Introduction to Networks: Companion Guide (Cisco Networking Academy)

I was surprised at how much I appreciated this text. I bought it for supplemental reading. It turned out I used this for my main text. It provides a clear, accurate presentation of the relevant material.However this is not really a complete text book. There are some questions useful to test the students understanding. But, I think most students will require more work to truly master the material.This text provides a lucid presentation of material. But for self study, plan on finding an additional source for problems, exercises and labs.

The book came in New condition with no wear or tear. As for the content, I am a network engineer and can certify that the content is practical, relevant and worth reading if you are going into the field.More likely you're a college student wondering if you should buy or rent. I recommend buying because the price is affordable and this covers a lot of great routing principles you'll need down the road. By the time you graduate you can flip through this for a refresher on most basic routing principles.

This textbook is clear and well laid out. I'm using it in conjunction with the cisco academy online curriculum (which is essentially the same, but quite a bit more visual and interactive so the concepts really 'stick').I think the text does a very good job of covering basic concepts like switching, routing, IPv4, IPv6, OSI Model Layers and lots and lots and lots of different protocols.BUT- if you need to learn subnetting (and if you're taking the CCNA you need to have calculating and understanding subnets something you can do in your sleep) this text is not sufficient. It does cover how to subnet, why we do it and basic calculations, but anybody who has had to do extensive subnetting will tell you it's totally insufficient. This is extra weird because subnetting is on the CCNA and doing it quickly is absolutely imperative to passing. So, get out your google machine and look up some 2^ tables and speed subnetting functions if your instructor doesn't give you more subnetting experience and practice than the book does, because you'll really need it.

The course originally called for another book. The other book had the same text content but did not have the pictures and diagrams. This made it hard to relate to the online course material. But this book, had most (not all) of the pictures and diagrams as the online course material. This made it easier to read when I was unable to be near my computer or internet access. It is more expensive but I feel it is worth the cost.

I bought the book for an official Cisco ICND1 class. I don't like reading material online when it is just one long scrolling page, but the Cisco online material is very well organized, easy to read, and easy to refer to. The book doesn't seem to offer much to complement. Cisco did such a good job with the online material they've made the book unnecessary.

If you want to study and learn the material for your CCNA exam, then this is the book for you. It is also a good refrence, and covers basic Computet Networking concepts.

Put it in your tablet, phone and go anywhere with. love the search feature, but it could be better. I just wish it could tell you the chapter you are reading instead of just the location.

I already had access to this book as part of my NetAcademy account and had a copy of the PDF but the real hardbound book is my preferred reading method. Very happy with my purchase.

A MUST Have if studying for CCNA Exam! Lots of pictures and examples, very helpful

i could not be without this book. it goes into depth and explains clearly the different concepts.

The book is very beneficial and I got it in short time from Amazon .

On chapter 4 as we speak, a lot to read but worth it!

Read as needed