Recommended Tools, Hardware & Software
Every job requires tools, and the CCNA is no different. You won’t need the tools for your exam, but you will need them for your job.
I recommend
- Buy high quality tools that will last a long time. Cheap tools are more expensive in the long term. They break down and cause frustration.
- Ask for advice, read reddit reviews, read reviews on Amazon, watch YouTube videos, until you find the tools that are best for you. Ask me!
The Cisco curriculum doesn’t require a lot of tools. What you need to think about is whether you are going to be a Cisco technician who solely works on connecting and troubleshooting Cisco equipment configurations, or whether you will be troubleshooting other things.
Will you need to troubleshoot or install physical wiring, access points, etc.? Probably. It’s better to have the tools and not need them then to need them and not have them.
What you really need
- Laptop
- Cisco console cable
- Patch cables
- Cable tester
- A few screwdrivers or a drill with some screwdriver bits
It would be nice if you had the following
Laptops & Smartphones
| Apple Tablet/Smartphone |
| Android Tablet/Smartphone |
| Windows Tablet/Smartphone |
Software
Some of the software may also be incorporated into hardware
| Packet Sniffer |
| Protocol Analyzer |
| Terminal Emulation Software such as PuTTy |
| Linux/Windows OS |
| Software Firewall |
| Software IDS/IPS |
| Network Mapper |
| Hypervisor Software |
| Virtual Network Environment |
| Wi-Fi Analyzer |
| Spectrum Analyzer |
| Network Monitoring Tools |
| DHCP Service |
| DNS Service |
| Knowledgebase / Ticket Management Software such as AutoTask or Service Now |
Equipment
| Layer 2/3 Switch |
| Router |
| Firewall |
| VPN Concentrator |
| Wireless Access Point |
| Laptop that supports virtualization |
| Media Converter |
| Configuration Terminal (with Telnet and SSH) |
| VoIP System (including a phone) |
| SOHO Router/Switch |
| Surge Suppressor |
| Power Distribution Unit (PDU) |
| Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) |
| Managed Switch |
| Hub |
Tools
| RJ-11/RJ-45 Crimper |
| Cable tester |
| Punchdown Tools with Cutting and Non-Cutting 110, 66, BIX, and Krone Blades |
| Cable Stripper |
| Coaxial Crimper |
| Wire Cutter |
| Tone Generator and Probe |
| Fiber Termination Kit |
| Optical Power Meter |
| Butt Set |
| Multimeter |
| Power Supply Tester |
| Screwdriver, Drill, or Screw Gun and Assorted Bits |
Spare Parts
| Optical and Copper Patch Panels |
| Punchdown Blocks – 66, 110, and BIX |
| NICs |
| Power Supplies |
| GBICs |
| SFPs |
| Patch Cables – cat5e, cat6, fiber |
| RJ-45 Connectors |
| RJ-45 Jacks |
| RJ-11 Connectors |
| Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable Spool or Box |
| Coaxial Cable Spool or Box |
| F-Connectors / BNC Connectors |
| Fiber Connectors |
| Antennas |
| Bluetooth Wireless Adapters |
| Console Cables and RS-232 to USB Serial Adapter |
| Rack Screws |
| Assorted Sheet Metal, Wood, & Drywall Screws |
| Velcro |
| Zip Ties |
| Grounding Cable and Lugs |