7 Best-Selling Cisco Books Millions Trust

Unlike most networking books that tackle broad security topics, Thomas Akin zeroes in on the crucial task of securing Cisco routers themselves, recognizing them as the frontline defense of any network. Drawing from his credentials as a CISSP and Cisco Academic Instructor, Akin lays out concrete configuration techniques tailored to various IOS versions, alongside practical checklists that distill complex security controls into manageable steps. You’ll learn how to manage access methods, implement AAA controls, and secure protocols like RIP and BGP, making the book a focused manual for anyone responsible for router security. This is a solid pick if you want to fortify your network at its most vulnerable entry point without wading through extraneous material.

Jim Boney brings over eight years of consulting experience in network design and management to this detailed reference on Cisco IOS. His work on the vLab project, which offers remote access to Cisco routers, clearly informs the book's practical focus on navigating the complex IOS command-line interface. You’ll find this book invaluable for mastering Cisco’s configuration language across TCP/IP protocols, with chapters dedicated to routing, access lists, and interface setups. While the volume is dense, those managing Cisco networks will appreciate the concise examples and well-organized command references that streamline everyday tasks.

This tailored book explores targeted methods to secure Cisco routers and prevent breaches, focusing specifically on your unique interests and background. It examines core security principles, router hardening techniques, and access control measures, providing a detailed understanding of how to safeguard network infrastructure. By matching your goals, it delves into configuring authentication, encryption, and firewall settings that align with your skill level. The personalized content reveals practical security configurations and vulnerability assessments to help you build a resilient Cisco environment. This approach makes complex concepts accessible and relevant, offering a focused learning experience centered on your specific needs in router security.

While working extensively as a network consultant, Kevin Dooley recognized the need for a straightforward guide to Cisco IOS configuration that cuts through the complexity. This book breaks down common router configuration tasks into clear, tested solutions, covering everything from interface setup and routing protocols to security features like access control and authentication. You’ll gain practical skills for managing network backups, troubleshooting, and handling advanced topics such as MPLS and IPv6. Whether you’re new to Cisco routers or seeking fresh insights, this resource delivers usable recipes to solve real configuration challenges efficiently.

Scott Ballew's extensive experience managing complex networks shines through in this guide tailored for IP network administrators working with Cisco routers. You’ll gain a clear understanding of selecting and configuring routing protocols like RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP, while also learning how to evaluate network equipment and vendors effectively. The book covers practical challenges such as securing routers against attacks and improving network reliability, offering examples rooted in Cisco’s IOS but applicable across vendors. If you manage or build IP networks, this book provides solid frameworks and real solutions without overcomplicating the technical details, making it especially useful for hands-on network professionals.

Drawing from Cisco Systems' extensive expertise, this volume offers a detailed guide to implementing IP addressing and configuring a broad spectrum of IP routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and RIP. You’ll find in-depth configuration scenarios tailored for both enterprise and service provider networks, which means this book is geared towards network professionals seeking to deepen their operational knowledge. For instance, the chapters covering advanced IP Multicast functionality provide practical insights that enhance network efficiency and reliability. If you manage or design complex Cisco-based networks, this resource will elevate your ability to optimize system performance without overwhelming you with unnecessary theory.

This tailored book offers a focused journey into mastering Cisco IOS configuration through a step-by-step approach designed uniquely for your background and goals. It explores essential IOS commands, configuration techniques, and troubleshooting practices, ensuring you build proficiency efficiently. By matching content to your specific interests, this book reveals how to harness IOS capabilities practically and confidently. It covers topics from basic command syntax to advanced interface setup, providing a tailored learning path that accelerates skill development. With a clear focus on hands-on mastery, this personalized guide helps you navigate IOS complexities effectively, making your learning experience both relevant and engaging.

Unlike most Cisco books that focus narrowly on configuration, this one dives deep into troubleshooting across diverse protocols like TCP/IP, NetWare IPX/SPX, and AppleTalk. Authored by Laura Chappell and Daniel Farkas, experts in network analysis and support, it teaches you a logical problem-solving model backed by practical diagnostic commands and real-world examples. The book covers everything from hardware maintenance on Cisco routers and switches to VLAN and WAN troubleshooting, making it a solid foundation for anyone preparing for CCNP certification. If you want to sharpen your ability to diagnose network issues systematically, this book offers detailed guidance, though it assumes some prior networking knowledge.

What started as a detailed exploration by Cisco Systems Documentation evolved into a definitive resource for mastering IP routing with Cisco IOS 12.0. This book dives into configuring IP addressing and services with real-world scenarios, including BGP setups for ISPs and advanced IP Multicast functionalities, helping you understand complex network protocol implementations. You’ll gain hands-on insights into deploying a variety of IP routing protocols, making it particularly useful if you’re managing Cisco network environments or aiming to deepen your technical expertise. While its scope demands some prior networking knowledge, it rewards you with practical skills to handle Cisco’s robust routing solutions effectively.