Cisco routers and switches are the cornerstones of many networks. But when things break, repairs can intimidate even the most competent administrator. Luckily, just knowing the "in case of emergency" basics will take you far.

Just like the original, this second edition of the highly acclaimed Cisco Routers for the Desperate is written for the administrator in crisis mode. Updated to cover switches and the latest Cisco terminology, with a tighter focus on the needs of the small network administrator, this second edition gives you what you need to know to provide reliable network services and fix problems fast. You'll find coverage of:

• Installation—how to get your router and network connections up and running right the first time

• Troubleshooting routers and switches, so that you can determine whether your hardware or the Internet is broken

• Security concerns, like how to keep your network equipment safe from hackers and install a private network between two offices

• How to implement basic network redundancy to reduce the risk of network downtime

Cisco Routers for the Desperate, 2nd Edition is designed to be read once and left alone until something breaks. When it does, you'll have everything you need to know in one easy-to-follow guidebook.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 14 Ratings

Great crash course into Cisco routers - 2007-02-06
Reviewer Rating:
I started a new job and had almost no experience with Cisco products. I was desperate and bought this book. What a gem of a purchase. This book takes something cryptic as Cisco appliance administration and walks you through it so that anyone can learn in hours.

I have bought books from this author before and have yet to be disappointed. The man has clearly been an admin for years, so he knows the pain we all feel. :) His humor is really refreshing on such a dry topic.

All in all, I would recommend this book for any novice network admin, or someone who wants to start a new job using Cisco products. It's worth the price.

A pleasant surprise. Great book. - 2007-03-24
Reviewer Rating:
This book was a real surprise. I had low expectations for such a short text (122 pages) but, this is a great book for anyone needing an mid-level how to do it now reference. The chapters are short and to the point. The author seems very expeienced and has many good sugestions clearly born from that experience.

It is a great book for experienced network engineers to keep handy for say a jr. admin. Give this book to somone who hasn't ever touched a router (but, knows the fundamentals of networking) and they'll have a Cisco router up and running out of the box in less than an hour.

This was a real timesaver for me (to not have to handhold my staff) when I had to deploy a large network with a small inexperienced staff. It raised the productivity of my group overnight and allowed me to focus on the big problems, then later come back and explain the details to them.

A great book - 2009-05-05
Reviewer Rating:
This is a great book. I wish I had this book when I was just starting to learn the Cisco CLI. This book includes all kinds of Cisco and networking related know how. Like how-to pick an isp, find a host on the network (down to the switchport), and how to make your router/switch secure with ssh. My only wish would be for another book from Lucas called Cisco Switches for the desperate. This book is an excellent value, and an easy read. Michael Lucas keeps this book interesting. Other BOOKS in this industry could learn a few things from Cisco Routers for the Desperate 2nd edition.

Cisco Routers for the Desperate: Router Management, The Easy Way - 2007-05-14
Reviewer Rating:
I found this book to be very easy to understand, and right on track for a net admin to use, to fill in information on Cisco routers and switches. The way the book is written, it is tailored to individuals w/ extensive network and server experience that need a little help w/ routers. I have been able to refer back to the book for information needed for daily use on these pieces of equipment.

I'm impressed - 2007-05-14
Reviewer Rating:
This book just took 2 days to my work after ordering. Blazing fast!

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