Home > Networking Tips > Network Engineering > CCNA 640-801 primer
Networking Tips:
EMAIL THIS
 TIPS & NEWSLETTERS TOPICS 

NETWORK ENGINEERING

CCNA 640-801 primer


SemSim.com
08.19.2004
Rating: -4.18- (out of 5)


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


The CCNA certification equips you with networking skills to design, plan, install, configure and operate small to medium size computer networks. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.

The CCNA certification has grown significantly in popularity over the last few years. It is a worthwhile addition to the resume of any networking professional.

CCNA exam tracks

There are two tracks that can be followed in achieving the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification.
Track 1: Single Exam Path
Passing the 640-801 CCNA exam.

Track 2: Dual Exam Path
Passing the 640-821 INTRO exam and 640-811 ICND exam.

Topics on the test

List of recommended topics is given below. Please note that related topics not listed below may also be asked on the exam.

Planning & Designing

  • Design a simple LAN using Cisco Technology
  • Design an IP addressing scheme to meet design requirements
  • Select an appropriate routing protocol based on user requirements
  • Design a simple internetwork using Cisco technology
  • Develop an access list to meet user specifications
  • Choose WAN services to meet customer requirements
Implementation & Operation
  • Configure routing protocols given user requirements
  • Configure IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway addresses on routers and hosts
  • Configure a router for additional administrative functionality
  • Configure a switch with VLANS and inter-switch communication
Implement a LAN
  • Customize a switch configuration to meet specified network requirements
  • Manage system image and device configuration files
  • Perform an initial configuration on a router
  • Perform an initial configuration on a switch
  • Implement access lists
  • Implement simple WAN protocols
Troubleshooting
  • Utilize the OSI model as a guide for systematic network troubleshooting
  • Perform LAN and VLAN troubleshooting
  • Troubleshoot routing protocols
  • Troubleshoot IP addressing and host configuration
  • Troubleshoot a device as part of a working network
  • Troubleshoot an access list
  • Perform simple WAN troubleshooting
Technology
  • Describe network communications using layered models
  • Describe the Spanning Tree process
  • Compare and contrast key characteristics of LAN environments
  • Evaluate the characteristics of routing protocols
  • Evaluate TCP/IP communication process and its associated protocols
  • Describe the components of network devices
  • Evaluate rules for packet control
  • Evaluate key characteristics of WANs

Review Of CCNA 640-801 exam specifics

Pre Requisites: The CCNA exam has no pre requisites.

Time Allotted: 90 minutes

Total marks: The exam is marked from 300 to 1000. Minimum marks is 300.

Passing Grade: Cisco revises the ccna passing score periodically. Last known pass mark is 849/1000.

Score Report: Delivered immediate on test completion.

Certification validation period: 3 years

Number of Questions: Not fixed. In general the questions range from 55 to 65 in number.

Exam Pattern: The pattern may vary from exam to exam, depending on how many questions are there to be answered. The question types found on the CCNA exam are:
  • Multiple Choice with Single answer: Student is required to select a single answer from a range of options (generally 4-5) by clicking on a radio button.

  • Multiple Choice with Multiple answer: Student is required to select a range of options. The number of options to select is specified. The selection is made by clicking on a checkbox. A "v" appears against selected checkboxes.

  • Drag And Drop: These questions are graphical in nature. Student is required to drag options to different drop areas.

  • Fill in the Blank: Student is required to type in the missing text to complete the sentence.

  • Router Simulation: Router simulation questions test knowledge of Cisco IOS in simulated environment. All of Cisco IOS commands are not supported by the simulator, however the task can be performed with the available commands in the simulator. Do note that the exam engine may be slow when switching between the simulator-based questions and the standard multiple-choice questions.


SemSim.com provides training resources for Cisco certification exams: CCIE, CCNP, CCNA, CCDP, CCDA. It offers FREE learning resources to students such as study guides and router simulation labs at it's online learning center located at http://www.semsim.com/ccna/learn.html.


Rate this Tip
To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchNetworking.com.
Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member.




Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


RELATED CONTENT
Network Engineering
Recovering domain controllers after a server disk failure
Recovering from a server disk failure: The shortcomings of NTBCKUP
Enabling Windows Vista's Network Mapping feature on domain networks
Prevent unauthorized USB devices with software restriction policies, third-party apps
How to subnet: Subnetting calculations and shortcuts
Using Windows Vista group policy to prevent unauthorized USB device use
ISDN implementation: Part 3 -- Cisco router ISDN configuration
Troubleshoot network problems with Network Monitor
Disabling IPv6 in Windows Vista -- Pros and cons
Cleaning up: Managing Windows networks using scripts, part 2

Networking Certifications
Cisco certification program reaches one million served
How can I finish Cisco's CCIE security certification in time?
Should I CCIE certify or get voice/security Cisco certifications?
To practice for my CCNP, what's the best simulator?
Networking pros can avoid outsourcing with soft skills
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) prerequisites and average earnings
Structuring and modularizing the network -- from 'Designing for Cisco Internetwork Solutions (DESGN), Second Edition'
Where can I meet CCNA and CCNP candidates?
Cisco announces Design Expert Certification for network engineers
Are there Cisco certifications specializing in IPv6 protocols?
Networking Certifications Research

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary
Certified Wireless Networking Professional  (SearchNetworking.com)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert  (SearchNetworking.com)
Cisco Certified Network Associate  (SearchNetworking.com)
Cisco Certified Network Professional  (SearchNetworking.com)
Cisco Information Security Specialist (CISS)  (SearchNetworking.com)

RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary

DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.

HomeNewsTopicsITKnowledge ExchangeTipsAsk the ExpertsWebcastsWhite PapersNetworking Product Trials
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides enterprise IT professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective IT purchase decisions and managing their organizations' IT projects - with its network of technology-specific Web sites, events and magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Reprints  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2008, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts