Intro to Cisco Networking I - korachi-9090/wiki GitHub Wiki

This course introduces foundational networking concepts and practical skills needed to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Cisco routers and switches in small network environments. Students will gain hands-on experience with network hardware using industry-standard tools and the Cisco IOS command-line interface.

Course Overview

Course Code: CIS 171
Credits: 5
Format: 40% Lecture / 60% Lab-Based
Duration: 10 Weeks
Primary Lab: Design and build a virtual LAN with VLANs and routing using Cisco equipment

This hands-on course focuses on Cisco network infrastructure, including basic router and switch configuration, LAN design, IP addressing, and VLAN implementation. Students will practice on both simulated and physical networking equipment to develop practical skills aligned with industry standards.

Course Modules

• Networking Fundamentals and OSI Model
• Network Hardware and Cabling
• IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting
• Cisco IOS Fundamentals
• Ethernet Switching
• Virtual LANs (VLANs)
• Routing Fundamentals
• Network Troubleshooting

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction to Networking and OSI Model

• Networking models (OSI and TCP/IP)
• Protocol operation across network layers
• Encapsulation and data flow
• Lab: Mapping OSI Layers in Packet Tracer

Week 2: Network Hardware and Cabling

• Network device functions (switches, routers)
• Ethernet cable types and standards
• Physical network topologies
• Lab: Basic LAN Setup with Switches and Routers

Week 3: IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting

• IP address classes and structure
• Subnet mask calculations
• VLSM and CIDR notation
• Lab: Subnetting and IP Assignment

Week 4: Basic Cisco IOS CLI and Device Configuration

• IOS CLI navigation and modes
• Device configuration fundamentals
• Password security and best practices
• Lab: Basic Router and Switch Configuration

Week 5: Ethernet Switching Concepts

• MAC address tables and switching logic
• Ethernet frame structure
• Port security implementation
• Lab: Switch Configuration and Port Security

Week 6: VLAN Configuration

• VLAN concepts and benefits
• VLAN creation and port assignment
• Trunk links and tagging protocols
• Lab: VLAN Configuration and Testing

Week 7: Inter-VLAN Routing

• Router-on-a-stick configuration
• Inter-VLAN communication
• Troubleshooting VLAN connectivity
• Lab: Router-on-a-Stick Inter-VLAN Routing

Week 8: Static Routing

• Routing table concepts
• Static route configuration
• Default route implementation
• Lab: Static Route Configuration and Verification

Week 9: Network Troubleshooting

• Structured troubleshooting methodology
• Common network issues
• CLI troubleshooting tools and commands
• Lab: Network Troubleshooting Scenarios

Week 10: Final Project and Review

• Integration of course concepts
• Network design principles
• Documentation standards
• Lab: LAN Design and Implementation Project

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain networking models and protocols including the OSI and TCP/IP models
2. Configure Cisco routers and switches using the IOS command-line interface
3. Design and implement simple LANs using physical and virtual Cisco equipment
4. Calculate, assign, and troubleshoot IPv4 addresses and subnet masks
5. Implement VLANs and configure inter-VLAN routing
6. Use CLI commands to verify and troubleshoot network operations
7. Explain Ethernet switching operations in a LAN environment
8. Analyze network traffic flow across different topologies
9. Configure basic security features on Cisco devices
10. Document network configurations and troubleshooting procedures

Key Terms

• OSI Model
• TCP/IP Model
• Cisco IOS
• Switch
• Router
• VLAN
• Trunk Link
• Inter-VLAN Routing
• Static Route
• MAC Address Table

Lab Exercises

• OSI Model in Packet Tracer
• Basic LAN Setup
• Subnetting and IP Assignment
• Basic Device Configuration
• Switch Configuration
• VLAN Configuration
• Inter-VLAN Routing
• Static Route Configuration
• Network Troubleshooting
• LAN Design and Implementation

Required Tools

• Cisco Packet Tracer
• GNS3 (optional for advanced learners)
• Wireshark
• Cisco IOS Reference Guide
• Access to Cisco lab equipment (provided during class sessions)

Assessment Components

• Weekly Labs & Quizzes (35%)
• Midterm Practical Exam (20%)
• Final Project - LAN Build + Report (30%)
• Participation & Attendance (15%)

Certification Alignment

This course provides partial preparation for the Cisco CCNA (200-301) certification exam, covering fundamentals of networking, IP addressing, and basic switching and routing concepts.

Additional Resources

• Cisco CLI Command Cheat Sheet
• Subnetting Practice Exercises
• VLAN Configuration Guide
• Network Troubleshooting Methodology
• Cisco Documentation Portal

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