Looking for a Computer Networking Course - Is Open University worth considering?

[flyinghaggis]

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm looking to do a computer networking course. I've worked in IT for a fair while now so have plenty of hands on time configuring networking switches/firewalls/etc however I've never had any formal networking training. Recently at my place of work there have been a lot of changes/new hardware and they've had 3rd party companies replace the network switches/firewall/wireless controller. I'm generally happy with the day to day running of the system but I'd like to have a deeper understanding of the VLAN'ing/Routing in order to carry out more advanced configuration and troubleshoot issues.

 

To that end I've been looking at Networking courses I can do with the intention of trying to obtain some kind of formal qualification. I'm not quite sure whether there are any courses I could do over a 5-day period/etc as my work have offered to assist with that kind of training. My gut feeling is that there's so much material to cover that most of the networking courses will be geared around a month, if not a year, of studying rather than something you could cram into a single week's training.

 

I've noticed there's an Open University course for the Cisco CCNA which looked like it might be a good option. :-

 

T216 | Cisco Networking (CCNA) | Open University Course

 

I'm not specifically after training in Cisco hardware as such but most folks I've spoken recommend going for the Cisco CCNA Course as the best place to start.

 

Has anyone done this course or used the open university for similar courses? Any recommendations of other places/courses (doesn't necessarily need to be Cisco I guess) to look for network training materials?

 

Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated!

[FN-GM]

I did self study CCENT, CCNA and then CCNP. It was much cheaper. I watched CBT Nuggets videos, went on the Cisco certifications forum (surprising very useful) and read the official book (boring!). I practised on spare hardware at work and then some cheap stuff from eBay. If you're just doing CCNA then the Cisco Packet Tracer will be fine, it is software to emulate Cisco devices. Despite it being called Cisco most of the content is generic networking and applies to all vendors, but they do expect you to get around the Cisco CLI.

 

 

I am going to start the CCDA in December and then CCDP within the couple of months of passing the CCDA. 2 of the 3 exams required for the CCDP I took for my CCNP.

Edited September 1, 2017 by FN-GM

[southhamster]

I used to work for the OU in support and have done a couple of courses since I left.

I really like their course materials - everything is tested and well supported; it was probably the best place I ever worked as well.

In some ways I think the course forums are the best part as you will get great help and collaboration/commiseration from other students in the same boat.

Level 2 courses are a fair bit of work and include 4 "day schools" T216 | Cisco Networking (CCNA) | Open Universityy Course which would be great for meeting other people and real hands on with kit you couldn't afford to buy.

If you can afford it, and can commit to it, go for it - I suspect it looks better on the cv too, and gives you 60 points to another degree qualification if you want that.

[FN-GM]

Don't forget you will need to renew your CCNA every 3 years. You can just can the ICND 2 exam though. You don't have to do both 1 and 2 or the combined.

[flyinghaggis]

If you're just doing CCNA then the Cisco Packet Tracer will be fine, it is software to emulate Cisco devices. Despite it being called Cisco most of the content is generic networking and applies to all vendors, but they do expect you to get around the Cisco CLI.

 

I'd always presumed you'd need to be part of a Cisco Course to get packet tracer via Cisco Academy. Can anyone download and use it?

 

Also, when you say self-study did you just buy books to take you through or was there a specific guide/programme you followed? Do Cisco provide anything themselves?

 

Level 2 courses are a fair bit of work and include 4 "day schools" T216 | Cisco Networking (CCNA) | Open Universityy Course which would be great for meeting other people and real hands on with kit you couldn't afford to buy.

 

I think the time commitment is my main concern at the moment. I'm worried whether I can spare enough though the week in addition to working full time and other commitments outside work. The course reviews state that it's very time intensive and covers a lot of material. Also, this is the last year they're running that specific course and it's now being divided into two different courses. I wonder if that's due to the amount of material covered in it being too much for a single years course! I'll maybe see if I can speak to someone at the OU to see what the time commitments would be and where I can attend the 4 onsite practical days as if it's only South England that's going to add substantially to my course fees.

Edited September 1, 2017 by flyinghaggis

[FN-GM]

I'd always presumed you'd need to be part of a Cisco Course to get packet tracer via Cisco Academy. Can anyone download and use it?

 

Also, when you say self-study did you just buy books to take you through or was there a specific guide/programme you followed? Do Cisco provide anything themselves?

 

Cisco have opened up Packet Tracer for anybody now. There is even an Android app!

 

I just looked here and made sure I covered all the topics, the videos guide you as well.

[supawat1]

I did T216 course recently, and I recommend it. The course was well structured and easy to understand. I'm much prepared to take CCNA certification exams now.

[flyinghaggis]

I did T216 course recently, and I recommend it. The course was well structured and easy to understand. I'm much prepared to take CCNA certification exams now.

 

Good to hear from someone who's been on the course. How many hours a week did you have to commit to studying/coursework?

[supawat1]

Each chapter is spread out nicely, so I usually spent approx 10 - 20 hours per week on reading, and another 3 - 5 hours on practical exercises. The course is one of the OU undergraduate modules, so you will meet a lot of OU undergraduate students and a majority of them are already working in IT. The four compulsory day schools will give the chance to work on real Cisco kits, which I've found quite easy to follow the instructions and learn from more experienced peers.