CCNA Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Computer Networks

Defines networks, their types, and real-world roles. Establishes vocabulary used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 2 • The TCP/IP Model

Contrasts the TCP/IP stack with OSI and maps real protocols to each layer. Prepares learners for protocol-level analysis used in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • The OSI Reference Model

Explains all seven OSI layers and their distinct functions. Provides the conceptual framework for troubleshooting and protocol analysis.

Lesson 1 • Switch Operation and MAC Tables

Describes how switches learn, forward, filter, and flood frames. Establishes switching logic needed before VLANs and STP are introduced.

Lesson 2 • Ethernet Standards and Evolution

Traces Ethernet from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps and explains CSMA/CD. Grounds learners in the physical and data-link behaviour of modern LANs.

Lesson 3 • MAC Addressing and Frame Structure

Explains the 48-bit MAC address format and Ethernet frame fields. Connects physical addressing to the switching behaviour covered next.

Lesson 1 • Basic Device Configuration

Covers hostname, passwords, banners, and management interface setup. Establishes a secure, identifiable baseline configuration on any Cisco device.

Lesson 2 • Saving and Managing Configurations

Explains running vs. startup config, NVRAM, and IOS file management. Ensures learners can preserve and restore device configurations reliably.

Lesson 3 • Securing Device Access

Applies SSH, service password-encryption, and access control to IOS devices. Directly supports network security principles introduced in later chapters.

Lesson 4 • Interface Configuration and Verification

Configures router and switch interfaces with IP addresses and descriptions. Connects interface setup to routing and switching behaviour in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • IPv4 Address Structure and Classes

Explains 32-bit address format, classful ranges, and public vs. private space. Provides the addressing baseline for all subnetting work.

Lesson 2 • Subnet Masks and CIDR Notation

Introduces subnet masks, prefix lengths, and network/host boundary identification. Enables learners to read and write any subnet in CIDR form.

Lesson 3 • IPv4 Troubleshooting and Verification

Uses ping, traceroute, and address analysis to diagnose IPv4 issues. Reinforces addressing accuracy through practical verification techniques.

Lesson 4 • Variable Length Subnet Masking

Extends subnetting to VLSM for efficient address allocation. Prepares learners for real-world hierarchical addressing plans.

Lesson 1 • Configuring VLANs on Switches

Creates VLANs and assigns access ports using IOS commands. Builds on basic IOS skills to produce a segmented switch configuration.

Lesson 2 • Inter-VLAN Routing Methods

Implements router-on-a-stick and Layer 3 switch SVIs for inter-VLAN routing. Connects VLAN segmentation to routed communication between segments.

Lesson 3 • Trunk Links and 802.1Q

Configures 802.1Q trunks to carry multiple VLANs between switches. Explains native VLAN tagging and trunk negotiation with DTP.

Lesson 1 • How Routers Make Forwarding Decisions

Explains routing table structure, longest-prefix match, and administrative distance. Provides the decision logic underlying all routing protocol discussions.

Lesson 2 • IPv6 Static Routing Basics

Extends static routing concepts to IPv6 addressing and IOS commands. Bridges IPv4 routing knowledge to the IPv6 chapter that follows.

Lesson 3 • Configuring Static Routes

Implements next-hop and exit-interface static routes using IOS commands. Enables learners to build routed topologies without dynamic protocols.

Lesson 1 • OSPF Concepts and Operation

Explains OSPF neighbour relationships, LSAs, and the SPF algorithm. Provides the conceptual foundation before any OSPF configuration is attempted.

Lesson 2 • Configuring Single-Area OSPFv2

Implements OSPFv2 with network statements, router IDs, and passive interfaces. Learners produce a working OSPF topology and verify adjacency and routes.

Lesson 3 • Routing Protocol Tuning and Verification

Adjusts OSPF cost, EIGRP bandwidth, and timers to influence path selection. Reinforces troubleshooting skills through systematic verification commands.

Lesson 4 • Dynamic Routing Protocol Fundamentals

Compares distance-vector, link-state, and hybrid protocol categories. Establishes selection criteria applied when choosing OSPF or EIGRP.

Lesson 1 • DHCP and DNS Services

Configures IOS DHCP server, relay agent, and DNS resolution. Connects addressing automation to the routed network built in prior chapters.

Lesson 2 • Network Address Translation

Implements static NAT, dynamic NAT, and PAT for IPv4 address conservation. Prepares learners to connect private networks to the public internet.

Lesson 3 • IPv6 Addressing and Configuration

Explains 128-bit address types, EUI-64, and SLAAC. Enables learners to configure and verify IPv6 on Cisco routers and switches.

Lesson 4 • Access Control Lists

Creates standard and extended ACLs to filter traffic on router interfaces. Applies security policy enforcement using packet-matching logic.