You generally can't pick up knowledge of Cisco products casually, the way you can learn about Microsoft Windows, Unix and other products that are more generally accessible. For this reason, Cisco: A Beginner's Guide performs a valuable service. It introduces Internet working novices to the language and fact base that underlie routers, switches, network protocols and the rest of the Internet's infrastructure. True enough, no book can teach you everything you need to know about a subject as complex as Internetworking, it does a great job of giving you the background you need to perform well in a class or do hands-on experiments intelligently.

The book goes heavy on prose, enabling the reader to slowly absorb the truth about complex systems as the author lays a foundation of knowledge and proceeds to build upon it. Conceptual diagrams help drive home relationships among network devices, though a series of "blueprints" in the centre of this book suffer from being split down the middle by the book's binding--fold-outs would be far better. This is a superb book, one of the best around on Internetworking with Cisco. It would make an excellent first purchase for someone with ambitions to become a Cisco expert, as well as a fine "fundamentals" reference for more accomplished network engineers.--David Wall, amazon.com

Topics covered: Internetworking from a theoretical standpoint, backed up by information on how Cisco products handle implementation (meaning, in part, that you get information on which Cisco lines and models are good for which jobs). Technically, readers get the goods on Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS), routers, switches, routing protocols and security. There's great information on the pantheon of Cisco certifications, too.

This hands-on guide explains the important fundamentals of Cisco-based technology and its implementation. For those interested in pursuing Cisco certification, this book will also serve as a solid introduction to the networking industry and related technology.

"Cisco: A Beginner's Guide", second edition, offers a solid foundation in Cisco technology by leading the reader from introductory concepts to hands-on implementation. This new edition will contain the following additional and updated material: new coverage of wireless technologies; new chapter on Cisco business solutions; information on routers and switches will reflect the current Cisco product range including recent products releases; all material on certification will be updated to reflect the current programmes and course objectives; more routing theory; and new material on security, specifically intrusion detection.

New coverage of wireless technologies
New chapter on Cisco Business Solutions
Information on routers and switches will reflect the current Cisco product range including recent products releases.
All material on certification will be updated to reflect the current programs and course objectives.
More routing theory and remove the router configuration sections such as password recovery and TFTP services to the next chapter, Configuring Routers
New material on Security, specifically Intrusion Detection
16 pages of blueprints that map out sample network designs using Cisco products. As the books is aimed at such a basic level, the blueprints help to place the information in a visual context.

Learn all you need to know to get started with Cisco technology

Now you can gain a solid understanding of Cisco products and related technology from fundamental concepts to hands-on implementation techniques with this useful and clearly written guide. You'll get the technical background you need to work with routers, switches, hubs, VPNs, wireless gear, and more. Not only will you learn about networking basics, and the latest in wireless and security technology, but you'll also gain valuable insight into the popular Cisco certification track. Also included is a 16-page blueprint section which maps out sample network designs, offering you additional visual instruction. All in all, if you're looking for a solid introduction to Cisco-related products and network design and management, this is the only book you need.

-Get an overview of the Cisco certification track including routing and switching and WAN switching technology
-Set up, configure, and communicate using Cisco routers
-Learn what hubs and switches do and how they differ
-Understand how Internet access products work as well as security methods including firewalls and virtual private networks
-Design and manage a network using Cisco routing protocols
-Gain an understanding of the latest in wireless networking technology including the Cisco Aironet 340 series
-Handle network security using CiscoSecure ACS and AAA models
-Troubleshoot common problems and implement solutions to improve network performance

Toby J. Velte, Ph.D., MCSE+I, CCNA, CCDA is CEO of FireSummit, Inc., an innovative network services firm based in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is co-author of the best-selling Cisco: A Beginner's Guide.

2006-09-22 Excellent Book

This book gives a concise overview of the internet and its overall complexity. For beginners it is a good place to start , for the more accomplished engineers its also a good non-techie reference bible to enable you get some info fast .

Its money well spent , I will definitely recoomend it to any one interested in telecoms,WAN and LAN technolgies.