Todd Lammle | Kevin Hales | Donald Porter | Don Porter
The Advanced Cisco Router Configuration (ACRC) examination covers the management of large internetworks with a number of router-related skills. The
CCNP: Advanced Cisco Router Configuration Study Guide is designed for comprehensive, self-paced preparation for this CCNP test. It builds on skills learned at the CCNA level, presenting only more advanced topics geared toward more complex networks.
Structured around the specific objectives set forth in the ACRC exam, this weighty course guide focuses on how to manage access lists, filtering, performance tuning, routing protocols, and much more. It begins with chapters on designing large scalable networks and managing their performance. From there, the guide moves into routing protocols, bridging, and scalable WAN design.
Each chapter begins with a list of the exam objectives covered. Even though the material is highly technical, the presentation flows well. The chapters wrap up with a brief summary section, review questions, and practical laboratory exercises with tasks such as "configure your router with basic SAP and RIP, and configure interfaces for IPX."
An enclosed CD-ROM contains the EdgeTest test software for this exam, loaded with 200 sample questions. It also includes an IP address calculator and a trial version of Visio Professional for diagramming networks. This official study guide is the most thorough and targeted preparation text available for the ACRC examination. --Stephen W. Plain
Topics covered: Scalable network design, IP/IPX traffic control, TCP/IP routing and routing protocols, AppleTalk, bridging, WAN scalability, Cisco serial line support, and Dial-on-Demand Routing.
1 Very Practical
This is a great book. This book provides current and practical information to support Cisco routing, and also provides a method to pass the Cisco Routing exam. The book assumes an IOS of version 12.1 for most examples, so if you are using an IOS version prior to this you may need to consider version differences. The book is well organized, and I especially liked the detail given in the book about the Cisco router product line - drawings with configurations were presented for all Cisco routers in production. Good job!
Bret Moeller, CCNA, CCDA, MCSE, CCA, MCT, CCT, CNA
2 I like the way this book is written and the way it is format
This book is laid out nicly and is written in an easy to understand format. This book should not be forgotten as it has a lot of important information that can still be shared with readers.
3 Like it or not, this is best book in town for ACRC exam
I passed ACRC yesterday - and this is my chapter to chapter review of this excellent book:Chapter 1 - didn't read, but gone through the self test question - should be sufficient. Chapter 2 - On IP access-list. Thoroughly and clearly explained, better than all other exam reference. The systematic "little arrow" approach to creating access list - not seen in ACRC class or any other references. You will want to understand every bit in this chapter. Chapter 3 - On IPX access-list. This chapter is again well explained, CNE will enjoy it - but I suspect it over-prepared you for the exam objectives. Chapter 4 - On Appletalk - I would say this chapter is brilliant in the sense that even a non-Apple guy like me know what he is talking about. It is a 'just right' preparation. Chapter 5 - On queuing - I am a bit lost and have to refer to Sybex's better diagrams and clearer configuration example. Chapter 6 - rotten - please re-write. Mean to show you a bit of DVRP, IP, VLSM etc in preparation for later chapters on OSPF, EIGRP - but somehow lost the plot - why not make it a solid chapter on how to do VLSM in a big international corperate with differerent branches around the world, who decide to throw away their old DVSP because of various limitation? Chapter 7 on IGRP and EIGRP - this side by side comparison of both routing protocols is useful to illustrate the superiority of EIGRP over older DVRP. No other exam references think of taking this approach since IGRP is not one of the exam objective. Chapter 8 OSPF - 80 pages of most solid information clearly explained. 5 stars. You want to know it inside out. Chapter 9 - on IPX NLSP - I still not quiet sure what is NLSP all about, and its interaction with IPXWAN. Chapter 10 - EIGRP by itself. An OK chapter - but need to enhanced explanation on feasible successor with good diagrams. Chapter 11 - On BGP - I afraid it over prepare you on this topic - but good to know. Chapter 12-15 on WAN, ISDN, DDR - good solid chapters - but I thing the DDR dialer profile portion needs to be better explained - show us a completed, working configuration example on this. On PRI configuration, I hope the author can re-wirte to show how the PRI config works with BRI config. On ppp, hdlc, frame-relay, they are boring presentation - is there a better way to teach this subject? Author please re-write the compression topic - use examples and diagram. On various use of T1/E1, author please tidy up the explanation to leave no room for confusion. Chapter 16 - 18 On bridge. It is explained clearly - but I did struggle with the concept of CRB, IRB - can author find another way to smooth the learning curve - perhaps using some diagram? Nothing amazing on transparent bridge - but author probably will want to enlighten us on how 2 ethernets or token rings separate by slow WAN link can be bridge together without operational difficulty. Big Big chapter over-preparing you on source route bridge - but I think they should shift the SRT and SR/TLB to the front and stuff those RSRB to the very back. I never work with token ring and in the last 10 years always lost whenever some authors try explaining the concept of SOURCE-ROUTE to me - this author use so many pages of diagram to explain source route - and BINGO, I understand! I did not bother to read the Frame-Relay and DLSw chpaters since they are not exam objective - but now that the exam is over - I will hit these two chapters. This is the first certification book that I do not intend to throw away after passing.
4 To: A reader from Kuala Lumpur
I would like to encourage you, but I thought the same thing after studying the book. I felt like I knew it all because this is a very good book to give the basics. The problem was: nothing on the test is close to anything in the book. I was frustrated by the time I ran through 10 questions. I felt like I was taking a test on Lucent products. Anyway I used the books by Lammle and ExamCram and pass the rest of my tests first try. Good luck.
5 Pretty good for ACRC
This book is pretty good for ACRC, but provides only a portion of what you need for BCSN, which is what I passed. In addition to this book, I had to supplement it with papers on routing protocols from Cisco's site.
If you haven't purchased an advanced routing book yet, buy a book geared for BCSN. This one is good for ACRC, but ACRC retires July 31, 2000. This book will not adequately prepare for the newer exam. It does not go into near enough depth on BGP, OSPF, or EIGRP to pass BCSN.
I believe Todd is working on a newer edition for BCSN, so look for it when it comes out. He knows his Cisco routing!
6 Excellent Resource
I write this review to correct an injustice I have caused.
When I first received the book, I wrote a review - and trashed the book. I had only read the first two chapters, and admittedly prejudged the book unfairly. I was quick to think the book was overdone and elementary. I was wrong. This is an excellent resource, and I use it often. It is very clear, and takes the time to help you understand the topics, rather then generalize exam topics throughout the text. I have gained a great deal from this book, and continue to use it regularly. The information is presented clearly and completely - it is an educational resource.
My apologies to the author(s) for the unfair judgement I had given several months ago.
I RECOMEND THE BOOK - STRONGLY
Matt
7 Not Enough
This book is not enough for the exam. It does not cover OSPF and EIGRP enough. It goes into a lot of detail about things that are not on the exam. I just got the official Cisco book and it is filling in all of the holes from this book. Don't waste you time or money on this book.
8 I will not fail ACRC - with this book.
Many of the negative reviews here actually made me hesitate to buy this book - but I eventually did. Now in my final weeks of preparing for the exam - which expires on 31 July - and having gone through most of the book, I have strong confident that I will pass. You see, for the last one year, I have visited braindump site and passed one certification test after another by a lot of craming (cheating?) but questionable understanding - but this is the first certification book that truely made me understand the subject matter. The whole book is clustered with examples and diagrams to illustrate the fine point - there is no sign at all of rushing the book to the press - and no sign at all of trying to cram any subject matter just to make you pass. Some reviewer has alert us of mistakes in the book - I don't see to many typo or mistake, but it is true that there are some glaring one. For example, the IGRP chapter is well written, the 2 minutes drill has at least one or two gotcha (at least it got-me) that I suspect will make excellent exam question, but somewhere along the pages it actually says T1 has a metric of 65 - which is correct - and ethernet has a metric of 1000 - which is wrong - I think it is 10. Also, it says " convergence means that all routers in the network share a common routing table" - which cannot be true - he must have meant to say something else. But despite this, I just love the way they make me understand something by using examples and diagrams - they don't cut corners here. On many topics, like access list and IPX filtering, I beleive the book might have exceed the exam objective, certainly exceeding the ACRC course that I have taken in 98. And it is this strength and depth of true understanding that make me confident of giving it a good show in the real exam. One reminder, don't skip the 2 minutes drill - they are not just summary and revision - but also a place to alert you of possible exam gotcha. The self-test have a few tricky questions that make me laugh at my own stupidity - and I love it. For those who want to do it before 31 July - go get it - 45 days with this book can make a different.
9 Marginally Useful; Keep Shopping
After passing the CCNA exam using Lammle's excellent guide exclusively, I picked this up without hesitiation. Bad idea; Lammle apparently wrote this book without checking Cisco's list of exam objectives. Not only are major topics brushed aside (route redistribution, for one) but Lammle includes detailed information on topics Cisco doesn't expect you to know (ATM, SMDS, IGRP, BGP weighting...I could go on). The positive reviews below are correct in one respect: if you learn the entire book, you'll pass the test. However, you'll also invest hours upon hours learning superfluous facts that won't impress your friends. There aren't many alternatives out there, so if you insist on buying this, print out Cisco's objectives from CCO and separate the wheat from the chaff.
10 lack depth - Lammle team hit rock bottom
When I first attempted to go through this book - I last about 5 chapters - and by the time it gets to VLSM/Summarisation, I can feel that the book lack clarity despite its obvious attempt to make things easier - that making meaningful sense out of the content of this book is impossibily hard. I therefore abort ACRC and turn my attention to other more useful reference. In my recent book shop roaming, I browse through a Syngress similarly titled book - and purchased it. I am now half way through this book and putting Sybex book side by side to compare I was shocked at Lammle's weak weak effort in trying to make an honest effort to help many readers who in years passed has counted on him to pass MS TCP/IP and CCNA. Let's use a few examples: (1)Syngress gives a very detail account of IP standard access list, then create a scenario where standard access list can't meet the requirement, then show how extended access list come to the rescue. Sybex gives a most basic use of standard access list, then try to squeeze pass extended access list by giving you table after table of options without a single example on how to use it - hoping that novice like me won't notice?(2)Syngress teach you that you can filter routing updates using access list - Lammle's team doesn't even know that.(3)Syngress OSPF chapter is full of illustration and examples to help understand the fine point of OSPF, especially the advantage of multi-areas route summarisation - Sybex talk about multi-areas and summarisation in exactly one page with no examples. There is a flow chart illustrating the operation of OSPF - since when did flow chart become a good teaching tool?(4)Browse through the questions at the back of OSPF chapter in both books. Oh, I forgot to tell you Syngress has one full chapter for each routing protocol follow by about 30 questions at the end of each chapter. Sybex has one 70 pages chapter covering IGRP, EIGRP,OSPF,BGP, in simple, dummy fashion follow by 25 questions only - each question seldom goes longer than one small,weak line. +++ All in all, Syngress has written a book that they can built on to newer and better edition. Sybex need major rewrite - probably by different authors who are battle hardened with internetworking.
11 This book WILL NOT prepare you for the exam
I passed every other exam in the CCNP on the first time(CLSC, BCRAN, CIT). I took this test twice with just this book and failed. I felt totally unprepared when i saw some of the questions on the test. The test concentrates on OSPF, EIGRP. THe book does not even have a list of OSPF commands. I had to look them up on the Documentation CD. I will not buy another Lammle book. I think this is poorly written, developed and structured for the certification test.
12 A reader from Minneapolis, Minnesota
This book is OK except there are a lot of typos. I think whoever wrote this book should double check their work because it could lead to the wrong answer if they mistype the IP address or subnet mask in their examples. Same thing goes for the CCNA book.
13 Not the best study guide.
With 6+ years of Cisco experience in a large enterprise networkI thought I would pass with ease. DO NOT USE THIS BOOK AS AREFERENCE! It was full of ERRORS! It did not cover the material onthe test. I studied completely and thoroughly on the areas where I donot have experience, and was slapped in the face with the questions on the test. Believe me I did NOT skim the chapter review questions to try and pass. I DID STUDY this book. I assumed that the writers had some idea of what to put in their book to use to study.
I was confident in the test questions that I had known from experience. I am still furious that this book did a terrible job of covering the fundamental quiz questions.
I passed my CCNA test with a 95% using Todd Lammel's study guides.
14 Very Good book for CCNA
This is a very simple book and to the point for CCNA exam preparation. The questions at the end are precisely the questions that come in the CCNA exam . I strongly recommend this book along with the ICRC book for the CCNA exam.
15 this book is light for the exam
I found this book light for the exam specially if you don't have experience in Cisco environment, the OSPF EIGRP part is covered very briefly which is the main focus of the exam. I used the exam notes from the same author but still does not give the details I was looking for. I passed the exam studying mainly in the official Cisco ACRC course.
16 Not what I expected
This book doesn't compare to the author's CCNA book for exam preparation. Lots of lacking material, especially on the routing protocols and explanation on VLSM. I recommend using another book to fully understand topics covered for the ACRC exam.
17 Not necessary
This book has few redeeming factors and is not necessary to pass the ACRC exam. The only books really needed are the official Cisco books. The only redeeming factors in this book are the chapter exams which have some decent questions. I don't know if that alone justifies the price for the book. Given the chance again I would not purchase this book but would rather stick to the official Cisco books, of which there are two for the ACRC now.
18 Weak
Lammle did a superb job with the CCNA study guide but this book isn't much more than an introduction to most of the topics. It does not contain information on all ACRC topics and skips over huge amounts of material with only brief comments. His writing style is fine but the content is weak. Compare this to Laura Chappels ACRC book and the difference is significant. I bought both, and I would buy this book again---only as a supplement. You aren't going to pass a tough exam like ACRC with only one book. I suggest at least two, three is even better.
19 You WILL NOT PASS with this book
After reading Lammle's ACRC I would have failed had I not had enough experience in the industry already. His coverage of BGP and EGP suck, and the detail on command line syntax would have failed me without a lot of recent work with 2600's. Bite the bullet and buy the more expensive Cisco press book and have a chance at the test.
20 Passed ACRC with Todd's book as the primary study guide
I passed the ACRC exam today using Todd's book as the primary study guide. My feedback is even though this book is very good it is short on few sections like OSPF, EIGRP and CLIs. I wouldn't recommend using this book alone to pass the exam and you should get the Cisco Press book as it makes up for shortcomings in this book. Remember, this is one of the real tough exams and hence you shouldn't take chances. The good thing about this book is its simplicity in explaining the concepts. Todd's book + additional patch up material should be enough. Please note that these are my view only. Good Luck All!
21 Good, but Inconsistent
As other reviewers have noted, you'll need to supplement this book with another, e.g., the Cisco Press book by the same title. The strengths of this book are the large number of review questions, and the lab exercises. The weaknesses are the mistakes, the absence of explanations for answers, and the lack of answers, in many cases, for the lab exercises. On some topics, it has information I have found no where else, and in many cases it has clear explanations that simplify complex topics. On the other hand, it sometimes omits important points.
The book is very useful, but I would not recommend using it exclusively to study for the ACRC test, although some reviewers have done so successfully.
22 Very good studying material
Very good studying material. I did not give it 5 stars only because of some obvious typing errors. Otherwise, Mr. Lammle did a good job once again. I love his books. Used them to prepare for ICRC, ACRC, CLSC exams so far.
23 Great book, but...
the Cisco press Adv. Cisco Router Config. book by Laura Chappell is ALSO needed inorder to pass the test. I bought both books and passed the test. I give a 3 star because out of the 17 CCNP's/CCIE's in my company, 99% had to use both books and did not find one better than the other. Although, Chappell's book had numerous syntax errors, but with Tod's book as a reference, one should be ok. It seemed like a lot of the questions I got for the test were from Chappel's book.
24 Very good book - But not enough to pass ACRC exam
I just appeared for ACRC exam and passed at 805 points out of 1000. U need 790 to pass. I read this book over n over but it does have good diagrams that Cisco's Official Cirriculum has it. Some of the topics were really out of imagination to understand. I could not have done this without taking Cisco's OC class for ACRC. I also had ACRC book from Cisco press, but not even touched for a single time so I cant compare that book with this book. But still this book was a really good book.
25 Easy to read, works well with hands-on of routers
This is a good book to work you through the labs needed to pass the ACRC exam. Make sure and get hands-on, which is the key component.
26 Boring and bad info....waste of money
I agree with the reviews that say this book is terrible, because it is. Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes...what are they thinking, oh, they weren't? That explains a lot. Don't waste your time and money
27 Great, well written exam book. Recommended.
IF you want to pass the ACRC exam, which is very, very hard, then buy this book along with the Cisco press ACRC Study Guide. Between the two books I passed the exam.
28 A good book but...
I just passed the ACRC exam yesterday! About Sybex, Todd's CCNA book was excellent. I studied that book and the exam notes and passed it, no problem. I thought his ACRC book would be of the same caliber, but I'm afraid it wasn't. It was a great effort though. But, if I didn't use the material from an ACRC course I took at a private institution, I would have failed the exam.
He's really got to revamp his OSPF section. Some of the examples in the book, Q&A, and CD test questions had wrong answers. The ACRC exam covered a lot of OSPF and EIGRP. That's very frustrating when taking an exam this hard.
I'm still a fan of Todd and Sybex, but I would buy the Ciscopress book too.
People tell me that his CLSC book is the same too.
29 Good, well written text. Used for exam, no problem.
I used this book as well as the Sybex Notes book to pass the ACRC exam. It is a tough exam, with fill-in the blank type questions. Get hands-on for best chance of passing.
30 Too Much Fluff, Not Enough Meat
I enjoy Todd's work, but this one is a little lacking. As others have notices, there's nowhere nearly enough information on OSPF, particularly multi-area. What makes this particularly frustrating is that at times there are pages of screen readout where a small portion of it would have sufficed. This is space that could have been used for more information.
Overall, a good purchase. There is plenty of good material here. I would strongly recommend you purchase Cisco Press's ACRC book as well, which contains a lot of the details you'll need for testing-center and real-world success.
31 Great book. Use with Sybex EXAM Notes book
Stay away from exam cram. For Cisco they are the worst. You have to get the Sybex Study Guides and Exam Notes, both priced nice. Great books.
32 Great for reference, not for ACRC exam
Contents is well convered for the ACRC, but not enough detail to pass the exam. Of course, not all the practices come out at the exam. A lot of the ACRC exam rely on the Hands-on experience. This book alone will not pass the exam, unless LUCK. To pass the paper exam is still not consider a CCNP, need real world experience.
33 An OK ACRC book
I don't agree with the comments from some other readers. This book was not as bad as they described. I used this book as the main study guide with my experience and I passed the exam. This exam is not easy at all and I won't be surprised if anyone fails for the first attempt. Basically, this book covers all the topics in the exam. However, the questions in self-tests are too easy and never match to those in the real exam.
34 Passed the test - with help
This book is well written and does cover enough(in theory) to pass the ACRC test. I also used cisco ACRC CBT's and actual experience on 3 routers to prepare. I give it 3 stars on content and 5 stars on readability (4 overall). I think this book could use a little more coverage instead of the tabular summaries it uses but is is very readable unlike some other tech study guides I have read.
35 This study guide is not too bad!
I don't agree to some of the previous comments. This book is not as bad as they described. I used it as my main study guide and I passed the exam. This exam is not easy at all and I won't be surprise if one fails for the first attempt. Basically this book covers all the topics in the real examinations. I found the self-tests were too easy which never came close to the real exam.
36 good
It is very good,it help you pass ccnp
37 Excellent Book...But Not All Encompassing
This book is extremely easy to read and quite accurate. However, this book alone will not be enough to pass the ACRC exam. I read this book and also performed some of the pre-tests available on the Internet and was able to pass the exam....barely.
38 This book and the Cisco press ACRC is all you need.
I used this ACRC guide, which is the easiest to read of all technical books, in conjunction with the ACRC from Cisco. Between them both I passed the ACRC the first time. Lot's of fill-in-the-blanks. Study hard!
39 I agree that this book is easy to read...but...
But it needs to beef up the OSPF section. If you were to add OSPF from the Cisco press OSPF section, you'll be fine for the exam.
40 ZZZZ.....oh sorry, I was still sleeping from this book...
If you are losing sleep, never fear, Syngress is here for you! This has got to be the most boring book I have ever read. It is better then their CCNA book, but then I am grading on a curve. The CCNA book they wrote is the worst book in the history of man kind! So, to say this is a better book is saying there have been worse books written since the creation. However, this won't be in the top 10 billion books written. Too much info that is not on the exam.
41 Good, well written exam prep for ACRC.
I liked the style of the way this book is written. I recommend it to help understand the harder concepts without being too bored.
42 Easy to read, great supplement to Cisco press
If you want to pass your ACRC exam, then this is the book to get. However, you'll need to supplement the OSPF section with the Cisco press book. Other then that, it is all there. This is the best written book of all published ACRC books.
43 Easy to read but full of errors.
I am half way through this book and find it an easy read. However, I lost confidence in it because of the many errors in the text, questions, and labs. I have to read this book with several other books to confirm questionable information. If you buy this book be sure to print the errata from
http://www.sybex.com/cgi-bin/rd_err_temp.pl?2403err.html.
Of course, the errata does not cover all of the errors I have found. This book may be a good one compared to the others (in reference to other comments here at Amazon), but I find it very disappointing.
44 Misses the Mark
This book does not do a good job of covering the Cisco objectives. Anyone could have picked up the Cisco Course book and outlined the objectives. Instead the author gives you information in a random manner and goes into too much depth on topics that are not even covered on the test. The questions are to basic and take thier answers from the text in the book. They are not thought provoking. If at all possible I would suggest the Cisco Press Books.
45 I passed the exam. Has great filler info.
If you take the ACRC course, or you buy the Laura Chappel ACRC book, then this book will give you the added information to pass the ACRC exam. I read the ACRC book by Laura chappel. I then read this book. I liked this book because it was easy to read, and it also had labs that I could use to practice the information presented. I also liked the way this book presented the router commands and outputs. I learned a lot just by looking at the examples in the book.
46 Boring, and full of errors
I bought this book to pass the exam without taking the course. I have not been able to pass the exam with this book, and am now looking for another. The practise tests are full of errors, and don't prepare for the real thing.
47 Passed the exam using this book.
All of the reviews have some relevence. However, I passed the exam using this book and by going through the exam quesitons at the end of each chapter.
48 Close, but no cigar!
The CCNA book by Lammle was GREAT! This book was not as good and if I had to rely solely on this book to pass the test, I don't believe that I would have. The book went into way too much detail about algorithms and not enough about OSPF and EIGRP. There were alot of unneeded commands about Frame-Relay. I do agree with all the reviews stating that it is an excellent guide to accompany the actual Cisco courseware. If you get this book, also purchase the Cisco Press book as well. I hope that the CLSC book is not like this.
49 Not recommanded, go for McGraw-Hill's ACRC
I agree with terry@telsafdata.co.za. I used three books too. The Sybex ACRC, McGraw-Hill's ACRC (ISBN 0-07-211910-1) is the winner, and reallly helpful. I think Todd did NOT do good job on this book! He missed points. Now I am not sure about his CIT book???
50 Ok ACRC book but not an exam guide. 1 1/2 stars
I agree with earlier posts that the EXAM GUIDE portions point out the important facts, but this book DOES NOT measure up to the exam. By that I mean if you could memorize all the information in the book, you still could not pass the CCNP:ACRC exam. Not enough detail and some chapters were poorly written. You can tell very well that chapter were handed out to other writers like homework assignments at a high school.
51 Lammle missed on this one
I used my experience, took the ICRC course, studied Chappels ICRC book and the Lammle CCNA book to pass the CCNA exam. I honestly believed the Lammle book was enought to pass the CCNA and I did pass it.
I have some router experience and took the ACRC course awhile ago. I purchased the Lammle CCNP ACRC book and studied very hard and it wasn't enough to pass. He misses half the objectives on this one. Advice for people taking the CCNP Advanced router config test. Study OSPF inside and out and know your router commands with proper syntax to be able to answer the fill-in questions. Todd rushed this one out. He needs to re-evaluate and re-write this book
52 Great book for studying, easy to read style
This book is easy to read and digest. If you are looking to find a text to help you both learn about advanced Cisco routing and also pass the ACRC exam, then this is the book for you. I used this text as my primary book when studying for the ACRC exam and passed.
53 I liked the book, easy to read
I agree with some of the reviews that this is an easy book to read. However, it has some errors and is short on some OSPF material needed for the exam. But, it has a lot of great information and can be used with the Laura Chappel ACRC book to gain a grasp of the hard material presented poorly in her book. I do recommend this book for the ACRC exam.
54 This is a great compliment to the ACRC Cisco course or book.
If you buy the Cisco ACRC book, or attend the official course, then this book will help you fill any gaps for the exam. Recommended highly because of it's great writing style and ease of reading.
55 Has good info, failed the exam
I bought this book because of the reviews on this page. They told me this was a great book, better then Sybex, and that I would pass the exam. I think neither of those are true. I failed the exam and I had a hard time reading the book without falling a sleep. I don't believe reveiws on Amazon any more. Why doesn't Amazon fix this??? This book has some information that can be used for reference, but it won't give you everything you need for the ACRC exam.
56 Good ARCR exam prep, but only for exam.
Use this for your Cisco ACRC exam preparation. It has a lot of sample configurations and is easy to read. Much better then any other Cisco books on the market. However, it does not meet the objectives for a production enviornment. I would recommend this book highly for the ACRC exam.
57 I agree this is a great ACRC text.
This is a good ACRC exam prep. If you are taking the ACRC Cisco exam, you need this book. However, it is a little short on OSPF. I passed the exam, but barely. I recommend reading the ACRC Cisco book as well, and you'll be OK. As a matter of fact, I really think that this book works really well with the official Cisco courseware.
58 Errors and fluff. Not a test prep
Although it has some good info, it is a tad dry to read. Too much fluff for a study guide
59 OK, boring, typos
The book has some info, but is a boring read and full of typos
60 Best ACRC book on the market!
If you want to understand ACRC, then this is the book for you. I found it easy to digest, and the examples in the book really helped me understand the hard concepts. It has a few typos and it was a little short on the OSPF section, but other then that, I really liked the book.
61 McGraw-Hill is Better
I used three books for my ACRC exam. The Sybex ACRC, McGraw-Hill's ACRC (ISBN 0-07-211910-1) and the official Cisco courseware. The Mcgraw-Hill book was the winner.
62 Not recommended as the single source for exam preparation
Unlike CCNA book from the same author, this book is not detailed enough to pass the ACRC test. It also has more mistakes than those mentioned in errata sheet.
63 Overkill
When i got done with this book i was scared to death of taking the ACRC test because of the sheer amount of information that this book covers. After taking the test, i thumbed through the book again and noted that there were 200 pages of info that i studied that weren't even covered on the test perhaps more than one or two questions. Don't get me wrong, this book added a great deal of theory to my knowledge of Cisco equipment. But on the other hand, this book is being sold as a study guide to help the reader pass the ACRC (which i did). I question the necessity of learning about the ins and outs of every detail of IOS when in the work force it's not needed, and on the test is sure as hell wasn't needed. Overall, this book should not be called a study guide (even the practice test questions were way way off), it should be called a manual and placed on the bookshelf with other Cisco Press titles. If you want to pass the test and not get bogged down with otherwise useless info, buy a couple 2500s, print out the free documentation from the Cisco site, and spent 23 bucks on an Exam Cram book. Between the real experience of the routers and the concise "this is what you need to know" manner of the Exam Cram series, it's all you need to know.
64 Great book!
I took the course for my CCNA from the author in person early this year. I am now working on my CCNP using this book, and am confident that I will pass. Todd is a good author and an excellent instructor.
65 Excellent text -- Poor CDROM practice test because of errors
I sell networking solutions. As a sales rep, I don't have the time for formal classes nor the access to production or test equipment. However I do rely on self-study material to maintain a competitive edge in selling quality solutions that work and understanding the demands placed on our SEs.
This Syngress book in conjuntion with CBT Systems ICRC/ACRC self-studies helped me pass the CCNA certification and the ACRC test. The book does an excellent job of explaining complex issues and has enough "screen dumps" to allow those without access to equipment to imagine the environment. The text was 5-stars. If the reader finds some of the text difficult to follow, then I would advise the reader to slow down and absorb sentence by sentence because the author is trying to communicate complex theory. The reality of networking is that there only a few "black & white", "yes or no" answers... "It depends" is the most frequent answer.
Warning... the CDROM tests are excellent practice however there are errors. I feel that it is unforgiveable to release practice test material without readme.txt or slip-sheet release notes related to the CDROM test errors. 4% error ratio is terrible quality control.
fyi... It took me one time pass the CCNA and three times to pass the ACRC test. Within one week and this book, I went from 53% to 68% to 84% on the ACRC test. This saved my company a lot of tuition and a minimum loss of my selling time.
66 I used both this book and Cisco book as my study guide,
I used both this book and Cisco book as my study guide,and just passed the test in the morning. I suggest that you whoever want to pass the test need to use both books .This book is good , but not detail, you need to refer to Cisco book , you need to understand what Cisco want to you to know about Cisco--very important! There are around 10 type in commands, so you need to practice on routers to remember the command syntax. Good Luck.
67 Clear and concise, with great detail
The compitition has gone out of their way to try and get you to buy their books. The Sybex books, have always been, and will continue to be the best books for the MCSE and Cisco exams. This ACRC Study Guide, is a great study tool for the exam, and explains in great detail the harder, advanced Cisco routing concepts. The compitition should be more professional then to try and write back reveiws for the Sybex books.
68 A good written ACRC exam book, finally!
Better then any other ACRC book in explaining the hard concepts of VLSM, OSPF, bridging, etc. Recommended highly.
69 Best written ACRC Study Guide
Adding the Cisco ACRC book is a good idea, but this book has a clear, concise manner in teaching you the hard concepts. This is a well written book, and I recommend it for people wanting to learn Advanced routing and passing the ACRC exam.
70 Not Detailed enough
This book is not detailed enough to help you pass the test. I saw many questions on the test that were not even mentioned in the book. After using Lammle's CCNA guide as the only preparation for ICRC exam, I figured I'd do the same for the ACRC exam. I was sadly mistaken. You will definitely need other study sources. I'm looking into other study guides for the next exam. Lammle and Sybex were off on this one.
71 The concept is not clear
If you want to pass the exam only(75%). this book is the appropiate one. However, If you want to acquire some clear concept, this book is useless.
72 Not bad for a primer
I actually took the exam before reading the book and have to say, their EXAM WATCH sections are right on the money. The book will help you pass, if you already have a good knowledge of Cisco routers and networking. I haven't read the other books on market (Cisco's always seem like I'm reading college text books - Dry) so can't compare, but this book does point out the gotcha's of the exam (I don't know if I can disclose them). BTW, don't buy it because of CDROM, its only the questions from the end of the chapter on a CDROM).
73 Has 60% of what you need to pass wth test
This book can NOT be used alone to pass the test, there is a definite lack of depth in the router protocols chapter. I think this book will get you 60% of the way to passing the test, but other sources are need to actually pass.
74 Good summary, although terrible editing
This book, as well as Cisco's ACRC, is chock-full of glaring grammatical errors. I find it hard to believe any proofreading or editing was done. Cisco's book is at least as bad. I'm not usually a stickler for grammar, but these biooks are terrible. They really should have proofread them due to the technical nature of the subjeyt matter.
Having said that, I think that anyone attempting the ACRC exam should buy both the Lammle and the Cisco book.
Read the Lammle first for an overview, then read the Cisco. Good Luck!
75 An excellent book and reference!
This book used with the Cisco Press ACRC (Chappell) book are unbeatable. You have every exam objective explained in detail, helpful diagrams and sample configs, loads of tables, lots of challenging Q&A, and exam watch notes that really drive home key concepts. This book has a well earned spot in my reference library now. If the Sybex CCNP titles are to basic for you and the Cisco Press titles are "all meat and no potatoes" (like they are for me), then you will really enjoy this book. And there aren't that many typos or errors! Imagine that!
76 Great text, very few errors. Recommended highly!
This is better then the Cisco ACRC which has lots of errors. This book is well written, easy to read with very few errors.
77 Buy it. Pass it.
Todd Lammle has done it again! I don't care about the occassional error in the text as much as I care about results. I just passed ACRC about an hour ago. What more do you want?
The quote I'll use to describe the advantages of Lammle's book over Laura Chappell's official Cisco text is, "I don't need for you to explain the watch, just tell me what time it is," -- at least for ACRC testing purposes. I bought, studied, and will be keeping both books. You should consider doing the same because a bit of repetition never hurt anybody. While Chappell's book is the better in-depth, verbose reference, Lammle's book is unquestionably better for ACRC test preparation. The book is mapped directly to the ACRC test objectives and Lammle has trimmed a lot of the fat. The 259 question EdgeTest that comes on CD with the book is the push over the top. If you can answer every question correctly and understand WHY the right answer is the right answer and WHY the other answers are wrong, you're ready. Practice Lammle's exercise labs on your router, too, to get the much needed familiarity with the IOS commands.
Compared to a 5-day ACRC course which costs $1900 in my area (and likely requires another week or more of study before testing), this book for less than a 50 spot is a staggering bargain. Buy it and spend ample time with it. I invested a little over a month and I sit here today with ACRC behind me.
Todd, my pocketbook thanks you.
78 Errors make it hard to use as a primary source
Numerous errors in the text and discrepancies between the chapter tests make the text hard to use as a primary source. There's alot of good information, but I feel the Cisco Press book is a bit better. BTW, the SYBEX website does not contain all of the errors in the book, only a few.
79 Book is readable, but lacking in detail on some subjects.
I bought this book in conjunction with the Cisco Press ACRC book. I have found errors in both books, but more in this book. Some of the examples and questions in the book conflict with the answers to the study questions on the CD. So I have had to reference the Cisco Press ACRC book to reconcile the difference - very time consuming and a little frustrating. I have also had to reference the Cisco Press ACRC book and Cisco CBTs to get more detailed information on EIGRP and other topics. I would buy both books and get the errata sheet for this book.
80 Good book
hey guess what sometimes life is not easy - and this test is not easy, but passable. If you find the test too hard maybe you should just stay an MCSE. There is one thing better than anytest.its called real world experience
81 Fantastic!!
I've actually read the other two ACRC books on the market (Sybex and Cisco's) and while they were good, this one was great. Easy to read, quality diagrams, and a strong self test makes this the way to go. I found it so useful, that I've also bought the Syngress CIT book.
82 Excellent Value
the book and cd were absolutely all i needed to pass. In addition to informatin centered around the test, the information presented throughout is full of useful knowledge for later use. the cd was closely integrated witht he text and diagnostic self-tests.. i really liked the format and if i want future certifications I will look to syngress.
83 Best ACRC on market
Very few errors and good writing style. It is easy to read and has great formatting. Over 200 questions that are close to the exam. Compare to Cisco and Osborne, this is the best buy and best book in regards to errors and reading ability.
84 Hard to read.
I found this difficult to read and the CD did not work on my PC. That could be my PC, but it just seems like I have had a bad time with this book. I can't understand it. I wish someone would make a book that was for beginners. This book assumes you know a lot already. I have passed my CCNA but this is too hard, too fast. Mybe the next revision of this book will be written so MCSE's can understand it. Just because they are CCIE's, it seems like they don't care if they write for understanding. I think the writers and publishers want you to buy the book because they have CCIE's writing for them now. So what. I want someone to write something that is easy to understand and use. I am not asking for anybody to give me the test, just work me through the objectives in a clear, well thought out manner.
85 Passed the ACRC exam using this study guide
I used only this study guide and three 2501 routers to study and pass the ACRC exam. It is a really hard test with fill-in-the-blank type questions. I was prepared for the exam using this book. Recommended.
86 Great book for ACRC. Must have hands-on
To pass the CCNP:ACRC exam, you must have hands-on experience. This is the toughest exam in the series. This is a great book: easy to read and lots of great labs and practice router configurations to view and study. I recommend this book highly!
87 Overpriced and not as good as Cisco
Buy the Cisco ACRC and you won't be sorry. This book would be OK, but not at this price. It is way overpriced. Wait for a sale before reading this book. The Cisco books are always the safest bet!
88 Certainly Good Enough to get by this test- I passed.
The writing is good. I liked the section on "how to take a Cisco test" the cd is extremely helpful. the part on the CIt test was strong, but the ACRC material was what I really focused on. there is nothing bad i have to say about this study package.
That there is information on cisco certification options is something that would be helpful to less experienced readers.
89 Absolutely Not The Book To Buy To Pass The ACRC Test
Errors in diagrams, errors in text, poorly organized, material description very weak. Test questions barely relevant to actual test. Pay the extra for the CiscoPress ACRC book and do the hands-on router work
90 Return your other books!
Ok, seriously, keep them. But get this one too. I bought another Osborne book that stunk, but this is really good.
I own the Cisco Press books too and this is good for filling in where they are lacking--and vice versa.
91 Buy it
Excellent study guide, and excellent reference to keep after you pass the exam. In my view, there is no substitute for experience, but this book will definetly help clear up some areas that may be fuzzy (for me, it was DLSw+) Well worth the money.
92 Excellent Resource
I found that this is a very difficult exam. I also found that this book does an excellent job of helping prepare you for it. I struggled with the concept of IPX NLSP configuration, and this book helped clear things up for me. There are a small amount of typo's, but the clear and precise information and explanations help me live with them. Pkus, any certification book I've ever seen have a small amount of them somewhere. Make sure to read up on Transparent bridging as well. Good Luck...
93 Really good
I'm not related to any of the authors of friends of any---and I still think this book is a good investment. If you study in your own, this andhe cisco study mail list will be a good match.
94 Book is AWESOME!
Ive been waiting for this book for some time, and have decided it was well worth the wait! The content was awesome and right on point. The authors really know their stuff! I specifically like the chapters on NLSP, Queing, and DLSW+! Thanks for a great book!
95 $70 retail? For this? Please.
This is not as bad as their CCNA book, which is the worst book I have ever seen in my life. However, it isn't as great as the authors and their friends are trying to tell you it is in the reviews. It would be OK at half the price and with the Cisco ACRC book as a reference with it.
96 OK but skimmpy in areas
This book does an ok job, but I feel that the Cisco Press release of the Advanced Cisco Router Configuration explains things alot clearer. What I found most lacking in this book was the explanation of route summarization and the explanation of stub and totally stub areas. There are several questions on the ACRC exam on these topics. This book doesn't go into enough detail to understand the questions being asked in these areas. I read this book and Cisco Press's ACRC and the Cisco press book makes things alot clearer in the big picture. Anyone can memorize the commands to configure a router. However for this exam understanding why is more important than the how.
97 Hard to read, doesn't cover exam objectives
Always use Cisco material to pass Cisco exams. Period. This book doesn't compliment the Cisco material at all. East Coast CCIE is a friend of the authors of this book-which is extremely obvious! I returned this book. However, it if was only $35, I might have kept it for other reference. But not at this price.
98 Great ACRC text
I recommend this book to anyone wanting to start towards their CCNP. Use the Sybex CCNA Study Guide to get your CCNA, then use this book to get your ACRC test completed. The review questions are right on with the exam. Study hard.
99 Late, but great!
This was one of the few worth waiting for. Once you have digested this book, you'll have a solid foundation for the ACRC/CCNP exam.
100 Beginner's Book
This book is design for people who don't know Cisco material at all to get started. But simply this book along will not get you through the test. The Cisco Press's ACRC is more complicated and detail. ACRC test gets down to the detail which this book does not have. The type-in hands on aren't the hard on the test, the details are whats hard.
