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CCT Routing and Switching

Networking Foundations

This course will teach you about network foundations.

At the core of creating networks we need to address the main concepts of switching and routing. In this course, CCT Routing and Switching: Networking Foundations, you’ll learn the foundations of networking. First, you’ll explore the basics of networking and its concepts. Next, you’ll discover rules of the game for TCP/IP and IP addressing. Finally, you’ll learn how to operate switches and routers. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to understand the foundations of networking.

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Network Foundations Networking Concepts TCP/IP IP Addressing Switching Routing Network Protocols

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Building Your First Network

Networking Rules: OSI Model

Networking Rules: TCP/IP Suite and IP Addresses

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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Builds a strong foundation for beginners by starting with core concepts

Teaches foundational concepts of networking, including TCP/IP and IP addressing

Develops practical networking skills through operation of switches and routers

Taught by industry professional

Offered by a well-known provider

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Reviews summary

Solid networking foundations for beginners

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in networking, especially for absolute beginners. Learners consistently praise the clear and concise explanations and the instructor's engaging delivery, which makes complex concepts like the OSI model, TCP/IP suite, and basic routing and switching operations digestible. While some older feedback mentioned content feeling superficial or lacking hands-on labs, more recent reviews highlight updated content and that the course creators are responsive to feedback, ensuring its continued relevance for those aiming for entry-level networking roles or CCT certification.

Ideal for those with little to no prior networking knowledge.

"This course is a fantastic starting point for anyone new to networking."

"As someone with no prior networking background, this course made me feel confident..."

"If you already have some IT knowledge, this might feel a bit slow and superficial for your needs."

Course is actively improved based on feedback.

"It's clear the instructors are responsive to feedback and continuously improve the material."

"The updated content (especially on routing protocols) is a big plus."

"I appreciate the continuous improvements based on past reviews; it shows dedication to quality."

Provides a strong base for networking fundamentals.

"It lays a very solid foundation for understanding routing and switching."

"It truly covers the networking foundations comprehensively."

"I felt well-prepared for entry-level networking concepts, covering a lot of ground in a digestible manner."

Complex networking concepts are made easy.

"This course is a fantastic starting point for anyone new to networking. The explanations are clear and concise..."

"The instructor's delivery is excellent, making complex topics easy to grasp."

"As someone with no prior networking background, this course made me feel confident in the fundamentals..."

Could benefit from more interactive practical exercises.

"I would have liked a bit more hands-on lab work, as the demos are helpful but more interactive exercises would reinforce learning better."

"The demos were sometimes hard to replicate without specific equipment..."

"I would have preferred a slightly more balanced approach with hands-on application, as the focus on theory is quite strong."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in CCT Routing and Switching: Networking Foundations with these activities:

Review OSI Model and TCP/IP Suite

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Reviewing the OSI model and TCP/IP suite will help strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals of networking.

Browse courses on OSI Model

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Read through your course notes or textbook chapters on these topics.
Complete any provided practice questions or exercises.
Create a visual representation of the OSI model and TCP/IP suite.

General Networking Review

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Review some foundational concepts to help you hit the ground running during your studies.

View Private 5G: A Systems Approach on Amazon

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Gather your notes, assignments, and textbooks
Review the OSI Model and the TCP/IP Suite, including IP addressing

Join a Study Group for Networking

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Participating in a study group will provide opportunities to discuss and reinforce the concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Collaboration

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Find a study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Participate in group discussions and activities.

Six other activities

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Review Cisco Networking Academy Program:

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The Networking Academy Program can help to refresh your knowledge and strengthen your understanding of foundational networking concepts.

View CCST Cisco Certified Support Technician Study... on Amazon

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Find the book, Cisco Networking Academy Program:
Review the chapters that align with the course topics.
Complete the practice questions and exercises provided.

Working with Networking Equipment

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Get hands-on experience with networking equipment to gain a deeper understanding of how networks function.

Browse courses on Networking Hardware

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Find some old networking equipment or try a network simulator to set up a small, home network using the equipment.
Connect the devices and configure them using basic networking commands.
Test the network connectivity and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Practice Building Basic Networks

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Building basic networks using physical components or network simulators will reinforce the theoretical concepts covered in the course.

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Configure network devices, such as routers and switches, to create a network topology.
Test network connectivity using common commands.

Start a Home Network Project

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Build a home network using different devices and technologies to configure and troubleshoot a network.

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Plan your home network, including the devices you want to connect and the layout of your network.
Purchase the necessary equipment, such as a router, switch, and cables.
Configure your network by setting up your router and connecting your devices.
Test your network connectivity and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Monitor your network and make adjustments as needed.

Create a Network Design for a Home Network

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Designing a network for a home environment will challenge your understanding of networking principles and allow you to apply them in a practical scenario.

Browse courses on Network Design

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Identify the devices that will be connected to the network.
Determine the network topology and cable requirements.
Configure the network devices and security settings.
Create a documentation of the network design.

Troubleshoot a Network Connectivity Issue

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Troubleshooting a network connectivity issue in a simulated or real-world environment will test your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Browse courses on Network Troubleshooting

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Gather information about the network issue.
Use network troubleshooting tools to identify the root cause.
Implement solutions to resolve the issue.
Document the troubleshooting process and findings.

Career center

Learners who complete CCT Routing and Switching: Networking Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, build, and maintain computer networks. These networks can be used to connect computers within a single building, across multiple buildings, or even across the world. Network Engineers work with a variety of technologies, including routers, switches, and firewalls. With this course's focus on foundational networking concepts, such as TCP/IP and IP addressing, you can build a foundation for success as a Network Engineer. You will learn how to configure and troubleshoot switches and routers, which are essential to building and maintaining a network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of a computer network. They install and configure hardware and software, and they monitor the network to ensure that it is running smoothly. Network Administrators also troubleshoot and resolve network problems. A strong understanding of networking concepts is a must for Network Administrators. This course can help you build a foundation in networking so that you can be successful in this role

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of computer systems. They install and configure hardware and software, and they monitor systems to ensure that they are running smoothly. Systems Administrators also troubleshoot and resolve system problems. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which is essential for Systems Administrators. You will learn about TCP/IP and IP addressing, as well as how to configure and troubleshoot switches and routers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and build cloud computing solutions. They work with customers to understand their business needs and then design a cloud solution that meets those needs. Cloud Architects need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as cloud computing technologies. This course can help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be essential for your success as a Cloud Architect. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing. You will also learn how to configure and troubleshoot switches and routers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Network Security Analyst

Network Security Analysts protect computer networks from security threats. They monitor networks for suspicious activity and they investigate security breaches. Network Security Analysts need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as security technologies. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be essential for your success as a Network Security Analyst. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing. You will also learn how to configure and troubleshoot switches and routers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect an organization's information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They assess and mitigate information security risks. Information Security Analysts need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as security technologies. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be essential for your success as an Information Security Analyst. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They use this information to make recommendations and solve problems. Data Analysts need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as data analysis techniques. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be helpful for your success as a Data Analyst. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators maintain and manage databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and that data is stored securely. Database Administrators need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as database technologies. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be helpful for your success as a Database Administrator. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Developer

Software Developers design, build, and test software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. Software Developers need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as software development techniques. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be helpful for your success as a Software Developer. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They help users troubleshoot problems, install and configure software, and answer questions about how to use computers. IT Support Specialists need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as computer hardware and software. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be helpful for your success as an IT Support Specialist. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Web Developer

Web Developers design and build websites. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. Web Developers need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as web development techniques. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be helpful for your success as a Web Developer. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design a system that meets those needs. Computer Systems Analysts need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as computer hardware and software. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be helpful for your success as a Computer Systems Analyst. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Information Technology Project Manager

Information Technology Project Managers plan and manage information technology projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals and objectives, develop project plans, and track project progress. Information Technology Project Managers need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as project management techniques. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be helpful for your success as an Information Technology Project Manager. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Project Manager

Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officers are responsible for the overall technology strategy of an organization. They work with senior management to define technology goals and objectives, and they develop and implement technology plans. Chief Technology Officers need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as business and technology trends. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be helpful for your success as a Chief Technology Officer. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer

Chief Information Officer

Chief Information Officers are responsible for the overall information technology strategy of an organization. They work with senior management to define technology goals and objectives, and they develop and implement technology plans. Chief Information Officers need to have a strong understanding of networking concepts, as well as business and technology trends. This course will help you build a foundation in networking concepts, which will be helpful for your success as a Chief Information Officer. You will learn about the OSI model, TCP/IP, and IP addressing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Officer

Reading list

We've selected 18 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in CCT Routing and Switching: Networking Foundations.

TCP/IP Illustrated: The protocols

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Is considered one of the bibles of TCP/IP networking. It provides a detailed and thorough exploration of the TCP/IP protocol stack, making it an invaluable reference for anyone working in networking.

CCT Routing and Switching

Networking Foundations

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Solid networking foundations for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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