• To pass the CCNA certification exams, you have to know what cable type is appropriate for a given situation. 
• It's also a good idea to know this for working in real-world production networks as well! After all, if we have the wrong cable, we don't have a network!!!
• This is particularly true of the following scenario, where we have:
  
  
  A laptop connected to a switch (Cable 3)
  Two switches connected to each other  (Cable 2)
  A PC connected to a switch  (Cable 1)
  
  
• This is a very basic and common topology, but we've got three different cable types in there!  Working from top to bottom, let's take a look at the different cables we'll need to make this work.

• For Cable 1, we need a straightthrough cable.  A straightthrough cable is used to connect a PC to a switch or hub.  In a straightthrough cable, the wire connected to Pin 1 on one side is connected to Pin 1 on the other, the wire connected to Pin 2 on one side is connected to Pin 2 on the other, and so forth.

• It's very common to connect two switches to allow them to send data over that connection, and the connection between two switches is called a trunk.  You'll learn all about the particulars of trunking in your CCNA studies, but the first thing we have to do is make sure we have the correct cable!

• To allow two switches to communicate with each other, a special cable type is needed.  Regular straight-through cables will not allow two switches to form a trunk.

• What we need is a crossover cable.  The wire connected to Pin 1 on one side will no longer be connected to Pin 1 on the other, as it was in a straight-through cable.  Four wires will "cross over" in a crossover cable:

Local Pin 1 crosses over to Remote Pin 3

Local Pin 2 crosses over to Remote Pin 6

Local Pin 3 crosses over to Remote Pin 1

Local Pin 6 crosses over to Remote Pin 2

With the proper combination of rollover, straightthrough, and crossover cables, you're on your way to total network connectivity

OSI Model:


The OSI model is a layered model and a conceptual standard used for defining standards to promote multi-vendor integration as well as maintain constant interfaces and isolate changes of implementation to a single layer. It is NOT application or protocol specific. In order to pass any Cisco exam, you need to know the OSI model inside and out. 




the model is made up of 7 layers, namely the application layer, presentation layer, session layer, transport layer, network layer, data link layer and the physical layer. An easy way to remember the order of these layers is, "All people seem to need data processing", where the first letter of every word represents the respective OSI model layer. These seven layers can be divided into two sets as application set and transport set. The application set consists of application layer, presentation layer and session layer, while the transport set comprises the remaining layers. All these layers together work in synchronization for transmitting data from one computer to another. Given below is a brief information on functions of these layers.

Layer	Description	Device	Protocol
Application	Provides network access for applications, flow control and error recovery. Provides communications services to applications by identifying and establishing the availability of other computers as well as to determine if sufficient resources exist for communication purposes.	Gateway	NCP, SMB, SMTP, FTP, SNMP, Telnet, Appletalk
Presentation	Performs protocol conversion, encryption and data compression	Gateway and redirectors	NCP, AFP, TDI
Session	Allows 2 applications to communicate over a network by opening a session and synchronizing the involved computers. Handles connection establishment, data transfer and connection release	Gateway	NetBios
Transport	Repackages messages into smaller formats, provides error free delivery and error handling functions	Gateway	NetBEUI, TCP, SPX, and NWLink
Network	Handles addressing, translates logical addresses and names to physical addresses, routing and traffic management.	Router and brouter	IP, IPX, NWLink, NetBEUI
**Data Link	Packages raw bits into frames making it transmitable across a network link and includes a cyclical redundancy check(CRC). It consists of the LLC sublayer and the MAC sublayer. The MAC sublayer is important to remember, as it is responsible for appending the MAC address of the next hop to the frame header. On the contrary, LLC sublayer uses Destination Service Access Points and Source Service Access Points to create links for the MAC sublayers.	Switch, bridge and brouter	None
Physical	Physical layer works with the physical media for transmitting and receiving data bits via certain encoding schemes. It also includes specifications for certain mechanical connection features, such as the adaptor connector.	Multiplexer and repeater	None

Here is an easy way to memorize the order of the layers:
All People Seem To Need Data Processing. The first letter of each word corresponds to the first letter of one of the layers. It is a little corny, but it works. 

Application Layer: The application layer is said to be the closest layer to the user. It is through this layer that a user can interact with the software application that will aid in the data transfer. The main functions of the application layer are identifying the user who wants to communicate, determine whether the data and networks sources are available and lastly synchronizing the communication between the two users. File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Telnet, Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), etc., are some of the actual implementations of application layer.

Presentation Layer: The main function of presentation layer is to convert the data into a format that could be easily recognized by the application layers of other end users. Compression/decompression, conversion, encryption/decryption, coding/decoding, etc., are some of the tasks undertaken by this layer. Thus this layer converts the data obtained from the application layer into a format that can be easily identified by other network layers.

Session Layer: Session layer plays an important role in establishing, maintaining and terminating the connection between two users. This layer controls the communication between the source user and the destination user and also decides the time of communication. Any error report related to application layer, presentation layer and session layer, are provided by this layer.

Transport Layer: The transport layer is responsible for delivering the data or the messages between the two users. The first task that the transport layers carries is to divide the data in packets. This data is further re-assembled at the side of the receiver user. The transport layer is also responsible for error free data transmission and it also guarantees that the data will be received in correct sequence at the receiver end. UDP, SPX, TCP, etc., are some of the protocols that operate on this layer.

Network Layer: The main function of the network layer is to provide switching technologies, routing technologies and transmitting data from one node to another. This layer creates logical paths for the data transmission, which are known as virtual circuits. Network layer is also responsible for handling errors, packet sequencing, controlling network congestion and addressing. Thus this layer is responsible for the setting up the required network for transferring data from one user to other.

Data Link Layer: Providing reliable transit of the data through a physical network, is one of the main functions of the data link layer. This layer decides the physical configuration of various devices. The data link layer is responsible for synchronization of various physical devices that will transmit the data. It makes sure that the frames are transferred in correct order and asks for retransmission in case of error. Basically, the data link layer is a layer that provides reliable transmission services to the network layer.

Physical Layer: As the name suggests, the physical layer is the layer that deals with the physical components of a network. It is responsible for activation, maintenance and deactivation of various physical links that act in data transmission. Electrical signals, voltage levels, data transmission rates, etc., are some of the major elements defined by the physical layer. It is also responsible for passing and receiving bytes from the physically connected medium.

1. Which three statements are true about local and network applications? (Choose three.)
• A local application is loaded in a local computer and can be accessed by a remote computer on the network.
• A network application is loaded in a local computer and accessed from a remote computer. 
• A local application is loaded in a local computer and accessed only by the local computer. 
• A network application is loaded in a local computer and accessed only by the local computer.
• An example of a local application is e-mail.
• An example of a network application is instant messaging.

2. A wireless DHCP client cannot connect to the Internet through a Linksys integrated router. When you type ipconfig on the host, no IP address, subnet mask, or default gateway shows. What are two of the first things you will check? (Choose two.)
• SSID
• if the wireless client is configured for DHCP
• the cable between client and integrated router
• the firewall configuration on the integrated router
• if the correct default gateway is configured on the client
• if the correct default gateway is configured on the integrated router

3. Refer to the graphic. Assume that the command output is from a wireless DHCP client that is connected to a Linksys integrated router. What can be deduced from the output?
• The wireless connection is good.
• The WEP key or SSID needs to be checked.
• The DHCP configuration on the router needs to be checked.
• The wireless NIC driver or the NIC itself needs to be reinstalled.

4. What measurement is commonly used to describe communication speed when transferring data?
• bps 
• cps
• Hz
• MB

5. What is an accurate description of network devices in the distribution layer?
• They are designed to interconnect individual hosts.
• They are designed to interconnect multiple companies.
• They are designed to interconnect local network segments. 
• They are designed to switch data packets as fast as possible.

6. When acting as a DHCP server, an integrated router can provide what three types of information to a client? (Choose three.)
• physical address
• MAC address
• default gateway 
• static IP address
• dynamic IP address 
• DNS server address

7. Where do ISPs get the public addresses that they assign to end users?
• ISPs create the addresses themselves.
• ISPs are assigned addresses through the RFC.
• ISPs obtain their addresses automatically.
• ISPs obtain address blocks from registry organizations.

8. Refer to the graphic. What is the effect of setting the security mode to WEP on the Linksys integrated router?
• It identifies the wireless LAN.
• It allows the access point to inform clients of its presence.
• It translates IP addresses into easy-to-remember domain names.
• It encrypts data between the wireless client and the access point. 
• It ensures that only authorized users are allowed access to the WLAN.
• It translates an internal address or group of addresses into an outside, public address.

9. When are leased lines typically used?
• when low bandwidth is required
• for home and small business connectivity
• when a dedicated digital data line is necessary 
• as a less expensive option to cable and DSL modem service

10. Which wireless protocol is used for encryption?
• EAP
• Open
• PSK
• WEP

11. The area covered by a single AP is known as what?
• ad-hoc network 
• basic service set
• independent basic service set
• extended service set
• distribution system

12. Which installation option should be chosen when the current operating system is too damaged to work properly?
• upgrade
• multi-boot
• clean install 
• virtualization

13 . What layer is the first point of entry for a host into the network?
• core layer
• access layer 
• network layer
• distribution layer

14. What two commands can be used to form a new binding if client information does not agree with the DHCP client table? (Choose two.)
• ipconfig /release 
• ipconfig /all
• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /renew 
• ipconfig

15. What are two advantages of purchasing a custom-built computer? (Choose two.)
• usually a lower cost 
• no waiting period for assembly
• user can specify higher performance components 
• supports higher-end graphics and gaming applications
• fewer components to replace

16. What information within a data packet does a router use, by default, to make forwarding decisions?
• the destination MAC address 
• the destination IP address
• the destination host name
• the destination service requested

17. What is a service pack?
• an access policy
• an agreement between a company and a vendor
• a piece of code created to fix one specific problem
• a collection of patches and updates released by a vendor 
• a small piece of software designed specifically for security issues

18. What is an ISP?
• It is a standards body that develops cabling and wiring standards for networking.
• It is a protocol that establishes how computers within a local network communicate.
• It is an organization that allows individuals and businesses to connect to the Internet. 
• It is a networking device that combines the functionality of several different networking devices in one.

19. Which two statements correctly describe Media Access Control (MAC) addresses? (Choose two.)
• MAC addresses are used to identify a specific NIC. 
• MAC addresses are physical addresses. 
• MAC addresses contain a network number and unique host identification.
• MAC addresses are always assigned to network devices by a network administrator.
• MAC addresses can be dynamically assigned.

20. What is the name for the contract between a customer and an ISP that specifies requirements for uptime and service response time?
• DSL
• IAB
• NAP
• SLA

21. What are two ways that a user can interact with an operating system shell? (Choose two.)
• CLI 
• OS
• GUI 
• NIC
• kernel

22. Select the connection that would require a straight-through cable.
• a switch to a hub
• a router to a switch 
• a switch to a switch
• a router to a router

23. Choose the option that shows the correct sequence of steps in the encapsulation of TCP/IP data that is passed from a source to a destination host?
A. converts data to bits for transmission
B. packages the data for end to end transport
C. adds the data-link header and trailer
D. adds the network IP address to the header of the frame
• A,B,C,D
• A,C,D,B
• B,D,C,A
• B,C,D,A
• D,C,B,A

24. What is specified by the network number in an IP address?
• the network to which the host belongs 
• the physical identity of the computer on the network
• the node of the subnetwork which is being addressed
• the broadcast identity of subnetwork

25. Refer to the graphic. What is the purpose of assigning a Network Name of Academy?
• It identifies the wireless LAN. 
• It translates IP addresses into easy-to-remember domain names.
• It encrypts data between the wireless client and the access point.
• It allows access to the AP configuration GUI by name rather than address.
• It translates an internal address or group of addresses into an outside, public address.

26. Which of the following statements best describes DNS?
• DNS servers are used to map an IP address to a physical address.
• DNS servers are used to map a name to an IP address.
• DNS servers are used to configure logical address information for host computers.
• DNS servers are used to translate from private addresses to public addresses.

27. Which of the following are the address ranges of the private IP addresses? (Choose three.)
• 10.0.0.0 to 10.255.255.255 
• 200.100.50.0 to 200.100.25.255
• 150.150.0.0 to 150.150.255.255
• 172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255 
• 192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255 
• 127.16.0.0 to 127.31.255.255

28. Which protocol is used to transfer files among network devices and perform file-management functions?
• DNS
• FTP 
• HTML
• HTTP

29. Select three statements that correctly describe how DHCP services may be provided. (Choose three.)
• An integrated router provides IP configurations for most ISPs.
• An integrated router can act as both DHCP server and DHCP client.
• A home PC using a static IP address obtained that address from a DHCP server.
• Most home network integrated routers receive an IP configuration directly from their ISP. 
• A variety of devices can act as DHCP servers, as long as they run DHCP service software. 
• A home PC is required by standards to obtain an IP address and default gateway from a DHCP server (usually the ISP).

30. Refer to the graphic. Based on the information that is shown, what statement is true?
• This configuration would be commonly found in an ad hoc wireless network.
• Any wireless client that is attached to this access point would have the same IP address and SSID.
• All wireless devices that are connected to this access point must have an assigned SSID of Academy. 
• In addition to accepting wireless client requests, this access point must connect to the wired network.

31. Identify two causes of physical layer network problems. (Choose two.)
• logical addressing issues
• improperly terminated cables 
• cables plugged into wrong ports 
• incorrect MAC address assigned
• packets received out of sequence
• incorrect subnet mask on an interface

32. Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is commonly used to exchange data between a PDA and a computer?
• FM
• radar
• infrared 
• ultraviolet

33. Which of the following are transport layer protocols of the TCP/IP model? (Choose two.)
• FTP
• UDP 
• SMTP
• TFTP
• TCP

34. For the second time in a week, workstations on a LAN are not able to log into the server. The technician fixed the problem the first time, but cannot remember the steps taken to solve it. What aspect of the troubleshooting process has the technician neglected?
• identifying the problem
• asking end-users questions
• documenting the troubleshooting process 
• using structured techniques to solve a problem

35. What action will a router take when it receives a frame with a broadcast MAC address?
• It will not forward the frame to another network.
• It forwards the frame back to the sending host with its IP address as a response.
• It forwards the frame out of all interfaces except the interface where the frame was received.
• It forwards the frame back out the receiving interface to insure all hosts on the local network receive it.

36. A network host is accessing a web server. What two protocols are most likely being used as the TCP/IP model application layer protocol and the internetwork layer protocol? (Choose two.)
• IP
• FTP
• TCP 
• DHCP
• HTTP

37. Which statement is true concerning stateful packet inspection?
• Access is permitted based on IP addresses of the source and destination devices.
• Access is permitted based on the MAC addresses of the source and destination devices.
• Access is permitted only if the type of application that is attempting to reach the internal host is allowed.
• Access is permitted only if it is a legitimate response to a request from an internal host.

38. What does the term "attenuation" mean in data communication?
• loss of signal strength as distance increases 
• time for a signal to reach its destination
• leakage of signals from one cable pair to another
• strengthening of a signal by a networking device

39. What is the default subnet mask for a class B address?
• 255.0.0.0
• 255.255.0.0 
• 255.255.255.0
• 255.255.255.255

40. Refer to the graphic. Based on the configuration information that is shown, which three types of 802.11 networks are allowed access to the WLAN? (Choose three.)
• 802.11a
• 802.11b 
• 802.11e
• 802.11g 
• 802.11n 
• 802.11x

41. Within a local network, which two items must be unique on a computer for it to successfully connect to the network? (Choose two.)
• IP address 
• subnet mask
• computer name 
• default gateway address
• operating system version

42. When considering the purchase of a new operating system, what is meant by "Total Cost of Ownership?"
• applications and support costs
• hardware and support costs
• hardware and software costs
• hardware, software, and support costs 
• hardware, operating system, and applications costs

43. A computer joins the network and announces itself to all hosts on the LAN. What type of message does the computer send out?
• broadcast 
• simulcast
• multicast
• unicast

44. Refer to the graphic. What feature can be installed on the Linksys integrated router to convert private IP addresses to Internet-routable addresses?
• authentication
• DHCP
• encryption
• firewall
• NAT 
• WEP

45. When terminating UTP cabling, why is it important to untwist only a small amount of each wire pair?
• minimizes crosstalk 
• makes installation faster
• ensures wires are in correct order
• makes it easier to fit wires into connector

46. A host sent a message that all other hosts on the local network received and processed. What type of domain are all these hosts a part of?
• local domain
• multicast domain
• collision domain
• broadcast domain

47. Your school network blocks all websites related to online gaming. What type of security policy is being applied?
• identification and authentication
• remote access
• acceptable use 
• incident handling

48. Refer to the graphic. Assume that the exhibited output is from a host that is connected to a Linksys integrated router. What is one of the first things you should check?
• IP address on the host
• IP address on the router
• subnet mask on the host
• default gateway on the host
• link status LED on the front of the router

49. The transmit pins are disconnected and only the receive pins are used.
• The transmit pins on one device are connected to the transmit pins on the other device.
• The receive pins on one device are connected to the receive pins on the other device.
• The transmit pins on one device are connected to the receive pins on the other device.

50. What are two examples of storage peripheral devices? (Choose two.)
• printer
• flash drive 
• headphones
• external DVD 
• barcode reader

51. What are the two possible values for a digital bit? (Choose two.)
• 0 
• 1 
• A
• F
• #
• 9

52. What type of computer would most likely use a docking station?
• laptop 
• server
• desktop
• mainframe
• workstation

1. What routing protocol uses cost as its metric?
a. RIP
b. EIGRP
c. OSPF
d. BGP

2. Which of these is an exterior gateway protocol (EGP)?
a. OSPF
b. BGP
c. RIP
d. EIGRP

3. Which of these routing protocol would be used between Autonomous systems (Inter-AS)?
a. OSPF
b. RIP
c. EIGRP
d. BGP

4. Which routing protocol has a default administrative distance of 110?
a. BGP
b. OSPF
c. RIP
d. EIGRP
e. Static

5. Which routing method is most trusted by a router?
a. BGP
b. IGRP
c. Static
d. RIP
e. OSPF

6. What is the process of sending routes from one routing protocol to another routing protocol?
a. Redistribution
b. Distribution
c. Filtering
d. Prepending
e. Source Routing

7. Which command tells RIP to send hellos, out an interface, to find neighbors and to advertise routes?
a. hello
b. network
c. interface
d. advertise
e. neighbor

8. You want to filter inbound routes from an OSPF neighbor. Which command do you use?
a. Distribute-list
b. Route-list
c. Prefix-list
d. Filter-list

9. In BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP, an internetwork under common administration, is called what?
a. Routing system
b. Autonomous routing
c. Routing Domain
d. Autonomous system

10. Which command do you use to prevent OSPF HELLO packets from going out a configured interface?
a. no network
b. passive
c. no advertise
d. hello-off
e. quiet

11. In OSPF, every router must have communications back to what?a. Area zero
b. The root
c. OSPF central
d. Area one

12. Which of these routing protocols would be unavailable on a non-Cisco router?a. OSPF
b. RIP
c. EIGRP
d. BGP

13. What type of OSPF router would connect an area that is not using OSPF?a. BDR
b. ABR
c. BR
d. ASBR
e. OSBR

14. A router receives two identical routes from different protocols. What route is put into the routing table?a. The route with the most trusted AD
b. The best route
c. The OSPF route
d. Both routes

15. If RIP receives two similar routes to a network, which route is put into the routing table?a. The route with the most trusted administrative distance
b. The most specific route
c. The RIP version 2 route
d. Both routes

Passing the Cisco CCNA certification is not an easy task. Cisco ensures passing the CCNA remains prestigious by maintaining the difficulty level of the CCNA exam by changing the exam pattern regularly. With the difficulty level being where it is, and the extensive exam syllabus, students must know what topics they should focus on for passing the CCNA exam. Listed below are the core topics tested on the Cisco CCNA exam and what you are expected to know from them. We have outlined the key concepts that you are supposed to know from these core topics. We recommend that students do not use this as an exam syllabus since not all exam objectives are listed below. The list is instead a supplementary study aid, which can be used to cross check if you have covered the key points in the CCNA core topics.

OSI Reference Model

• Know the purpose of each layer of the OSI model
• CCNA candidates must know the important protocols operating at each layer of the OSI model
• Cisco also expects CCNA students to know the common devices found at each layer of the OSI model
• Know the advantages of a layered approach to networking
• Understand the steps of data encapsulation through the layers of the OSI model
• Know the various Protocol Data Units (PDU) used at each layer of the OSI model

Physical Layer

• Understand basic topologies (Examples include Bus, Star, Ring and Mesh)
• Know Distance limitations and maximum speed of Physical Layer Media

Data Link Layer

• Differentiate Data Link and Network Addresses
• Explain the functions of a MAC Address
• Explain the advantages of LAN segmentation
• Understand the CSMA/CD process
• How does this process improve network performance and avoid collisions on the network?
• Compare and contrast the functions of bridges, switches and routers
• Understand network segmentation (broadcast and collision domains) with routers, bridges and switches

Network Layer

• What are the functions of a router?
• Define logical network addressing
• How does an address help determine how a packet moves through the local network and to remote networks?
• Understand how to translate logical addresses into physical addresses
• Know the differences between the protocols TCP/IP, IPX, and AppleTalk
• What is the difference between a Routed and Routing Protocol?

Transport Layer

• Differentiate between connection oriented and connectionless protocols
• What is flow control?
• Understand the basic methods to achieve flow control including:
• Establishing connections
• Maintaining connections
• Synchronizing communications
• Controlling dialogues
• Terminating connections

Session Layer

• What is a session?
• Explain the differences between half and full duplex communication

Presentation Layer

• What are the different data formats found at the Presentation Layer?
• What are some examples of Presentation Layer Standards?

Application Layer

• What are the three basic services of the Application Layer?
• What are some common Application Layer Services?
• Compare the OSI model to the Cisco Three Layer Model
• Understand the Cisco Three Layer Model and the protocols within
• Process/Application Layer
• Host-to-Host Layer
• Internet Layer

WAN Protocols

• What are the types of encapsulations on Cisco routers? Which is the default?
• Know the differences between:
• Leased lines
• Circuit switching
• Packet switching
• Understand how to troubleshoot a serial link
• Understand the different WAN protocols and services

Frame Relay

• What is the LMI in Frame Relay?
• What are the different Frame Relay encapsulations?
• What is the CIR in Frame Relay?
• Know the commands for Frame Relay encapsulation
• What is a DLCI?
• Know the commands for troubleshooting Frame Relay
• Know how to configure Frame Relay LMI’s, maps and sub-interfaces
• What are the Frame Relay congestion notification types?

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

• What are the PPP WAN encapsulations?
• Compare and contrast LAPB and HDLC (Cisco Proprietary)
• What are the PPP Data Link Layer Protocols?
• Know the commands for PPP encapsulation
• Know the commands for troubleshooting PPP

ISDN and Dial on Demand Routing (DDR)

• What is the Basic Rate Interface (BRI)? What does each channel do and how is information moved from end to end?
• What is the Primary Rate Interface (PRI)?
• Understand the 5 basic dialer map steps for configuring DDR
• Know the commands for troubleshooting ISDN
• What are the ISDN terminals, protocols, and reference points?
• What is a SPID?
• What are the ISDN switch types?

X.25

• What are the differences between DCE and DTE?
• What is an X.25 virtual circuit?
• What are the layers of X.25?
• Which protocols and services support X.25 WAN?

Network Protocols

TCP/IP

• What is the TCP/IP suite of protocols? What are the protocols within and what is each responsible for?
• What is the format of a TCP segment?
• Identify TCP/IP Transport Layer protocol functions
• Identify TCP/IP Network Layer protocol functions
• Compare and contrast TCP versus UDP
• Connectionless Versus Connection Oriented
• Reliable versus Unreliable
• Understand the network and host parts of an IP address
• What is the format of an IP packet?
• Understand classes of IP addresses and their associated network sizes:
• Class A
• Class B
• Class C
• Class D
• Class E

• Know how to work with the various IP address classes:
• For each class of an IP address, know the number of bits in the host part and network part
• Know how to tell the class of an IP address (This is definitely be a test question)

Subnetting

• Know how to determine a broadcast address
• Know how to determine valid hosts range in a subnet (first and last host in a subnet)
• Using subnet masks to determine number of subnets and number of hosts
• Understand the concept of Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSM)
• Understand Private IP addresses and NAT
• Know how to configure and verify IP addresses
• Know how to convert between binary and decimal
• Understand the IP address and subnet mask block sizes
• Explain the functions of ICMP
• What is a Three-Way Handshake?
• What are ARP and RARP?

IPX

• Explain the components of an IPX network address
• Know the IPX protocol, how it communicates and how to create multiple networks using this protocol
• Know how to configure Novell IPX and interfaces
• List IPX encapsulation types
• Monitor IPX operations
• Define Data Encapsulation
• What are well known, registered and dynamic ports?

Routing

• Know the Administrative Distances of the various routing protocols:

* Static Route			1
* Internal EIGRP			90
* IGRP			100
* OSPF			110
* RIP			120
* External EIGRP			170

• How does a router work? How are routers discovered and how do they communicate with each other?
• What are the differences between Routed and Routing protocols?
• Understand the basic IP routing process
• What is classful versus classless routing?
• What is CIDR?
• Know the difference between dynamic and static routing
• Know how to configure a static route
• What is a default route? When is it used?
• Understand the differences between Distance Vector, Link-State and Hybrid routing protocols
• How does a Distance Vector Routing Protocol work?
• Know what types of routing protocols RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, and OSPF are, and know their properties
• Know the Metrics used by RIP, IGRP, EIGRP and OSPF for best route determination

RIP

• Know how to configure RIP routing
• What are the differences between RIP v1, RIP v2 and IGRP?
• Know how to verify RIP routing
• Know how to configure IPX RIP
• Know how to monitor IPX routing
• What is SAP?

IGRP

• Know how to configure IGRP routing
• Know how to verify IGRP routing
• What are the differences between RIP and IGRP?

EIGRP

• Know how to configure EIGRP
• Know how to verify EIGRP routing

OSPF

• Know how to configure a single OSPF Area
• Know how to verify the operation of OSPF
• Know what is an OSPF Hello Timer
• Know how to verify your host table on a router
• What is a routing loop?
• What methods are used to prevent routing loops?
• What is network convergence?
• What is split horizon?
• What are hold down timers?
• What is count to infinity?
• What is route poisoning?

Security

• What is an access list?
• Cisco expects CCNA candidates to know which number ranges correspond to which ACL

* IP			1-99
* Extended IP		100-199
* Ethernet type code			200-299
* DECnet		300-399
* XNS			400-499
* Extended XNS			500-599
* AppleTalk		600-699
* Ethernet address			700-799
* Novell	IPX		800-899
* Novell Extended			900-999
* Novell SAP		1000-1099

• Know the rules for creating and applying access lists
• How is an access list identified?
• Know how to evaluate access lists already put in place
• How are multiple access list statements executed on a router?
• What are the differences between standard and extended access lists?
• Understand the Standard IP access list configuration command
• Understand the Extended IP access list configuration command
• What are the differences between IP and IPX access lists?
• What are the number ranges for various IP and IPX access lists?
• Know how to configure IPX access lists and SAP filters
• Know the command to verify access list configuration
• Know the command to verify an access list on an interface
• Understand wild card masking
• Understand the relationship between access lists and packet control
• Understand the term “implicit deny”. Where is it placed?
• What is port denial?
• What are the access list types?
• Named versus number access lists
• Know how to remove an access list

Passing the Cisco CCNA certification is not an easy task.
Cisco ensures passing the CCNA remains prestigious by maintaining the difficulty level of the CCNA exam by changing the exam pattern regularly. With the difficulty level being where it is, and the extensive exam syllabus, students must know what topics they should focus on for passing the CCNA exam. Listed below are the core topics tested on the Cisco CCNA exam and what you are expected to know from them. We have outlined the key concepts that you are supposed to know from these core topics. We recommend that students do not use this as an exam syllabus since not all exam objectives are listed below. The list is instead a supplementary study aid, which can be used to cross check if you have covered the key points in the CCNA core topics.

Click on the pic 4 dwnload basics of networking

Cisco has defined a hierarchical model known as the hierarchical internetworking model. This model simplifies the task of building a reliable, scalable, and less expensive hierarchical internetwork because rather than focusing on packet construction, it focuses on the three functional areas, or layers, of your network: 

How to Pass the CCNA Exam in Just 30 Days !!!!!

With Hard Work, Dedication to Studying, and a Brilliant Mind… Maybe

If you have always dreamed of a career in Information Technology, then becoming a Cisco Certified Network Associated, or a CCNA, might just be for you. Unlike other corporate testing methods, you can take the classes and study the guides that you need to study on your own time and take the tests you need to pass on your own as well.

First of All, Dedicate at Least 4 Hours to Studying Every Day

its the first step in a Cisco career certification path. Particular emphasis is given to using decision-making and problem-solving techniques in the application of science, mathematics, communication and social studies concepts to solve networking problems. Students will learn how to install and configure Cisco switches and routers in multiprotocol networks using local- and wide-area networks (LANs and WANs), provide Level 1 troubleshooting service, and improve network performance and security. Additionally, instruction and training are provided in the proper care, maintenance, and use of networking software tools and equipment, as well as all local safety, building, and environmental codes and regulations.

CCNA Exploration

The Cisco CCNA® Exploration curriculum provides a compre¬hensive overview of networking; from fundamentals to advanced applications and services. It is based on a top-down approach to networking that is popular in many colleges and universities. This course emphasizes theoretical concepts and practical application, while providing opportunities for students to gain the skills and hands-on experience needed to design, install, operate, and maintain networks. CCNA Exploration offers in-depth theory, challenging labs, and a detailed overview of protocol opera¬tions. It is designed for students with advanced problem-solving and analytical skills, such as degree candidates in engineering, math, or science, or for working profession¬als who would like to advance their careers or gain certification. CCNA Exploration helps students prepare for successful IT careers in small-to-medium businesses, as well as enterprise and service provider environments.

CCNA Exploration can be integrated into technology curricula or continuing education programs at postsecondary institutions such as technical schools, colleges, and universities.

CCNA Exploration 1: Network Fundamentals

• 
  
• » Use network protocol models to explain the layers of communications in data networks.
• » Design, calculate, and apply subnet masks and addresses.
• » Build a simple Ethernet network using routers and switches.
• » Employ basic cabling and network designs to connect devices.
• » Use Cisco CLI commands to perform basic router and switch configuration and verification.
• » Analyze the operations and feature of the transport and network layer protocols and services.

CCNA Exploration 2: Routing Protocols and Concepts

• 
  
• » Configure and verify router interfaces.
• » Demonstrate comprehensive RIPv1 configuration skills.
• » Design and implement a classless IP addressing scheme for a network.
• » Use advanced configuration commands with routers implementing EIGRP.
• » Apply the basic RIPv2 configuration commands and evaluate RIPv2 classless routing updates.
• » Identify the characteristics of distance vector routing protocols.

CCNA Exploration 3: LAN Switching and Wireless

• 
  
• »  Troubleshoot common network problems at Layers 1, 2, 3, and 7 using a layered model approach.
• » Interpret network diagrams.
• » Perform and verify initial switch configuration tasks including remote access management.
• » Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VLANs, interVLAN routing, VTP, trunking on Cisco switches, and RSTP operation.
• » Manage IOS configuration files.
• » Identify the basic parameters to configure a wireless network and common implementation issues.

CCNA Exploration 4: Accessing the WAN

• 
  
• » Describe the impact of applications (Voice Over IP and Video Over IP) on a network.
• » Configure, verify, and troubleshoot DHCP and DNS operation on a router.
• » Verify, monitor, and troubleshoot ACLs in a network environment.
• » Configure and verify a basic WAN serial connection, a PPP connection between Cisco routers, and Frame Relay.
• » Configure and verify a PPP connection between Cisco routers, and Frame Relay on Cisco routers.
• » Troubleshoot WAN implementation issues.