CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

🔷 What is CCNA?

CCNA is a Cisco certification that validates foundational networking knowledge and hands-on skills required for IT and networking roles.

• Exam Code: 200-301 CCNA
• Level: Entry–Associate
• No prerequisites (basic IT knowledge helpful)

📘 CCNA Exam Domains (200-301)

1️⃣ Network Fundamentals (20%)

• OSI & TCP/IP models
• Types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN, WLAN)
• Cables & connectors
• MAC vs IP address

2️⃣ Network Access (20%)

• VLANs & Trunking
• Inter-VLAN Routing
• Wireless fundamentals
• Switch configuration

VLAN Example

vlan 10

name SALES

interface fa0/1

switchport mode access

switchport access vlan 10

3️⃣ IP Connectivity (25%)

• IPv4 & IPv6
• Subnetting
• Static routing
• OSPF (single-area)

Static Route

ip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.2

4️⃣ IP Services (10%)

• DHCP
• DNS
• NAT / PAT
• NTP
• SNMP

NAT Example

ip nat inside source list 1 interface g0/0 overload

5️⃣ Security Fundamentals (15%)

• ACLs (Standard & Extended)
• Port security
• Firewall basics
• VPN basics

Standard ACL

access-list 1 permit 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255

6️⃣ Automation & Programmability (10%)

• Network automation concepts
• REST APIs
• Python basics for networking

🧰 Important CCNA Commands

show ip route

show running-config

show vlan brief

show ip interface brief

ping

traceroute

🧪 CCNA Lab Practice Tools

• Cisco Packet Tracer (Beginner)
• GNS3 / EVE-NG (Advanced)

🎯 CCNA Interview Questions

Q: What is a VLAN?

A: Logical separation of network segments.

Q: Difference between TCP & UDP?

TCP is reliable; UDP is faster but unreliable.

Q: What is subnetting?

Dividing a network into smaller networks.

Q: What is OSPF?

Link-state routing protocol.

🧠 Study Tips

• Practice subnetting daily
• Do hands-on labs
• Learn CLI commands
• Understand why, not just how

🚀 Career Roles After CCNA

• Network Engineer (Junior)
• Network Support Technician
• IT Support Engineer
• SOC Analyst (Networking basics)