Course Title: CCNA 200-301 v1.1 | The Ultimate Network Engineer Bootcamp
Subtitle: From Hardware Basics to AI-Driven Automation – A Complete Simulation-Based Journey.
Module 01: Networking Essentials & Hardware Basics
- What is a Network? (LAN, WAN, PAN, CAN).
- Identifying physical hardware: Routers, Switches, Access Points, and Endpoints.
- Understanding the role of a Network Engineer in 2026.
- Basic PC networking: NICs, MAC addresses, and IP settings.
Module 02: The OSI 7-Layer Reference Model
- Layer-by-layer breakdown (Physical to Application).
- Data Encapsulation and De-encapsulation (PDU: Segments, Packets, Frames, Bits).
- How data travels across the internet: A step-by-step visual journey.
Module 03: The TCP/IP Protocol Suite
- Comparison between OSI and TCP/IP models.
- Understanding TCP (Connection-oriented) vs. UDP (Connectionless).
- Common Port Numbers (HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, FTP, DNS).
Module 04: Ethernet Physical Media
- Copper Cabling: Straight-through vs. Crossover vs. Rollover.
- Fiber Optics: Single-mode vs. Multi-mode performance.
- Understanding SFP/SFP+ modules and high-speed interfaces.
Module 05: IPv4 Addressing Fundamentals
- Binary, Decimal, and Hexadecimal number systems.
- Structure of an IPv4 address (32-bit).
- IPv4 Classes (A, B, C) and Default Subnet Masks.
Module 06: Mastery of Subnetting (FLSM)
- The “Magic Number” method for quick subnetting.
- Calculating Network ID, Broadcast ID, and First/Last Usable IPs.
- Creating subnets of equal size.
Module 07: Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM)
- Subnetting based on host requirements.
- Advanced IP planning for corporate headquarters and branch offices.
- Preventing address wastage in point-to-point links.
Module 08: IPv6 Next-Generation Addressing
- Structure and Notation (128-bit Hexadecimal).
- IPv6 Address Types: Global Unicast, Link-Local, and Multicast.
- Rules for compressing IPv6 addresses.
Module 09: IPv6 Implementation & NDP
- Stateless Address Auto-configuration (SLAAC) and DHCPv6.
- Neighbor Discovery Protocol (NDP) and Router Advertisements.
- Configuring IPv6 on Cisco interfaces.
Module 10: Cisco IOS Navigation & CLI
- Accessing the CLI via Console and SSH.
- Navigation: User, Privileged, Global, and Interface modes.
- Running-config vs. Startup-config management.
Module 11: Initial Device Hardening
- Setting secure passwords and Secret keys.
- Configuring Banners and Hostnames.
- Disabling unused services for security.
Module 12: Layer 2 Switching Logic
- The MAC Address Table (CAM Table) operations.
- Frame Forwarding: Store-and-Forward vs. Cut-Through.
- Collision Domains vs. Broadcast Domains.
Module 13: Virtual LANs (VLANs)
- Creating logical segments for departments (HR, IT, Sales).
- Voice VLANs for VoIP integration.
- Assigning Access ports and verifying VLAN databases.
Module 14: 802.1Q Trunking & DTP
- Configuring Trunk ports for inter-switch communication.
- Understanding Native VLANs and security implications.
- Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) management.
Module 15: Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
- Preventing Layer 2 loops and Broadcast Storms.
- The Root Bridge election process (Bridge Priority).
- STP Port States (Blocking, Listening, Learning, Forwarding).
Module 16: Rapid STP & PVST+
- Optimizing network convergence with 802.1w (RSTP).
- Per-VLAN Spanning Tree Plus (PVST+) configuration.
- Implementing PortFast and BPDU Guard.
Module 17: EtherChannel (Link Aggregation)
- LACP (Industry Standard) vs. PAgP (Cisco Proprietary).
- Configuring Layer 2 and Layer 3 EtherChannels.
- Troubleshooting load-balancing issues.
Module 18: Inter-VLAN Routing (IVR)
- Router-on-a-Stick (Sub-interfaces) configuration.
- Switch Virtual Interfaces (SVI) on Multilayer switches.
- Enabling IP Routing on L3 switches.
Module 19: The Routing Table & Decision Making
- How a router chooses the best path (Longest Match Rule).
- Administrative Distance (AD) and Metric explained.
- Interpreting Routing Codes (L, C, S, O, D).
Module 20: Static & Default Routing
- Configuring IPv4/IPv6 Static Routes.
- Default Routes (0.0.0.0/0) for ISP connectivity.
- Floating Static Routes for backup redundancy.
Module 21: OSPFv2 (Open Shortest Path First)
- Link-State protocol mechanics.
- Configuring Single-Area OSPF.
- Neighbor Adjacencies and Hello Timers.
Module 22: Advanced OSPF & DR/BDR
- The Role of Designated Router (DR) and Backup (BDR).
- OSPF Cost calculation and Metric tuning.
- Passive Interfaces for security and efficiency.
Module 23: First Hop Redundancy (HSRP)
- Creating a “Virtual Router” for gateway redundancy.
- Active/Standby roles and Preemption.
- Ensuring high availability in enterprise LANs.
Module 24: Network Address Translation (NAT)
- Static NAT for servers and Dynamic NAT for users.
- Port Address Translation (PAT/Overload).
- Configuring Inside/Outside interfaces.
Module 25: Access Control Lists (ACLs)
- Standard vs. Extended ACLs for traffic filtering.
- Named vs. Numbered ACLs.
- Placement rules (The “Close to Source” vs. “Close to Destination” logic).
Module 26: Layer 2 Security Hardening
- Port Security (Maximum MACs, Violation modes).
- DHCP Snooping and Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI).
- Mitigating MAC Spoofing and ARP poisoning.
Module 27: IP Services & Management
- Cisco IOS as a DHCP Server and Relay Agent (ip helper-address).
- NTP for time sync and SNMP for network monitoring.
- Troubleshooting with Ping, Traceroute, and Telnet/SSH.
Module 28: Wireless LAN (WLAN) Technologies
- WLC vs. Autonomous AP architectures.
- WPA2/WPA3 Personal and Enterprise security.
- Configuring SSIDs via a Wireless LAN Controller GUI.
Module 29: Virtualization & Cloud Architectures
- Hypervisors (Type 1 vs. Type 2) and Virtual Machines.
- Private, Public, Hybrid, and Community Cloud models.
- Introduction to Containers (Docker) and Virtual Switching.
Module 30: Network Automation & Programmability
- The shift from CLI to SDN (Software-Defined Networking).
- Interpreting JSON, YAML, and XML data formats.
- Introduction to REST APIs (CRUD operations).
Module 31: AI in Networking & Infrastructure as Code (2026)
- Leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Managing configurations with Ansible and Terraform.
- Cisco DNA Center and Intent-Based Networking (IBN).