How to Learn Cisco Online

It is possible to learn Cisco technology entirely online. In the past, students had to buy expensive Cisco equipment to learn the technology and take classes on Cisco technology in-person. Because of the extra costs of building a lab and physically going to a class, a new industry has cropped up to create alternative ways to learn Cisco technologies in a completely online format. Due to the rise of virtual lab software running a simulated Cisco network, online books, and online Cisco classes, learning Cisco has become a viable option online.

Instructions

1. Read Cisco books online to learn about Cisco technology. A popular bookstore for online technology books is Safari Books (link included in the Resources section below). A Safari subscription allows the subscriber to access either a limited number of online books or unlimited number of books for the duration of the subscritpion.

2. Purchase Cisco simulation lab software. Companies such as Gambit Communications (link included in the Resources section below) sell software which simulates an entire network of Cisco equipment including switches and routers which have all protocols, features, and Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System). Virtual Cisco lab software avoids the cost and hassle of having to purchase real equipment or using a real live network to learn Cisco technologies.

3. Rent time in an online Cisco lab if the Cisco simulation software is not complete. Depending on the limitations of the Cisco simulation lab software purchased, it may be necessary to rent time on real Cisco equipment from labs that can be accessed remotely over the internet. Network Learning Online is one such vendor that rents time in its Cisco lab (link included in the Resources section below).

4. Take a course on Cisco technologies online. Many schools, including vocational schools and community colleges offer courses on Cisco technology in a completely online format. Global Knowledge, a well known provider of technology courses, offers many Cisco courses and camps online (link included in the Resources section below).

5. Read and post on networking-forum.com or another Cisco based message board. Networking-forum.com is a very popular forum for Cisco users who give and receive advice about Cisco equipment and Cisco technology. This is a good resource when one gets stuck on a problem that can not be handled by documentation, books, or coursework.

References

• Cisco Systems Documentation and Support Site

Resources

• Safari Books Online
• Gambit Communications Cisco Lab Software
• Network Learning Online Cisco Labs
• Global Knowledge Cisco Course Infomation
• Cisco Networking Forums