CCNA

[dmsmed]

I'm studing for the CCNA and I was wondering if there was anyone out there doing the same or any other CCNAers?

[C.M. Weaver]

I'm currently in Semester 4 of the Cisco Networking Academy Be great to talk with you.

C.M. Weaver

[This message has been edited by C.M. Weaver (edited 10-21-2000).]

[dmsmed]

I'm interested in what they teach you in the 4th semester. I'm in the first semester, and as you already know we're learning all about the OSI layers, IEEE cabling standards, network devices and collision domains. Wiring in and of itself isn't so exciting but you have to know it. As a result I'm going to rewire everything with cat 5 beteen my POP and my workstation. I'd like to here about your 2nd, 3rd and 4th semesters.

[C.M. Weaver]

One of the things you need to be strong in from Semester 1 is subnetting, you will need this for Semester 3. Also, know how to count in binary and that you fully understand how to convert as in Semester 3 you will cover Access Lists which weigh heavily on binary to decimal conversion and will aid in your understanding of how an ACL works. Have a very solid understanding of Semester 2 related to the router as it makes up 25% of the CCNA exam and much of the 2nd Semester final. Semester 4 is the beginning of in-depth coverage of WAN's and WAN Design. Many people take the CCNA after Semester 3, but keep in mind that if you don't take Semester 4 the questions asked on the CCNA about it can make or break you. There are 8-12 questions on the CCNA related to WAN's and WAN Design.

As for the labs, Semester 2 is where you want to take ALL of them. Get lots of time in the Router Lab and work in groups if you can, they usually encourage it starting Semester 2. The lab final during Semester 2 will require your group to setup 5 routers from a default configuration so that they can ping end to end. I would encourage you to stay away from using the setup command to configure the router once you are familiar with the IOS commands.

I have had a great time in the class and will be taking 10-Week Fast Track CCNP starting the beginning of December. I'm sure I have TONS more to tell you but this will do for now I'm more than happy to answer any other questions you have and help out anyway I can.


SEMESTER 2
Chapter 1: Review

Chapter 2: WANs and Routers
2.1 WANs
2.1.1 WANs and devices
2.1.2 WAN standards
2.1.3 WAN technologies
2.2 WANs and Routers
2.2.1 Router Basics
2.2.2 The function of a router in a WAN

Chapter 3: Router CLI
3.1 Router User Interface
3.1.1 User and privileged modes
3.1.2 User mode command list
3.1.3 Privileged-mode command list
3.1.4 User router help functions
3.1.5 Using IOS editing commands
3.1.6 Using IOS command history
3.2 Using The Router Interface and Interface Modes

Chapter 4: Router Components
4.1 Router Components
4.1.1 Ext router configuration sources
4.1.2 Int router's configuration components
4.1.3 RAM for working storage in the router
4.1.4 Router modes
4.2 Router Show Commands 4.2.1 Examining router status by using router status commands
4.2.2 The show running-config and show startup-config commands
4.2.3 The show interfaces, show version and show protocols commands
4.2.4 Lab: router show commands
4.3 Router's Network Neighbors
4.3.1 Gaining Access to other routers by using Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP)
4.3.2 Showing CDP neighbor entries
4.3.3 A CDP configuration example
4.3.4 Showing CDP entries for a device and CDP neighbors
4.4 Basic Networking Testing
4.4.1 Testing process that uses the OSI model
4.4.2 Testing the application layer by using telnet
4.4.3 Testing the network layer using the ping command
4.4.4 Testing the network layer with the trace command
4.4.5 Testing network layer with the show ip route command
4.4.6 Using the show interfaces serial command to test the physical and data link layers
4.4.7 The show interfaces and clear counters commands
4.4.8 Checking real-time traffic with debug

Chapter 5: Router Startup and Setup
5.1 Router Boot Sequence and Setup Mode
5.1.1 Router startup routine
5.1.2 Router startup sequence
5.1.3 Commands related to router startup
5.2 System Configuration Dialog 5.2.1 Using the setup command
5.2.2 Setting up global parameters
5.2.3 Setting up interface parameters
5.2.4 Setting up script review and use

Chapter 6: Router Configuration 1
6.1 Router Configuration Files
6.1.1 Router configuration file information
6.1.2 Working with Release 11.x configuration files
6.1.3 Working with pre-Release 11.0 configuration files
6.1.4 Using the copy running-config tftp and copy tftp running-config commands
6.1.5 Describe using NVRAM with Release 11.x.
6.1.6 Using NVRAM with Pre-11.0 IOS software
6.2 Router Configuration Modes
6.2.1 Using router configuration modes
6.2.2 Global configuration modes
6.2.3 Configuring routing protocols
6.2.4 Interface configuration commands
6.2.5 Configuring a specific interface
6.3 Configuration methods
6.3.1 Release 11.x configuration methods
6.3.2 Pre-Release 11.0 configuration methods
6.3.3 Password configuration methods
6.3.4 Router identification configuration

Chapter 7: IOS Images
7.1 The Basics of IOS Versions
7.1.1 Locating the Cisco IOS software
7.1.2 Configuration register values
7.1.3 The show version command
7.2 Bootstrap Options in Software
7.2.1 Boot system commands
7.2.2 Preparing for the use of TFTP
7.2.3 The show flash command
7.3 IOS Naming and Software Image Backup
7.3.1 Cisco's IOS naming conventions
7.3.2 The copy flash tftp command
7.3.3 The copy tftp flash command
7.3.4 How to load a software image backup

Chapter 8: Router Configuration 2
8.1 Configuring a Router from the CLI after Start-up Config has been Erased
8.1.1 Router configuration process
8.1.2 Router password recovery procedure on 1600 and 2500 series routers

Chapter 9: TCP/IP
9.1 The TCP/IP Protocol Suite
9.1.1 The Internet TCP/IP protocols and the OSI model
9.1.2 NTCP/IP protocol stack and the application layer
9.1.3 NTCP/IP protocol stack and the transport layer
9.1.4 TCP and UDP segment format
9.1.5 TCP and UDP port numbers
9.1.6 TCP three-way handshake/open connection
9.1.7 TCP simple acknowledgment and windowing
9.2 2 Layer 3 Concepts
9.2.1 TCP/IP and the Internet Layer
9.2.2 Diagram the IP datagram
9.2.3 Internet Control Message Protocol(ICMP)
9.2.4 How ARP works

Chapter 10: IP Addressing
10.1 IP Addressing and Subletting
10.1.1 The purpose of IP address
10.1.2 The role of host address on a routed network
10.1.3 The role of broadcast addresses on a routed network
10.1.4 The assignment of router interface and network IP addresses
10.2 The Role of DNS in Router Configurations
10.2.1 The ip address command
10.2.2 The ip host command
10.2.3 Describe the ip name-server command
10.2.4 How to enable and disable DNS on a router
10.2.5 Show hosts command
10.3 Verifying Address Configuration
10.3.1 Verification commands
10.3.2 The telnet and ping commands
10.3.3 The trace command
10.4 Assigning New Subnet Numbers to the Topology

Chapter 11: Routing
11.1 Routing Basics
11.1.1 Path determination
11.1.2 How routers route packets from source to destination
11.1.3 Network and host addressing
11.1.4 Path selection and packet switching
11.1.5 Routed versus routing protocol
11.1.6 Network-layer protocol operations
11.1.7 Multiprotocol routing
11.2 Why Routing Protocols are Necessary
11.2.1 Static versus dynamic routes
11.2.2 Why use a static route
11.2.3 How a default route is used
11.2.4 Why dynamic routing is necessary
11.2.5 Dynamic routing operations
11.2.6 How distances on network paths are determined by various metrics
11.2.7 Three classes of routing protocols
11.2.8 Time to convergence
11.3 Distance-Vector Routing
11.3.1 Distance-vector routing basics
11.3.2 How distance-vector protocols exchange routing tables
11.3.3 How topology changes propagate through the network of routers
11.3.4 The problem of routing loops
11.3.5 The problem of counting to infinity
11.3.6 The solution of defining a maximum
11.3.7 The solution of split horizon
11.3.8 The solution of hold-down timers
11.4 Link-State Routing
11.4.1 Link-state routing basics
11.4.2 How link-state protocols exchange routing tables
11.4.3 How topology changes propagate through the network of routers
11.4.4 Two link-state concerns
11.4.5 Unsynchronized link-state advertisements (LSAs) leading to inconsistent path decisions amongst routers
11.5 The Context of Different Routing Protocols
11.5.1 Distance-vectors versus link-state routing protocols
11.5.2 Hybrid routing protocols
11.5.3 LAN-to-LAN routing
11.5.4 LAN-to-WAN routing
11.5.5 Path selection and switching of multiple protocols and media

Chapter 12: Routing Protocols
12.1 Initial Router Configuration
12.1.1 Setup mode
12.1.2 The initial IP routing table
12.1.3 How a router learns about destinations
12.1.4 The ip route command
12.1.5 Using the ip route command
12.1.6 The ip default-network command
12.1.7 Using the ip default-network command
12.2 Interior and Exterior Routing Protocols
12.2.1 Autonomous system
12.2.2 Interior versus exterior routing protocols
12.2.3 Interior IP routing protocols
12.2.4 IP routing configuration tasks
12.2.5 Using the router and network commands
12.3 RIP
12.3.1 Key elements of RIP
12.3.2 Using router rip and network commands to enable RIP
12.3.3 Enabling RIP on an IP-addressed network
12.3.4 Monitoring of IP packet flow using the show ip protocol command
12.3.5 The show ip route command
12.4 IGRP
12.4.1 Key characteristics of IGRP
12.4.2 Using router igrp and network commands to enable IGRP
12.4.3 Enabling IGRP on an IP-addressed network
12.4.4 Monitoring IP packet flow using the show ip protocol command
12.4.5 The show ip interfaces command
12.4.6 The show ip route command
12.4.7 The debug ip rip command
12.5.1 Rip convergence challenge
12.5.2 Routing loops setup challenge
12.5.3 Preventing routing loops

Chapter 13: Network Troubleshooting
13.1 Troubleshooting the 5-Router Network
13.1.1 The standard configuration
13.1.2 Describe typical layer 1 errors
13.1.3 Typical layer 2 errors
13.1.4 Typical layer 3 errors
13.1.5 Network troubleshooting strategies
13.1.6 Troubleshooting lab on a 5-router network

SEMESTER 3
Chapter 1: Review

Chapter 2: LAN Switching
2.1 Various LAN Communication Problems
2.1.1 Factors that impact on network performance
2.1.2 Elements of Ethernet/802.3 networks
2.1.3 Half-duplex Ethernet
2.1.4 Network congestion
2.1.5 Network latency
2.1.6 Ethernet 10BaseT transmission time
2.1.7 The benefit of using repeaters
2.2 Full-Duplex Transmitting, Fast Ethernet Standard and LAN Segmentation
2.2.1 Full-duplex Ethernetl
2.2.2 LAN segmentationl
2.2.3 LAN segmentation with bridges
2.2.4 The pros and cons of LAN segmentation with routers
2.2.5 Pros and cons of LAN segmentation with switches
2.3 Switching and VLANs
2.3.1 Describe the two basic operations of a switch
2.3.2 Ethernet switch latency
2.3.3 Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching
2.3.4 Microsegmentation
2.3.5 How a switch learns addresses
2.3.6 Benefits of LAN switching
2.3.7 Symmetric and asymmetric switching
2.3.8 Memory buffering
2.3.9 Two switching methods
2.3.10 How to set up VLANs
2.4 The Spanning-Tree Protocol
2.4.1 Overview of the spanning-tree protocol
2.4.2 Describe the five spanning-tree protocol states

Chapter 3: VLANS
3.1 VLANs
3.1.1 Existing shared LAN configurations
3.2 Segmentation with switching architectures
3.2.1 Grouping geographically separate users into network-wide virtual topologies
3.2.2 Differences between traditional switched LAN and VLANs
3.2.3 The transport of VLANs across backbones
3.2.4 The role of routers in VLANs
3.2.5 How frames are used in VLANs
3.3 VLAN Implementation
3.3.1 The relationship between ports, VLANs, and broadcasts
3.3.2 Why port-centric VLANs make an administrator's job easier
3.3.3 Static VLANs
3.3.4 Dynamic VLANs
3.4 Benefits of VLANs
3.4.1 How VLANs make additions, moves, and changes easier
3.4.2 How VLANs help control broadcast activity
3.4.3 How VLANs can improve network security
3.4.4 How VLANs can save money

Chapter 4: LAN Design
4.1 LAN Design Goals and Components
4.1.1 LAN design goals
4.1.2 Critical components of LAN Design
4.1.3 The function and placement of servers when designing a network
4.1.4 Intranet
4.1.5 Why contention is an issue with Ethernet
4.1.6 How broadcast domains relate to segmentation
4.1.7 The difference between bandwidth and broadcast domains
4.2 Network Design Methodology
4.2.1 Gathering and analyzing requirements
4.2.2 Factors that affect network availability
4.2.3 Physical topologies used in networking
4.3 Layer 1 Design
4.3.1 Designing the Layer 1 Topology : signaling method, medium type, and maximum length
4.3.2 Diagramming a standards-based Ethernet cable run from the workstation to the HCC, including distances
4.3.3 HCC, VCC, MDF, IDF, and POP
4.3.4 10Base-T and 100Base-TX Ethernet
4.3.5 Elements of a logical topology diagram
4.4 Layer 2 Design
4.4.1 Common Layer 2 devices and their impact on network domains
4.4.2 Asymmetric switching
4.4.3 The effect microsegmentation can have on a network
4.4.4 Determining the number of cable runs and drops
4.4.5 Determining the size of collision domains in hubbed and switched networks
4.4.6 Diagraming hub placement in a standards-based extended star topology
4.4.7 Migrating a network from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps
4.5 Layer 3 Design
4.5.1 Using routers as the basis for Layer 3 network design
4.5.2 How VLANs can create smaller broadcast domains
4.5.3 Explain how a router provides structure to a network
4.5.4 Why large, scalable LANs need to incorporate routers
4.5.5 Diagramming a standards-based LAN that uses routers
4.5.6 Logical and physical network maps

Chapter 5: Routing Protocols: IGRP
5.1 The Network Layer Basics
5.1.1 Explain path determination
5.1.2 Path determination
5.1.3 The operation of routing tables
5.1.4 Metrics
5.1.5 Router forwarding decisions
5.2 Routed and Routing Protocols
5.2.1 Routing Protocols
5.2.2 Multiprotocol routing
5.3 IP Routing Protocols
5.3.1 Differentiating one routing protocol from another
5.3.2 The goals of routing protocols
5.3.3 Routing loops
5.3.4 Static and dynamic routing
5.3.5 Classifications of routing protocols
5.3.6 IP Routing Configuration: Choosing a routing protocol
5.4 IGRP Operation
5.4.1 IGRP's Metrics
5.4.2 Differentiating from interior, system, and exterior routes
5.4.3 Write out a correct command sequence for enabling IGRP on arouter
5.4.4 Describe three features of IGRP which enhance its stability
5.4.5 IGRP metrics and routing updates
5.4.6 The maximum hop count of IGRP

Chapter 6: ACLs
6.1 Access Control Lists (ACLs)
6.1.1 What are ACLs
6.1.2 Reasons to create ACLs
6.1.3 Testing packets with ACLs
6.1.4 How ACLs work
6.1.5 Flowchart of the ACL test matching process
6.2 ACL Configuration Tasks
6.2.1 Creating ACLs
6.2.2 The purpose and function of wildcard mask bits
6.2.3 The any command
6.2.4 The host command
6.3 Standard ACLs
6.3.1 What are standard ACLs
6.3.2 Writing a valid standard ACL command using all available parameters
6.3.3 How to verify access lists
6.3.4 Writing a standard ACL to permit traffic from a source network
6.3.5 Writing a standard ACL to deny a specific host
6.3.6 Writing a standard ACL to deny a specific subnet
6.4 Extended ACLs
6.4.1 What are extended ACLs
6.4.2 Extended ACL parameters
6.4.3 UDP and TCP port numbers
6.4.4 Writing an ACL for denying FTP on an Ethernet interface
6.4.5 Writing an ACL that denies Telnet out of an Ethernet port and permits all other traffic
6.5 Named ACLs
6.5.1 Configuring named ACLs
6.5.2 The deny command
6.5.3 The permit command
6.6 Using ACLs with protocols
6.6.1 Protocols for which ACLs can be created
6.7 Placing ACLs
6.7.1 Rule: "Putting the extended ACL as close as possible to the source of traffic denied"
6.7.2 Using ACLs in firewall routers
6.7.3 A firewall architecture to protect you from intruders
6.8 Verifying ACLs
6.8.1 How to verify ACLs and interpret the output

Chapter 7: Novell IPX
7.1 Cisco Routers in Netware Networks
7.1.1 The Novell IPX protocols suite
7.1.2 IPX features
7.1.3 IPX addressing
7.2 Novell Encapsulation
7.2.1 Netware Ethernet encapsulation terms
7.2.2 The IOS encapsulation names for Ethernet, FDDI, and Token Ring
7.2.3 The IPX packet format
7.3 Novell Routing
7.3.1 Novell RIP
7.3.2 Service advertising protocol
7.3.3 Get nearest server protocol
7.4 Novell IPX Configuration
7.4.1 Novell IPX configuration tasks
7.4.2 Writing a valid IOS command sequence to assign IPX network numbers to interface
7.4.3 Writing a valid IOS commands for monitoring and troubleshooting IPX
7.5 Monitoring and Managing an IPX Network
7.5.1 Writing a valid IOS commands for monitoring the status of an IPX interface
7.5.2 Writing a valid IOS command sequence to monitor IPX routing tables
7.5.3 Writing a valid IOS command sequence for monitoring Novell IPX servers
7.5.4 Writing a valid IOS command to monitor IPX traffic, and describe some of the field options for that command
7.5.5 Writing a valid IOS command for troubleshooting IPX routing
7.5.6 Writing a valid IOS command for troubleshooting IPX SAP
7.5.7 Using the privileged IPX ping command
7.5.8 Using the user IPX IPX ping command

[Bouncer]

From my experience...

Can't really add too much to what's already been said.

Make sure you have a SOLID understanding of the difference between Layer 1, 2, and 3 devices.

Know why a hub is different than a repeater, a switch different than a hub, and a router different than a switch. Understand cable lengths of various types, and the distances and types of media you will be working with.

Understand the core differences between layer 2 and layer 3 addressing, and how each is used.

Subnetting. Learn it. Live it. Love it.
Understand what CIDR is versus Classful routing. The real world still uses classful quite a bit.

Understand the timers involved in RIP, RIPv2, OSPF, etc. and how each passes updates.

Understand routing loops, how they occur, how to stop/prevent them.

Understand the Cisco command structure, and how they implement commands.

There are some router simulators out there that will let you simulate a small five router setup. Check them out. This will REALLY help in practicing commands, and getting you familiar with the console interface.

IP addressing and binary. practice doing conversion. write out a sheet of addresses, and convert them to binary. Write out a sheet of binary, and convert to decimal. Repeat till you see it till it makes you sick. Stop for a while, then do it some more.

Knowing the binary math is key, because understanding how subnetting works is a lot easier if you can see the binary forms.

OSI model: Know what each layer is responsible for, and how it interrelates with other layers to provide an end to end transparent connection. Know the Primary TCP/IP/UDP services and the ports they use.

Regards,
-Bouncer-

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"Yeah Baby, YEAH!!!"



[This message has been edited by Bouncer (edited 10-22-2000).]

[dmsmed]

Up till now (chapter 9 first semester) I have had an A, but chapter 10 (which covers subneting) is going to take some work. What is the normal time frame required for the CCNP and what kind of money are you expecting?

[C.M. Weaver]

The CCNP on a normal pace in a classroom enviroment I'm told by my instructor takes 12 months. Normal cost from companies that teach this stuff are $3000+.

My instructor has a CCNA, CCAI, CCDA, CCNP, Net+, i-Net+, CCP, NANS, NSNS and a NCNI. He also has his own company that does training for Cisco, which I'm enrolled in for the CCNP....my cost $1500. I'm getting a great deal and 800+ sample questions for the CCNP and tons of written material for it.

The CCNP consists of 4 exams:

Routing
Building Scalable Cisco Networks

Switching
Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks

Remote Access
Building Cisco Remote Access Networks

Support
Cisco Internetworking Troubleshooting

Here in Denver, CO the average starting salary for a CCNA with no experience is $35-65k/yr and CCNP's between $90-$120k/yr. Alot of employers here will also throw another $15-30k/yr onto your starting salary as a CCNA if you are currently enrolled in a CCNP program.

If you need any help with first semester or subsequent semester material let me know. I'd be more than happy to help you with subnetting if you need it.

C.M. Weaver

[nemo20]

Im just finishing up my MCSE and I was planning on going for my CCNA next. The school i went to for the MCSE offered a course for CCNA but it only lasts 5 days which seems a little short to me. I havent really looked into schools offering courses yet and i was wondering if anyone knew of any good Cisco schools in Southern California.

[therealcableguy]

I will be going through a week long CCNA bootcamp in about a month.Cost $2,500.I was sent the study materials a month and a half ago,giving me ten weeks of study time.What an incredible amount of info to learn!I think I will find a Cisco Networking Academy for CCNP.I want a slower pace to really dig in to what I am learning.As of now,I have covered all study materials including videos and am going through it again.Still feels like "cram and regurgitate" though.

------------------
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle

[C.M. Weaver]

At this time Cisco does not have a Networking Academy for the CCNP. The CCNP is typically a 1 year long education that prepares you for the 4 tests required ot get the CCNP.

I will have completed the 4th Semester of the Cisco Networking Academy CCNA on November 29th and begin a 10 Week (8 hour sessions) CCNP Fast Track on November 11th at a cost of $1500. My current instructor is teaching it through his Cisco training company, where as my CCNA was through the college.

There are many companies that offer CCNP Fast Track Courses and their own "networking academy", but these come at a price of $3000 plus.

[This message has been edited by C.M. Weaver (edited 10-31-2000).]

[dmsmed]

Good luck on the test C.M.! My final is just around the corner. One more quiz (Chapter 15) and on to the second semester.

nemo20,

I spoke to other guys in my class and some of them even went to those boot camps. They said that the instructors didn't even have time to review all of the material required to take the CCNA exam let alone teach any of it. These are just reviews telling you what you would have to know and given the amount of material it takes them a week to do this. I am told that unless you already know almost all of the material in question you wouldn't have a chance at passing the test because you only have the evenings between classes to study anything you don't know.

[HQH51]

Wow, never looked this hard when I took CCNA classes at my high school. They offered 1st and 2nd semester when I was a senior. But I couldn't make it for the 3rd or 4th semester, as it is available for the following year, which I would graduated and move into college. For the most part, telling stories found above seems so complicated in learning these things. I've gone through both semesters with a "B" in the end. Although this is high school that I'm talking about, curving the grade was what got me that B. Otherwise, I would be stuck with some grade of between a 71 - 85. 1st semester was fun though. 2nd became a pain in the ass as you start to actually learn what things do. So, it's better to not fool around and remember what facts are given, which there are so many given. By now, I have forgotten a lot of what was taught, but I have at least good knowledge from the experiences. I haven't done much about routing stuff, other than the usual "make cable, connect workstations to routers" etc... I also managed to set up the routers in record timing in my class. Heck, I was the fastest one done (less than 25 minutes) including one mistake (while everybody made so many mistakes). Everyone else goofed up here and there and took so long to do so. It just gets harder and harder once you pass semester one. Semester 2 is where you get to have fun with the routers. Good luck!

[brandoncwilson]

Up till now (chapter 9 first semester) I have had an A, but chapter 10 (which covers subneting) is going to take some work. What is the normal time frame required for the CCNP and what kind of money are you expecting?

Thought I would jump in and give my 2 cents about the CCNP certification. Getting it was a huge investment in both time and training money for me but man was it worth it!

As far as the money goes, I currently make about 80K a year at my job as a computer systems engineer living in Utah. (I got this job as a direct result of my CCNP and MCSE certifications) If I was to move to a bigger market like DC or NYC I could easily ask 100K a year, many of my colleagues have done just that! I do consulting on the side and I have a line of clients a mile long willing to pony up $125 to $200 an hour for me to work on their networks.

Good luck!

[theciscoguy]

Some very solid advice in this thread.

Yes I agree getting the CCNP is well worth it.

My advice is to those starting, don't take the shortcut's (braindumps, cheats etc) they only end up hurting yourself.

[AwDxTc]

I was reading through this post and thought "wow I can really add some input here," but it seems everything has been covered. I'm currentl a network engineer for GE I'm making a tad under $100k and there's is no way I could have got to where I am without my CCNA and CCNP. I also took my CISSP which GE paid for! I recommend for anyone that is planning on making networking their career, take the CISSP it is well worth it both financial wise and informational wise. Just my two cents.