The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is designed to provide foundational networking knowledge and skills. Cisco's official CCNA module focuses on topics such as networking fundamentals, routing, switching, wireless networking, security, automation, and more. Below is a breakdown of the full module structure based on the 200-301 CCNA Exam:
CCNA Full Module Overview
1. Network Fundamentals
- Networking Concepts:
- OSI Model and TCP/IP Model
- IPv4 and IPv6 addressing and subnetting
- Ethernet standards
- Switching concepts (MAC addressing, ARP, VLANs)
- Wireless networking (Wi-Fi standards and components)
- Network Topologies:
- Star, Mesh, Hybrid
- Physical vs Logical Topologies
- Cable Types and Connectors:
- Copper cables (straight-through, crossover)
- Fiber-optic cables and transceivers
2. Network Access
- Switching Concepts:
- VLANs and Trunking (802.1Q)
- Inter-VLAN routing
- STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) and RSTP
- EtherChannel
- Access Control:
- Port security
- DHCP snooping
- Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
- Wireless Concepts:
- WLAN components (APs, controllers)
- Wireless LAN deployment and management
3. IP Connectivity
- Routing Fundamentals:
- Static routing
- Dynamic routing protocols (RIPv2, EIGRP, OSPF)
- IPv4 and IPv6 route summarization
- Inter-VLAN Routing:
- Router-on-a-Stick configuration
- Layer 3 switches
- Troubleshooting Tools:
- Ping, Traceroute
- Debug and diagnostic commands
4. IP Services
- NAT and PAT:
- Static and dynamic NAT
- Overloading (PAT)
- DHCP:
- NTP (Network Time Protocol):
- Configuring NTP for time synchronization
- QoS Basics:
- Traffic prioritization and marking
- DNS and FHRP:
- DNS operation
- First Hop Redundancy Protocols (HSRP, VRRP, GLBP)
5. Security Fundamentals
- Access Control Lists (ACLs):
- Standard and extended ACLs
- Configuring and applying ACLs
- Device Security:
- Configuring passwords and SSH
- Securing access to the console and VTY lines
- Layer 2 Security:
- Switch port security
- Mitigating VLAN hopping attacks
- AAA Concepts:
- Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting
- Local and remote AAA (RADIUS, TACACS+)
6. Automation and Programmability
- Introduction to Automation:
- Software-defined networking (SDN)
- APIs (REST APIs for networking)
- Device Management:
- Using Python scripts for network automation
- Configuring and managing networks with Cisco DNA Center
- Controller-Based Networking:
- Northbound and Southbound APIs
- Introduction to DevOps tools (Ansible, Puppet)
7. Infrastructure Management
- Logging and Monitoring:
- Syslog and SNMP
- Network Device Management tools
- Backup and Restore:
- Using TFTP and FTP for backups
- Network Maintenance:
- Using Cisco IOS tools (debug, show commands)
Study Tips:
- Use Cisco’s Official Curriculum:
- Cisco’s CCNA course materials and labs provide practical scenarios.
- Simulators and Labs:
- Tools like Packet Tracer, GNS3, or EVE-NG for hands-on practice.
- Take Practice Tests:
- Regularly test your knowledge to identify weak areas.
- Enroll in Training Programs:
- Consider enrolling in Cisco Networking Academy.
