CIM Router Basics Simulator (Cisco Career Certifications)

Features

• CD-ROM: 50 pages
• Published by: Cisco Systems; CD-Rom edition January 15, 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1587200112
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1587200113
• Book Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 2.2 inches
• Weighs: 12 ounces

Product Review
When it says basics, it means basic. The software is fine and runs well for what it does, but it doesn't offer that much for the beginning student and practically nothing for the prospective CCNA--making it very pricey for the environment it offers. Be warned.

The program starts off with several pages' worth of instruction on routing basics, but all told there are probably about thirty pages' worth of data total in Cisco Interactive Mentor Router Simulator. The data is sparse but fairly well written, getting the few points across that it requirements to--and hyperlinked generously to various definitions and illustrations for those not familiar with routing concepts. There are extremely simple pop quizzes that show up, throw out a softball question or two, and disappear. The real selling point of this is the CIM Simulator, which emulates a Cisco router and allows you to fool around with it.

The method of teaching on the simulator is fairly simple--you get into the simulator and press "Play," and a cheerful female voice tells you what commands to press and what buttons to push to get the "router" to do what you need it to. A command reference is a button-click away. The exercises cover a couple of basic topics--simple configuration, password recovery, downloading images from TFTP servers, and TCP/IP and RIP configuration. It does well at getting the user to understand the basic functions of these two sections.

Unfortunately, that's the main problem with the software. The CCNA covers many more topics that aren't covered here--things like LAN switch configuration, IGRP and EIGRP, IPX, IP filtering, frame relay, and ISDN The list goes on. You can enter almost any Cisco command and get the dreaded, "This simulator only supports a subset of the command set a real router offers; please use only the command you're instructed to," including such standbys as "shutdown," "interface," "ping," and "show interfaces." For $150, one would hope that this software would at least get a potential CCNA up to speed beyond the simplest of commands, but apparently not. Given that for $80 you can buy sets of books that will almost guarantee a pass for the CCNA exam and give you a much better router overview, this seems light.

In short, this isn't a terrible program, it is just very overpriced for the content it offers. If the price drops to below book levels, you might wish to consider it. --William Steinmetz

Book Description
With CIM Router Basics, you can gain an understanding of routing principles and the Cisco IOS® command-line interface (CLI), which is used to configure and manage Cisco routers. Offering self-paced instruction and practice, this robust learning tool gives you a quick and cost-effective way to acquire Cisco knowledge and expertise. From an overview of the Cisco IOS CLI architecture to the application of Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), youll learn how to configure Cisco 4000 series routers for basic operation, how to establish connectivity between routers in an internetwork, and how to perform fundamental maintenance tasks. Based on techniques developed by the Cisco Technical Assistance Center engineers, youll practice router initialization, status evaluation, password recovery, updating software images, and TCP/IP and Routing Information Protocol (RIP) configurations. An great preparation tool for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.

Reader Reviews
Don't get me wrong. I have all the Cisco CIM products Cisco Press put out. This one is very shallow and brief. It only covers the RIP Protocol, and the rest is reading and how to type "en" or "conf t" to log into a router and configure it. I blew through this in less than an hour. In my opinion, it is not worth the price. If you know nothing about Cisco routers, than I may say check it out. But if you learn quickly and know even a little about Cisco, spend your money on the next CIm series like Distance Vector Protocols, LAN switching or even the IP Expert Lab. Keep in mind that if you get stuck on a problem in the CIM, you can always view the answer, reflect on it for a couple days, and go back and do it again and try not looking at the answer the second time round. My point here is spend the money for a CIM that will challenge you, not one you'll finish in one evening and set on your shelf or resell on ebay. I have my MCSE and CCNA and am working on my CCNP. If you buy this CIM, you will most likely feel as if you just blew $150 bucks and didn't get much out of it. In fact, you could probably learn more about routing and RIP just by reading the CCNA Exam Certification guide by Cisco Press (excellent book by the way) and come out spending only $40. I value reader reviews so it's very important that I be as honest about this as possible to all individuals thinking of buying this product. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.