Publisher's Synopsis
This value pack provides a total solution for an introductory networking course. It consists of the third edition of Beasley's practical text Networking Essentials packaged with a series of 29 virtual learning labs developed by Cisco.
Networking Essentials, Third Edition, is a practical, up-to-date, and hands-on guide to the basics of networking. Written from the viewpoint of a working network administrator, it requires absolutely no experience with either network concepts or day-to-day network management. It includes expanded coverage of cabling, a new introduction to IPv6, and new chapters on basic switch configuration and troubleshooting. Its wireless and security chapters now focus strictly on introductory material, and you will also find up-to-date introductions to twisted-pair and fiber optic cabling, TCP/IP protocols, Internet and LAN interconnections, and basic network problem identification and resolution. Clear goals are outlined for each chapter, and every concept is introduced in easy to understand language that explains how and why networking technologies are used. Each chapter is packed with real-world examples and practical exercises that reinforce all concepts and guide you through using them to configure, analyze, and fix networks.
The Cisco Learning Labs provide students a cloud-based lab experience running Cisco's IOS software on Unix virtual devices. Unlike lab simulations, these virtual labs provide a high-fidelity experience, where students see exactly what they would encounter in a real lab environment. Each student connects to Cisco via the Internet to gain accesses his or her own set of active devices. Because the devices are virtual, there's no need for students to schedule time in a physical lab. Instead, they can access their labs at times and locations that are most convenient for them.
Academic institutions are spared the effort and expense of hosting a physical lab. This saves costs associated with buying and maintaining equipment, purchasing software licenses, provisioning for power and air conditioning, etc. Schools don't have to worry about securing and staffing a physical facility or about scheduling students for lab time.
