CCNP 2.0: Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN) Exam 640-505

Robert N. Myhre | Steven Dangerfield

1 Good, but you still need another study guide
I really want to say that this is a good book for you to learn Remote Access for the CCNP exam. However, it is not the book that you use to prepare for the CCNP exam. I prefer Cisco Press or Sybex.

Good(1): I liked the fact that the user setup a scenario and walk the readers through each chapters. I easy to understand and fun to read the book.
Good(2): The author has included a lot of information that is good to know, even if it's not covered on the exam, but as a professional, you should know about it.

Bad(1): No CD or practice exam come with the book.
Bad(2): The questions seems to be easier than the one on the exams.
Bad(3): So many errors and typos, but if you can catch it, that means you understand the stuff.

I would like to keep this book as a reference, becasue I like the author's presentation style.
I would also recommend you to spend an hour in the local bookstore and read a chapter before you buy.

2 Don't bother
Book is out of date, filled with typos and inaccurate information. It appears as if it was written in a hurry.

Questions are rather subjective and not the same as the test.

3 Myhre has once again proven is expertise with Cisco.
As I have been working to obtain several certification including CCNP I have found that material covering the Remote Access exam has been to few and far between. That's why I was very happy to obtain this book and begin to read and learn how remote access works within the Cisco world.

The book is together in a straight forward and concise manner, as you'll find there are only 400 pages in the complete text, and you'll find that the complete set of exam objectives has been met and covered.

Beginning with WAN and WAN communications basics and then onto the modem and the configuration process, you then work with setting up and configuring the remote access at a central site. From there you are given coverage of the PPP, its use and functions.

The book shows you how to configure and setup ISDN connections, PRI and BRI and make the DDR work. Working with Cisco 700 series routers, SOHO, X.25 and Frame relay are the next set of topics to be dealt with.

Rounding out the text is the use of backup with ISDN lines and the configuration of NAT, followed up with authentication, authorization and accounting. The book has over 200 practice question spread out throughout each chapter. I think that a cd with practice tests and questions would be a nice enhancement but will not detract from the book.

Overall everything seems to be in this manual and looking at what is covered I think the 640-505 exam has been covered completely.