Acknowledgments

When I began to think of whom I would like to have as a technical editor for this work, Steve Stiles immediately came to mind. With his instructor and industry background, in addition to his excellent work building activities for the new Cisco Networking Academy curriculum, he was an obvious choice. Thankfully, when Mary Beth Ray contacted him, he was willing and able to do the arduous review work necessary to make sure that you get a book that is both technically accurate and unambiguous.

This book is a concise summary of the work of Cisco Press CCNA authors. Wendell Odom’s Cisco CCENT/CCNA ICND2 200-101 Official Cert Guide and John Tiso’s Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, Part 2 (ICND2) Foundation Learning Guide were two of my main sources. The different approaches these two authors—both CCIEs—take toward the CCNA material gives the reader the breadth and the depth needed to master the CCNA exam topics.

The Cisco Network Academy authors for the online curriculum and series of Companion Guides take the reader deeper, past the CCNA exam topics, with the ultimate goal of not only preparing the student for CCNA certification, but for more advanced college-level technology courses and degrees, as well. Thank you especially to Amy Gerrie and her team of authors—Rick Graziani, Wayne Lewis, and Bob Vachon—for their excellent treatment of the material; it is reflected throughout this book.

Mary Beth Ray, executive editor, amazes me with her ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously, steering each from beginning to end. I can always count on her to make the tough decisions. Thank you, Mary Beth, for bringing this project to me.

I’ve lost count, but this may be the tenth project with Christopher Cleveland as development editor. His dedication to perfection pays dividends in countless, unseen ways. Thank you again, Chris, for providing me with much needed guidance and support. This book could not be a reality without your persistence.