Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Step 3.
Pass the CCNA.
Step 4.
Get a lot faster at doing the subnetting math.
Step 5.
Study for the 640-864 CCDA exam.
Although subnetting should not be assessed as an end to itself on the 640-864 CCDA
exam, many questions require that you understand subnetting math and be able to do that
math just as quickly as you did when you passed the CCNA exam. If you are a little slow
on doing subnetting math, before you go to the 640-864 CCDA exam, try some of the fol-
lowing exercises:
Practice finding the subnet number, broadcast address, and range of addresses in a
subnet. To do so, pick a number and mask, calculate the values, and use your favorite
subnet calculator to check your work. Look at the Cisco Learning Network for a cal-
culator if you do not have one already.
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Use the Cisco Subnet Game, also at the Cisco Learning Network.
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Practice choosing the best summary for a range of subnets. Pick three or four ad-
dresses/masks. Calculate the subnet number and range. Then, try to choose the sum-
mary (subnet number/mask) that includes those three or four subnets, without
including any more subnets than what is required. You can also check your math with
a subnet calculator.
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If you like using binary/decimal conversions when you work through these problems,
but just need to go faster, check out the Cisco Binary Game, also as the Cisco Learn-
ing Network.
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The Pearson Cert Practice Test engine on the CD includes a database of questions created
specifically for this topic. The Pearson Cert Practice Test engine can be used either in
Study mode or Practice Exam mode, as follows:
Study mode:
This mode is most useful when you want to use the questions for
learning and practicing. In Study mode, you can select options like randomizing the
order of the questions and answers, automatically viewing answers to the questions as
you go, testing on specific topics, and many other options.
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Practice Exam mode:
This mode presents questions in a timed environment, providing
you with a more exam-realistic experience. It also restricts your ability to see your score
as you progress through the exam and view answers to questions as you are taking the
exam. These timed exams not only allow you to study for the actual 640-864 CCDA
exam, they help you simulate the time pressure that can occur on the actual exam.
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When doing your final preparation, you can use Study mode, Practice Exam mode, or
both. However, after you have seen each question a couple of times, you will likely start to
