Cisco CCNA 200-301 – The Complete Guide to Getting Certified from Udemy

If you want to jumpstart your career in IT and networking by acing the Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA exam, then this course is for you. It gives you a full understanding of all the concepts and topics you need to earn the most in-demand networking certification today by passing the Cisco CCNA 200-301 exam.

(The CCNA 200-301 is the current CCNA exam and replacement for the CCNA 200-125 which was retired in February 2020.)

This is the one course you need to get your CCNA.

Full lab exercises are included so you'll get the hands-on practical skills you need to work on real world networks, and it's the only CCNA course online where all questions posted in the Q&A section are answered.

You'll develop full readiness for the CCNA exam with complete Study Notes and Anki Flashcards to ensure you understand and remember everything covered in the course.

It offers an easy-to-understand, structured approach to shortcut your path to mastering Cisco networking to the CCNA level and beyond.

In this course, you will:

Develop a deep understanding of Cisco’s features and functions
Walk through complete and easy to understand explanations of each technology area covered in the exam
Follow simple step by step instructions to build your own fully featured lab on your laptop for free
Gain hands on configuration and troubleshooting experience through comprehensive lab exercises
Be ready for exam day with complete Study Notes and Anki Flashcards
Learn how networking really works through real world examples throughout the course
Build the skills and confidence to crush the CCNA 200-301 exam
Gain demonstrable knowledge and practical experience to supercharge your networking career

Supercharge Your Learning with Hands-on Practice

This course is chock full of activities. You’ll get over 300 pages of hands-on lab exercises with detailed answers to check your understanding every step of the way and build your configuration and troubleshooting skills. Full diagrams and lab setup files are included so you can get started immediately with just your laptop. No equipment or previous experience is required.

All slides in the course are also included in supplemental study notes format with expanded bullet points clearly explaining the technologies. Easily review exam topics to solidify your understanding and get a final refresher when test day is approaching.

Why Learn from Me

In this course, you won’t just gain the book smarts to pass the exam. You’ll also hone your hands-on skills to succeed as a network engineer in the real world. I’m a professional instructor who has been entrusted by Cisco since 2007 to develop and deliver training courses for their own engineers and partners. I’ve also designed multiple training courses for the largest service providers in the Asia Pacific region such as IBM, Verizon, and the Australian National Broadband Network. I’ve spent years distilling my decade’s worth of networking experience from the field into mentoring and supporting other systems engineers, and I’m passionate about passing my knowledge of Cisco networks onto others.

As a student in this course, you’ll get lifetime access to the course materials and answers to every question you ask in the Q&A board. I love interacting with my students: anything you want to know, please ask. The course also comes with an unconditional risk-free 30 day money-back guarantee–that's my personal promise of your success.

Value

If you take a comparable course at a training centre it will cost you thousands of dollars, and when it’s over you can’t experience the tutorials again or ask the instructor any more questions. When you take my course you can learn anytime you want in the comfort of your own home, and I’m always here for you whenever you need any help.

Not sure about the best way to pay for this course? Ask your manager at work if they’ll expense it. They won’t have to pay the large fees of traditional classroom learning or have to cover your absence for a week. They get huge value from this investment in your future.

When you’re done with the course, you’ll have everything you need to crush the Cisco CCNA exam. I’m excited to share all of my knowledge with you.

Join me on this journey to turbocharging your career.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Get what you need to pass the up-to-date cisco ccna 200-301 exam
Gain hands-on cisco ccna configuration and troubleshooting experience through practice labs

Explore how routing and switching technologies work in real world environments
Develop skills to work on enterprise production networks

Get what you need to pass the up-to-date cisco ccna 200-301 exam
Gain hands-on cisco ccna configuration and troubleshooting experience through practice labs
Explore how routing and switching technologies work in real world environments
Develop skills to work on enterprise production networks

Syllabus

Welcome

Introduction

How to Make the Most of This Course

Course Material Download

The Study Plan

The Udemy Interface

Why Passing the CCNA is Going to Turbo Charge Your Career

How to Use the Lab Exercises and Anki Flashcards

How to Use the Lab Exercises and Anki Flashcards Introduction

Cisco Packet Tracer Installation

How to Use the Course Lab Exercises

Packet Tracer Installation Notes and FAQ

How to Use the Anki Flashcards

Host to Host Communications

A (Very) Basic Introduction to Networking

The OSI Reference Model Overview

The TCP/IP Stack

The Upper OSI Layers

The Lower OSI Layers

The Cisco IOS Operating System

In this lecture, you'll learn about the different operating systems that run on Cisco's different router and switch platforms. You don't actually need to know this for the CCNA exam, but it's beneficial to have an understanding of Cisco's wider portfolio. Cisco's different operating systems are very similar from a management and administrative point-of-view, so it's easy to transfer your skills between platforms.

I'll start off by giving you a bit of history. Many people think of Cisco as being a routing and switching company, but they actually were just a purely routing company when they started out. IOS was the original operating system that they used on their routers. It's the same operating system that's used today, although obviously it's gone through quite a few upgrades in the time since Cisco started back in 1984.

Cisco then bought the company 'Crescendo' in 1993. The Catalyst switch product line came about because of that acquisition. The original operating system on the Catalyst switches was CatOS, but that's been deprecated for a long time now.

Cisco firewalls evolved from another acquisition, that of 'Network Translation' back in 1995. Cisco got their PIX firewall from that acqusition, which used the Finesse operating system. The PIX firewall has since evolved into the ASA Adaptive Security Compliance.

Both the CatOS and Finesse operating systems were ported over to IOS over the following years. Cisco standardised on IOS for all of their network infrastructure devices.

There are also some other operating systems on some of the newer router and switch platforms. IOS runs on the majority of Cisco routers and switches, but some of the newer platforms have new operating systems.

The Cisco Nexus and MDS Data Centre switches run on NX-OS.

The high-end NCS and CRS service provider routers and also the ASR9K and XR12K routers run on IOS-XR.

The ASR1K service provider routers run on IOS-XE.

You may be thinking "all these different operating systems are going to make things more difficult for network engineers." But they don't really, because all of the different Cisco operating systems have incredibly similar Command Line syntax. If you know a command in IOS, it's probably going to be exactly the same command in all of the other operating systems as well.

If you're now wondering why Cisco have different operating systems for their routers and switches then, the main difference is under the hood. IOS has a monolithic kernel, meaning that if one process running on the router crashes it can crash the entire router. The other, newer operating systems have microkernels, with processes running in separate, protected memory address space. If one of the processes crashes, it should restart without affect the rest of the system.

These operating systems other than IOS are mainly on the higher-end routers and switches, with the standard routers and switches still running IOS. Now, don't think that IOS is an inferior or unreliable operating system. It's been purpose-built by Cisco, who are the biggest networking company in the world, to run on enterprise-grade routers and switches. It is very hardened and still very, very reliable.

Connecting to a Cisco Device over the network

Making the Initial Connection to a Cisco Device

Navigating the Cisco IOS Operating System Part 1

Navigating the Cisco IOS Operating System Part 2

Cisco IOS Configuration Management

The IOS Operating System - Lab Exercises

OSI Layer 4 - The Transport Layer

The Transport Layer Header, TCP and UDP

OSI Layer 3 - The Network Layer

The IP Header

Unicast, Broadcast and Multicast Traffic

Converting from Decimal to Binary

IPv4 Addresses

Calculating an IPv4 Address in Binary

The Subnet Mask

Slash Notation

IP Address Classes

Class A IP Addresses

IP Address Classes B and C

IP Address Classes D and E

Subnetting

CIDR Classless Inter-Domain Routing

Subnetting Overview

Subnetting Class C Networks and VLSM

Subnetting Practice Questions

Variable Length Subnet Masking Example Part 1

Variable Length Subnet Masking Example Part 2

Subnetting Large Networks Part 1

Subnetting Large Networks Part 2

Subnetting on the 4th Octet - Written Example

Subnetting on the 3rd Octet - Written Example

Private IP Addresses Part 1

Private IP Addresses Part 2

Subnetting Table and Subnet Calculator

Where to Get More Subnetting Practice

Additional Subnetting Practice

OSI Layer 2 - The Data-Link Layer

Local Area Network Layer 2 - Ethernet

OSI Layer 1 - The Physical Layer

Ethernet Connection Media

Cisco Device Functions

Switches vs Hubs

Switch Operation

Routers

Other Cisco Devices

Cisco Device Functions - Lab Exercises

The Life of a Packet

DNS The Domain Name System

DNS on Cisco Routers

ARP Address Resolution Protocol

ARP for Routed Traffic

Life of a Packet Example Part 1 - DNS

Life of a Packet Example Part 2 - HTTP

The Life of a Packet - Lab Exercises

The Cisco Troubleshooting Methodology

Cisco Troubleshooting Methodology - Lab Example

The Cisco Troubleshooting Methodology - Lab Exercises

Cisco Router and Switch Basics

Basic Router and Switch Configuration

The Setup Wizard

Speed and Duplex Settings

CDP and LLDP

Basic Layer 1 and 2 Troubleshooting

Basic Layer 1 and 2 Troubleshooting - Lab Demo

Cisco Router and Switch Basics - Lab Exercises

Cisco Device Management

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops deep understanding of Cisco's functions and skills to work on production networks

Teaches how routing and switching technologies work in real-world environments

Explores industry-standard Cisco Certified Network Associate CCNA exam topics

Provides extensive hands-on practice through comprehensive lab exercises and study notes

Requires no prior experience or equipment, making it accessible to beginners

Reviews summary

Cisco ccna preparation course

Learners highly recommend this course to pass the Cisco CCNA 200-301 exam. It includes a schedule to follow that mirrors real-world college courses. A previous college student said that this course is similar to their college course but is more affordable and offers lifetime access.

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 Cisco CCNA 200-301 – The Complete Guide to Getting Certified with these activities:

Review OSI Layer Model

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Review the OSI Layer model to strengthen your foundational understanding of computer networking concepts.

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Identify the seven layers of the OSI Model.
Describe the functions and protocols associated with each layer.
Explain how data is encapsulated and transmitted through the layers.

Review Subnetting Concepts

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Refresh your understanding of subnetting to solidify your foundation in networking and IP address management.

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Calculate subnet masks and network addresses.
Divide a network into subnets using variable length subnet masking (VLSM).
Determine the number of hosts and available subnets in a given network.

Contribute to Networking Forums

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Engage in online networking forums to share your knowledge, support others, and stay updated on industry trends.

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Join relevant networking forums or online communities.
Answer questions and provide support to other members.
Share your own experiences, tips, and best practices.
Participate in discussions and debates on networking topics.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Connect with Industry Professionals

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Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or other networking platforms to seek guidance and support.

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Identify potential mentors who work in networking or IT.
Craft personalized connection requests, highlighting your interests and goals.
Follow up with mentors and schedule informational interviews or virtual meetings.

Configure Basic Cisco Router

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Practice configuring basic settings on a Cisco router to gain hands-on experience with router management.

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Connect to a Cisco router using a terminal emulator.
Configure the router's hostname, IP address, and subnet mask.
Enable and configure basic routing protocols.
Verify router configuration using show commands.

Explore Virtualization Technology

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Complete tutorials on network virtualization to gain knowledge and skills in modern networking technologies.

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Identify the benefits and use cases of network virtualization.
Understand different virtualization technologies, such as VMware and KVM.
Set up a virtualized network environment in a lab or cloud platform.
Configure and manage virtual switches, routers, and firewalls.

Network Tools and Resources Guide

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Compile a guide to network tools and resources to enhance your ability to troubleshoot, configure, and manage networks.

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Research and identify useful network tools and resources.
Categorize and document the tools based on their functionality and purpose.
Provide instructions on how to use and interpret the tools.
Regularly update the guide with new or emerging tools.

Network Design Documentation

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Create a network design document to apply your knowledge of network design and architecture.

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Define the network requirements and goals.
Design the network topology, including routing, switching, and security components.
Calculate network capacity, latency, and availability metrics.
Document the network design, including diagrams, configurations, and specifications.

Career center

Learners who complete Cisco CCNA 200-301 – The Complete Guide to Getting Certified will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, build, maintain and troubleshoot computer networks. They ensure that data and information can be transmitted securely and reliably throughout the organization's network, including local area networks, wide area networks, and the internet. As covered in this course, Cisco offers some of the world's best hardware and software for building networks. As such, the course's focus on Cisco networking would be a significant boon to your career as a Network Engineer. Enrolling in this course will increase your market value. You will also be positioned for advancement into leadership roles as you develop critical skills for modern networking environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators install, configure and maintain computer networks. They monitor computer systems and networks to ensure that they are working reliably and efficiently and are secure. The course will help you succeed as an administrator as it teaches how to install, configure and connect to Cisco devices. The course also provides you with the knowledge to troubleshoot network issues and manage network devices. It will also be helpful in preparing for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Network Architect

Network Architects design and implement network infrastructure for organizations. They work closely with end-users to understand their needs and to develop and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course will be helpful for Network Architects because it provides a solid foundation in networking fundamentals, including routing and switching technologies. This knowledge is essential for designing and managing complex network infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement and manage network security systems, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs. They also have a deep understanding of network protocols, such as TCP/IP, to optimize network performance, security, and reliability. The course material on the TCP/IP stack and Cisco firewalls will be quite helpful to you as a Network Security Engineer. This course may help you advance into this role or succeed in the role if you're already in it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of computer systems, including hardware and software. They work closely with end-users to understand their needs and to develop and implement solutions that meet those needs. This Cisco Certified Network Associate course will be helpful for Systems Engineers because it provides a solid foundation in networking fundamentals, including routing and switching technologies. This knowledge is essential for designing and managing complex computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement and manage network security systems, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs. They also have a deep understanding of network protocols, such as TCP/IP, to optimize network performance, security, and reliability. The course will help you develop some of the skills you need as a Security Engineer as it includes training on Cisco firewalls. Further, as a Security Engineer, you will use some of the material in this course on switching and routing data to ensure compliance to internal policies as well as government regulations.

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NOC Engineer

NOC Engineers, also known as Network Operations Center Engineers, are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the day-to-day operations of a network. They work closely with end-users to resolve network issues and to ensure that the network is operating efficiently and effectively. As a NOC Engineer, you will be responsible for identifying and resolving network issues. The labs and troubleshooting methodology that you will learn as part of this course would be very helpful in troubleshooting network issues in your role as a NOC Engineer.

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IT Manager

IT Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of an organization's information technology (IT) department. They are responsible for developing and implementing IT strategies and policies, managing IT budgets, and ensuring that the organization's IT systems are operating efficiently and effectively. This course can be helpful to advance into the role of IT Manager because it provides you with a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, including routing and switching technologies. This knowledge is essential for managing an organization's IT infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing business systems. They work closely with end-users to understand their needs and to develop and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course may be helpful for Systems Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in networking fundamentals, including routing and switching technologies. This knowledge can be helpful for designing and managing business systems.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers design, develop, test and maintain computer programs. They work closely with end-users to understand their needs and to develop and implement solutions that meet those needs. This Cisco Certified Network Associate course may be helpful for Computer Programmers because it involves learning how to develop basic labs as part of the overall program. As a Computer Programmer, you may need to help troubleshoot network issues and having a basic understanding of networking protocols and devices can only help you.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts ensure that software and systems meet the required standards of quality. They work closely with developers and engineers to identify and fix bugs and defects. This course may be helpful for Quality Assurance Analysts because it will teach you how to troubleshoot labs and learn the overall troubleshooting methodology. These skills can be helpful for identifying and fixing bugs and defects in software and systems.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers assess the security of computer networks and systems by simulating attacks from malicious actors. They use their findings to help organizations identify and fix vulnerabilities in their networks and systems. This course may be helpful for Penetration Testers because it provides a solid foundation in networking fundamentals, including routing and switching technologies. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding how to exploit vulnerabilities in networks and systems.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, process, and analyze data to extract meaningful insights. They use their findings to help businesses make better decisions. This course may be helpful for Data Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in networking fundamentals, including routing and switching technologies. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding how data is transmitted over networks, which can be important for data analysis.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate an organization's IT systems and processes to ensure that they are operating in accordance with regulations and best practices. They also provide recommendations for improving the organization's IT security posture. This course may be helpful for IT Auditors because it provides a solid foundation in networking fundamentals, including routing and switching technologies. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding how an organization's network is configured and how data is transmitted over it.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They also monitor and analyze security events to identify and respond to threats. This course may be helpful for Information Security Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in networking fundamentals, including routing and switching technologies. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding how to secure an organization's network and how to respond to security threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst