Networking Essentials

This course teaches the fundamentals of networking. It covers how devices communicate on a network, network addressing and network services, how to build a home network and configure basic security, the basics of configuring Cisco devices, and testing and troubleshooting network problems.

The Cisco Networking Essentials curriculum is designed for high school, college, and Cisco Networking Academy students that are interested in completing an introductory networking course.

The course has many features to help students understand these concepts:

• Rich multimedia content, including interactive activities, videos, games, and quizzes, addressing a variety of learning styles to help stimulate learning and increase knowledge retention.
• Hands-on labs and Packet Tracer simulation-based learning activities to help students develop critical thinking abilities and complex problem solving skills.
• Innovative assessments provide immediate feedback to support the evaluation of knowledge and acquired skills.
• Technical concepts are explained using language that works well for learners at an introductory level, and embedded interactive activities break up reading of the content and reinforce understanding.
• The curriculum encourages students to consider additional IT education, but also emphasizes applied skills and hands-on experience.
• Cisco Packet Tracer activities are designed for use with Packet Tracer 6.3 or later

1. Ever Wonder How it Works?

· Explain how end-user devices and local networks interact with the global Internet.

1.1 Communicating in a Connected World

1.2 Local Networks

1.3 Building a Simple Network

2. Networks in Our Daily Lives

· Explain the requirements for network connectivity.

2.1 Getting Online

2.2 Other Network Considerations

2.3 Cabling and Media

3. Communicating on a Local Network

· Build a small network using an integrated network router.

3.1 Principles of Communications

3.2 Talking the Language of Networking

3.3 How do Ethernet Networks Work?

3.4 How are Networks Built?

3.5 Routing Across Networks

4. Network Addressing

· Explain the importance of IP addressing.

4.1 IPv4 Addresses and Subnet Masks

4.2 Types of IPv4 Addresses

4.3 How IPv4 Addresses are Obtained

4.4 IPv4 Address Management

4.5 Addressing with IPv6

5. Providing Network Services

· Explain how the protocols of the TCP/IP suite enable network communication.

5.1 How Clients and Servers Work Together

5.2 Transport Layer Protocols at Work

5.3 Application Protocols and Services

6. Building a Home Network

· Configure an integrated wireless router and wireless clients to connect securely to the Internet.

6.1 What Does a Home Network Look Like?

6.2 How Does Wi-Fi Work?

6.3 Setting Up Your Wireless Network

6.4 Choosing ISP Services

6.5 Security Considerations on a Home Network

6.6 Mobile Devices in the Network

7. Network Security

· Configure basic network security.

7.1 Am I at Risk?

7.2 Methods of Attack

7.3 How Can I Protect My Network?

7.4 How Do Firewalls Protect Networks?

8. Configuring Cisco Devices

· Build a simple computer network using Cisco devices.

8.1 Cisco LAN Devices

8.2 Internetworking Devices

8.3 Exploring the Cisco IOS

8.4 Using Show Commands

8.5 Configuring a Cisco Network

9. Testing and Troubleshooting

· Troubleshoot common network issues found in home and small business networks.

9.1 What To Do When It Does not Work

9.2 Troubleshooting Issues in Networks

9.3 Identifying and Fixing Common Problems

9.4 Working with Customer Support

For proper skill building, the students should be have a basic understanding of how to use a computer and browse the Internet.