Introduction to Cisco Networking

About this course: Welcome to the fifth and final course in the Cisco Networking Basics Specialization. In the first four courses of this specialization, you were focused on understanding how computer networks work and how to access the network. Now that you have a firm grasp of how to build and secure a wireless home network, you will be introduced to the basics of adding Cisco routers and switches to networks that are typically deployed in small to medium sized businesses. You will perform the basic setup and configuration steps needed to get switches and routers connected in a small network. You will also learn how to configure the router and the switch for remote access. You will use two different types of simulation tools to practice configuration steps. After completing required configuration tasks, you will use various show commands to verify configurations and use the ping command to verify basic connectivity between devices. Expect lots of opportunities for practicing Cisco device configuration. This course requires the use of Cisco Packet Tracer to simulate the network environment. You will need to download and use Cisco Packet Tracer throughout the course. At the end of this course, you will be able to: 1. Describe the features and functions of various Cisco devices installed in a typical simple computer network. 2. Use the Packet Tracer simulation software to practice configuration tasks using the command line interface. 3. Connect and configure a Cisco switch and small business router in order to provide network connectivity in a small LAN environment. 4. Use a structured troubleshooting strategy to identify and fix network connectivity issues. 5. Enter and view the results of common Cisco CLI commands. 6. Use best practices to secure Cisco networking devices from unauthorized access. 7. Use command line utilities to test and verify network connectivity. 8. Use common network utilities to test connectivity between network attached devices. 9. Explain issues that can cause Internet connectivity problems. 10. Describe how to report problems and assist in troubleshooting connections with an ISP help desk.

Who is this class for: This class is designed for beginners in computing that want to understand the basics of how data is sent and received in a network and how small computer networks are created. People who may be in non-networking professions that would like to understand how their home or small business network works will enjoy this course. Previous networking knowledge is not required. This course is designed to provide an introduction to the basics of networking and will cover only a very small portion of the necessary knowledge and skills needed to achieve an entry-level Cisco networking certification. Access to a Windows 10 machine and a simulation tool called Cisco Packet Tracer is required to get the full benefit of the course.

Created by:  Cisco

• Taught by:  Telethia Willis, Cisco Networking Learning & Development

Basic Info Course 5 of 5 in the Cisco Networking Basics Specialization Level Beginner Commitment The estimated workload is 4 weeks of study. Each week is approximately 4 to 7 hours of content. Language English Hardware Req A Windows 10 machine with Internet access and the simulation tool Cisco Packet Tracer How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

Help from your peers

Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.

Certificates

Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.

Cisco

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Module 1: Creating Larger Networks



In this module, you will learn the basics of Cisco routers and switches. You will be able to identify the different ports and ways to access and configure a Cisco router or a Cisco switch designed for a small to medium sized business. You will use Cisco Packet Tracer to explore the bootup process.


4 videos, 13 readings, 1 practice quiz expand

1. Reading: About This Course
2. Reading: Cisco Packet Tracer
3. Reading: Connecting Devices
4. Reading: Cisco LAN Switches
5. Reading: Components of a LAN Switch
6. Reading: Status LEDs on a LAN Switch
7. Video: Components of a LAN Switch
8. Practice Quiz: Cisco LAN Switch Quiz
9. Reading: Powering Up
10. Reading: Device Management
11. Video: In-Band/Out-of-Band Device Management
12. Reading: Loading the IOS Start-Up Files
13. Reading: Components of a Router
14. Reading: Router Interface Ports
15. Video: Getting Started
16. Reading: Getting Started
17. Reading: Connecting to the Router
18. Video: Video Demonstration – The Cisco Router Boot Process

Graded: PT Activity - Connect to a Switch via the Console Port
Graded: Activity - Identify Router Components
Graded: Activity - The Cisco Router Boot Process
Graded: Week 1 Quiz

WEEK 2


Module 2: Using the Cisco IOS Command Line Interface



In this module, you will use Cisco Packet Tracer to explore the different configuration modes of routers and switches. You will learn how to use the help functions to better navigate the device operating system. You will also explore many of the common show commands that give insight into the device configuration.


4 videos, 9 readings expand

1. Reading: What is the Cisco IOS Command Line Interface?
2. Video: Establish a Console Connection
3. Reading: Primary Command Modes
4. Video: Navigate Between IOS Modes
5. Reading: Navigate Between IOS Modes
6. Reading: Basic IOS Command Structure
7. Reading: IOS Command Syntax
8. Video: IOS Help Features
9. Reading: IOS Help Features
10. Reading: Hotkeys and Shortcuts
11. Video: Show Commands
12. Reading: What are “Show Commands”?
13. Reading: Tell Me About Yourself

Graded: PT Activity - Navigating the IOS
Graded: Week 2 Quiz
Graded: PT Activity - Using the Cisco IOS Show Commands

WEEK 3


Module 3: Building a Small Cisco Network



This module allows you to perform the basic setup and configuration steps needed to get switches and routers connected in a small network. You will also learn how to configure the router and the switch for remote access. You will use two different types of simulation tools to practice configuration steps. After completing required configuration tasks, you will use various show commands to verify configurations and use the ping command to verify basic connectivity between devices. Expect lots of opportunities for practicing Cisco device configuration.


11 readings, 5 practice quizzes expand

1. Reading: Basic Switch Configuration Steps
2. Reading: Why does a Switch Need an IP Address?
3. Practice Quiz: Syntax Checker - Configuring a Switch Virtual Interface
4. Reading: Basic Router Configuration Steps
5. Practice Quiz: Syntax Checker - Basic Router Configuration Tasks
6. Reading: Configure Router Interfaces
7. Practice Quiz: Syntax Checker - Configuring LAN Interfaces
8. Reading: Verify Interface Configuration
9. Reading: Password Recommendations
10. Reading: Securing Remote Access
11. Reading: Configuring SSH
12. Practice Quiz: Syntax Checker - Configuring SSH
13. Reading: Verifying SSH
14. Reading: Default Gateway for a Host
15. Reading: Default Gateway for a Switch
16. Practice Quiz: Syntax Checker - Configuring a Switch Default Gateway

Graded: PT Activity – Implementing Basic Connectivity
Graded: PT Activity – Configure Initial Router Settings
Graded: PT Activity – Configuring SSH
Graded: Week 3 Quiz
Graded: PT Activity – Building a Switch and Router Network

WEEK 4


Module 4: Troubleshooting Common Network Problems



27 readings, 1 practice quiz expand

1. Reading: What is Network Troubleshooting?
2. Reading: Gathering Information
3. Reading: We Have Identified a Problem
4. Reading: Other Good Approaches
5. Reading: Activity – Select a Troubleshooting Approach
6. Reading: Using Your Senses
7. Reading: Using Software Tools and Utilities
8. Reading: Getting IP Information from Windows Devices
9. Reading: Using the ping Command
10. Reading: What do the ping Results Tell Us?
11. Reading: Can I Get to My Destination?
12. Reading: Identifying Active Connections
13. Reading: Troubleshooting DNS
14. Reading: Divide and Conquer
15. Reading: Bottom Up
16. Reading: Cabling Problems
17. Reading: Causes of Wireless Issues
18. Reading: Authentication and Association Errors
19. Reading: DHCP Server Configuration Errors
20. Reading: Why Can’t We Get to the Internet?
21. Reading: Could it be the Firewall?
22. Reading: Activity – The Troubleshooting Process
23. Reading: Where Can I Get Help?
24. Reading: When to Call for Help
25. Reading: Using the Support Desk
26. Reading: Resolving the Issue
27. Reading: Support Desk Tickets and Work Orders
28. Practice Quiz: PT Activity Challenge – Putting It All Together

Graded: PT Activity – Using the ipconfig Command
Graded: PT Activity - Using the ping Command
Graded: Lab - Troubleshooting Using Network Utilities
Graded: PT Activity – Troubleshooting a Wireless Connection
Graded: Week 4 Quiz