CCNA online training certification program, offers the same value, knowledge and skill earned on a traditional CCNA course, and it is a nationally recognized certification. With computer training online, you will gain knowledge of switched LAN Emulation networks, which are made up of Cisco original equipment.
The second section of the online CCNA course, “Practical Network Engineering”, is an approach to some of the most powerful networking technologies, involving extensive work on switches, Cisco routers, and firewalls in a simulated network environment, preparing students to earn the CCNA certification.
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Filed under study guides by on Feb 5th, 2010.
To earn your Cisco CCNA and CCNP certifications, you’ve got to master ISDN – and despite what some people say, there’s still a lot of ISDN out there that needs to be supported. And when it comes to troubleshooting ISDN, there’s a lot to look at. Is the correct ISDN switchtype configured? Are the dialer map statements correct? What about the dialer-group and dialer-list commands? And that’s just the start.
I always say that all troubleshooting starts at Layer 1, the Physical layer of the OSI model. The usual method of troubleshooting ISDN is sending pings across the link, but the connection can be tested without using pings or even before assigning IP addresses to the BRI interfaces!
It’s a good idea to place these test calls before configuring the interfaces – that way, you know you’ve got a valid connection before beginning the configuration (and there’s a lot of config to go along with ISDN!)
To place a test call without using pings, use the isdn call interface command.
R1#isdn call interface bri0 8358662
R1#
03:54:43: BR0 DDR: Attempting to dial 8358662
03:54:43: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface BRI0:1, changed state to up
03:54:44: BR0:1 DDR: dialer protocol up
03:54:45: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface BRI0:1, changed state to up
03:54:49: %ISDN-6-CONNECT: Interface BRI0:1 is now connected to 8358662 R2
To tear the test call down correctly, use isdn disconnect interface. IOS Help displays the options with this command.
R1#isdn disconnect interface bri 0 ?
all Disconnect the data call(s) on all b channels
b1 Disconnect the data call on b1 channel
b2 Disconnect the data call on b2 channel
R1#isdn disconnect interface bri 0 all
03:58:36: BR0:1 DDR: disconnecting call
03:58:36: BR0:2 DDR: disconnecting call
03:58:36: %ISDN-6-DISCONNECT: Interface BRI0:1 disconnected from 8358662
R2, call lasted 20 seconds
03:58:36: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface BRI0:1, changed state to down
03:58:36: BR0:1 DDR: disconnecting call
03:58:37: %LINEPROTO-5-UPDOWN: Line protocol on Interface BRI0:1, changed state to down
I say “correctly” because the one thing you don’t want to do to end an ISDN call, test or otherwise, is just shut the interface. Telcos don’t like it, and ISDN lab devices like it even less. Always let the d-channel do its work and tear the call down in an orderly fashion – don’t just cut it off by shutting the interface down.
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Filed under study guides by on Feb 2nd, 2010.
Whenever we are going to take up a text we must avoid ourselves from over reacting. Here are some tips to take a note of for CISCO CCNA certification training.
We can find a lot of chattering going around in web when Cisco announces a change in the exam version. Often people are waiting for the new exams to make them prepared for that exam. In this context CCNA has no exception.
It has been common to observe that people are not ready to prepare for the older version of CCNA certification exams. Instead they use to tell that, there is going to be a change in the examination versions in ccna or intro or icnd. So this has become the attitude of people now days. My kind advice is that please try to avoid such situations from coming to you.
There are some publishers in internet, who tell and make you feel that there is going to be a dramatic change is in the exams from one version to another. But actually it is not the exact scenario; simple information is that, every time when the version of the ICND, CCNA and intro changes only the question of the exam changes.
People going to get a technical certification are the one who have to worry a lot about the change in the versions of the various Cisco examinations. Because they are trying to brain dump everything in their way to get certified. Whatever may be the change in the version of the ccna examination, but there is not any much change in the syllabus of the CCNA exams.
Some of the computer control operations like LAN switching, Frame Relay, routing protocol behavior, IGRP, EIGRP, RIP and OSPF should be demonstrated by you people for acquiring the certification. Apart from this only a minor part of the syllabus will be changed which won’t have that impact on the preparations for the exams. Also regarding the changes in the exam version is announced well in advance by Cisco through its website. So you will be having enough time to study your materials.
Avoid falling in the “version change” situation. Try to make use of the guides and study materials provided by many sites. So make sure that any time spent for learning will never get wasted.
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Filed under study guides by on Feb 1st, 2010.
CCNA Wireless is a new certification from Cisco for IT Professionals who have to support a Wireless LAN. More information.
CCNA is a pre-requisite for CCNA Wireless. We can offer a combo for both certifications.
We also offer Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) which is a vendor neutral certification for Wireless LAN administration. Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP) teaches how to make a wireless network secure.
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Filed under study guides by on Jan 31st, 2010.
CCNA is the entry-level Cisco certification and is the foundation for CCNP as well as CCIP and CCVP Certifications.A CCNA candidate will achieve familiarity and expertise with Cisco’s IOS, TCP/IP, LAN and WAN technologies and management, switching and routing protocols, the OSI model, LAN troubleshooting.
CCNA certifies that the candidate has the ability to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot various Cisco networking devices.
The CCNA training is conducted using real Cisco equipment. We do not use simulation software. Following equipment is available for the Cisco classes:
• Routers: 2500, 2600, 3640
• Switches: 2950, 3550
• Wireless: AIRONET WNIC, AIRONET LWAP
CCNA training includes training for CCENT. Thus you become CCENT as well when you achieve CCNA. We also offer a separate (CCENT) course if you do not wish to go upto the CCNA level.
Popular combinations with CCNA are MCSE and CCNP.
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Filed under study guides by on Jan 31st, 2010.
Once upon a time, I was in Exambible. Yes, I know how difficult it is to get started with Cisco studies. But stick to it and I promise, the challenges will pay off handsomely. The CCNA is Cisco’s entry level certification exam, but it is not easy. And since the CCNA covers a wide array of topics, I have designed this course to help you tackle those diverse challenges.
The key to exam and job success is in the details. And most of those details are hard won from real world experience. Everything I am going to teach you, I wish someone would have taught me when I first started studying for my CCNA. At least you can benefit from my hard won experience and hopefully not repeat the same mistakes.
As with all Train Signal courses, I break down the theory and “real world” application of Cisco Networking. This exciting course contains nearly 29 hours of video instruction where I break down networking theory as you work hands on with real Cisco routers & switches… and build your own working network!
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Filed under study guides by on Jan 25th, 2010.