After taking this course, you should be able to:

• Identify the components of a computer network and describe their basic characteristics
• Understand the model of host-to-host communication
• Describe the features and functions of the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS®) software
• Describe LANs and the role of switches within LANs
• Describe Ethernet as the network access layer of TCP/IP and describe the operation of switches
• Install a switch and perform the initial configuration
• Describe the TCP/IP Internet layer, IPv4, its addressing scheme, and subnetting
• Describe the TCP/IP Transport layer and Application layer
• Explore functions of routing
• Implement basic configuration on a Cisco router
• Explain host-to-host communications across switches and routers
• Identify and resolve common switched network issues and common problems associated with IPv4 addressing
• Describe IPv6 main features and addresses, and configure and verify basic IPv6 connectivity
• Describe the operation, benefits, and limitations of static routing
• Describe, implement, and verify Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and trunks
• Describe the application and configuration of inter-VLAN routing
• Explain the basics of dynamic routing protocols and describe components and terms of Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
• Explain how Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) work
• Configure link aggregation using EtherChannel
• Describe the purpose of Layer 3 redundancy protocols
• Describe basic WAN and VPN concepts
• Describe the operation of Access Control Lists (ACLs) and their applications in the network
• Configure Internet access using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) clients and explain and configure Network Address Translation (NAT) on Cisco routers
• Describe basic Quality of Service (QoS) concepts
• Describe the concepts of wireless networks, which types of wireless networks can be built, and how to use Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs)
• Describe network and device architectures and introduce virtualization
• Introduce the concept of network programmability and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and describe smart network management solutions such as Cisco DNA Center™, Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), and Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
• Configure basic IOS system monitoring tools
• Describe the management of Cisco devices

This class includes lecture sections and some self-study sections. In instructor-led classes, lectures are delivered in real-time, either in person or via video conferencing. In e-learning classes, the lectures are on recorded videos.

This course is designed for anyone seeking CCNA certification. The course also provides foundational knowledge for all support technicians involved in the basic installation, operation, and verification of Cisco networks.

The roles best suited to the material in this course are:

• Entry-level network engineer
• Network administrator
• Network support technician
• Help desk technician

Before taking this course, you should have:

• Basic computer literacy
• Basic PC operating system navigation skills
• Basic Internet usage skills
• Basic IP address knowledge

There are no formal prerequisites for CCNA certification, but you should make sure to have a good understanding of the exam topics.