COURSE INSIGHT

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification stands as a cornerstone for those aiming to solidify their footing in networking. It serves as a gateway to advancing career prospects while showcasing mastery in the realm of networking technologies. Embracing the CCNA path equips individuals with vital skills and knowledge, crucial in today’s interconnected digital landscape.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications holds significant value in the field of networking and IT for several reasons.

  • Cisco systems are widely used in the industry, making CCNA one of the most recognized and respected networking certifications globally. This recognition can significantly enhance a candidate’s employability and career prospects in the IT networking sector.
  • CCNA provides a comprehensive understanding of foundational networking concepts, including network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability. This broad knowledge base is essential for any networking professional.
  • CCNA focuses on developing practical, real-world skills. It covers the installation, configuration, operation, and troubleshooting of medium-size routed and switched networks, which are critical competencies in the field.
  • With a CCNA certification, professionals can pursue various career paths within networking, such as network engineer, network administrator, systems engineer, IT manager, and more. It opens opportunities in different sectors including corporate, government, and freelance consulting work.
  • Many employers prefer or require CCNA certification for networking positions. It’s often seen as a testament to a candidate’s commitment to their professional development and their proficiency in networking.
  •  Professionals holding a CCNA certification often have the potential to command higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers, as the certification demonstrates a verified level of expertise and commitment to the field.

For anyone serious about a career in networking, CCNA offers a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, along with the recognition needed to advance in the field.

CCNA Course Contents

 

Module 1 : Network Fundamentals

  • Explain the role and  function of network components
  • Describe characteristics of network topology architectures
  • Compare physical interface and cabling types
  • Identify interface and cable issues (collisions, errors, mismatch duplex, and/or speed)
  • Compare TCP to UDP
  • IP Addressing and Subnetting
  • IPv6 Addressing types
  • Describe Wireless Principles
  • Describe Fundamentals of Virtualization
  • Describe Concepts of Switching

 

Module 2 : Network Access

Configure and verify

  • VLANs
  • Interswitch Connectivity
  • Layer 2 Discovery protocols such as CDP and LLDP
  • Layer2 and Layer3 EtherChannel (LACP)
  • Wireless LAN Components to connect clients using GUI only such as, security settings, building Wireless LAN, advanced Wireless LAN settings, and Quality of Service(QoS) profiles


Describe

  • The purpose and basic Rapid PVST+ operations
  • Physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components like AP, WLC, access/trunk ports, and LAG
  • Describe Access Point and Wireless LAN Controller management using http, https, Telnet, SSH and console)

Module 3 : IP Connectivity

  • Understand different components of routing table
  • Understand default method of router of making a forwarding decision
  • Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 static routing
  • Configure and verify single area OSPFv2
  • Explain why First Hop Redundancy Protocol (FHRP) is used

 


Module 4 : IP Services

Configure and verify

  • NAT using static and pools
  • Network Time Protocol operating in a client and server mode
  • Remote access using SSH for devices
  • DHCP client and DHCP Relay


Explain

  • DHCP and DNS role in the network
  • SNMP function in network operations
  • Per Hop Behavior (PHB) forwarding for QoS, which includes shaping, congestion, policing, queuing, marking, congestion and classification


Describe

  • The features of syslog including facilities and levels
  • TFTP/FTP capabilities and function  in the network

 

Module 5 : Security Fundamentals

Configure and Verify

  • Device access control using passwords created on Local device
  • Access Control List (ACLs)
  • Layer 2 security elements (DHCP snooping, Port Security, Dynamic ARP inspection)
  • WLAN using WPA2 PSK using the GUI


Describe

  • Security program aspects (user awareness, Physical access control, and Training)
  • Elements of Security password policies elements, such as complexity, management, and password alternatives (biometrics, certificates, and multifactor authentication)
  • Site-to-Site and Remote access VPNs
  • Wireless security protocols such as WPA, WPA2, and WPA3
  • Define essential security concepts (Vulnerabilities, threat, exploits, and Countermeasures)
  • Distinguish Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) concepts

 

Module 6 : Automation and programmability

  • Explain how automation affects network management
  • Compare controller-based networking with traditional networks
  • Describe controller-based and software defined architectures (overlay, underlay, and fabric)
  • Separation of control plane and data plane
  • North-bound and south-bound APIs
  • Compare traditional campus device management with Cisco DNA Center enabled device management
  • Describe characteristics of REST-based APIs (CRUD, HTTP verbs, and data encoding)
  • Recognize the capabilities of configuration management mechanisms Puppet, Chef, and Ansible
  • Interpret JSON encoded data