Massive in the field of technological solutions, 'Cisco' is now the frontrunner of its industry-sector. First launched in the mid 1980's, early on in the Silicon Valley I.T. explosion, 'Cisco' has grown to be the worldwide frontrunner in networking-hardware, spending some five Billion Dollars annually on research and development. Society essentially would not have the world wide web we have today if it weren't for Cisco. The Cisco branding is deemed to be accountable for above 70 per cent of all networking hardware. For trainees focused on working in IT or Telecommunications hardware networking, 'Cisco' know-how is vital. 'Cisco' also owns a number of trading arms that automatically penetrate the 'Security', VOIP (Voice Over IP) Communications & Wireless Data (Wi-Fi) sectors - as they gain growing commercial relevance.

The CCNA examination (640/802) can be split up into it's two constituent parts: The 'CCENT' (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) examination - also known as the ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 - 640-822) examination, & the 'ICND2' (640-816) exam. This may seem very confusing, yet essentially the qualification is best taken as a blended examination - the CCNA 640-802. This particular track would hugely gain from being partnered with the 'CompTIA A+' & 'Network+' accreditations, as they will provide all the essential 'grounding' before having a go at the more advanced 'Cisco specific' exams. A combined training package of this nature would take about 12 months to achieve if studying part time. In common with all technical career training courses, make sure you decide on one that delivers 24/7 real-time access to instructor assistance, to problem-solve any kind of training challenges that arise. Look also for some of the most up-to-date multimedia learning materials, and the right examination practice software.

Moving on from your 'CCNA', there are many specialized qualifications to pick from. You could potentially get into Wi-Fi, or 'Security', or perhaps actually onto your Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP). The CCNP is really a rather big step up from the 'CCNA', & on the whole, considering it before you've fully attained the 'CCNA' is not advisable. Gain your CCNA and start working on 'Cisco' networks for a year or two ahead of progressing onto any 'CCNP' study program. There can be certain exclusions to this, mainly if you've been in the industry for a while, and possess equivalent certification that covered a lot of similar skill-base (armed forces exams for example.) Realistically an employer will not consider you for a high level post when you haven't got a fair degree of CCNA stage working experience & knowledge of networks.

Essentially, the backbone of Cisco technologies are their routers, data switches and 'controllers'. Without these types of tools, data would be unable to flow around networking systems. Just as an 'Operating System' is necessary on a PC so that it can communicate across a network, the network hardware itself has its own 'language' and standards that need to be set up, configured and maintained. Trouble-shooting, on-going reprogramming and re-configuration is critical to keep up the consistent operating of a growing 'network '. Cisco is at the heart of all modern office communications (business & military) as we see the international movement towards full voice & data systems-integration.

For a really comprehensive network career-path, you may choose to consider including either the Microsoft 'MCSE' or 'MCSA' to your 'A+', Network+ & CCNA program. As there are so many possibilities out there, a career path of this sort should invariably be discussed with an industry expert. This way you can be assured that nothing inappropriate for your needs will be added, and nothing at all has been missed.

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