CCNA JumpStart, Second Edition

CCNA JumpStart offers a wide-reaching overview of the topics you'll need to master to get a foothold in either the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Professional) or the CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) study curricula. This entry point for networking neophytes fulfills an important need.

Basic networking concepts are explained in English instead of acronym-speak. The goal of the book is to lay a solid foundation in network technologies, and it hits that mark. The text begins with a practical discussion of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Model that uses easy-to-follow diagrams to relate the standard's various layers to real-world devices.

The book rapidly marches through the various topologies, standards, and protocols with high-level discussions. A chapter entitled "Devices" introduces the reader to routers, hubs, switches, and other important pieces of networking equipment with clear overviews; however, the coverage of routing protocols--a topic essential for a Cisco-oriented career--was lacking in specifics. The authors introduce key aspects of LAN design, managing a network, and connecting networks to the Internet--this coverage gives the reader a good taste of what a Cisco-related job may entail. --Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered: Network types and history, OSI Model, Network Operating Systems, topologies, electrical signals and media, network devices, key standards and protocols, LAN design, network management and WAN implementation.