Updated for the Latest CCNA ExamHere's the book you need to prepare for Cisco's revised CCNA exam, 640-801. This new edition of the best-selling CCNA Study Guide provides: In-depth coverage of every CCNA exam objectivePractical information on Cisco internetworking solutionsHundreds of challenging review questionsLeading-edge exam preparation software, including a test engine, sample simulation questions, and electronic flashcards
Authoritative coverage of all exam objectives, including: Network planning & designingImplementation & operationLAN and WAN troubleshooting
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.
Nice, well-written basic coverage of networking focused, on Cisco technology and their IOS. If you read it, understand it and use the included flashcards, you will have a sound understanding of basic Cisco switching.
To pass the test, though, you will really need to drill yourself -- especially the hands on. I would recommend buying a Cisco test lab on Ebay with several Catalyst switches and a router for about $300. The nice thing is you can either keep it, upgrade it for more in-depth Cisco certs. or sell it when you're done.
Oh, and make sure you understand subnetting, and can calulate IP address ranges, boradcast and network names from CIDR notation. I think that can only be done with pen & papaer practice, and not via flashcard.