The CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, 2nd Edition remains an affordable and reliable way to attain the core internetworking knowledge needed for Cisco's CCNA exam. Cisco recently changed the exam number (old version: 640-507; new version: 640-607) and question formats (simulation and drag-and-drop questions have been added), but they left the exam objectives intact. This book has served many successful CCNA candidates as the cornerstone of their exam prep program, and can do the same for you. Written by Todd Lammle, a renowned Cisco internetworking expert who knows exactly what it takes to pass the test, this study guide includes:

* Preliminary assessment test

* Focused coverage of key Cisco internetworking topics

* Written and hands-on labs

* More than 300 challenging review questions with explanations

* Two bonus exams

* Electronic flashcards for PCs and Palm handhelds

An impressive offering, CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide does a terrific job of making networking basics approachable. Though written for those already familiar with technology, it nonetheless manages to clearly explain what makes networks work without undercutting their inherent complexity. Authors Lammle and Chellis set the stage by going through such fundamentals as local area network (LAN) devices, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, and various data transport protocols. From there, the book delves into such topics as network congestion--what causes it and what to do about it--Internet protocol (IP) addressing and subnetting, interior routing protocols, and basic routing configuration.

As is characteristic of any quality study guide, each chapter ends with a summary followed by a mountain of review questions, which are good practice for the written CCNA exam. Answers are listed in one of the six appendices, which also cover AppleTalk and related Request for Comments (RFCs). In addition, this book contains a fantastic 116-page glossary--again, a terrific feature for networking newcomers. --Sarah L. Roberts-Witt