Laying the Foundations

If you are a beginner, or your networking experience is limited, your first step is to get a solid grip on the basics of both networking and Cisco routers. This effort will involve both classroom training and self-study. I recommend Cisco.com; look at the wealth of information about career certifications in the "Learning and Events" section.

Through its Authorized Learning Partners, Cisco Systems offers many hands-on training classes. You should attend as many of these classes as your time and resources allow, but of particular importance are the following:

• Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND)

• Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)

• Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN)

• Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)

• Cisco Internetwork Troubleshooting (CIT)

Take full advantage of every class you attend. Ask questions of the instructor and discuss the class topics with your fellow students. Most importantly, take advantage of the access you have to the lab equipment. Don't just work the labs; be sure you fully understand the whys and hows of the lab exercises. When you finish a lab, don't just stop. Play with the equipment. See what configuration and troubleshooting options are available and try them. If you have time, try building the lab configuration several times to gain proficiency.

The classroom work will help you identify gaps in your networking knowledge. Read as much as you can to fill in the gaps in your knowledge of basic networking protocols and technology. Many good tutorials are available on the Internet from both commercial vendors and private individuals. Whenever you begin studying a particular subject, be sure to perform a Web search for the topic.