Cisco FAQ
[edit] IOS
[edit] Q: How do I manage my IOS device? Edit configuration, upgrade IOS, etc.?
A: See Cisco IOS Fundamentals Configuration Guide
[edit] Q: Can you get me a copy of IOS?
A: No. Transfering of Cisco software is illegal. You can get free IOS upgrades (but not feature set upgrades) with a support contract from cisco. The prices vary depending on the device.
[edit] Q: Can I provide a copy of IOS to someone?
A: No. The unauthorised distribution of copyrighted material is prohibited in #cisco and will result in an immediate ban. This includes (but is not limited to): linking to copyrighted material, providing instructions on how to retrieve it or encouraging the distribution or delivery to others.
[edit] Q: What is the default username and password for _________?
A:
Cisco IOS with SDM cisco cisco Cisco AP w/IOS Cisco Cisco Cisco VPN Concentrator admin admin Cisco IPS sensor cisco netranger
[edit] Q: I lost my password to my Cisco device. How can I access the device?
A: Please refer to the following CCO page on how to password recover your Cisco devices: Cisco Password Recovery Procedures
[edit] Q: How do I decode Cisco's crazy IOS versioning scheme?
A:
See http://packetlife.net/static/cheatsheets/cisco-ios-versions.pdf
A:
Alternatively see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisco_IOS
[edit] Certifications
[edit] Q: What routers should I use to build for my home lab?
A: It largely doesn't matter. It really all comes down to "does the equipment do what you need for it to do?"
As far as CCNA, pretty much ANY ethernet router will do. At least two. Three 2501s could do probably 90% of the CCNA objectives. 2600 series are ideal for CCNA though. Also, you will need at LEAST one (preferably two for STP practice) switches. A 2950 is ideal, however a 2900XL will satisfy most requirements. A 1900 series WILL NOT be good enough.
CCNP gets tricky. 2600, and 1700 series routers are pretty much standard for this level. Your best bet is to have three 2600s and two 2900 switches for CCNA so they can be used in your CCNP lab too. The CCNP lab will also require some sort of multilayer switch, which means a 3550 or better. 3550's aren't cheap, but you need to think of your lab as an investment. You can get away with just one MLS, connected to your 2900/2950s that you had in your CCNA lab.
If you are studying for the CCIE your best bet is to look at the CCIE page on cisco.com to see what the current list of equipment and IOS versions are in use for the lab exam. Also, check out Internetwork Expert for lab workbooks as well as lab equipment lists to use when building your CCIE rack. Note that the CCIE labs typically involve FOUR multilayer switches, which can be pricey. Renting a rack can be a good option.
Of course, as far as routers go, there is always the option of dynamips/dynagen to emulate your routers. It works really well, with a few caveats. First, it doesn't emulate multilayer switches. A common solution is to connect a couple of real 3550s to physical ports on your Dynamips box. Second, they require you to run IOS images on emulated hardware, which is against the IOS licensing restrictions. You can't legally obtain or run IOS you aren't entitled to have. Most people I've talked to take a "dont ask, dont tell" approach, but some people won't be so open minded about it. Please keep discussion about obtaining IOS out of #cisco.
So there you go, hope this will help anyone looking to build a lab at home. Again, please keep in mind that these are just some general guidelines, and that there are many options available for any budget.
[edit] Q: What certification should I get? What order should I get it in?
A: This question is hated more than any other. Largely because it is your life and you should choose it for yourself. If you are interested in a field of networking please go after a Cisco, Juniper, or other certification. Try to learn as much as you can while studying for the certification to add value to not only yourself, but the certification itself.
Please see the following links. They should more than explain the different certifications you can get and why you may want to learn something
[edit] Q: What career path should I choose?
A: As with the previous question, it's your life. The people in #cisco all have different backgrounds and different goals. Taking life changing career advice from people on IRC tells us that you need to do more research.
[edit] Q: How much will I make if I get certification _________________?
A: Answer you want to hear: LOTS AND LOTS OF MOOLA!!!! YOU WILL BE RESPECTED AND ADMIRED BY ALL WHO GAZE UPON YOUR ____ CERTIFICATION!!!
Short answer: Without the necessary soft skills and experience? Nothing!
This question is likely going to get you yelled at. This is because you should look at a network certification to enhance your skills and prove a level of consistency. This in turn may help you get more money. It may not.
A quick google search on the subject will show more than one survey done on certification status and money.
[edit] Q: What about a ________ degree?
A: This isn't really any different to asking about certifications. We're not career advisers and can't help you with this kind of step. A degree is a major decision in life and not one you should take on the advice of nerds in #cisco.
In other words, asking about degrees in #cisco will likely garner the same responses as the questions about certifications.
[edit] Q: What Books should I get for ______________ exam?
A: Please don't ask this question, it's far too broad in scope. Instead, check out Cisco Press and Amazon and ask our opinion on various books that you've seen.
Please don't ask this question again.
[edit] Q: Can you get me Test King? Is Test King OK?
A: No. Test King, Pass4Sure and all similar 'study aids' are little more than thinly disguised copies of the actual exams. Please do not ask in the channel for help with cheating your way through life. Many of us got where we are with hard work and effort, not by cheating.
Please check this thread on certguard.com for more information on TK, p4s, etc. Please note that using this garbage to cheat your way through the certification process can get you decertified!!
For legitimate test questions, try the likes of Boson, or the exam simulators on the CD-ROM which comes with many Ciscopress exam certification guides.
[edit] Q: What kind of questions are on the CCNA?
A: Check out the Cisco Certification Exam Tutorial page for a list of question types, as well as an interactive exam tutorial.
[edit] Q: What companies offer Cisco exams?
A: Only Pearson Vue is authorized for testing Cisco exams.
[edit] Q: Can I buy discount Cisco vouchers?
A: Cisco does not have the same agreements with testing providers and volume discount licensing. There is no benefit to buying Vouchers from anyone other than Vue directly, however, some scholastic agreements do offer a discount (For example, Cisco Network Academy gives 50% off to any 640-level exam upon passing the exam preassessment)
[edit] The Website
[edit] Q: Can I have a cisco.com/CCO Account?
A: Yes, of course you can! Simply visit Cisco's registration site and fill in your details.
If you meant can you have my CCO account to download software, then see above regarding getting copies of IOS etc.
[edit] Q: I can't find the documentation for _________________!
A: That's not a question, but look at cisco.com/univercd or Cisco Support Documentation for one of the most comprehensive documentation portals in the industry, focussing on all Cisco products and software releases.
Another good technique is using site:www.cisco.com in your google.com search. Try that. Google-fu ftw.
Alternatively, see this guide on Navigating Cisco.com Documentation.
[edit] General FAQ
[edit] Q: Can you help me with my Linksys device?
A: Nope. Linksys is consumer grade stuff, please use their forums. Besides, Linksys is now owned by Belkin.
