Gambit Changes How Network Engineers Prepare for CCNA Certification; Allows Real World Simulation of Cisco Gear.

NASHUA, N.H. -- Gambit Communications, a leading network simulation tools provider, today announced the availability of its enhanced training tool to support Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) CCNA(R) certification. MIMIC(R) Virtual Lab CCNA creates a real world lab environment for training centers and network engineers with a network of Cisco Routers and Switches. It enables a hands-on learning experience without needing to buy expensive equipment.

Network engineers can practice for CCNA and other certifications instead of just reading instructions. They can interact with Cisco gear just like real devices. The realistic simulation is combined with a unique feature, "Lab Exercises", to provide guided tutorials and exercises to practice and evaluate the readiness for the certifications.

"As a big proponent of 'learning by doing' I can honestly say that MIMIC Virtual Lab CCNA is the closest thing to having the real equipment in front of you," said Matt Basham, Program Director at St. Petersburg College and the author of "Learning by Doing" CCNA Textbook. "I have tried many different simulators but none are as easy and as comprehensive as MIMIC Virtual Lab. Two thumbs up for the great product -- a must have for anyone serious about Cisco certifications."

"The MIMIC Virtual Lab makes expanding Cisco training programs easier for training organizations," said Patrick von Schlag, President of leading IT Learning Services consultancy Deep Creek Center. "As Cisco continues to play a larger role in the IT space, leading training organizations need to expand access to multiple training labs. This is not only true for traditional for-profit training companies, but increasingly in academic settings as well. With MIMIC they can provide well-structured labs with the course material for students to practice and take home."

MIMIC Virtual Lab CCNA consists of a simulated network of Cisco routers, switches with LAN, WAN and ISDN connections.

Some of the features include:

--Lab with extensive free-form configuration

--Hundreds of router commands, including all the shortcut commands and edit keys for CCNA lab training

--Support for routing protocols - RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, BGP, OSPF, IS-IS

--Configuration of ISDN, CDP, PPP, Frame Relay ACL and NAT protocols

--Ready tutorials and exercises for different labs

--Use IOS command in all modes (User, Privileged, Configuration, Interface)

--Access the devices using Telnet from anywhere on the network like a real device, locally or remotely

--Access the devices using the system console

--Boot using flash or TFTP protocol

--View the topology map with connections and addresses

--Save the current configuration and reload it anytime

--Troubleshoot by retracing the commands from the log

--Protocol supported - Telnet, Cisco IOS, SNMPv1-3, TFTP

About Gambit Communications

Founded in 1995, Gambit is a leader in network simulation tools that enhance the productivity of enterprises and developers while lowering their costs. MIMIC Simulator and Virtual Lab are a modular family of simulators used by leading networking vendors for applications like training, testing and disaster simulations. Gambit Communications' portfolio of over 300 customers includes: Cisco, Bank One, Goldman Sachs, VISA, Shell, US Army, US Air Force, CA, HP, Intel, AT&T, MCI, BAE Systems, BT, Intel, Motorola and Ericsson.

For more information on Gambit and MIMIC, please visit www.gambitcomm.com.

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