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Introduction to Networking Basics with CCNA

Learn the fundamentals of computer networking with an introduction to becoming a Cisco Certified Network Associate with this online course from Packt Publishers.

Duration

3 weeks

Weekly study

3 hours

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How it works

Unlimited subscription

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Discover how network devices communicate with one another

Computer networks allow devices to interconnect, either locally or around the world, sharing resources and data in milliseconds.

On this three-week course, you’ll examine foundational concepts of computer networks, learning key terminology and processes. Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll be able to begin your journey to passing the CCNA exam.

Explore network protocols and frameworks

Beginning with defining computer networks and their applications, you’ll be guided through key concepts including Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) models.

By understanding these communications protocols and frameworks, you’ll be able to explain how different hosts communicate with each other.

Examine the role of routers, IP addresses, and LAN and WAN connectivity

Learning how routers manage data traffic and connect devices to internet connections, you’ll then expand your knowledge of Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks within this context. You’ll also explore their relation to Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, taking a detailed look at the differences between private and public IP addresses.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to understand network scalability and compare processes involved in individual networks and those used on a global scale.

Identify and define network layers in computer networking

Building on your knowledge from earlier in the course, you’ll explore network layers in more detail, including physical, data link, network, transport, and application layers, and understand their functions within a network.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to define key network characteristics and explain the role of computer networks and devices in sharing resources, transferring data, and connecting people.

Week 1
Computer networks and the ethernet
- Welcome and introduction
  Welcome to Introduction to Networking Basics with CCNA and the start of your learning journey, brought to you by Packt.
- Computer networks
  In this activity, we'll explore an overview of computer networks and learn how they operate in practice.
- TCP/IP and OSI models
  In this activity, we'll outline two different networking models, including their differences, uses, and layers.
- Bits and bytes
  In this activity, we'll explore bits and bytes, Protocol Data Units (PDUs), and compare the OSI and TCP/IP models.
- Ethernet
  In this activity, we'll discuss the ethernet, different physical media options, and Network Interface Controllers (NICs).
- MAC addresses
  In this activity, we'll explore Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, hexadecimal and binary numbers, the structure of a MAC address, and various MAC address notations.
- Wrap up
  You have reached the end of Week 1. In this activity, you'll reflect on what you have learned.
Week 2
Network characteristics, the network layer, and routers
- Introduction to Week 2
  Welcome to Week 2. In this activity we'll highlight the main topics that will be covered this week.
- Network characteristics part 1
  In this activity, we'll explore the following network characteristics: bandwidth, throughput, latency, and round-trip time (RTT).
- Network characteristics part 2
  In this activity, we'll investigate two more network characteristics (jitter and packet loss rate) before summarising what you've learned about network properties across the past two activities.
- Network switches, unicast, multicast, and broadcast
  In this activity, we'll discuss network switches and analyse how they work. We'll also discuss the ethernet frame header, different types of communication, and the different types of MAC addresses.
- Transition modes and collisions
  In this activity, we'll explore two types of transition modes and discuss collisions (including handling mechanisms and domains). We'll also outline speed and duplex negotiation before analysing different ethernet frames.
- Network layer and IP addresses
  In this activity, we'll focus on the network layer and IP addresses. More specifically, we'll explore switched networks, IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses, IP address formats, and different types of IP addresses.
- Routers
  In this activity, we'll learn about routers, local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WANs).
- Wrap up
  You have reached the end of Week 2. In this activity, you will reflect on what you have learned.
Week 3
IP addressing, networks, binary math, network masks, and subnetting
- Introduction to Week 3
  Welcome to Week 3. In this activity we'll highlight the main topics that will be covered this week.
- IP addressing
  In this activity, we'll focus on IP addressing: different classes of IP addresses, localhost IP addresses, and private vs public IP addresses.
- IP addressing continued and IP packets
  In this activity, we'll continue to learn about IP addressing, with a focus on static vs dynamic IP addresses and how to switch between these. We'll also explore IPv4 headers and IP packets.
- Networks
  In this activity, we'll discuss and demonstrate different networks. You'll learn what networks are made up of and how to extract network details.
- Binary math
  In this activity, we'll explore binary and decimal conversions as well as binary 'AND' and 'OR' operations.
- Network masks
  In this activity, we'll focus on network masks. You'll learn how to determine whether hosts are in the same or a different network and how many hosts are needed in a network.
- Subnetting
  In this activity, we'll discuss subnetting, including the need for subnetting and nested subnetting. We wrap up with a summary of the content from the last few activities (networks, binary math, network masks and subnetting).
- Wrap up
  You have reached the end of this course. In this activity, you will reflect on what you have learned.