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Cisco has now introduced simulation questions in the CCNA. These questions test the troubleshooting and command line configuration skills of the CCNA candidate. Due to the importance of this part of the CCNA test, it is crucial to have hands-on experience with configuring a Cisco IOS device before attempting the exam. A good way to do this is to build a home lab and practice on that, but this is definitely a more expensive option. Another option is to use a Cisco simulator. Here are 4 things you should take note of when you buy a CCNA virtual lab:
1. Lab scenarios - The best CCNA virtual labs out there have simulation functions as well as tutorial functions. These consist of various scenarios which will provide sufficient practice for every feature of Cisco IOS you will need to master for the CCNA. This is an excellent feature, because it's like having your own lab proctor by your side while you do the lab. Do check to see if this is included in your CCNA simulator package.
2. Companion to books - Many of the popular Cisco simulator packages have been designed to be specifically used with certain CCNA books. If you already own a particular book, do check to see if there is a suitable companion CCNA virtual lab package which you can use for the more hands-on aspect of the exam. Once you have both the practical as well as the theoretical knowledge, you will be in a good position to take and pass the CCNA.
3. Is the software established? - From a programming point of view, the command line interface of Cisco's IOS is quite complex to simulate. Because IOS has grown to become such a complex beast over the years, it has become more and more difficult for the simulation writers to completely simulate the commands effectively. To increase your chances that you purchase a good simulation for your CCNA virtual lab, you should look for Cisco simulators which have established themselves in the market for several years.
4. Price - The price of a good CCNA simulator has gone down and you should be able to get one less than $150. This is a steal, when you compare this to the price of a real CCNA lab which might cost anywhere from $500 to thousands of dollars.
1. Lab scenarios - The best CCNA virtual labs out there have simulation functions as well as tutorial functions. These consist of various scenarios which will provide sufficient practice for every feature of Cisco IOS you will need to master for the CCNA. This is an excellent feature, because it's like having your own lab proctor by your side while you do the lab. Do check to see if this is included in your CCNA simulator package.
2. Companion to books - Many of the popular Cisco simulator packages have been designed to be specifically used with certain CCNA books. If you already own a particular book, do check to see if there is a suitable companion CCNA virtual lab package which you can use for the more hands-on aspect of the exam. Once you have both the practical as well as the theoretical knowledge, you will be in a good position to take and pass the CCNA.
3. Is the software established? - From a programming point of view, the command line interface of Cisco's IOS is quite complex to simulate. Because IOS has grown to become such a complex beast over the years, it has become more and more difficult for the simulation writers to completely simulate the commands effectively. To increase your chances that you purchase a good simulation for your CCNA virtual lab, you should look for Cisco simulators which have established themselves in the market for several years.
4. Price - The price of a good CCNA simulator has gone down and you should be able to get one less than $150. This is a steal, when you compare this to the price of a real CCNA lab which might cost anywhere from $500 to thousands of dollars.
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