8 Weeks to CCNA Course Overview


 
The Boson 8 Weeks to CCNA course covers a broad range of fundamental knowledge for all IT careers. We combine lecture, hands-on virtual labs, and self-study to help you learn how to install, operate, configure, and verify basic IPv4 and IPv6 networks. The course covers configuring network components such as switches, routers, and wireless LAN controllers; managing network devices; and identifying basic security threats. You will build a foundation in network programmability, automation, and software-defined networking.

Course Outline


Week 1

Network Fundamentals

  • The OSI Model
  • Network Devices
  • Cisco Three-Tier Network Design Model
  • Cisco Two-Tier Network Design Model
  • Spine-Leaf Topology
  • WAN Topologies
  • SOHO Topologies
  • On-Premises and Cloud Deployments
  • Interfaces and Cabling
  • Troubleshooting Interfaces and Cabling

Week 2

Network Addressing and Transport

  • Layer 2 Addressing
  • Layer 3 Addressing
  • Understanding the Differences Between IPv4 and IPv6
  • Layer 4 Addressing

Week 3

Switching and Network Access

  • Understanding Switching Fundamentals
  • Switch Physical Interface Configuration
  • Understanding VLANs
  • Common VLAN and Trunk Problems
  • CDP and LLDP
  • Understanding STP
  • Understanding EtherChannel

Week 4

IP Routing

  • Router Benefits
  • Common Router Features
  • Configuring Router Interfaces
  • Understanding Router Path Selection
  • Understanding Routing Protocols
  • Understanding OSPF
  • Understanding FHRPs

Week 5

Intro to ACL and Wildcard Masks

Wireless Networking Fundamentals

  • Radio Frequency
  • Common Router Features
  • WLAN Topologies
  • Wireless Bands and Channels
  • Wireless Standards
  • Associating With an AP
  • 802.11 MAC Frames

Week 6

IP Services

  • DHCP
  • DNS
  • NAT/PAT
  • NTP
  • FTP
  • TFTP
  • Telnet
  • SSH
  • SNMP
  • Syslog
  • QoS

Week 7

Security Fundamentals

  • Common Threats
  • Access Controls
  • Layer 2 Security
  • AAA
  • Remote Access and Site-to-Site VPNs

Week 8

Virtualization Fundamentals

  • Understanding Virtualization
  • Device Virtualization
  • Network Virtualization
  • Container-Based Virtualization

Automation and Programming

  • Administrative Overhead
  • The Logical Network
  • Device Management on Traditional Networks
  • Device Management on Controller-Based Networks
  • SDN and Cisco SDA