Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Course Overview:

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a foundational credential for networking professionals. This comprehensive course provides the essential knowledge and skills required to install, operate, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized enterprise networks, including implementing security threats. The CCNA curriculum covers a broad range of networking topics, from basic network fundamentals and IP connectivity to more advanced concepts like automation and programmability. Earning the CCNA demonstrates a solid understanding of networking principles and the ability to manage modern network infrastructure.

This course is designed for individuals seeking to enter the networking field, IT professionals looking to validate their skills, or anyone interested in understanding the core technologies that power today's interconnected world. It provides a strong theoretical foundation complemented by practical, hands-on exercises to ensure students can apply what they learn in real-world scenarios. We'll delve into the intricacies of various networking devices, protocols, and security measures, preparing you for the challenges of managing and maintaining robust network environments.

Throughout the CCNA course, you will gain proficiency in configuring and verifying common networking technologies such as VLANs, inter-VLAN routing, spanning tree protocol, and EtherChannel. We will explore the fundamentals of IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting, and routing protocols like OSPF. Understanding network security is paramount, so the course will also cover topics like access control lists (ACLs) and basic device hardening.

A significant component of the CCNA certification is understanding network automation and programmability. This course will introduce you to the concepts and tools used to automate network tasks, including an overview of APIs, configuration management tools, and data formats like JSON and XML. This forward-thinking approach ensures that you are equipped with the skills needed for the evolving landscape of network management.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be well-prepared to sit for the Cisco CCNA certification exam (200-301). More importantly, you will possess a strong foundation in networking that will serve as a springboard for further specialization and career advancement in the IT industry.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Network Fundamentals

• Introduction to Networking

• Network Components and Topologies

• OSI and TCP/IP Models

• Ethernet Concepts

• Cabling Types and Standards

• IP Addressing (IPv4 and IPv6)

• Subnetting and VLSM

• Network Protocols (ARP, DNS, DHCP)

Module 2: Network Access

• Switching Concepts

• Configuring and Verifying VLANs

• Inter-VLAN Routing

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

• EtherChannel

• Wireless LAN (WLAN) Concepts and Configuration

Module 3: IP Connectivity

• Routing Concepts

• Static Routing

• Dynamic Routing Protocols (OSPFv2)

• IP Services (DHCP, NAT)

• First-Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP)

Module 4: IP Services

• Access Control Lists (ACLs)

• Network Address Translation (NAT)

• SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow

• Quality of Service (QoS) Concepts

• DHCP and DNS Configuration

Module 5: Security Fundamentals

• Security Concepts and Threats

• Device Access Control

• Layer 2 Security (Port Security, DHCP Snooping)

• VPN Concepts (Site-to-Site, Remote Access)

• Basic Firewall Concepts

Module 6: Automation and Programmability

• Introduction to Network Automation

• APIs and Programmability Concepts

• Configuration Management Tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef - Overview)

• JSON and XML Data Formats

• Controller-Based Networking (SDN Overview)