Key components of the course include:

• Explain the relationship between physical ports and the ports you see within the OS
• Explain memory types of Cisco routers and switches
• Explain the LED indicators and the different modes
• Describe how to connect to the console port of a switch or router
• Explain the boot up process and the role of setting the configuration registry
• Describe the process of connecting a computer
• Describe the modes of the Cisco IOS and how to enter and exit the modes
• Explain methods of getting help on a Cisco IOS
• Explain the role of show commands and how to use filtering to find information
• Explain how to use shortcuts to efficiently manage devices
• Explain basic configurations such as hostnames, setting the clock, and creating a Message Of The Day (MOTD)
• Explain how to create remote and secure connections
• Explain the different config files and how to capture and save those files
• Describe the steps to recovering from a lost password
• Describe methods of updating the boot file
• Explain how to manage switchport and routed ports
• Explain how to set up dual stack on routed interfaces
• Describe the purpose of CDP and LLDP and how to change the configuration on the ports in regard to these protocols
• Describe how to set up a loopback interface on a router
• Build and configure a fully functioning network
• Explain the troubleshooting process
• Determine and correct specific network issues

Explore the Cisco IOS and basic networks

• Get familiar with Cisco devices and the Cisco IOS
• Understand how to efficiently configure and manage Cisco routers and switches
• Configure and troubleshoot a working network

Learn it Right, Learn it Well, and Reap the Rewards

Spending the time now to fully understand the Cisco IOS and how to configure it’s settings will help you for studying for the CCNA.

Module Descriptions

Welcome and Getting Started: Prepare yourself for efficiently and successfully completing the course. You’ll get an overview of what the course is all about and what you should expect out of it.

Equipment Meet and Greet: Let’s get to know our equipment. This module introduces the foundational concepts of Cisco routers and switches, focusing on the critical components that make up these devices. Students will explore the relationship between physical ports and the ports recognized within the operating system, understand the various memory types used in Cisco devices, and learn to interpret LED indicators and their modes. The module also covers practical skills, including how to connect to a device’s console port, the steps involved in the boot-up process, and the importance of setting the configuration registry. Additionally, students will gain hands-on experience in connecting computers to Cisco devices, laying the groundwork for more advanced networking tasks.

Navigating Cisco Devices: Getting a base understanding of how to efficiently navigate the Cisco IOS can make studying for the CCNA and working in this career go much more smoothly. This module focuses on mastering the Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS), covering the various modes of the IOS, how to enter and exit them, and the tools available for getting help within the system. Students will learn to use essential show commands, applying filtering techniques to quickly locate specific information, and discover shortcuts that enhance efficiency in device management.

Configuring Cisco Devices: No matter what device you’re setting up, there are some general configurations that are best practices to have. This module covers the fundamental configurations required to set up Cisco devices, including assigning hostnames, setting the system clock, and creating a Message Of The Day (MOTD). Students will also learn how to establish remote and secure connections, ensuring that devices are accessible and protected in a network environment.

Working with Config Files: It’s important to understand how your configs are stored and saved on these devices. This module teaches students how to manage Cisco device configuration files, including capturing, saving, and restoring these files. It also covers the critical steps for recovering from a lost password and provides methods for updating the boot file and ensuring devices are properly configured.

Configuring Ports: Ports play a big role in a network, it’s what interconnects your devices. This module explores techniques for managing Cisco switchports and routed ports, including configuring dual stack on routed interfaces for IPv4 and IPv6. Students will learn about the Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) and Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP), focusing on how to configure these protocols on network ports. Additionally, the module covers the setup of loopback interfaces on routers, providing essential skills for optimizing and managing network interfaces.

Configuring a Network: Now let’s apply these skills to creating an actual network. In this module, students will apply their knowledge to build and configure a fully functioning network using Cisco devices. The module covers the end-to-end process of designing, implementing, and configuring network components, ensuring seamless communication and connectivity across the network. Students will gain hands-on experience in creating a robust and efficient network environment.

Basic Network Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting is a huge part of an IT career, and being efficient in how you troubleshoot will be important for this course and your career. This module focuses on the essential skills required for effective network troubleshooting. Students will learn a systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving network issues, identifying common problems, and applying targeted solutions to restore optimal network performance. Through practical exercises, students will develop the ability to quickly determine and correct specific network issues, ensuring minimal downtime and efficient network operations.

Wrap Up: Time to wrap up the course and provide any final thoughts.