This comprehensive course takes you through the A to Z of networking and security concepts. You'll start with understanding the essential components that make a network tick, and then move on to mastering complex enterprise and theoretical networking models. Lessons include:

• Introduction to Networks: Gain a foundational understanding of networking concepts, including types of networks, topologies, and basic security measures.
• Protocols, TCP/IP and OSI Models: Master the rules of network communication through a thorough understanding of OSI and TCP/IP models and encapsulation and segmentation processes.
• IP addressing, Subnetting, and IPv4/IPv6: Acquire a comprehensive understanding of IP addressing, including IPv4 and IPv6, and learn how to create and implement flexible addressing schemes through subnetting and VLSM.
• Basic Switch and Router Configuration: Attain proficiency in configuring network devices using Cisco IOS.
• Network Security Fundamentals: Develop an essential understanding of why security measures are necessary for network devices, learn how to identify vulnerabilities, and apply general mitigation techniques for enhanced security.
• Build a Small Network: Acquire the practical skills to design, build, and troubleshoot a small network, incorporating routers, switches, and end devices while familiarising yourself with standard troubleshooting methodologies.

Introduction to Networks

• Explain how host and network devices are used.
• Explain network representations and how they are used in network topologies.
• Compare the characteristics of common types of networks.
• Explain how LANs and WANs interconnect to the internet.
• Describe the four basic requirements of a reliable network.
• Explain how trends such as BYOD, online collaboration, video, and cloud computing are changing the way we interact.
• Identify some basic security threats and solutions for all networks.

Protocols, TCP/IP and OSI Models

• Describe the communication rules and protocols needed for communication.
• Explain the purpose of OSI and TCP/IP protocol suite and how these models facilitate standardization in the communication process.
• Explain encapsulation and segmentation process within communication.
• Explain how local hosts access local resources on a network.
• Compare the characteristics of media access control methods on WAN and LAN topologies.
• Describe the purpose, functions, and characteristics of the OSI layer.
• Identify and characterize types of cables.

IP addressing, Subnetting, and IPv4/IPv6

• Describe the structure of an IPv4 address, including the network portion, the host portion, and the subnet mask.
• Compare the characteristics and uses of unicast, broadcast, and multicast IPv4 addresses.
• Explain public, private, and reserved IPv4 addresses.
• Explain how subnetting segments a network to enable better communication.
• Calculate IPv4 subnets for a /8 prefix, /16 prefix, and /24 prefix.
• Explain how to create a flexible addressing scheme using variable-length subnet masking (VLSM).
• Implement a VLSM addressing scheme.
• Explain the need for IPv6 addressing, IPv6 address representation, and types of IPv6 network addresses.

Basic Switch and Router Configuration

• Explain how to access a Cisco IOS device for configuration purposes and navigate Cisco IOS to configure network devices.
• Describe the command structure of Cisco IOS software and configure a Cisco IOS device using CLI.
• Use IOS commands to save the running configuration.
• Explain how devices communicate across network media.
• Configure switch ports and secure management access on a switch.
• Describe switch forwarding methods and port settings available on Layer 2 switch ports.
• Explain how frames are forwarded in a switched network and compare a collision domain to a broadcast domain.
• Configure basic settings on a Cisco IOS router, configure router interfaces, and default gateway.

Network Security Fundamentals

• Explain why basic security measures are necessary on network devices.
• Identify security vulnerabilities.
• Identify general mitigation techniques.
• Configure network devices with device hardening features to mitigate security threats.

Build a Small Network

• Build a Small Network and implement a network design for a small network to include a router, a switch, and end devices.
• Describe common network troubleshooting methodologies.

This course is aligned with Cisco’s globally recognised certification standards, providing academic preparation and professional readiness. Given the high demand for IT security skills in businesses, this course is a foundational step towards obtaining valuable certifications in the critical network and IT security field.

This is the first of three courses covering the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) curriculum. After completing all three courses (CCNA1, CCNA2 and CCNA3) you should be qualified to take the CCNA 200-301 exam. Contact one of our to arrange your certification exam.