Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Complete Guide

1️⃣ What is CCNA?

CCNA is an entry-to-intermediate level certification by Cisco that validates skills in:

• Networking fundamentals
• IP connectivity
• Routing & switching
• Network security basics
• Automation & programmability

Exam code: 200-301 CCNA

2️⃣ Key CCNA Topics

🔹 Networking Fundamentals

• OSI Model (7 layers)
• TCP/IP Model
• IP addressing (IPv4 & IPv6)
• Subnetting & CIDR
• MAC vs IP addresses

🔹 Routing & Switching

• Static Routing
• Dynamic Routing (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP)
• VLANs & Trunking
• Inter-VLAN Routing
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

🔹 IP Services

• DHCP, DNS
• NAT / PAT
• ACLs (Access Control Lists)

🔹 Security Fundamentals

• VPN basics
• Port security
• Firewall basics

🔹 Automation & Programmability

• Python scripting for network tasks
• REST APIs in network devices

3️⃣ Important Commands (Cisco CLI)

🔹 Basic Commands

show ip interface brief # Check interfaces

show running-config # Current config

ping 192.168.1.1 # Connectivity test

traceroute 8.8.8.8 # Path check

🔹 VLAN Configuration

enable

configure terminal

vlan 10

name SALES

exit

interface g0/1

switchport mode access

switchport access vlan 10

🔹 Static Routing Example

ip route 192.168.2.0 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.2

🔹 OSPF Example

router ospf 1

network 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255 area 0

4️⃣ CCNA Exam Tips

Q: What is the difference between TCP and UDP?

• TCP → Reliable, connection-oriented
• UDP → Fast, connectionless

Q: What is a VLAN?

• Logical segmentation of a LAN

Q: What is the purpose of a routing protocol?

• Automatically find best path between networks

Q: Difference between static & dynamic routing?

• Static → Manual, fixed
• Dynamic → Learned automatically

5️⃣ CCNA Lab Practice (Hands-On)

🔹 Scenario: 2 Routers + 2 PCs

1. Assign IP addresses to interfaces
2. Configure static route or OSPF
3. Ping between PCs to verify connectivity
4. Configure VLAN on switches for segmentation

6️⃣ Study Resources

• Cisco Packet Tracer (Simulation)
• GNS3 / EVE-NG (Advanced labs)
• Cisco Official Study Guide 200-301
• Online labs & practice exams

7️⃣ Recommended Skills to Learn

• Subnetting fast calculation
• CLI configuration & troubleshooting
• Understanding routing tables
• Switch port security & VLANs
• Basic firewall & ACL rules