Describe the operation of data networks

• Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices
• Select the components required to meet a given network specification
• Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to explain how data flows in a network
• Describe common networking applications including web applications
• Describe the purpose and basic operation of the protocols in the OSI and TCP models
• Describe the impact of applications (Voice Over IP and Video Over IP) on a network
• Interpret network diagrams
• Determine the path between two hosts across a network
• Describe the components required for network and Internet communications
• Identify and correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3 and 7 using a layered model approach
• Differentiate between LAN/WAN operation and features

Implement a small switched network

• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect switches to other network devices and hosts
• Explain the technology and media access control method for Ethernet technologies
• Explain network segmentation and basic traffic management concepts
• Explain the operation of Cisco switches and basic switching concepts
• Perform, save and verify initial switch configuration tasks including remote access management
• Verify network status and switch operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute,telnet,SSH,arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands
• Implement and verify basic security for a switch (port security, deactivate ports)
• Identify, prescribe, and resolve common switched network media issues, configuration issues, autonegotiation, and switch hardware failures

Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet network requirements for a small branch office

• Describe the need and role of addressing in a network " Create and apply an addressing scheme to a network
• Assign and verify valid IP addresses to hosts, servers, and networking devices in a LAN environment
• Explain the basic uses and operation of NAT in a small network connecting to one ISP
• Describe and verify DNS operation
• Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP addressing
• Enable NAT for a small network with a single ISP and connection using SDM and verify operation using CLI and ping
• Configure, verify and troubleshoot DHCP and DNS operation on a router.(including: CLI/SDM)
• Implement static and dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment
• Identify and correct IP addressing issues

Implement a small routed network

• Describe basic routing concepts (including: packet forwarding, router lookup process)
• Describe the operation of Cisco routers (including: router bootup process, POST, router components)
• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect routers to other network devices and hosts
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2
• Access and utilize the router CLI to set basic parameters
• Connect, configure, and verify operation status of a device interface
• Verify device configuration and network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH or other utilities
• Perform and verify routing configuration tasks for a static or default route given specific routing requirements
• Manage IOS configuration files (including: save, edit, upgrade, restore)
• Manage Cisco IOS
• Implement password and physical security
• Verify network status and router operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute,telnet,SSH,arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands

Explain and select the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLAN

• Describe standards associated with wireless media (including: IEEE WI-FI Alliance, ITU/FCC)
• Identify and describe the purpose of the components in a small wireless network. (including: SSID, BSS, ESS)
• Identify the basic parameters to configure on a wireless network to ensure that devices connect to the correct access point
• Compare and contrast wireless security features and capabilities of WPA security (including: open, WEP, WPA-1/2)
• Identify common issues with implementing wireless networks

Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats

• Explain today's increasing network security threats and the need to implement a comprehensive security policy to mitigate the threats
• Explain general methods to mitigate common security threats to network devices, hosts, and applications
• Describe the functions of common security appliances and applications
• Describe security recommended practices including initial steps to secure network devices

Implement and verify WAN links

• Describe different methods for connecting to a WAN
• Configure and verify a basic WAN serial connection