Description
- What do network administrators need to know to support their network? The answer to this question depends on the size and complexity of their network. Fortunately, regardless of the size and complexity of the network, the starting point for learning to support a network is the same. This course is intended to be that starting point.
- This course focuses on providing the skills and knowledge necessary to implement and support a small switched and routed network. For the purpose of this course, a small network is defined as 1 to 20 hosts that are connected to a single switch, with the switch running a single VLAN (VLAN1). The switch is also connected to a router providing a routed link (Routing Information Protocol [RIP] and default) to a simulated Internet and corporate office.
- This course works from the bottom up, providing knowledge and skills as they are needed. The course starts with an introduction to networks. It then introduces host-to-host communications using TCP/IP. Next, Layer 2 devices (switches) are introduced into the network. Next, Layer 3 devices (routers) are introduced into the network. The introduction of Layer 3 devices leads to the use of WANs and routing to connect the site to the Internet and corporate sites. Finally, device management skills (Cisco Discovery Protocol, TFTP, and so on) are introduced.
- As each set of knowledge and skills is introduced, a set of labs is provided to allow the learner to reinforce these skills. A capstone lab is provided as a final learning exercise. This lab presents the learners with a preconfigured network that matches the topology that they have used in the previous labs. A series of configuration errors are introduced in the lab configuration. The goal for the learners is to identify and correct these issues.
Objectives
Upon completing this course, the student will be able to meet these overall objectives:
- Describe how networks function, identifying major components, functions of network components, and the OSI reference model
- Using the host-to-host packet delivery process, describe issues that are related to increasing traffic on an Ethernet LAN and identify switched LAN technology solutions to Ethernet networking issues
- Describe the reasons for extending the reach of a LAN, and the methods that can be used, with a focus on RF wireless access
- Describe the reasons for connecting networks with routers, and how routed networks transmit data through using TCP/IP
- Describe the function of WANs and the major devices of WANs, and configure PPP encapsulation, static and dynamic routing, and PAT and RIP routing
- Use the CLI to discover neighbors on the network and manage router startup and configuration
Who Should Attend
The primary audience for this course is as follows:
- Network administrators
- Network engineers
- Network managers
- Systems engineers
The secondary audience for this course is as follows:
- Network designers
- Project managers
Course Outline
Lab Outline
- Lab 1-1: Using Windows Applications as Network Tools
- Lab 1-2: Observing the TCP Three-Way Handshake
- Lab 1-3: Observing Extended PC Network Information
- Lab 2-1: Connecting to Remote Lab Equipment
- Lab 2-2: Performing Switch Startup and Initial Configuration
- Lab 2-3: Enhancing the Security of Initial Switch Configuration
- Lab 2-4: Operating and Configuring a Cisco IOS Device
- Lab 4-1: Converting Decimal to Binary, and Binary to Decimal
- Lab 4-2: Classifying Network Addressing
- Lab 4-3: Computing Usable Subnetworks and Hosts
- Lab 4-4: Calculating Subnet Masks
- Lab 4-5: Performing Initial Router Startup
- Lab 4-6: Performing Initial Router Configuration
- Lab 4-7: Enhancing the Security of Initial Router Configuration
- Lab 4-8: Using Cisco SDM to Configure DHCP Server Function
- Lab 4-9: Managing Remote Access Sessions
- Lab 5-1: Connecting to the Internet
- Lab 5-2: Connecting to the Main Office
- Lab 5-3: Enabling Dynamic Routing to the Main Office
- Lab 6-1: Using Cisco Discovery Protocol
- Lab 6-2: Managing Router Startup Options
- Lab 6-3: Managing Cisco Devices
- Lab 6-4: Confirming the Reconfiguration of the Branch Network
Prerequisites
The knowledge and skills that a learner must have before attending this course are as follows:
- Basic computer literacy
- Basic Microsoft Windows navigation skills
- Basic Internet usage skills
- Basic email usage skills