CCNA - what's the best way to do it?

[Jog On]

Is it realistic for a newb like me to pass CCNA without access to a lab? I have neither the funds nor the space in my home for a lab to work on.

>>>> http://www.mindtechcom.com/ <<<<<

1 Slot = 1 Hour*
:: CCNA/CCNP ::
10 Slots - 9 USD
20 Slots - 14 USD
100 Slots - 49 USD

There's your lab right there, all real stuff - you just log in and off you go

Can I really pass with just a book, some braindumps/example questions and maybe a simulator like the Duderama suggested?

Seriously doubt that, you can't pass the exam without getting the simulation question right which involves setting up/fixing a network. Spend too long on it and you run out of time for the rest of the questions.

You have to be very comfortable with configuring routers and switches at the command line and be able to work out where an incorrect IP/subnet mask is in a chain of connections a bit like this one here - very quickly and move on to the next question.

As GCR99 said they've done everything they can to make it so you can't braindump your way through the CCNA and they've done it very well.

If you can't subnet and configure routers and switches (did I mention quickly?) then forget it.

if you want to learn and pass it quickly find a good course and practice subnetting and labs every day. here's another site I used:

http://www.celticrover.com/BSIG/default.aspx

Quite hard practice questions you can do and it will score you in what areas you are weak in as well