Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, Part 1 (ICND1): CCNA Exam 640-802 and ICND1 Exam 640-822 (2nd Edition) (Self-Study Guide)

As a first step toward achieving the CCNA, the new Cisco certification CCENT tests basics (using Cisco equipment)expected of entry-level technicians entering the networking field. The title of the book states exactly what is: SELF-STUDY GUIDE TO INTERCONNECTING CISCO NETWORK DEVICES, PART 1, ICND1. This is the second edition; no CD was included.

Even though this text is for the new entry-level CCENT exam, I think the candidate should have a solid computer background coming into this. Any self-study text will introduce the topics, but prior knowledge will be necessary to "integrate" this into practice.

The text is up to date and well-organized in a logical forma. It is designed to be read in sequence to build the knowledge base for more advanced topics. It is not designed to be a reference manual, but covers troubleshooting throughout the chapters. It includes LANs, wireless, security, IP addressing, WANs, NAT, and router configurations. The IOS examples are current; sample IOS is helpful for someone using this to study for the test because for the most part each result shown in the example is explained. Graphics are well-done and representative of concepts. Reading level takes into consideration learner capability. Chapter summaries are skimpy. Chapter questions are all multiple-choice. A sample exam at the end would be nice. Understanding, rather than memorizing, should be the result of any self-study material.

Acronyms are "fleeting" for some of us who need reminders of what they stand for and how they pertain to networking tasks. Most of these are spelled out in the Index with references to the pages, but I did notice some are not included. A glossary might be nice; or combine a glossary with the index for quick reference. I would recommend a student create their own glossary to help them study if using this book. The CCENT (ICND1)is for many the very first Cisco test they will take and a foundation in terminology as it applies to networking is essential.

As an instructor for the Cisco Networking Academy at the CCNP level, I am always critical of "Self-Study" materials without simulators--which is the main fault with this book. End of chapter questions are good, but the certification exam has multiple format questions and simulations which are not mentioned in this book. Fill in the blank, click and drag, multiple answer, situational troubleshooting, topologies, and configurations using a simulator are how the test is delivered. The information in this book is complete, but I am not sure it prepares someone for the test.

My background so you have some idea that I know of the subject I speak on:
- MCSE 2003/2000/NT CNE 6/5/3 CNA 4 (obviously, I've studied for over 20 exams)
- My mother is a retired English professor with 30+ publications to her name (I've been shown manuscripts as well as the review and correction processes).

Current Status: I read this book, credited to Stephen McQuery, in the past four days. I have begun using the Boson NetSim and ExamSim software to prepare for the exam which I plan to take in 1-2 weeks.

Book:
The book repeats itself unnecessarily in several locations. It's almost as if there were different authors with no coordination between authors and no single reviewer to catch the needless redundancy of information.

On occasion (I counted 2-3 instances), the author references an acronym, protocol, or other such important information for the first time, but the writing clearly expects that the reader have prior knowledge of the material. In these cases, the "assumed knowledge" is above entry-level and should have been presented prior to beginning the topic at hand.

Acronyms: sadly, many, such as EIGRP, are missing from the Index. This means that, when you forget what it stands for and the author references it by acronym only, you're at a loss as you don't have an index to tell you where to find information on that acronym. No, the spelled-out version wasn't in the index either.

Glossary: missing; doesn't exist. Readers would have found having a glossary beneficial as a quick reference for terms and acronyms.

From what I've seen of the NetSim and ExamSim, the book itself is missing some of the information you'll want to know for the actual CCENT exam. It's probably best to have some hands-on experience (through Simulators if you don't have access to the real thing).

Review Questions:
I found five errors in the review questions. One such error is so astoundingly obvious, one has to wonder if anyone actually checked the answers. P 478, Chapter 6 Review, Question 6. The posted answer is C, but, per the text on page 429, the correct answer is B.
There are a total of 258 review questions. Perhaps 5 wrong answers out of 258 (2.1% of the total) doesn't seem *that* bad, however, I expect better.

Overall thoughts: this book is a good stepping stone to get you towards CCENT certification. You'll need a little hands-on exposure to shore up the holes in knowledge and working knowledge.

I'll have a better understanding of how much actual exam material was addressed by the book after I take the exam.

Do you have one to three years of internetworking experience, are familiar with basic internetworking concepts, and have basic experience with TCP/IP? If you do, then this book is for you. Author Stephen McQuerry, has done an outstanding job of writing a self-study book for those who are pursuing the CCNA certification.

McQuerry, begins by describing the principles on which basic networks operate. Then, the author explores the operation and configuration of LANs. The author also describes how to extend the boundaries of network connectivity through wireless connectivity. He continues by looking at how a router provides connectivity between the different networks in an internetwork. Then, the author discusses the connectivity required for sites that are across wide geographic areas. Finally, the author discusses how to use Cisco IOS commands to determine the layout of a Cisco network topology.

This most excellent book is intended as a self-study resource that covers the subjects on the 640-822 (ICNDI) exam as well as the ICNDI material of the 640-802 (CCNA) exam. Perhaps more importantly, this book should help you become literate in the use of switches, routers, and the associated protocols and technologies.

Can't wait for it to arrive, pre-ordered, and pumped-up, because I fully expect that it will be like all his other books; you know you are learning from a battle tested CCIE, (Steve probably built part of the actual intenet), and he still makes the time to write books on the "first-ever" exams for many people; and yet he does not talk down to you, or dumb it down, this is no book for dummies, apparently based on both the official courseware, and also fully covers all the official exam published objectives, chapter by chapter, or objective by objective, hits it all, the way you want it; and not thin, not "just deep enough" to pass, of course you get that, and much more, you learn every possible command and configuration and definition and idea that you might see on the test, but you also get to see those same ideas drilled to a level actually being used by a ranking CCIE; bottom line, you want to learn, you also really want to pass the test, and you really really want to be able to put it all to work right away, if that is what you want, then BAM, scroll up, and order this book right now! You will be glad you did, I know I am.