Introduction to Cisco Router Configuration (CCIE/CCNP/CCDS courseware series)

Formed in the classic textbook mold, Introduction to Cisco Router Configuration is designed as a supplement to the eponymous Cisco certification and training course. This is made abundantly clear in the end-of-chapter tests, the "Key Concepts" that dot the pages, and the bounty of diagrams, charts, and tables. But regardless of whether you plan to enroll in the class, this volume should be part of your networking library. The book's three sections deal handsomely with internetworking basics, networking protocol suites, and wide-area networking.

Internetworking (which editor Laura Chappell defines as that which ties LANs, WANs, software, and extraneous devices together) is effectively put in historical perspective in the first chapters. In addition, LANs, WANS, and the OSI model are all clearly defined both individually and in relationship to each other. The remaining chapters of part 1 address the OSI layers and data transport in more detail as well as basic router operations and configuration. The section on networking protocol suites is straightforward in its explanations of TCP/IP, Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX), and AppleTalk in terms of the Cisco networking world.

The "Wide-Area Networking" section addresses the complex but essential topics of WAN connections, as well as X.25 and frame relay configuration. In the eight appendices tucked in the back of this book you'll find answer keys for those pesky tests, discussions of DECnet and Banyan VINES, and a host of other topics.--Sarah L. Roberts-Witt