ccna Introduction

installing, managing, and troubleshooting them. That part isn’t easy, so Cisco began the CCIE program to equip people to support these complicated networks. This program, known colloquially as the Doctorate of Networking, has also been very successful, primarily due to its extreme difficulty.Cisco continuously monitors the program, changing it as it sees fit, to make sure that it remains pertinent and accurately reflects the demands of today’s internetworking business environments.Building upon the highly successful CCIE program, Cisco Career Certifications permit you to become certified at various levels of technical proficiency, spanning the disciplines of network design and support. So, whether you’re beginning a career, changing careers, securing your present position,or seeking to refine and promote your position, this is the book for you! Cisco’s Network Support Certifications Cisco has created new certifications that will help you get the coveted CCIE,as well as aid prospective employers in measuring skill levels. Before these new certifications, you took only one test and were then faced with the lab,which made it difficult to succeed. With these new certifications, which add a better approach to preparing for that almighty lab, Cisco has opened doors that few were allowed through before. So, what are these new certifications
and how do they help you get your CCIE?
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) 2 The CCNA certification is the first in the new line of Cisco certifications, and it is a precursor to all current Cisco certifications. With the new certificationprograms, Cisco has created a type of stepping-stone approach to CCIE certification. Now, you can become a Cisco Certified Network Associate for the meager cost of this book, plus $100 for the test. And you don’t have to stop there—you can choose to continue with your studies and achieve a higher certification, called the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).Someone with a CCNP has all the skills and knowledge he or she needs to attempt the CCIE lab. However, because no textbook can take the place of practical experience, we’ll discuss what else you need to be ready for theCCIE lab shortly.