3. CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking Technician Study Guide
(Exam 640-822) Matthew Walker Angie Walker This study/training
guide and/or material is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or
affiliated with Cisco Systems, Inc. in any manner. Cisco, Cisco
Systems, CCDA, CCNA, CCDP, CCNP, CCIE, CCIP, CCSP, CCVP, CCDETM,
CCENTTM, the Cisco Systems logo, and the Cisco Certified
Internetwork Expert logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Cisco Systems, Inc., in the United States and certain other
countries. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective
owners. This publication and CD may be used in assisting students
to prepare for an exam. Neither The McGraw-Hill Companies nor Boson
Software warrant that use of this publication and CD will ensure
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4. Copyright 2008 by The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights
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otherwise. DOI: 10.1036/0071591141
5. This book is dedicated to my father, Ronald Walker
(19472008). We miss you, Dad.
6. This page intentionally left blank
7. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Matthew Walker is the IA Training
Instructor Supervisor and a Sr. IA Analyst at Dynetics, Inc., in
Huntsville, Alabama. An IT education professional for over 15
years, Matt served as the Director of the Network Training Center
and the Curriculum Lead and Senior Instructor for the local Cisco
Networking Academy on Ramstein AB, Germany. After leaving the US
Air Force, Matt served as a Network Engineer for NASAs Secure
Network Systems, designing and maintaining secured data, voice, and
video networking for the agency. He has written and contributed to
numerous technical training books for Air Education and Training
Command, United States Air Force, and continues to train, and
write, certification and college-level IT and IA Security courses.
Matt holds numerous commercial certifications, including Cisco
Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Microsoft Certified System
Engineer (MCSE), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CNDA (Certified
Network Defense Architect), and Certified Pen Test Specialist
(CPTS). Angie Walker is currently the Chief Information Security
Officer for the University of North Alabama, located in beautiful
Florence, Alabama. Among the many positions she has filled over the
course of her 20-plus years in Information Technology and
Information Assurance are Manager of the Information Systems
Security (ISS) Office for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) South,
as well as the lead for the MDA Alternate Computer Emergency
Response Team (ACERT). She served as Superintendent of the United
States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) Communications and Information
Training Center, Superintendent of the 386 Communications Squadron
on Ali Al Saleem AB, Kuwait, and Senior Information Security
Analyst for Army Aviation Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Angie holds
several industry certifications, including CISSP, Network+ and
Security+, and a masters degree in Information Systems Management.
With over nine years of IT and IA educational experience, she has
developed and taught courseware worldwide for the US Air Force, as
well as several computer science courses as an instructor for the
University of Alabama in Huntsville, and Kaplan University in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida. Copyright 2008 by The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Click here for terms of use.
8. About the Tech Editor Bobby E. Rogers is a Senior
Information Assurance Analyst for Dynetics, Inc., in Huntsville,
Alabama. In addition to working in the Certification and
Accreditation process for the U.S. government, Bobby also leads
penetration testing teams for Dynetics. Bobby recently retired from
the United States Air Force after almost 21 years, serving as a
computer networking and security specialist, and has designed and
managed networks all over the world. He has held several positions
of responsibility overseeing network security in both the
Department of Defense and private company networks. His duties have
included perimeter security, client-side security, security policy
development, security training, penetration testing, and computer
crime investigation. As a trainer, he has taught a wide variety of
IT-related subjects in both makeshift classrooms in tents in the
desert and formal training centers. He also has taught a wide
variety of courses as a part-time contractor for several nationally
known training centers and a major university. Bobby is an
accomplished author, having written numerous IT articles in various
publications and training materials for the U.S. Air Force, and has
authored several training videos on a wide variety of IT security
topics. He is also a regular security article contributor for
several online IT sites. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in
Computer Information Systems from Excelsior College, and two
Associates in Applied Science degrees from the Community College of
the Air Force. Bobbys professional IT certifications include: A+,
Security+, ACP, CCNA, CCAI, CIW, CIWSA, MCP+I, MCSA (Windows 2000
& 2003), MCSE (Windows NT4, 2000, & 2003), MCSE: Security
(Windows 2000 & 2003), CISSP, CHFI, CIFI, CPTS, and CEH.
Copyright 2008 by The McGraw-Hill Companies. Click here for terms
of use.
17. FOREWORD From Boson Software The Cisco CCENT certification
requires that you learn and master a number of skills. As you read
this book, incorporating Boson NetSim into your learning process
will help you successfully complete the CCENT certification. The
Boson NetSim Limited Edition (LE) included with this book will get
you started on your way, and additional capability from the full
edition is available after purchasing an upgrade. Boson NetSim will
help you with the practical hands-on portion of your education, and
it ensures that you not only understand the concepts of routing and
switching but that you can actually configure and implement routing
and switching on Cisco devices. Once you feel you have mastered
both the theory and the practical labs, you can test your knowledge
using the exams included with this book and the CD. You may also
purchase ExSim-Max practice exams from Boson, available at
http://www.boson.com. ExSim-Max is the most realistic practice exam
on the market with questions that are well-written, technically
accurate, and completely representative of those on the actual
exam. With ExSim-Max, you can be sure you are ready to pass the
real exam. Boson NetSim is the most advanced network simulator on
the market for learning how to configure a Cisco router and
Catalyst switch. Boson NetSim will not only help you become CCENT
certified, it will actually help you learn and understand how to
configure routers, switches, and networks. The Boson NetSim LE can
be upgraded to the full edition for CCENT at any time at
http://www.boson.com/mcgrawhill (with a valid activation code from
your qualifying McGraw-Hill book). Upgrading enables all other
Boson NetSim labs, commands, telnet, and advanced features. Dont
forget to complete your study with ExSim-Max practice exams. Thank
you very much, and best wishes in your future studies! Boson
Software http://www.boson.com xvii Copyright 2008 by The
McGraw-Hill Companies. Click here for terms of use.
18. This page intentionally left blank
19. PREFACE O f course, the primary focus of our book is to
help you achieve the Cisco Certified Entry-level Network Technician
certificationbut theres more to it than that. Weve provided all the
background and technical knowledge in this book that youll need to
be successful on the exam, as well as a few exercises and hands-on
projects to increase your odds. Hopefully, though, well also
succeed in two other, secondary but just as important, goals.
First, after reading through this wed be happy to see you
emboldened with confidence. Yes, we whole-heartedly believe, and
would like to make sure you know, YOU CAN DO IT! Sure,
certifications are hardtheyre supposed to be; if they were easy,
everyone would do itbut this isnt something youre not capable of.
This book was written in the same manner we learned the
informationin a simple, easy and, yes, fun fashion. Look at it this
way: If a couple of yahoos from Alabama, with four kids and two
full-time jobs, can figure this stuff out, you should do just fine.
Secondly, after all is said and done, we sure hope you dont stop.
CCENT is a great certification, but its not the end-all be-all.
Instead, it should be a great beginning for you. After you passand
you know you willfollow it up with personal practice, hands-on
experience, and study. Put into play what youve been studying for
all this time and prove you know it. Then, of course, start on your
next certificationthe CCNA. After youve completed the CCENT
certification by passing the Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices
(ICND) v1 640-822 exam, youll be (literally) halfway to a CCNA
certification. The ICNDv2 640-816 exam covers the second half of
the CCNA body of knowledge and is more Cisco IOS configuration-,
and device-, centric. An excellent resource for studying for part 2
is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Study Guide
(McGraw-Hill) by Richard Deal. In This Book This book covers all
the exam objectives posted on Ciscos web site concerning the CCNA
640-822 exam. Each chapter explores one or more of the main
objectives in this list. Youll also find much repetition from
chapter to chapter since some objectives are covered across
multiple chapters. The Introduction offers a breakdown of Ciscos
objectives and which chapter of this book covers each objective.
xix Copyright 2008 by The McGraw-Hill Companies. Click here for
terms of use.
20. xx CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking Technician Study
Guide In Every Chapter Each chapter has several components designed
to effectively communicate the information youll need for the exam:
Every chapter begins with the Certification Objectives. These
identify the major topics within each section on the exam, dealing
with the chapter topic. Using these objective headings will help
you keep track of where you are with your studies. Practice
Exercises, step-by-step exercises providing hands-on experience,
are found in chapters with configuration objectives. While some
chapters require only knowledge and comprehension levels, other
objectives require you to know how a specific configuration option
is entered into the switch or router. These practice exercises are
designed to reinforce the chapter verbiage and provide insight into
the skills that are likely to be an area of focus on the exam. The
information covered in these exercises is not simply for reading
purposesyoull be required to perform configuration on a variety of
scenario and simulation questions on the exam. Dont fail to prepare
for them by simply reading over the practice exercisespractice them
and be very, very comfortable with their focus. These exercises
will always work with the simulator product, produced by Boson and
provided with this book, but they can be used anywhere. Practice as
much as you can with the simulator and with real equipment, should
you have the opportunity. On the Job entries are found throughout
all the chapters and are designed to point out information and tips
that will be helpful both in your day-to-day responsibilities and
in studying for the exam. Please note that while these notes
provide insights, tips, and otherwise interesting tidbits of
information, they are also sometimes used to reinforce testable
material. Dont dismiss them as simply neatsome of the mistakes and
real-world issues described in these notes may prove the difference
in correctly answering a question or two on the exam! Exam Watch
notes highlight specific information within the section on which to
focus your studies. Do not rely on them totally, but be sure to
read over them before the exam. Remember the benets and
disadvantages of static routing, and commit Table 6-2 to memory. An
Inside the Exam entry is provided at the end of each chapter and
basically summarizes the important aspects of the chapter in
regards to the exam. Tips and tricks mentioned in this section will
definitely help you understand what to expect on the test.
21. Preface Q&A xxi The Two-Minute Drill is a full summary
of the chapter, condensed and organized for quick last-minute
review. The Self Test section at the end of each chapter offers
questions similar to those found on the certification exams.
Answers and explanations of both correct and incorrect choices are
provided to assist in understanding the material. Some Pointers
This may seem strange to say, since we wrote this book and hope
everyone in the networking arena gets a copy, but well say it
anyway: First and foremost, do not rely on this book alone to pass
your CCENT exam. Theres not a book on the planet that, by itself,
will fully prepare you for the test. Read this book, using the
pointers we provide here to guide your study, but never forget to
practice, practice, practice. The benefit of hands-on real-world
experience in preparing you for the exam is immeasurable. This book
is, we humbly feel, a great guide to follow in preparing for the
exam, but youll definitely need plenty of practice outside its
pages to succeed. Once you finish reading this book, be sure to do
a thorough review of everything: 1. Reread all the Two-Minute
Drills. These will serve as an excellent cram session just before
the exam. 2. Reread all the Exam Watch notes. Knowing the
information to satisfy each knowledge objective is one thing, but
its only part of the battle. To be truly successful, youll need to
know what to expect on the exam itself. Reading the Exam Watch
notes will give you insights into how the information will be
presented on the exam, and what to expect. If you know this
upfront, you wont be surprised on the exam, and your confidence
will contribute to your success. 3. Retake the Self Test sections
at the back of each chapter. Immediately after reading the chapter,
give the accompanying Self Test a shot. Then, after youre done with
the entire book, go back and take each Self Test again. Facing all
the questions at one time is very similar to the exam itself, and
will help with your study. Please note that simply memorizing these
questions and answers will NOT help you on the exam. The Self Test
questions are similar to what youll see, but theyre not exact
replicas. 4. Use the Exam Test Engine on the CD. The test engine,
provided by Boson Software on the CD accompanying this book,
provides plenty of questions to prepare you for the exam. You can
choose to quiz yourself on all questions, much like the exam
itself, or target your study by focusing on a single category.
22. xxii CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking Technician Study
Guide Categories roughly match the chapter outline of the book, to
help mark your progression. Additionally, you can also purchase
extra tests from Boson Software at their web site (www.boson.com).
5. Do all the Practice Exercises in each of the chapters. You will
be required to perform configuration and troubleshooting on
simulators during the exam. While CCENT doesnt go overboard with
these, youll definitely need to be familiar with all the
configuration commands and steps included in this text. Use the
exercises in the book to reinforce concepts and prepare for the
exam. Additionally, feel free to experiment on your ownespecially
if you have access to equipment. Interject problems to working
environments and note various troubleshooting techniques you can
use to fix the problem. The configuration of devices is a big part
of the exam, but troubleshooting and examining configuration files
for errors will play a large role in your success or failure. 6.
There may be some simulation questions on the CCENT exam. In
simulation questions, youll be required to perform basic
configuration and troubleshooting tasks on a Cisco router and/or
switch. Therefore, it is important that you have good configuration
skills. Use the Practice Exercises to hone your configuration
skills! You may come across a simulation scenario presenting a
flawed configuration on the exam. The more you practice with the
exercises and Bosons NetSim, the easier it will be to spot these
configuration errors right off the bat. Practice Exams and the
Simulator Hands-on practice and real-world experience are essential
in your preparation for the exam. The practice exercises and
simulator built for this book are designed with exactly that in
mindgiving you hands-on experience and an opportunity to practice
to your hearts delight. The network provided in the simulator
should allow you ample opportunity to see all the command and
configuration options in action. The network is displayed in Figure
1, with addressing for all exercises spelled out in Figure 2. This
network provides every configuration option covered in the book. As
you go through the practice exercises, refer to Figures 1 and 2 to
see how your configuration should be applied. Additionally, dont
just rely on the exercises, as written, for your study. Feel free
to create your own configurations on each device. Use all the show
and debug commands you want to see the IOS in action. Finally,
after configuring the network to function, purposely change
configuration options to see the results. Using the practice
exercises and your own creativity on this network will greatly
increase your odds of passing the exam.
23. Preface FIGURE 1 A simulator network for practice exercises
PC-1 xxiii PC-3 Fast Ethernet 2960-2 Switch Serial Point-to-Point
(T-line or DirectConnected in a Lab) 2960-1 Fast Switch Fast
Ethernet Ethernet 2800-1 Router Fast Ethernet Fast Ethernet 2960-4
Switch 2800-2 Router Fast Ethernet 2960-3 Switch Fast Ethernet PC-4
PC-2 IP: 192.168.1.11 Mask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 192.168.1.1
FIGURE 2 Addressing for the network topology used for the practice
exercises PC-3 PC-1 MAC: 00-00-11-AA-BB-CC IP: 192.168.2.10 Mask:
255.255.255.0 Gateway: 192.168.3.1 MAC: 00-00-33-AA-BB-CC Fast
Ethernet 2960-1 192.168.1.2/24 FA0/2 FA0/1 FA0/2 FA0/1 FA0/1 FA0/2
2960-2 192.168.1.4/24 FA0/3 FA0/3 FA0/2 FA0/1 FA0/3 2800-1 FA0/0:
192.168.1.1/24 S1/0: 172.16.0.1/24 (DCE) 2960-4 192.168.2.2/24
FA0/3 2800-2 FA0/0: 192.168.2.1/24 S1/0: 172.16.0.254/24 (DTE)
2960-3 192.168.1.3/24 PC-2 IP: 192.168.1.10 Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.1 MAC: 00-00-22-AA-BB-CC PC-4 IP: 192.168.2.11
Mask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 192.168.3.1 MAC:
00-00-44-AA-BB-CC
24. This page intentionally left blank
25. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS W e would like to thank the following
people: This book would not have been possible without the support
of Dynetics, Inc., and Matts supervisor, Paul Clark. Pauls
willingness to helpno matter what was asked nor whenwas critical
throughout this entire process. Balancing work, family, and writing
is a tough business, and without the willingness displayed by
Dynetics to support the effort, we never would have finished. A
special thanks to Bobby Rogers for providing excellent technical
insight on editing this book. Bobbys acerbic wit and his attention
to details we simply didnt think about proved vital to the success
of this project. The team at McGraw-Hill (Jennifer Housh, Tim
Green, Vasundhara Sawhney, and Jody McKenzie) is due several toasts
at the local establishment of their choice. The unbelievable
patience and support they displayed throughout every stage of this
process was nothing short of amazing. Its been an honor and a
privilege to work with such an outstanding, professional, and fun
group of people. Finally, there is no way this book could have ever
even been started, much less completed, without a lot of
understanding and patience from our children. Faith, Hope, Charity,
and Christianthanks for putting up with us. All those nights of,
Not right now, Daddys writing, are finally over! At least for now
xxv Copyright 2008 by The McGraw-Hill Companies. Click here for
terms of use.
26. This page intentionally left blank
27. INTRODUCTION How to Take a Cisco Certification Examination
This introduction offers a host of information on your CCENT
certification and prepares you for taking the actual examination.
In this section, youll find a brief overview of Ciscos
certification program, and some guidelines on methods of preparing
and studying for the exam, including what to expect on the exam
itself and some simple things you can do on test day to increase
your chances of passing. Ciscos Certification Program Cisco now has
a number of certifications, ranging from entry level (CCENT) and
advanced routing and switching (CCIE) to network security,
wireless, and VoIP. Cisco recommends a variety of classes as
training for these individual certifications, but they are not
mandatoryall one need do to hold the certification is pass the
appropriate test(s). With the right experience, study materials,
and a good work ethic, youll pass any Cisco exam without
necessarily attending the recommended course. Cisco is constantly
changing and updating their certification requirements. For more
information about Cisco certifications and exams, visit Cisco on
the Web at www.cisco.com/web/learning/index.html. Ciscos web site
is a veritable gold mine of information regarding your certication.
Not only will you be referring to it for certication tracking
purposes after your exam, but you can also nd plenty of information
to help you achieve the certication in the rst place. In addition
to the objectives being tested for each exam, you will nd
exam-specic information, sample test questions, information on
becoming certied, demonstration tutorial videos, and the latest
news on Cisco certication. xxvii Copyright 2008 by The McGraw-Hill
Companies. Click here for terms of use.
28. xxviii CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking Technician
Study Guide Computer-Based Testing I know youd probably prefer to
be told that a certification exam actually tests your skills in a
real-world hands-on environment, but unfortunately this just isnt
true. Imagine trying to ensure that a stable, secured, unchanging
network is available at every test center, worldwide, for
candidates attempting a certification. It simply couldnt besuch
logistics would preclude anyone from ever offering a
certificationespecially those as far reaching as Ciscos
certifications. To get around this, Cisco (and most vendors, for
that matter) relies on a computer-based testing service, operated
by Pearson Vue. Pearson Vue provides a secured testing environment
in a number of facilities around the world (theres probably a
Pearson Vue test center in your own town). Tests on a Vue system
are relatively straightforward and are similar from vendor to
vendor. Cisco is unique in that they do not make use of the
adaptive testing format (thank goodness). Cisco instead relies on a
more traditional format, simply providing test questions in a
random order and scoring participants according to their success or
failure on each question. However, there is another characteristic
of a Cisco test you will not find on any other vendor: Cisco does
not allow you to mark a question for further review. In other
words, whether you answer the question or not, once you press the
Next button to move on, you are no longer allowed to view that
question. I cannot stress this point enough: You are not allowed to
skip questions and return to them later on a Cisco exam! Most
test-takers will tell you a good strategy on any exam is to skip
the questions you dont know and return to them later since many
times a question later in the exam will provide insight into those
you dont know. On a Cisco test, though, if you skip it, you miss
it. Sometimes you may need to pass one over for time purposes. Just
keep in mind that once its gone, youll never see it again! Each
test consists of a random set of questions pulled from an enormous
pool of them. During the beta testing of the exam, Cisco will
compile and refine a huge amount of questions for this pool. Thus,
when you receive your test, it simply retrieves a unique
combination of these questions to test your ability. Some are
29. Introduction xxix straightforward multiple-choice
questions, while others are based on a simulator (forcing you to
use your hands-on experience as well as your book knowledge). Cisco
exams are also timedlasting usually 75 to 90 minutes, depending on
the number of questions and the particular test. The time you have
remaining for your specific exam will be displayed in a small box
on the corner of the computer screen. If your time elapses, the
exam will be scored based on what you have answered up to that
point (of course, all unanswered questions will be counted as
incorrect answers). Lastly, the scoring of the test, and the
feedback youll receive after an attempt, warrant some discussion.
As soon as the exam is over, your score will be calculated and
displayed onscreen for your review. It will also be passed on
electronically to Cisco, for tracking purposes. Whether you pass or
fail, youll receive a printed report from the test administrator,
showing your overall score and a score for each objective the exam
covered. Unfortunately, you will not receive a list of the
questions you marked incorrectly. Question Types Cisco uses many
different question formats in their exams, most of which should be
covered here in this section. While youll find a brief overview of
what to expect here, your best resource on any particular exam is
to talk things over with other testtakers. No, it wont do you much
good to ask exactly whats on the exam, since each is different, but
you can get an idea of what types of questions to expect. Check
with Ciscos web site for something called the Cisco Network
Professionals Connection. Between this and other forums on the
site, you can get a good idea of what the CCENT exam makeup will be
like. True/False Oh, I know what youre thinking. I can sense it a
mile away, and although I dont like the idea of shattering your
hopes on anything, anywhere, I am going to shut the door on this
one. The simple 50-percent-chance classic true-or-false question
will not be found anywhere on a Cisco exam. This is not to say that
Cisco doesnt employ true or false logic on their testsin fact,
youll find quite a few questions like thisjust that Cisco will test
your ability to determine a true or false statement or scenario
using a multiple-choice question format. An example would be,
Choose the true (or false) statements from the following.
30. xxx CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking Technician Study
Guide Multiple Choice Multiple choice is the primary format for
questions in Cisco exams. These questions may be posed in a variety
of ways; however, no matter which way the question is presented,
one tip will always apply on these questions: ALWAYS read the
question very, very carefully. Sometimes you may understand the
intent of the question perfectly, and know well what the answer is,
only to wind up missing it because of a technicality. For example,
if the question asks you to choose two answers, choose two ONLY.
Choose the Correct Answer Celebrate every time you receive one of
these multiple-choice questions on the exam. This is the classic
format, requiring you to choose one correct option from the four or
five presented. In addition to the wording Choose the Correct
Answer, indicating a single response, these single-answer questions
will display Windows radio buttonsallowing only a single response
to be entered. One final tip: If the question states, Select the
best answer, its also a single-answer multiple-choice question.
Choose X Correct Answers This type of multiple-choice question
appears differently than the single-choice version listed earlier.
On these, the question will ask you to choose X number of options,
where X will be a number from 2 to (sometimes) 4. Instead of the
radio buttons used before, youll find checkboxes used for marking
answers. Its very important to keep in mind that these questions
are all-or-nothing: All the correct answers must be selected,
otherwise the entire question is marked as incorrect. Additionally,
the testing software prevents too many answers from being selected;
if the question asks for two responses, you cannot choose three.
Choose All that Apply Easily the most difficult, and unfortunately
relatively common, multiple-choice question youll see on the exam,
the choosing-all-thatapply type lets the candidate choose as many,
or as few, answers as they wish. Since you dont know how many
answers the exam expects, you are at a distinct disadvantage. Its
important to note on these questions that they, too, are all or
nothing enterprises: If too few, or too many, answers are given,
you will miss the question. Freeform Response You should not see
any freeform response type questions on the CCENT exam. However,
Cisco has surprised us from time to time on other issues, so you
should at least know what to expect should they slip one in on you.
A freeform response
31. Introduction xxxi question provides no choices (or help) at
all. You are simply given a scenario with an empty text box and
asked which command to enter. You must then type the command,
precisely as it should be, into the freeform textbox provided.
Obviously this is challenging and is the reason this type of
question usually isnt found on entry-level certifications. If you
see one, however, be sure to type the entire command indo not use a
truncated version that would work just fine on a real router.
Exhibits While not actually a test question type in and of
themselves, exhibits are a big part of the exam, and you should
know about them upfront. Youll find exhibits used constantly
throughout your exam, with several questions sometimes referring to
a single exhibit. These diagrams and pictures will normally appear
in a separate window, which you can enlarge or minimize as you see
fit, using a button on the screen. Scenarios Scenario questions
generally consist of one to two short paragraphs that describe a
specific circumstance, network, or event, requiring you to pick the
correct choice from a variety of answers. Additionally, you may
sometimes find several questions referring to a single scenario
(sometimes referred to as a testlet question). On any scenario
question, pay close attention to the wording of the problem (if
troubleshooting) and apply simple logic. Oftentimes, reading the
question first, and then returning to the scenario, proves a useful
practice in navigating the exam. Simulations Simulation questions
require you to enter a basic configuration on a Cisco switch or
router, given a specific set of instructions and settings required.
Youll need to know how to access the device, navigate through the
various IOS modes, enter commands, and save configurations.
Additionally, sometimes these simulators have existing
configurations with built-in errors that require you to
troubleshoot and fix the problem. The context-sensitive help
functions within the IOS are supposed to be available for you
within the simulator, but dont be surprised if it does not work
exactly as youd see it on a live router. For example, the simulator
may force you to type certain commands completely, while allowing
TAB and auto-complete on others.
32. xxxii CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking Technician Study
Guide An important note here with this style of question is your
ability to manipulate the simulator itself. In other words, knowing
what configuration to enter does you no good if you cannot figure
out how to enter the commands into the simulator in the first
place. Before the exam begins, you will be presented with a screen
asking if youd like to become familiar with the simulator before
the exam starts. Do not skip this. It does not affect your time for
the exam and ensures you wont be wasting valuable time during it
figuring out how the simulator works. Additionally, for a
demonstration of what the simulator is like, you can also visit
www.cisco.com and browse to the certification section to find the
demo. This example is very similar, but not exactly the same, as
the simulator you would see on the real exam. Studying Techniques
When Im asked, How do I study for a Cisco exam?, my first response
seems almost out of place: To effectively study for the exam, first
schedule the exam. Youre probably thinking thats lunacy, but trust
me, its the only way. Once your exam is scheduled, youll have a
deadline and will be forced into studying for it. I cant count the
number of times Ive heard students say they were planning on
scheduling the exam, after Ive had time to study for it, only to
greet me months later with the same excuse. Let me assure you,
soon-to-be fellow Cisco networking professional, youll never think
youre ready for it without some kind of deadline to push you. Sure,
take some time to read this book (and encourage everyone you know
to pick up a copy and do the same) and practice on your own, but
schedule the exam as soon as you can. After reading through this
book, schedule your exam no more than a month out. Spend that time
studying, using the tips provided here, then just go knock it out!
There are a million study tips out there, and just as many people
willing to give them to you. Our suggestions are pretty simple,
straightforward, and easy: Make the best use of your time available
and practice, practice, practice. Time scheduling, for focused
study, is the easy part30 minutes of focused study time a day
should do it. Any more than 30 minutes a day will, most likely,
burn you outany less and youre just not willing to work for this.
Additionally, youll be amazed at how easy it is to study during
times when youd least expect it. The principle is known as stealing
time, and works very simply: While youre accomplishing one task,
make use of the slack time to work on another. For example, create
an audio tape (or CD) of yourself asking questions and providing
answers. Pop this into your vehicle on the drive to work and voil,
youve just added some free study time. Want another example? How
about creating a cheat
33. Introduction xxxiii sheet, or a few flash cards, to keep
handy in your jacket or wallet? While waiting for your lunch,
sitting in the airport, or taking a break from work, bring it out
and take a quick peek. There are a thousand ways to do this, but
the point is simple: You can find ways to study during your
day-to-day activities if you really look for them. Secondly,
practice, practice, and practice some more. Experiment with both
live equipment (if available) and the simulator provided with this
book. Just memorizing facts and commands might, might, be enough to
make it through a single exam, but its certainly not going to be
enough in the real world. Your best bet, on both the exam and your
job, is to not only know the what but the how and why. The best way
to do this is to apply what youve read in this book on a system.
Try commands out. Set up configurations that work, and then break
them. Throw in weird configurations a college guy might try on
Saturday night after the big game (and a celebratory adult beverage
or two). Of course theres a little humor here, but you get the
point: The more you see the configuration, commands, and traffic in
use, the better youll know how they work and why you need them. One
last note on studying deals with the dark side of the network
certification world. A wide variety of study guides and braindumps
are available on the Internet. Many of these are legitimate vendors
wishing to provide helpful insight on making you a better network
professional. Others are charlatans, hoping to take your money at
any cost (pardon the pun). Do not rely on a single study guide or
braindump downloaded from the Internet. I can promise you, its NOT
a copy of the Cisco exam and will do more harm than good to your
studying. If you do find a practice test or study guide on the
Internet, verify the answers through your own research. Simply
memorizing test questions, from any resource, will NOT result in a
passing score. Scheduling Your Exam You can schedule any Cisco exam
by calling Pearson Vue, or visiting their online registration web
site at www.vue.com (if calling outside the United States, go to
Vues web site to find your local number). Exams can be scheduled up
to a year in advance, and can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice.
If you miss your test date/ time, or fail to provide appropriate
notice, you will lose your test fee. Payment for the exam is due
upon registration with Vue and is accepted through a variety of
means, credit cards being the most convenient. Vue e-mails a
receipt and confirmation of your testing date, which typically
arrives the same day you schedule the exam. If you need to cancel
or reschedule an exam, remember to call at least one day before
your exam, otherwise youll lose your test fee.
34. xxxiv CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking Technician Study
Guide If this is the first time youve ever attempted a Cisco exam,
Vue will provide a unique number for testing with Cisco. Be sure to
keep this number handy and use it for every Cisco test for which
you register. Additionally, address information provided when you
first register is also used by Cisco to ship certificates and other
related material, so make sure you get it right! You will also be
required to give a valid e-mail address when registering. If you do
not have an e-mail address that works, you will not be able to
schedule the exam. Once you are registered, you will receive an
e-mail notice containing your registration information for your
scheduled exam. Examine it closely to make sure its correct.
Arriving at the Exam You should always arrive early for your exam,
giving yourself time to relax and review last-minute key facts.
While waiting for your exam, take the time to review notes, read
over the Exam Watch sections of this book, and look over any cheat
sheets and practice cards you have handy. Generally speaking, so
long as a computer system is available, you can start your test any
time before your scheduled test time. So, after your last-minute
cram session, when youre ready, you can begin. Be sure to bring two
sets of identification with you to the testing center. Acceptable
forms include government-issued IDs (for example, a passport or
drivers license) and credit cards. One form of ID must include a
photograph. After the identification, though, you wont need
anything else. In fact, testing centers do not allow you to take
anything else with you into the exam area: no books, papers,
notepads, PDAs, cell phones, nothing. The test administrator will,
however, provide you with a paper and pencil, or a small erasable
marker board. These are to let you write notes and perform
calculations during the exam. A helpful tip, though, is to
hurriedly jot down any last-minute tidbits you looked at just
before the exam, as soon as the administrator allows you to write.
In other words, you can download everything in your brain directly
to the paper or marker board before your exam ever starts. Just
remember thats the only material youll have to write on during the
test, so leave a little room! Youll have to return the paper
(marker board) to the administrator immediately upon completion of
the test. In the exam room, the exam administrator logs you in to
your exam, and you have to verify that your name and exam number
are correct. If this is the first time youve taken a Cisco test,
you can select a brief tutorial for the exam software (which we
mentioned before, and you should not skip). Additionally, youll be
asked to take a survey before the exam. This does NOT count against
your time, so take advantage of it and write down your notes during
this survey.
35. Introduction xxxv Before the test begins, you will be
provided with facts about the exam, including the duration, the
number of questions, and the score required for passing. Once you
click Begin Test, the clock starts ticking. The test will appear
full screen, with a single question per screen. Navigation buttons
allow you to move forward to the next question but, as discussed
earlier, not back. The time countdown will appear in the corner and
a variety of buttons may be available depending on the question
asked (a Display Exhibit button, for example). Periodically check
to ensure youre budgeting your time wisely. Remember, once you pass
over a question, it is scored immediately (you cannot return to
it). Nevertheless, you dont want to waste too much time on any one
test question. Generally speaking, youll receive between 55 and 65
questions and will need to get at least 8285% of them correct.
Cisco does not provide specifics on either the number of questions,
or the passing percentile, so youll never really know until the
exam is finished. The Grand Finale As soon as your exam is
completed, it will be graded automatically. The actual real time
that elapses between when you press Score Exam and when the results
appear on the screen is just under ten seconds. In your mind, it
will most likely seem like an eternity. The result of your exam is
displayed showing the minimum passing score, your score, and a
PASS/FAIL indicator. With some Cisco tests, the actual score isnt
displayed on the screen, only on the printed version of your test
results. If youre curious, you can review the statistics of your
score at this time. Normally, though, candidates are either so
elated they cant sit still or too dejected to bother looking at the
screen. Keep in mind, whether you pass or fail, Cisco does not show
you the individual questions answered right or wrong. Instead,
youll get a generic list, showing categories and your results
within each one. This is also provided on the report thats
automatically printed at the exam administrators desk. Keep your
results in a safe place and check back with Ciscos web site over
the next 48 hours to make sure your results are posted. After some
time (a week or so), youll receive a folder in the mail from Cisco
containing your official certificate and other goodies. Retesting
If you dont pass the exam, dont worry about it. Certification tests
are, by design, very difficult and the vast majority of people who
take them fail the first time.
36. xxxvi CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking Technician Study
Guide Simply jot down those things you remember and go into the
next attempt a little more educated on format and content.
Additionally, the score report will help guide your study efforts,
showing those areas you were weakest in. Cisco makes you wait five
business days before you can sign up for another exam. During this
time, continue with the study tips from before, but focus on those
areas that need the most attention. When youre ready, contact Vue
and schedule another exam. You can track your current certification
status by going to www.cisco.com/go/ certifications/login. Youll
need to use your Cisco testing ID number to log in.
37. Introduction xxxvii Study Guide Coverage Ch# Describe the
purpose and functions of various network devices Network Essentials
Network Devices Switch Fundamentals Routing Fundamentals Wireless
Networking 1 2 5 6 11 Select the components required to meet a
given network specification Network Essentials About Cisco Switches
Routing Fundamentals 1 9 6 Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and their
associated protocols to explain how data flows in a network OSI
Reference Model TCP/IP and OSI Reference Model Comparison Network
Devices 1 Describe common networking applications, including web
applications Application Layer Functions and Protocols Application
Fundamentals Describe the purpose and basic operation of the
protocols in the OSI and TCP models Application Layer Functions and
Protocols Transport Layer Functions and Protocols Internet and
Network Access Layer Functions and Protocols Describe the operation
of data networks 2 2 2 12 2 2 2 Describe the impact of applications
(Voice over IP and Video over IP) on a network Application
Fundamentals 12 Interpret network diagrams Network Devices 3
Advanced Official Objective Beginner Exam Readiness Checklist
Intermediate CCENT 640-822
38. Official Objective Study Guide Coverage Determine the path
between two hosts across a network TCP/IP and OSI Reference Model
Comparison Application Layer Functions and Protocols Transport
Layer Functions and Protocols Internet and Network Access Layer
Functions and Protocols Network Devices Describe the components
required for network and Internet communications Ch# 2 2 2 2 3
Network Essentials TCP/IP and OSI Reference Model Comparison
Network Devices WAN Fundamentals Wireless Networking 1 Identify and
correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3, and 7 using a
layered model approach OSI Reference Model TCP/IP and OSI Reference
Model Comparison Troubleshooting 1 Differentiate between LAN/WAN
operation and features Network Essentials WAN Fundamentals 1 11 2 3
11 11 2 12 Implement a small switched network Physical Media Select
the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect
switches Network Devices to other network devices and hosts Switch
Fundamentals 3 3 5 Explain the technology and media access control
method for Ethernet technologies Ethernet Characteristics Ethernet
Standards 4 4 Explain network segmentation and basic traffic
management concepts Switch Fundamentals Switch Design
Considerations Routing Fundamentals 5 5 6 Explain the operation of
Cisco switches and basic switching concepts Switch Fundamentals
Initial Configuration About Cisco Switches 5 9 9 Beginner Exam
Readiness Checklist Advanced CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking
Technician Study Guide Intermediate xxxviii
39. Study Guide Coverage Ch# Perform, save, and verify initial
switch configuration tasks, including remote access management The
IOS and Configuration Files The CLI Initial Configuration Securing
the Configuration 8 8 9 9 Verify network status and switch
operation using basic utilities (including ping, traceroute,
telnet, SSH, arp, ipconfig), SHOW, and DEBUG commands The IOS and
Configuration Files The CLI Securing the Configuration First Steps
Troubleshooting 8 8 9 10 12 Implement and verify basic security for
a switch (port security, deactivate ports) Initial Configuration
Securing the Configuration Interface Configuration 9 9 9 Identify,
prescribe, and resolve common switched network media issues,
configuration issues, autonegotiation, and switch hardware failures
Initial Configuration Securing the Configuration Interface
Configuration Troubleshooting 9 9 9 12 Implement an IP addressing
scheme and IP services to meet network requirements for a small
branch office Describe the need and role of addressing in a network
Routing Fundamentals Introduction to IP Addressing Subnet Tasks
Subnet Essentials 6 6 7 7 Create and apply an addressing scheme to
a network Routing Fundamentals Introduction to IP Addressing Subnet
Tasks Subnet Essentials 6 6 7 7 Assign and verify valid IP
addresses to hosts, servers, and networking devices in a LAN
environment Subnet Essentials Subnet Tasks 7 7 Explain the basic
uses and operation of NAT in a small network connecting to one ISP
WAN Fundamentals Routing Configuration 11 10 Advanced Official
Objective Beginner Exam Readiness Checklist xxxix Intermediate
Introduction
40. Official Objective Study Guide Coverage Ch# Describe and
verify DNS operation Application Layer Functions and Protocols 2
Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP
addressing Introduction to IP Addressing Subnet Essentials 6 7
Enable NAT for a small network with a single ISP connection using
SDM and verify operation using CLI and ping WAN Fundamentals
Routing Configuration 11 10 Configure, verify, and troubleshoot
DHCP and DNS operation on a router (including CLI/SDM) WAN
Fundamentals Routing Configuration 11 10 Implement static and
dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment
Application Layer Functions and Protocols Introduction to IP
Addressing WAN Fundamentals 2 6 11 Identify and correct IP
addressing issues Introduction to IP Addressing Troubleshooting 6
12 Describe basic routing concepts (including packet forwarding and
the router lookup process) Introduction to IP Addressing Routing
Fundamentals Routing Configuration Subnet Tasks 6 10 7 7 Describe
the operation of Cisco routers (including router bootup process,
POST, and router components) Routing Fundamentals First Steps
Configuration Fundamentals Routing Configuration WAN Fundamentals 6
10 10 10 11 Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and
connectors to connect routers to other network devices and hosts
Network Essentials Physical Media Network Devices Configuration
Fundamentals Routing Configuration Wireless Networking 1 3 3 10 10
11 Implement a small routed network Beginner Exam Readiness
Checklist Advanced CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking Technician
Study Guide Intermediate xl
41. Study Guide Coverage Ch# Configure, verify, and
troubleshoot RIPv2 Routing Configuration 10 Access and utilize the
router CLI to set basic parameters The IOS and Configuration Files
First Steps Configuration Fundamentals 8 10 10 Connect, configure,
and verify the operation status of a device interface Routing
Configuration Troubleshooting 10 12 Verify device configuration and
network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH, or other
utilities The IOS and Configuration Files The CLI Securing the
Configuration First Steps Troubleshooting 8 8 9 10 12 Perform and
verify routing configuration tasks for a static or default route
given specific routing requirements Routing Fundamentals
Configuration Fundamentals Routing Configuration WAN Fundamentals 6
10 10 11 Manage IOS configuration files (including save, edit,
upgrade, and restore) The IOS and Configuration Files The CLI 8 8
Manage Cisco IOS The IOS and Configuration Files The CLI 8 8
Implement password and physical security The IOS and Configuration
Files The CLI Securing the Configuration 8 8 9 Verify network
status and router operation The IOS and Configuration Files using
basic utilities (including ping, The CLI traceroute, telnet, SSH,
arp, ipconfig), Securing the Configuration and the SHOW and DEBUG
commands First Steps Troubleshooting 8 8 9 10 12 Explain and select
the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLAN Describe
standards associated with wireless media (including IEEE WI-FI
Alliance and ITU/FCC) Ethernet Standards Wireless Networking 4 11
xli Advanced Official Objective Beginner Exam Readiness Checklist
Intermediate Introduction
42. Official Objective Study Guide Coverage Ch# Identify and
describe the purpose of the components in a small wireless network
(including SSID, BSS, and ESS) Wireless Networking 11 Identify the
basic parameters to configure on a wireless network to ensure that
devices connect to the correct access point Wireless Networking 11
Compare and contrast the wireless security features and
capabilities of WPA security (including open, WEP, and WPA-1/2)
Wireless Networking 11 Identify common issues with implementing
wireless networks Wireless Networking Beginner Exam Readiness
Checklist 11 Identify security threats to a network and describe
general methods to mitigate those threats Explain todays increasing
network security threats and the need to implement a comprehensive
security policy to mitigate those threats Network Devices Network
Security 3 12 Explain general methods to mitigate common security
threats to network devices, hosts, and applications Network Devices
Network Security 3 12 Describe the functions of common security
appliances and applications Network Devices Network Security 3 12
Describe security recommended practices, including initial steps to
secure network devices Network Devices Switch Design Considerations
Initial Configuration Securing the Configuration First Steps
Configuration Fundamentals Network Security 3 5 9 9 10 10 12
Advanced CCENT Cisco Certied Entry Networking Technician Study
Guide Intermediate xlii
43. Study Guide Coverage Ch# Implement and verify WAN links
Describe different methods for connecting WAN Fundamentals to a WAN
11 Configure and verify a basic WAN serial connection 10 10 11
Configuration Fundamentals Routing Configuration WAN Fundamentals
xliii Advanced Official Objective Beginner Exam Readiness Checklist
Intermediate Introduction
44. This page intentionally left blank
45. 1 Networking 101 CERTIFICATION OBJECTIVES 1.01 Network
Essentials 1.02 The OSI Reference Model Q&A Copyright 2008 by
The McGraw-Hill Companies. Click here for terms of use. Two-Minute
Drill Self Test
46. 2 Chapter 1: Networking 101 Y ou cannot begin learning any
aspect of technology or industry without first mastering the
basics. This chapter covers the building blocks youll need to be
successful in the rest of your study. The first half explores some
basic terminology and definitions, what networks look and act like,
and the components that make up the network, while the second
halfthrough an examination of the OSI Reference Modellooks at how
data is treated as it moves through your network. A thorough
understanding of this chapter should provide a great bedrock upon
which to build the rest of your study! CERTIFICATION OBJECTIVE 1.01
Network Essentials Any text on networking should begin by defining
what, exactly, a network is. In its simplest terms, a network is a
collection of systems and devices exchanging data over some form of
media. The systems provide an interface for users to easily share,
store, and access a variety of data, the network devices provide a
means to control and regulate the traffic between the systems,
while the media provides a pathway for the data to travel across.
It sounds simple (and it really is), but it can get complicated in
a hurry. Lets keep it simple and start with the definitions and
terminology youll need to know. Network Denitions The world of
networking has more than its share of terminology and jargon. In
this section, well introduce some terms and concepts youll need to
be familiar with as you move forward. Well cover things in a
logical order, hitting terms that range from what makes up a
network and how data is transmitted on the wire, to how far the
network reaches. When thinking about what components make up a
network, most observers pick the obviousthe devices they can see or
touch. As youll see, theres more to it than that. A network is
first made up of hosts. A host is defined as any device that holds
a logical address on your network. Most commonly, this address is
an Internet Protocol (IP) address, which well cover later in the
book. Hosts can be workstations, servers, printers, connection
devices, or routers. Apprentice network technicians generally do a
good job keepin
