What if I told you that there are over 700 practical Cisco networking tutorials waiting for you on a single website that can help you learn hundreds of different Cisco networking topics?
Here is our Recommended Cisco Training Platform
The resource I’m talking about above is NetworkLessons.com and is probably one of the few online education portals with so many practical lessons on Cisco technologies, ranging from configuration tutorials with network diagrams, instructional videos, reference material, personal support etc.
Let me tell you this: You can certainly find a lot of Cisco configuration examples and other TCP/IP networking information online.
However, they are dispersed all over the Internet and most of the times you find outdated or incorrect information.
Moreover, if you search the Cisco website, you might find the information you want but everything is presented in a complex and bloated way.
In NetworkLessons, however, you will find courses that will enhance your skills in Cisco networking technologies but also help you pass the major Cisco Certification exams.
The concepts are presented in a structured, simple and easy to understand way even if you are a complete beginner.
The courses covering Cisco exams will help you pass the following:
- The newest CCNA 200-301.
- The new CCNP Enterprise with ENCOR 350-401 and ENARSI 300-410 exams.
- The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure exam and certification.
See the screenshot below taken from my own account that I have inside NetworkLessons.
Moreover, there are several specialized or general networking topics covered on the website such as Cisco ASA configuration, Cisco SD-WAN topics, Python programming, subnetting, switching concepts, dynamic routing protocol lessons, Quality of Service, IPv6, security etc.
Another important feature of this education website is the forum area. In there you can freely discuss anything pertaining to your Cisco studies or the Cisco courses offered on the website. It is like having access to a Cisco instructor 24×7.
Who is the Primary Instructor?
The primary course author and instructor of NetworkLessons is Rene Molenaar (CCIE #41726).
I have known Rene for several years now and have watched several of his courses, videos, tutorials etc.
He has vast experience in Cisco networking and, most importantly, he has the ability to explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
Price Options for NetworkLessons
There are two membership options to get unlimited and full access to all Cisco lessons and configuration tutorials included in the website:
OPTION 1:
Monthly membership for $39/month.
This option has $1 trial for 7 days so you can opt for this to get a feeling of the immense value inside the members’ area.
OPTION 2:
Annual membership for $390/year which means you get 2 months for free ($78 saved).
NOTE: Once you subscribe to the members’ area, new lessons and materials are added on a continuous basis which means you will be getting fresh tutorials and information for the whole duration of your subscription.
Which Membership Plan is Right for You?
Well, the “best” option for someone is subjective and depends on various factors.
If you are an experienced networking professional that you just want to learn some new concepts/topics, or you want to get the “final touches” in your exam preparation, then the Monthly membership is a great and affordable option. You can pay for a month and cancel anytime.
If you are a beginner in networking and want to start from scratch to prepare for exams and learn Cisco networking technologies, then the Yearly membership option is the best. This will give you plenty of time to learn as much as possible and pass your exams with flying colors.
Advantages of NetworkLessons
- Very affordable study resource compared to other options.
- The exam courses (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE) follow the official Cisco exam blueprints, which means that you will learn exactly what is needed to pass the exams.
- You can subscribe for $1 for 7-days to get a feeling of what is included in the website.
- You are not locked in any long-term and expensive payment plans. You can subscribe to the monthly membership and cancel any time.
- The Forum area is very active with actual involvement of the instructor and other experts. You can ask questions, clarify concepts etc. It is like having access to an instructor 24×7.
- All lessons, courses, videos, configuration examples etc are explained in simple and understandable way.
- More than 700 lessons, which are continuously updated and enhanced.
- Actual practical configuration examples that you can replicate and copy/paste in actual devices.
- The membership includes also several other networking and programming courses that are hot right now (such as SD-WAN, Python programming as used in networks etc).
Comparison of NetworkLessons with Other Online Cisco Training
NetworkLessons vs INE
NetworkLessons | INE | |
Price | $39/month or $390/year | $39/month or $299/year (Fundamentals only) |
Cisco Certifications Covered | CCNA 200-301
CCNP Enterprise CCIE Enteprise |
Only Introductory Cisco courses available in the Fundamental plan. |
Course Format | Videos, text-based configuration examples, tutorials, reference material etc | Mainly video format |
Vendors training | Cisco | Cisco plus others (AWS, palo alto, Azure, Google cloud etc) |
Active Forum | Yes | No |
The main difference between NetworkLessons and INE is that the former is focused only on Cisco technologies and exams, thus you will get lazer-focused training only for this vendor.
On the other hand, INE is a giant online training company with thousands of courses for multiple vendors. It is more expensive as well, and you will need to subscribe to their Premium Plan ($749/year) to get the whole courses available on the site.
NetworkLessons vs CBT Nuggets
NetworkLessons | CBT Nuggets | |
Price | $39/month or $390/year | $59/month or $599/year |
Cisco Certifications Covered | CCNA 200-301
CCNP Enterprise CCIE Enteprise |
All Cisco certifications available (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, security etc) |
Course Format | Videos, text-based configuration examples, tutorials, reference material etc | Mainly video format |
Vendors training | Cisco | Cisco plus others (AWS, Checkpoint, Juniper, Linux etc) |
Active Forum | Yes | Yes |
CBT Nuggets is another IT training vendor that covers “everything under the sun” in terms of technology training. They have of course Cisco training as well, covering all the major certifications etc. They are also a great resource, however this is a more expensive option compared to NetworkLessons.
If you want focused Cisco training to pass any of the three main Cisco certification exams, then NetworkLessons is more affordable and will cover everything you need to earn your certification.
My Recommendation
I give my highest recommendation to NetworkLessons. Having such a wealth of Cisco tutorials and lessons collected in a central resource portal is a great way to efficiently study for exams or to sharpen your networking knowledge and skills.
You can buy the $1 trial (for 7-days) and have a look inside the website’s resources/lessons and Forum area to see if that’s right for you.