Here's the book you need to prepare for Cisco's CCNA exam, 640-801.
This Study Guide was developed to meet the exacting requirements of today's Cisco certification candidates. In addition to the engaging and accessible instructional approach that has earned author Todd Lammle the "Best Study Guide Author" award in CertCities Readers' Choice Awards for two consecutive years, this updated fifth edition Authoritative coverage of all exam objectives,
This was my go to book for taking the CCNA exam. I read the cisco press books & also took the classes but it just was not enough to pass the exam. After reading this book though I did pass! I think that Todd does an amazing job of explaining what you need to know about Cisco Routing & Switching. This book was extremely helpful, easy to read, & easy to understand!
Throughout the years I bought nearly every edition of this study guide (and the Cisco Press ones from Wendell Odom) before I finally wrote the exam in 2015. Until 2010 I didn't really have equipment to practice on so the early purchases were just to keep current in case I was able to find a related job.
There was just something about the way Todd explained subnetting that made it click for me better than any other tutorial. For anyone going for the current CCNA (200-301, and yes I bought those too because of how Cisco changed their certification program. I'll be referencing them to fill in gaps if I go for my CCNP.) You can't go wrong getting the current guides from Todd and Wendell. Get both if you can and study your a** off!
This book saved my life from getting ruined. If you want to study computer network, start to read this book. Or if you wanted to be a Cisco Certified Network Associate then you would have read this book and take some certification about it. Trust this book is the book among all the book about getting CCNA certification.
Rereading this book after years of not needing it! It was a classic, but now is probably lacking in the newest technologies (just like my 2500 series routers). Preparing for whatever job opportunities may appear when the time comes.