Well it has been a long time coming, but I’ve finally decided to get to work on my CCNA. For the past seven years I’ve concentrated primarily on systems administration and computer forensics while only dabbling in networking. The C|EH class piqued my interest in how those packets are getting from point A to point B.

I began purchasing my lab equipment a few weeks ago with advice from my friends at TechExams. I grabbed a Cisco 2611XM router off Ebay for $140.00 and found a 2611, 2610, and two 3650s sitting unused in our server room. Additionally I grabbed two WIC-2T’s and some smart serial cables to link the 2611XM with the 2610 since the 2610 only has a single fast Ethernet port.

My friends over at TechExams also recommended picking up the Sybex CCNA book by Todd Lammie. I’m about halfway through it, and exempting the multiple typos, the book is very solid. He does a great job of explaining fairly difficult concepts.

I have to admit, I haven’t been this excited about learning for a while now. The fact that there are about 36 steps that take place between a successful ping is crazy. Technology truly is fascinating. I’ll be updating the blog with my progress as I work to understand networking the Cisco way.