Introduction

Cisco networking devices fill the needs in just about every area of your network. Although many books can help you get your Cisco certification, such as CCENT Certification All-in-One For Dummies by Glen E. Clarke, this book is not geared to getting you to pass a Cisco Certification exam. Instead, this book gives you the key information that you need to manage your network of Cisco devices.

About This Book

Cisco Networking All-in-One For Dummies is a practical, hands-on guide to managing your Cisco network devices. Although you can read this entire book from front to back, you do not have to. This book is a reference guide. Each minibook is divided into chapters, and each chapter into sections, each of which contains information about a specific task or feature that you may want to investigate or implement.

Although you can take fastidious notes, create flash cards, and memorize everything in this book, do not feel that you need to. Just keep the book handy as a reference. That way, if you are unsure about a particular topic, you can quickly review this book and get your answer.

Conventions Used in This Book

Conventions make your life easier by making things work in an expected manner. As far as conventions go, I make use of several in this book:

• Italics identifies new terms that I define or to add emphasis.

• Bold highlights keywords in a list, steps in numbered lists, or commands or text that you type.

• Monofont sets off URLs (such as www.dummies.com) or indicates a command within regular text. Code lines use a similar font, such as the following example:

Switch1>enable

Switch1#configure terminal

...

Switch1(config)#end

Foolish Assumptions

In writing this book, I had to make a few assumptions about you as a reader:

• You are familiar with the operation of a computer and specifically the installing and execution of a terminal emulator program such as putty. (Do not worry — if you can launch the program, I will show you how to use it.)

• You have Cisco equipment to work with. While you can follow along with the examples I have given in the book, to really get a feel for how things work, it is best to do them yourself.

How This Book Is Organized

As with all the All-in-One For Dummies books, chapters are organized into minibooks. The chapters in each minibook are related by a specific theme or topic. For example, Book V contains all wireless-related content needed to work with wireless devices on your network.

The following sections outline what you can find in each minibook.

Book I: Overview

In this minibook, I cover a mixed bag of information that I think you need to know if you are going to get into working with networks and managing your network. Much of what I discuss here is not specific to Cisco networks, but rather all networks regardless of whose logo is on the front of the hardware. This minibook includes a bit of networking design principles, a bit of number systems, and a bit about the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS).

Book II: Internet Protocols

In Book II, I focus on the most widely used networking protocol in the world, the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite. Because this may be the only protocol you ever need to use, I devote an entire minibook to it. This knowledge helps you when working on any network.

Book III: Switching

Switching and Cisco switches are the focus of Book III. You see the configuration process from powering up the first time out of the box. I then show you how to use the main switching technologies, such as user isolation with virtual local area networks (VLANs) and redundancy with EtherChannel.

Book IV: Routing

Routing data with Cisco routers occupies your time as you work your way through Book IV. In this minibook, you get a view from the initial setup, through basic configuration, static routing, and dynamic routing protocols. By the time you read through this minibook, you can navigate the network routing waters.

Book V: Wireless

Book V gives you all the information you need to know about how to lay out your wireless network. I cover the main wireless technologies in the market and show you how to secure a wireless network. I also introduce the major classes of Cisco wireless devices.

Book VI: Security

The security information in Book VI lets you into “the know” on several Cisco-related security items that cross the different hardware platforms in the Cisco product line. After reading this minibook, you are aware of what risks you may face on your network and the common ways you can reduce them.

Icons Used in This Book

To make your experience with the book easier, I use various icons in the margins of the book to indicate particular points of interest.

Information that is helpful to you is indicated with a Tip icon. Expect to find shortcuts and timesavers here.

The Remember icon is a friendly reminder for something that you want to make sure to keep in mind. This icon features information that may be useful to remember on the job.

Information that could cause problems to you or to the network is indicated with a Warning icon. If you see a Warning icon, make sure you read it. The network you save may be your own.

Sometimes I feel obligated to give you some technical information that may be above and beyond what you really need to know. I have included it because some people may feel that the background or in-depth point may crystallize an idea.

Where to Go from Here

Look over the Table of Contents or the index, and find something that catches your attention or a topic that you think can help you solve a problem. You can also just keep turning pages and start reading at Book I, Chapter 1.

After you spend some time using your fancy Cisco knowledge, you may be interested in certification. You may be interested in pursuing one of several Cisco certifications; if so, this book gives you a good start. However, to get certified, you need to take an exam. The certifications that you may be interested in include

• Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT): Validates your skills to manage — from installation to troubleshooting — a small branch network in all aspects. CCENT is the type of position that would be occupied by someone who is new to the world of networking and is the first step toward getting the CCNA certification. Many books can help you pass your exam, including CCENT Certification All-in-One For Dummies by Glen E. Clarke.

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Validates your ability to manage most aspects of an Enterprise network, including features like Wide Area Network (WAN) connections, routing protocols, security, and advanced troubleshooting. If you are interested in pursuing this topic, a good place to start is CCNA Certification All-in-One For Dummies by Silviu Angelescu.

• Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA): Validates your knowledge surrounding Cisco Enterprise networks and your ability to plan a converged network including routing and switching infrastructures; WAN and broadband access for organizations; and design around security, voice, and wireless networks.

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