Not unlike 'Microsoft', Cisco champions the path as one of the world's most well known technological know-how organisations. From it's early origins some 26 years ago, 'Cisco' currently spends a figure of $5b on R & D, and leads the world in networking-hardware. The internet, it's said, operates 'because' of 'Cisco' engineering. Its estimated that more than seventy per cent of all global network-hardware is represented by the Cisco brand name. For trainees considering working in IT or 'Telecoms' hardware-networking, Cisco know-how is vital. The company in addition has grown commercially in more recent technology systems like Voice Over IP (or VOIP), Security and Wireless Data transfer.

After the 'CCNA', certification routes are varied and could very well include a specialisation in Wireless or Security fields, or you could look at progressing on to the CCNP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional.) The CCNP is a rather large step up from the CCNA, and for most people, contemplating it before you have wholly completed the 'CCNA' is not recommended. You should expect to be employed in a Cisco environment for at least 12 to 24 months (with your CCNA qualification) prior to getting started to train for the CCNP. If however you've actually been in the industry for some time, and maybe gained a certification that compares to the CCNA (e.g. whilst in the armed forces) you might possibly move directly onto 'CCNP'. Fundamentally employers have to know that anybody with rather advanced qualifications has also had the right degree of working experience to match them.

Cisco's primary interest is in 'routers', controllers and data switches. Information can move around a network because of these 'Cisco' tools. Networking-hardware has it's own set of rules & principles. The 'hardware' needs to be set-up and maintained properly. Networks need to run smoothly & frequently have to increase, so on-going maintenance programs mean specialists must trouble shoot, re-configure & reprogram regularly. 'Cisco' is at the heart of all contemporary workplace communications (corporate & military) as we watch the global move towards full voice & information systems-integration.

The two examinations are 640-802, and they are split as follows - The ICND1 (640-822), & the ICND2 (640/816). ICND stands for 'Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices', however the ICND1 examination is also called CCENT ('Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician'). Whilst all this can seem like a mouth full (as can be the case with I.T. acronyms,) the most straightforward way to take this qualification is as a grouped together 'CCNA' (640/802) exam. An outstanding career training track for Cisco entrants would be a combined program starting with CompTIA A+ , then 'Comptia' Network and then the more specialised 'Cisco' 'CCNA'. You'll want to allow around 400 - 500 hours of study for a combined program like this. In accordance with all technical IT training-programs, be sure you select one that delivers twenty four hour real time access to instructor support, to 'problem-solve' any studying challenges that occur. Search also for the latest multi-media learning solutions, & the right exam practice software.

No surprise then that a significant number of qualification programs have been introduced by 'Cisco' to handle the myriad of technologies and patents it supplies. Generally, almost all people will commence at the same common point, before they move upwards over the more and more complex myriad of 'Cisco' certification. Presently there are two examinations for the 'Cisco Certified Network Associate', or 'CCNA' for short. These will prepare trainees who are suitable with the necessary technical know-how to work with medium-sized networks with 'routers' & data-switches.

One area which is frequently over-looked when preparing for Cisco examinations is exactly how to simulate the 'Cisco' environment. When you are working on a MS MCSA or MCSE for example, some old PC's are able to be 'networked' with each other to allow affordable practice in your own home using genuine devices. To re-create a Cisco environment would actually be really costly, as you would need to assemble a large number of PCs, with commercial technologies & enterprise class routers and switches. The answer therefore is to use Cisco authorised network 'simulators' and 'visualisers'. These state-of-the-art software systems permit individuals to create large 'networks' in a 'virtual environment' , with on-screen options to pick specific hard-ware products and practise interrogation of data-movement. These really are outstanding pieces of software, & no home-study or self learning CCNA course should be considered without one. We have incorporated RouterSim's CCNA Network Visualiser in each of our 'CCNA' career tracks - this is a very well regarded 'simulator' and unquestionably one of the best we examined.

Many individuals decide to team up the A+, N+ & CCNA track with the Microsoft MCSA or MCSE, for a much more rounded networking knowledge structure. As there are so many opportunities to choose from, a career-path of this sort should always be discussed with an experienced professional. That way you will be confident that nothing unsuited to your requirements will be bundled in, and nothing at all is missed.

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