CCNA Exam Topics

Describe how a network works
Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices
Select the components required to meet a network specification
Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to explain how data flows in a network
Describe common networked applications including web applications
Describe the purpose and basic operation of the protocols in the OSI and TCP models
Describe the impact of applications (Voice Over IP and Video Over IP) on a network
Interpret network diagrams
Determine the path between two hosts across a network
Describe the components required for network and Internet communications
Identify and correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3 and 7 using a layered model approach
Differentiate between LAN/WAN operation and features

Configure, verify and troubleshoot a switch with VLANs and interswitch communications
Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect switches to other network devices and hosts
Explain the technology and media access control method for Ethernet networks
Explain network segmentation and basic traffic management concepts
Explain basic switching concepts and the operation of Cisco switches
Perform and verify initial switch configuration tasks including remote access management
Verify network status and switch operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH, arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands
Identify, prescribe, and resolve common switched network media issues, configuration issues, auto negotiation, and switch hardware failures
Describe enhanced switching technologies (including: VTP, RSTP, VLAN, PVSTP, 802.1q)
Describe how VLANs create logically separate networks and the need for routing between them
Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VLANs
Configure, verify, and troubleshoot trunking on Cisco switches
Configure, verify, and troubleshoot interVLAN routing
Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VTP
Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RSTP operation
Interpret the output of various show and debug commands to verify the operational status of a Cisco switched network
Implement basic switch security (including: port security, trunk access, management vlan other than vlan1, etc.)

Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP Services to meet network requirements in a medium-size Enterprise branch office network
Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP addressing
Explain the operation and benefits of using DHCP and DNS
Configure, verify and troubleshoot DHCP and DNS operation on a router.(including: CLI/SDM)
Implement static and dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment
Calculate and apply an addressing scheme including VLSM IP addressing design to a network
Determine the appropriate classless addressing scheme using VLSM and summarization to satisfy addressing requirements in a LAN/WAN environment
Describe the technological requirements for running IPv6 in conjunction with IPv4 (including: protocols, dual stack, tunneling, etc.)
Describe IPv6 addresses
Identify and correct common problems associated with IP addressing and host configurations

Configure, verify, and troubleshoot basic router operation and routing on Cisco devices
Describe basic routing concepts (including: packet forwarding, router lookup process)
Describe the operation of Cisco routers (including: router bootup process, POST, router components)
Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect routers to other network devices and hosts
Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2
Access and utilize the router to set basic parameters.(including: CLI/SDM)
Connect, configure, and verify operation status of a device interface
Verify device configuration and network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH or other utilities
Perform and verify routing configuration tasks for a static or default route given specific routing requirements
Manage IOS configuration files. (including: save, edit, upgrade, restore)
Manage Cisco IOS
Compare and contrast methods of routing and routing protocols
Configure, verify, and troubleshoot OSPF
Configure, verify, and troubleshoot EIGRP
Verify network connectivity (including: using ping, traceroute, and telnet or SSH)
Troubleshoot routing issues
Verify router hardware and software operation using SHOW & DEBUG commands.
Implement basic router security

Explain and select the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLAN
Describe standards associated with wireless media (including: IEEE WI-FI Alliance, ITU/FCC)
Identify and describe the purpose of the components in a small wireless network. (Including: SSID, BSS, ESS)
Identify the basic parameters to configure on a wireless network to ensure that devices connect to the correct access point
Compare and contrast wireless security features and capabilities of WPA security (including: open, WEP, WPA-1/2)
Identify common issues with implementing wireless networks. (Including: Interface, missconfiguration)

Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats
Describe today's increasing network security threats and explain the need to implement a comprehensive security policy to mitigate the threats
Explain general methods to mitigate common security threats to network devices, hosts, and applications
Describe the functions of common security appliances and applications
Describe security recommended practices including initial steps to secure network devices

Implement, verify, and troubleshoot NAT and ACLs in a medium-size Enterprise branch office network
Describe the purpose and types of ACLs
Configure and apply ACLs based on network filtering requirements.(including: CLI/SDM)
Configure and apply an ACLs to limit telnet and SSH access to the router using (including: SDM/CLI)
Verify and monitor ACLs in a network environment
Troubleshoot ACL issues
Explain the basic operation of NAT
Configure NAT for given network requirements using (including: CLI/SDM)
Troubleshoot NAT issues

Implement and verify WAN links
Describe different methods for connecting to a WAN
Configure and verify a basic WAN serial connection
Configure and verify Frame Relay on Cisco routers
Troubleshoot WAN implementation issues
Describe VPN technology (including: importance, benefits, role, impact, components)
Configure and verify a PPP connection between Cisco routers