Cisco Networking Course

Lesson 1 • Network Devices and Their Roles

Identifies hubs, switches, routers, and other devices and their functions. Establishes device roles that are configured in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • Introduction to Computer Networks

Covers the definition, purpose, and evolution of computer networks. Provides context for all subsequent networking topics in the course.

Lesson 3 • Network Topologies and Media Types

Describes physical and logical topologies and the media used to connect devices. Prepares students to select appropriate infrastructure for given scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Network Models and Layered Architecture

Explains the OSI and TCP/IP models and how layers interact. Builds the conceptual framework used throughout all protocol discussions.

Lesson 1 • Subnetting Techniques and Calculations

Applies binary math to divide networks into subnets of required sizes. Students practice VLSM to optimize address allocation efficiently.

Lesson 2 • IPv4 Addressing Structure

Explains binary representation, address classes, and public vs. private ranges. Forms the arithmetic foundation required for subnetting calculations.

Lesson 3 • Address Resolution and DHCP

Covers ARP for IPv4 and NDP for IPv6, plus DHCP operation for dynamic addressing. Links address assignment to device communication established earlier.

Lesson 4 • IPv6 Addressing and Transition

Introduces IPv6 format, address types, and coexistence mechanisms with IPv4. Prepares students for dual-stack and tunneling configurations.

Lesson 1 • Monitoring and Troubleshooting IOS Devices

Uses show commands, debug output, and syslog to monitor device health. Introduces systematic troubleshooting methodology applied throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Cisco IOS Overview and CLI Navigation

Introduces IOS software, exec modes, and command-line navigation shortcuts. Establishes the operational environment for all device configuration tasks.

Lesson 3 • Initial Device Configuration

Covers hostname, banner, password, and interface setup for first-time device access. Produces a baseline configuration applied in all subsequent labs.

Lesson 4 • Securing Device Management Access

Implements SSH, privilege levels, and role-based access control on Cisco devices. Directly supports network security practices introduced in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Ethernet Switching Operation

Explains MAC address learning, forwarding, filtering, and flooding in switches. Provides the operational basis for all VLAN and STP configurations.

Lesson 2 • Spanning Tree Protocol

Teaches STP, RSTP, and PVST+ to prevent Layer 2 loops in redundant topologies. Students configure and verify root bridge election and port states.

Lesson 3 • VLANs and Inter-VLAN Routing

Configures VLANs, trunk links, and router-on-a-stick for inter-VLAN communication. Enables logical network segmentation for security and performance.

Lesson 4 • EtherChannel and Link Aggregation

Bundles multiple physical links into a logical channel using LACP and PAgP. Increases bandwidth and provides redundancy without STP blocking.

Lesson 1 • Routing Policy and Redistribution

Applies route maps, prefix lists, and redistribution to control routing information flow. Enables students to integrate multiple routing domains in enterprise networks.

Lesson 2 • Routing Concepts and Static Routes

Explains routing table lookup, administrative distance, and static route configuration. Establishes routing fundamentals before dynamic protocol complexity is introduced.

Lesson 3 • OSPF Multi-Area and OSPFv3

Extends OSPF to multi-area designs and introduces OSPFv3 for IPv6 routing. Students configure ABRs and verify inter-area route propagation.

Lesson 4 • EIGRP Configuration and Tuning

Configures EIGRP for IPv4 and IPv6, covering DUAL algorithm and metric tuning. Compares EIGRP behavior with OSPF to reinforce protocol selection skills.

Lesson 1 • VPN Technologies and Tunneling

Configures site-to-site and remote-access VPNs using IPsec and GRE tunnels. Connects WAN security requirements to the network security chapter.

Lesson 2 • Broadband and Internet Access Technologies

Examines DSL, cable, fiber, and wireless broadband for branch internet connectivity. Prepares students to recommend appropriate access technologies for given sites.

Lesson 3 • SD-WAN and Modern WAN Architecture

Introduces software-defined WAN principles, controllers, and overlay transport. Bridges traditional WAN skills to modern enterprise deployment models.

Lesson 4 • WAN Concepts and Service Types

Defines WAN terminology, circuit types, and service provider relationships. Contextualizes WAN options before specific technology configurations are introduced.

Lesson 1 • Intrusion Prevention and Threat Detection

Configures IPS signatures and integrates threat detection tools for active defense. Complements firewall controls with inline traffic inspection capabilities.

Lesson 2 • Cryptography and PKI Essentials

Explains symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing, and certificate authority roles. Provides the cryptographic foundation for VPN and secure management protocols.

Lesson 3 • Access Control Lists

Configures standard and extended IPv4 ACLs and named IPv6 ACLs to filter traffic. Applies packet filtering as the first line of perimeter defense.

Lesson 4 • Security Threats and Attack Taxonomy

Categorizes network threats including reconnaissance, DoS, and man-in-the-middle attacks. Establishes threat awareness needed to justify all subsequent security controls.

Lesson 1 • Data Formats and APIs

Covers JSON, XML, and YAML data formats and REST API interaction methods. Enables students to parse and construct structured data for automation scripts.

Lesson 2 • Network Programmability Concepts

Defines software-defined networking, controller architectures, and automation drivers. Frames the shift from manual CLI to programmatic network management.

Lesson 3 • Cisco DNA Center and Intent-Based Networking

Explores Cisco DNA Center as an intent-based networking controller for campus automation. Integrates automation concepts with enterprise-scale network management platforms.

Lesson 4 • Python Scripting for Network Automation

Applies Python fundamentals and the Netmiko library to automate device configuration. Produces reusable scripts that replace repetitive manual CLI tasks.