If you're starting from near zero on the networking knowledge scale (and even if you're not), you'll likely want to read this book from beginning to end. The authors lay down a conceptual foundation (including excellent coverage of the Open Systems Interconnection reference model) in early chapters, and subsequently proceed to place Cisco-specific knowledge on top of that base. The text frequently seems dry, but it's clear that the authors and editors went to considerable trouble to get their facts right and drive home the big concepts with illustrations. Test-preparation aids are limited to a dozen or so review questions (with brief, minimally annotated answers at the back of the book), so it's clear that this book is about knowing the material, not preparing for an artificial test. It does readers a service. --David Wall

Topics covered: The contents of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam (640-507), which verifies knowledge of interconnections among networks as implemented with Cisco equipment running Internet-standard protocols. Coverage spans selection of hardware from the Cisco line, cabling, configuring Internetwork Operating System (IOS), setting up switched networks with Catalyst 1900 switches, and establishing virtual local area networks (VLANs). Plenty of coverage goes to TCP/IP under Cisco gear, including routing protocols, the configuration of routes, and point-to-point communication over wide area network (WAN) links of various kinds.

Product Description

Cisco authorized self-study book for CCNA foundation learning

• Prepare for CCNA exam #640-607 certification while learning the fundamentals of setting up, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Cisco networks
• Determine in which situations a hub, Ethernet switch, or router would be more appropriately used Use Cisco software to identify addresses, protocols, and connectivity status in a network containing multiple interconnected Cisco devices
• Interconnect Cisco switches and routers according to a given network design specification
• Configure Cisco switches and routers to support a specified list of protocols and technologies
• Configure access lists to control access to network devices or segments and general network traffic
• Verify that Cisco switches and routers, as well as their configured network services and protocols, operate as intended within a given network specification

Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices is a Cisco authorized self-paced learning tool for CCNA foundation learning. This book provides you with the knowledge needed to identify and recommend the best Cisco solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. This book teaches you how to perform all the basic configuration procedures to build a multirouter, multigroup internetwork that uses LAN and WAN interfaces for the most commonly used routing and routed protocols.

This book provides the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting information required to install and configure Cisco products. You will learn the fundamentals of interconnecting Cisco network devices in five modules: getting started with Cisco networks (assembling, cabling, operating, configuring, and managing devices), interconnecting Catalyst(r) switches (fundamental switch operations and VLAN configuration), interconnecting Cisco routers (TCP/IP, IP routing, traffic management, and IPX configuration), extending the network to WANs (serial point-to-point connections, ISDN BRI, and Frame Relay PVC connections), and supplemental appendixes (AppleTalk(r), HyperTerminal, Cisco 700 series routers, and password recovery techniques). Each chapter concludes with questions to help assess your understanding of key concepts and start you down the path for attaining your CCNA certification.

Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices is part of a recommended learning path from Cisco Systems that can include simulation and hands-on training from authorized Cisco Learning Partners and self-study products from Cisco Press.

What do you use for 640-607? Dunno since Cisco Press is giving the wrong ISBN... tell the world when you find out :)


Pretty basic book on Cisco.   December 7, 2002
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

The information contained in this book is fairly basic for anyone but a complete beginner. There is no coverage of IP routing protocols. If you want to take it a step (or two) further, check out "Cisco IOS for IP Routing" by Andrew Colton. That book will get you up to speed with dynamic IP routing and should give at least the CCNP level information on Cisco routing.


tedious   March 26, 2002
 2 out of 5 found this review helpful

Take a decent user manual, remove 3 scoops of details, add 1 scoop of errors, 2 scoops of ambiguities, and puff to 5 times its volume with repetitions, disorganization, and verbosity, and you've got this turkey.

See _The Switch Book_ by Rich Seifert if you want to know how switches work. See _Upgrading and Repairing Networks_ by Terry Ogletree for a good general primer.


YOU CAN'T MISS WITH THESE BOOKS   January 15, 2002
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Took the test yesterday and it was a breeze!Cisco books ,no holds
barred,made it so easy!OoPs!Some hands-on with Cisco Routers can
help really get you pass that interview too !Good Luck!