Cisco course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Computer Networking

Covers network types, topologies, and data communication basics. Establishes the conceptual baseline required for all subsequent Cisco-specific content.

Lesson 2 • Binary, Hexadecimal, and IP Addressing

Teaches number system conversions and IPv4 address structure. Accurate addressing is prerequisite for all routing and switching configuration tasks.

Lesson 3 • OSI and TCP/IP Reference Models

Explains the seven-layer OSI model and the TCP/IP stack with layer-by-layer functions. Provides the framework for understanding how Cisco devices operate at each layer.

Lesson 1 • IPv4 Subnetting Techniques

Covers CIDR notation, subnet calculation, and host range determination. Subnetting skills directly enable router interface and VLAN configuration in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Address Planning and Documentation

Teaches structured IP address planning using spreadsheets and diagrams. Proper documentation reduces misconfiguration and supports network scalability.

Lesson 3 • Variable Length Subnet Masking

Explains VLSM to allocate address space efficiently across varied subnet sizes. Reduces IP address waste in hierarchical network designs.

Lesson 1 • Interface Configuration and Verification

Teaches IP address assignment, interface activation, and status verification on routers and switches. Interface configuration is the foundation of all connectivity tasks.

Lesson 2 • Initial Device Setup and Access

Covers console, Telnet, and SSH access methods and initial hostname and password configuration. Establishes secure management access as a baseline for all device work.

Lesson 3 • Configuration File Management

Explains running-config vs. startup-config, saving configurations, and using TFTP for backup. Ensures configuration persistence and recovery capability.

Lesson 1 • Trunk Links and Inter-VLAN Routing

Teaches 802.1Q trunking configuration and router-on-a-stick inter-VLAN routing. Enables communication between VLANs across the switched infrastructure.

Lesson 2 • VLAN Configuration and Management

Covers VLAN creation, port assignment, and VLAN database management on Cisco switches. VLANs segment broadcast domains and enforce traffic isolation.

Lesson 3 • Ethernet Switching Fundamentals

Explains MAC address learning, forwarding decisions, and switch operation modes. Provides the Layer 2 logic underlying all VLAN and trunk configurations.

Lesson 4 • EtherChannel and Link Aggregation

Covers LACP and PAgP EtherChannel configuration to bundle physical links for bandwidth and redundancy. Complements STP by providing loop-free high-bandwidth uplinks.

Lesson 1 • How Routers Make Forwarding Decisions

Explains routing table lookup, longest prefix match, and administrative distance. Establishes the decision logic that governs all static and dynamic routing behaviour.

Lesson 2 • IPv6 Static Routing

Applies static routing concepts to IPv6 networks using ipv6 route commands. Reinforces IPv6 addressing skills and prepares learners for dual-stack environments.

Lesson 3 • Default Routes and Floating Static Routes

Covers quad-zero default route configuration and floating static routes for backup paths. These techniques provide gateway-of-last-resort and redundancy without dynamic protocols.

Lesson 1 • BGP Fundamentals for Enterprise Networks

Introduces eBGP peering, AS numbers, and path attributes at a conceptual and basic config level. Prepares learners to understand ISP connectivity and policy-based routing.

Lesson 2 • OSPF Single-Area Configuration

Covers OSPFv2 router ID, network statements, and neighbour adjacency formation. OSPF is the dominant enterprise interior gateway protocol and a core exam topic.

Lesson 3 • OSPF Multi-Area and OSPFv3

Explains area types, ABR roles, and OSPFv3 for IPv6 routing. Multi-area OSPF reduces LSA flooding and improves scalability in large networks.

Lesson 4 • Dynamic Routing Protocol Concepts

Compares distance-vector, link-state, and hybrid routing protocol categories and metrics. Provides the selection criteria used when choosing protocols for specific network designs.

Lesson 1 • Access Control List Concepts and Types

Explains standard, extended, and named ACL logic, placement rules, and wildcard masks. ACLs are the primary traffic filtering mechanism on Cisco routers and switches.

Lesson 2 • Applying and Verifying ACLs

Covers applying ACLs to interfaces and VTY lines and verifying with show access-lists. Correct application direction is critical to achieving intended filtering results.

Lesson 3 • AAA and Device Access Security

Introduces RADIUS, TACACS+, and local AAA for centralised authentication and authorisation. Centralised AAA scales device access control across large Cisco deployments.

Lesson 4 • Layer 2 Security Threats and Mitigations

Covers DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and IP source guard to counter Layer 2 attacks. These features protect the switched infrastructure from spoofing and poisoning attacks.

Lesson 1 • WAN Connectivity Technologies Overview

Compares leased lines, MPLS, broadband, and SD-WAN as enterprise WAN options. Understanding WAN types guides technology selection for branch connectivity.

Lesson 2 • NAT and PAT Configuration

Teaches static NAT, dynamic NAT, and PAT to translate private addresses for internet access. NAT is essential for IPv4 address conservation at enterprise edges.

Lesson 3 • NTP, Syslog, and SNMP Network Services

Configures NTP synchronisation, syslog forwarding, and SNMP for monitoring and management. Accurate time and centralised logging are prerequisites for effective network operations.

Lesson 4 • DHCP Server and Relay Configuration

Covers IOS DHCP server setup, exclusions, and ip helper-address relay for remote subnets. DHCP automation reduces manual IP assignment errors across the network.