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Whoa Whoa slow down there Dingleberry.

First off. Good that you are interested in IT. But IT is huge and there are so many aspects to it. I suggest starting off with something like the CompTIA A+. That will give you the base knowledge you need to know to be able to troubleshoot many everyday end user problems. By base knowledge I mean the thought process and methodology. IT isn't predictable. There are 100s if not millions of cases where following X directions is supposed to give you Y results but it doesn't because something that seems completely unrelated is causing the issue. The A+ helps put you in the correct mindset.

The CompTIA A+ you can just pick up the book for it, sit and read it. It isn't a class and is very entry level. There are classes for it but I personally advise against it. I read the book and took the test my first year in college. But I was already fixing problems on my own. It just supplemented what I knew and taught me more.

What ever anyone says about the A+ being easy is semi true. I can promise you that anyone who thinks they know their stuff does not know everything. That also includes A+ material which again is basic. Everyone who reads those books will learn something. But for seasoned people it can be boring since a lot of it is rehashed info they know from experience. The A+ is conceptual and the methods taught are not written in stone. Also the test is performing troubleshooting the ComTIA way.

For example a common troubleshooting tip for network connectivity issue such as not being able to get online is something as simple as checking to make sure the ethernet cable is plugged in. And CompTIA says that should always be the first thing you check. This is something basic that many people overlook because in my experience very rarely the issue is the cable not being plugged in.

Don't skip it. It will be your building blocks. You don't have to take the test. But it will help you get your foot in the door into a help desk position.

The Cisco Net Acad is good for getting fundamentals of networking in the Cisco world and is training toward the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Meaning the scope is very limited. You will learn how a network works in general. Meaning the how information gets from point A to point B and theory behind why it works. But then it will take a sharp turn on to Cisco network equipment. I suggest reading a Sybex's Net+ book by Todd Lammle. The Net+ is also by CompTIA but focuses on a MUCH MUCH broader spectrum of networking and troubleshooting networks. For example, the Cisco course isn't really going to dive into this like token rings, MAUs, ALOHA, DSL, DSLAMs, Cable, and other tech. The Cisco learning path is more, here is what a network is, here is why it works, here are some general things that apply to all networks, and now let configure a Cisco switch and a Cisco router, and finally let's troubleshoot common Cisco problems that people run into.

Use the Cisco classes to build on your Net+ knowledge. I'm not saying to take the CompTIA A+ and Net+ exams, but at least study the material. Because it sounds like you aren't really sure what you want to split off to. If you go straight for the Cisco class, you will learn nothing about computers because Cisco doesn't care about what desktop/laptop/server you use for this level of information.

Being well rounded in IT is more valuable than being a specialist who only knows one thing in terms of job opportunities. But from what I've seen specialists make more money if you can find a job for that specialization.

Now to answer your 3 questions.

1. Read a Net+ book. It will teach you all the basics you need to know. There will be some overlap in the beginning but that is about it. It's better for you to have a wider range of networking knowledge than to be locked into a specific vendor from the start. You have years ahead of you to worry about vendor specialization. But Cisco currently is the defacto networking equipment. Juniper is catching up and HP and Dell offer enterprise solutions that compete with Cisco.
   
   
2. In my college it was a 4 semester class held once a week. I would talk to your community college about completion time. If you want to finish it faster, you might be best served by going to a trainer. But they are a lot more expensive and the material they will throw at you will be bigger chunks because they will expect you have some base knowledge. This is a great reason why you should read the Net+ books. It will get you familiar with general networking concepts so that when you take the class you're not sitting there with confused look on your face.
   
   
3. There really isn't a guide. The Cisco Net Acad classes follow the exam Objectives for the CCNA. For you the major Certs would be the A+, Net+ and CCNA (ICND1 and ICND2). The CCNA is a cisco certification that can be taken 2 ways. The composite CCNA exam. And the ICND1 and 2. Passing ICND1 will give you the CCENT. It's basically part one of the test and saying that you can walk into a small business and get a basic network up and running. The ICND2 is the second part and will give you the full CCNA. The composite test is both the ICND1 and 2 put together.
   
   The composite test is meant for those with experience and is generally harder because you need to know less about a lot of topics where as the ICND1 and 2 you need to know a lot about less topics. You should take the 2 test route.
   
   These are the books I read. These are also the ones I mentioned above.
   
   Sybex ComTIA A+ http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Complete-Study-Guide-Application/dp/047048649X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372738911&sr=1-3&keywords=sybex+a%2B
   
   Sybex CompTIA Net+ by Todd Lammle http://www.amazon.com/CompTIA-Network-Study-Authorized-Courseware/dp/1118137558/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372738836&sr=1-8&keywords=todd+lammle
   
   Start off reading these two. These will teach you everything you need to know to understand what you are getting your self into. From there you can go into specialization such as Cisco. For that I used the Wendell Odom books which are the official Cisco books. Warning, the writing is dry.
   
   Cisco ICND 1 100-101 by Wendell Odom. http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-CCENT-ICND1-100-101-Official/dp/1587143852/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372739094&sr=1-2&keywords=wendell+odom+icnd1
   
   Cisco ICND 2 640-802 http://www.amazon.com/ICND2-Official-Certification-640-816-640-802/dp/158720181X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372739138&sr=1-4&keywords=wendell+odom+icnd2
   
   NOTE: I did not see the ICND 2 book by Wendell and Odom for the new exam objectives that will take effect later this year. So the first ICND 1 book will be valid for the new test. The second book will not be but it would not hurt you to read it until Wendell and Odom come out with an updated ICND 2 book.
   
   I've also heard good things about the Todd Lammle CCNA book but I do not see one for the newer exam objectives.

OK I'll bite:

While I agree, this is probably unwise, I like sticking it to the man and your manager sounds like a real dick.
I worked retail gigs before I got into IT, so I know how important paging is to the business.

The professional way to approach this is: go over his head to a regional manager and use the magic phrase "My manager disabled the paging and it's really impacting our ability to serve our customers".

That being said: if you wanna go guerrilla on him:

• When you call the paging number:
  Do you get a fast busy?
  Does it ring and ring with no answer?
  Does it answer but won't page over the horns/speakers?
  
  

1. If it's fast busy: you're probably shit outta luck. Someone disabled the FXS port on the phone system or reconfigured it in the call manager.
   
   
2. If it rings and rings and never answers: I'd wager a guess that he physically disconnected the paging module (typically this a small device made by a company like Valcom or Viking like this http://www.amazon.com/Valcom-V-2001A-Enhanced-Control-Built/dp/B000MT4CZS ) from the amp. This is probably locked in a closet somewhere - so if you can gain physical access to the room. You'll need to check to see if
   a) The power cord has been unplugged from the Valcom, Viking, or whatever. Find it it plug it back in. It's probably a small barrel connector.
   b) The phone line-cord has been disconnected from the phone system. It's PROBABLY a flat silver cable and its probably dangling from the Valcom or phone system
   
   
   
3. If it picks up but you can't hear the page: someone likely turned down (or turned off) the amplifier. These usually look like really basic home theater receivers, and they usually have clearly marked volume controls on the front. Find the master control and turn that shit up to 11, spinal tap style (this will probably make your pages even louder... so be careful too loud and you might damage the horns). It's also possible there audio cable from the Valcom to the amplifier has been disconnected (but I that's a lot less likely) .
   
   These steps are based on the most common type of paging system configuration I've seen. It's entirely possible your company is using a more sophisticated solution - but I think there's a good chance it configured like this. Godspeed. Keep fighting the good fight.

1 - DHCP - IMO a really bad idea. The appliance's interfaces should be static IP's. You have to be able to manage it and it needs the same IP. You could do a DHCP reservation, but at that point, why not go ahead and leave it static? It has to be reachable to be managed, and if it's a gateway device, those interfaces have to be reachable.

2 - Not at work right now, but I seem to remember the Device > Interfaces page has a field to set the MAC. Never done the virtual though so YMMV.

3 - In the FMC ACP page there's a search box in the upper right. It searches for whatever you type in any field in the ACP. Up and down arrows to scroll through all the matches. Same in the Objects pages.

4 - I haven't really looked, but it would be nece to get more than 25 at a time.

5 - Todd Lammle writes a really good book that you can get on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Firepower-6-x-Threat-Defense-ebook/dp/B06XYXCVQ8/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1497956555&sr=8-8&keywords=todd+lammle

His class is also excellent. Better than Cisco's by a mile. Did both last summer. Cisco's spends more time on the non-ASA devices, but that's probably not an issue for 90% of people. The concepts are the same across the ASA and Sourcefire devices. The execution is a little different. If I had 5X the budget, I'd love to have one of the Sourcefire-designed devices.

EIGRP for IP: Basic Operation and Configuration by Russ White.

Russ is one of about 10 Cisco Certified Architect's (CCAr), is currently Chief Architect at Linkedin, and was a Distinguisher Architect a Cisco for a long time.

He literally invented a lot of the mechanics of EIGRP and routing protocols in general, such as:

• US Patent 7,623,474: Techniques for distributing information using multicast subsets
  
• US Patent 7,697,505: Techniques for decreasing queries to discover routes in an interior gateway protocol
  
  Russ has a bunch of other really good books like Optimal Routing Design and Inside Cisco IOS Software Architecture.
  
  tl;dr, Russ's EIGRP book is the best book on EIGRP :)

I would recommend using this book:

http://www.amazon.com/CCNA-Routing-Switching-Study-Guide/dp/1118749618/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396382315&sr=8-1&keywords=ccna

While it covers both exams, it's probably the best way to learn networking (it's how I did it at least). Todd lays everything laid out in an easy to understand way.

Also I would highly recommend using Packet Tracer:

https://www.netacad.com/web/about-us/cisco-packet-tracer

It has enough features to get you through your CCNA and most of the CCNP and is very easy to setup and use.

You can go with FREE stuff (plenty) or go for more structured learning that comes with both learning as well as practice questions (paid).

Folks have already covered the free stuff, for paid, you can check out Udemy or a study guide from Amazon (comes with free quiz too).

https://www.amazon.com/CCIE-Evolving-Technologies-V1-1-Written/dp/1718058314/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541993167&sr=8-2&keywords=CCIE+evolving

I'm nearly finished reading this book right now. The book goes into deep detail of the architecture of the IOS XR operating system. However, it does assume a base level of knowledge. For example, it very briefly covers configuring IGPs, but does not go very deep on that particular subject because the author assumes you already have that knowledge and experience (which it sounds like you do, so this book will probably be perfect for you).

What I have found by reading this book is that the syntax of IOS XR is generally not too different from classic IOS with regards to most generalized things. The biggest different with routing protocols is configuring based on address families, instead of just assuming IPv4 like classic IOS does.

There's another book (that I have not yet read) called IP Routing on Cisco IOS, IOS XE, and IOS-XR which I have heard is kind of like the updated replacement for Doyle's Routing TCP/IP.

If you are going to pursue the single CCNA test, you should definitely get Tod Lammle's CCNA Study guide. He writes some of the best books for self study.

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Certified-Network-Associate-640-802/dp/0470901071/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

If you are going to pursue the 2 test route for CCNA, here are the books to get.

ICND 1

http://www.amazon.com/CCENT-Certified-Networking-Technician-640-822/dp/0470247029/ref=pd_sim_b4

ICND 2

http://www.amazon.com/ICND2-Official-Certification-640-816-640-802/dp/158720181X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_c

If you can, sign up for the Cisco Net Academy, it's a great course.

Its iSCSI, dell equallogic. Just one of them. As far as servers, we have about 25, mostly VM's, but all connected to an older 2960. I'd like a 48 port, 10/100/1000 with maybe 10GB uplinks should be fine. SFP + for example, nothing too fancy. Layer 2 is plenty

I was thinking at least a 4948E. Which I found one on amazon for pretty cheap: https://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-4948E-F-Ethernet-Switch-1000Base-T/dp/B005FZV5N6/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1492720606&sr=8-10&keywords=Cisco+Catalyst+4948E

A USB to RJ45 cable will probably work fine.

I've never used one, and I don't see any such cables with long histories of positive reviews & glowing feedback.

But I have used USB to DB9 serial adapters, combined with traditional DB9 to RJ45 Cisco Console Cables for years, with excellent result.

USB to DB9
DB9 to RJ45 Console Cable

About 8 years ago, I purchased "https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Keyspan-High-Speed-USA-19HS/dp/B0000VYJRY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1502292351&sr=1-1&keywords=usa-19hs" - I have successfully used this with Windows xp/7/8/8.1/10, Linux, and OSX. It's a bit pricier, but it has worked perfectly.

Some quick googling does not bring much up. It seems like they ship with the rack hardware when bought new and are otherwise unavailable.

https://community.cisco.com/t5/small-business-switches/replacement-sg102-rackmount-bracket/td-p/2452839

Posting to the forums and PM'ing the person who responded there may help. They are end of sale though so you may be out of luck.

The alternative is to buy a 1u shelf.

https://www.amazon.ca/StarTech-com-Depth-Universal-Fixed-Mount/dp/B071KW94ZC?th=1

I used Todd Lammle CCNA study guide for exam prep - http://www.amazon.com/CCNA-Routing-Switching-Study-Guide/dp/1118749618/ref=la_B000APOJ5M_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412759956&sr=1-1. I think it's one of the best study guides I ever read.
And, yes, lot of practice in subnetting

ASR1k? That runs IOS-XE. IOS-XR runs on ASR9K, CRS, and XR. Cisco Press has a book on IOS-XR that isn't awful. The docs on Cisco's site are pretty decent actually.

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-IOS-Fundamentals-Mobeen-Tahir/dp/1587052717/

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/ios-nx-os-software/ios-xr-software/products-installation-and-configuration-guides-list.html#anchor2

The most difficult thing for me was understanding exactly how to apply RPL to get what I wanted. The If/then/else thing is pretty nice but can be a bit cumbersome. You can't just "insert" policy at any point like a route-map or juniper "terms". You have to re-apply the whole policy or edit it interactively in the online editor.

There's also this:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/ios_xr_sw/ios_xrv/install_config/b_xrvr_432_chapter_01.html

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RHDXDWA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

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ad /u/radicldreamer said, subnetting... this is the biggest challenge for a lot of engineers.

You'll need basic ospf troubleshooting skills.

Know basic ports for applications... 80/http, 443/https, 22/ssh, 23/telnet, etc...

Check out CBT Nugget videos if it's within your budget, you can also get an ICND1 Cert guide book for about $20... it's well worth the purchase

This probably a better textbook then the official textbooks for the the CCNA courses

http://www.amazon.com/CCENT-ICND1-100-101-Official-Guide/dp/1587143852/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412741127&sr=1-1&keywords=icnd1


youtube has lots of videos that will cover the basics on any subject you need for the test.

Something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-IOS-Fundamentals-Mobeen-Tahir/dp/1587052717

You cannot connect to it directly from your network interface card. What you need is a roll-over console cable and a usb-to-serial adapter.

http://www.amazon.com/Generic-HKUS-FB000GL3MOYT-T000650F-Cisco-Console-RJ45-to-DB9/dp/B000GL3MOY

http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-RS-232-Serial-Converter-TU-S9/dp/B0007T27H8/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415759891&sr=1-1&keywords=usb+to+serial

USB to your computer, connect the serial ends and plug the RJ45 into the console port of the switch.

Once you have done that, you'll need to select SERIAL connection from putty, you can find what COM port your usb-to-serial device is on by going to devices and printers in windows. Change the COM port in putty to match, and make sure the connection settings are:

Bits per sec : 9600
Data bits : 8
Parity : none
Stop bits : 1
Flow control : none

click connect and press a key if you see no output on the screen.

This

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RHDXDWA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Doesn't require drivers for mac or windows

The Prolific Serial -> USB is what you use to plug into your PC.

Switch Console port -> Cisco Console to Serial cable -> serial to USB adapter -> USB port on PC

Cisco console cable: https://www.amazon.com/Cisco-72-3383-01-Rollover-Console-Female/dp/B005S2KPPU/

Prolific Serial to USB adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Converter-Prolific-Chipset-CB-DB9P/dp/B00IDSM6BW/

They have console -> usb cables, but YMMV on that.

Tl;dr Once you set up the router with an ip address, you can configure it via ssh/telnet using ethernet.

Current and newer Cisco routers/switches do have a mini-usb connector for console access. Personally, I purchased a console cable that has a built in Ftdi chip controller and usb.

https://www.amazon.com/Asunflower%C2%AE-Cisco-Console-Cable-Windows/dp/B00RHDXDWA

CCENT/CCNA ICND1 100-101 Official Cert Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587143852/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_iuD3wb362FTH5

For syllabus and other info about the tests start here: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/certifications/ccent

I used the official certification guide book from Cisco Press, but there are other books available too. Here is a link to the official book: http://www.amazon.com/CCENT-ICND1-100-101-Official-Guide/dp/1587143852

The testing is all done on a computer, no physical lab.