- [Instructor] I know this may sound a bit strange,
but prepping for the 200-301 exam,
just like all of Cisco exams reminds me of baking a cake.
It takes numerous ingredients, complementing each other
and working together to realize the end results.
A beautiful, delicious chocolate cake.
Prepping for a Cisco exam is kind of the same.
You're combining numerous activities,
all complimenting each other
to be prepared to sit for your exam.
One of those activities is applying what you've learned
to configure Cisco devices.
There are many options available
to practice applying the skills
that are tested on the CCNA exam.
If you were someone who wants a quick user-friendly program
to apply your skills, Packet Tracer is for you.
It's a free program offered by Cisco
and Packet Tracer is a simulator,
which means that acts like real equipment.
In order to download Packet Tracer,
you have to register for a tutorial chorus.
However once you download a Packet Tracer,
you may choose not to take the chorus.
There are many advantages to using Packet Tracer.
First it's free.
It's easy to install.
It's easy to learn.
And you're able to practice most of the 200-301 exam topics.
Packet Tracer does not eat up
too much of your system resources either.
The disadvantages include,
you can't practice all higher level exam topics,
and some commands are not available.
For those of you who are looking for a more comprehensive
yet inexpensive approach, GNS3, maybe for you.
GNS3 is an emulator,
which means you're using virtual Cisco devices.
GNS3 is also free, and it is an emulator
which means your working on virtual devices.
And you're able to practice most of the fundamental topics.
However, the drawback to GNS3,
you have to provide your own IOS software.
IOS stands for Inter Network Operating System,
and it's the operating system used on Cisco devices.
Some networking devices are not available or do not load.
It's a more complicated install.
And it does use that more system resources.
Cisco recently came out with their new modeling labs.
Cisco Modeling Labs is a Cisco upgrade
to VIRL, Virtual Internet Routing Lab.
CML comes in enterprise and personal editions.
Personal edition was created for anyone wanting to prepare
for any level Cisco certification.
You can create and modify your own labs
using licensed Cisco IOS software.
And you have the ability to practice high level exam topics.
Most devices required for 200-301 exam are available.
However, there is an annual subscription
and it does eat up a lot of your system resources.
And it is a more complicated install than Packet Tracer.
Finally, you may choose to purchase real equipment.
The biggest advantages
is the best hands-on experience possible.
And most equipment packages
allow you to practice most exam topics.
However, it is costly and sometimes you can't practice
higher-level exam topics and your IOSs maybe outdated.
Choosing the right option to apply your networking skills
is a personal preference or learning style.
Only you can determine how you learn the best.
The good news is you have many options to consider.