Cisco is one of the most significant technology-companies in the world, and just like 'Microsoft', is a market leader. It began with many more in the IT Silicon Valley revolution of the 1980's, & has now become the worldwide principal networking hardware manufacturer. On a yearly basis Cisco's R & D spending alone amounts to something like $5b. Technology from 'Cisco' supports the entire net. 'Cisco' supply more than 2/3rds of the network hardware employed in our world these days. This instantly places them at the top of the list for trainees aiming to make a career in I.T. and Telecommunications hardware-networking. Cisco also has various trading arms which automatically permeate the Security, Voice Over IP (VOIP) Communications and Wireless Data (Wi-Fi) sectors - as they start to gain more business importance.

Cisco's main business is in 'routers', controllers & data switches. If we didn't have these systems, data would be unable to pass all around networks. Whilst an 'Operating System' is necessary in a PC for it to connect across a 'network ', the network-hardware itself has its own language and protocols that have to be set-up, configured & maintained. For a network to operate smoothly there must be on-going trouble shooting, with regular re-programming and reconfiguring. In all areas of modern day communications, Cisco is performing a key part. This is in no small part because of the move towards complete system-integration of voice and data both in commercial and public offices.

To furnish networking professionals with all the knowledge they require to perform in this area, Cisco provide a large number of training tracks & accreditations. Individuals tend to be encouraged to start with the same qualification course, and then branch into specialised subjects as they progress. The Cisco CCNA ('Cisco Certified Network Associate') program consists of two exams, which will equip an appropriate entrant applicant with the important expertise in the installing, configuring, operating, & trouble-shooting of middle-sized enterprise-level router and data-switched networks.

There are two constituent parts to the 640/802 CCNA certification: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part one and Part two, or 'ICND1' (640-822) & ICND2 (640-816). An alternative name for Part 1 is 'Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician' or 'CCENT' for short. While all this may seem like a mouthful (as often seems the truth with I.T. acronyms,) the simplest way to take this certification is as the blended 'CCNA' (640-802) exam. An excellent career training track for 'Cisco' entrants would be a blended package starting with 'CompTIA A+' , then 'Comptia' Network & then the more specialised Cisco 'CCNA'. A bundled training-package such as this should take approximately one year to complete if studying part time. In accordance with all of the technical career training-programs, be sure you opt for one that gives 24/7 real time connection to tutor support, to problem-solve any kind of studying difficulties that come up. The correct studying materials are essential - look for interactive multimedia disc based programs, & an approved and effective exam prep system.

One thing that is often over-looked when studying for Cisco exams is exactly how to reproduce the Cisco environment. When you are studying your MS MCSA or MCSE as an example, some old PC's can be networked with each other to permit inexpensive 'dummy-runs' in your own home with real equipment. Not so with Cisco - to formulate any kind of beneficial environment you would need complex routers & switches, in addition to a large number of computers and other really high priced technologies. What you need therefore is to use Cisco authorised network simulators and visualisers. Enabling you to practice on-screen, these types of software systems provide you with the facility to construct & test virtual-networks. You 'work' with specific routers & data switches, and may even interrogate information as it travels through your network. A software program of this standard is what splits training courses apart - it is not a good idea to decide upon any Cisco package which doesn't encompass it. The hugely respected RouterSim's CCNA Network-Visualiser is undoubtedly one of the best we have tried, and we include this in all of our 'CCNA' courses.

To gain a really well rounded networking career-track, you may choose to look at including the MS 'MCSE' or MCSA to your A+, 'Network+' & CCNA package. Either way, a discussion of your career-path and learning-style, with a seasoned IT expert or advisor, really should be at the head of your sheet of priorities, in order to ensure that you will get off to a really good start & prevent any expensive blunders.

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