The first three chapters of this book dealt with an introduction to networking, networking concepts, and IP addressing—basically theory and concept information. In this chapter, I’ll begin discussing the applied side of networking. This chapter focuses on installing your networking devices (switches and routers), cabling up your LAN and WAN connections, and establishing a console connection so that you can put a configuration on these devices. Once you have established a console connection in this chapter, Chapter 5 will begin the basics of using the router’s or switch’s command-line interface (CLI) to put a basic configuration on these devices | CCNA CISCO CERTIFIED NETWORK ASSOCIATE 4 Preparing Network Connections CHAPTER OBJECTIVES Cisco s Networking Products Chassis Information Connections Q A Cabling Two-Minute Drill Self Test 2 Chapter 4 Preparing Network Connections FTI . .k. . he first three chapters of this book dealt with an introduction to networking networking concepts and IP addressing basically theory and concept information. In this chapter I ll begin discussing the applied side of networking. This chapter focuses on installing your networking devices switches and routers cabling up your LAN and WAN connections and establishing a console connection so that you can put a configuration on these devices. Once you have established a console connection in this chapter Chapter 5 will begin the basics of using the router s or switch s command-line interface CLI to put a basic configuration on these devices. CERTIFICATION OBJECTIVE Cisco s Networking Products The last part of Chapter 2 discussed Cisco s three-layer hierarchical model for network design core distribution and access. Once you have designed your network and have decided on the types of devices you ll be using at each of the three layers you must then pick a specific product for each of these devices. When choosing a networking product consider the following Is the product easy to install and support Does the product provide the necessary features functions to meet your networking requirements Does the product support enough ports and offer enough backplane capacity to meet your network s growth and bandwidth requirements Is the product reliable and can it provide redundancy If it is a layer-3 device does the product provide support for both mobile users and branch office connections Can the product be easily upgraded protecting your investment in the product When you have answered these questions you are ready to pick the appropriate products for your networking design. The products discussed later in this .
