1.1 Explain the role and function of network components

• Routers

• Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches

• Firewalls and IPS

• Access Points

• Access Point Controllers (Cisco DNA Center and WLC)

• Servers

1.2 Describe characteristics of network topologies
1.3 Types of network cables

• Single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and copper

• Communication types (Ethernet shared media and point-to-point)

• PoE concepts

1.4 Identify interface and cable issues (collisions, errors, duplex or speed mismatches)
1.5 Compare TCP and UDP
1.6 Verify IPv4 addressing and subnetting
1.7 Describe the need for private IPv4 addressing
1.8 Configure and verify IPv6 addressing and prefixes
1.9 Types of IPv6 addresses
1.10 Identify operating systems: Windows, Linux, and macOS
1.11 Describe wireless principles

• Wi-Fi channels

• SSID

• RF

• Encryption

1.12 Explain virtualization fundamentals (virtual machines)
1.13 Describe switching concepts

• MAC Address overview

2.1 VLANs
2.2 802.1Q protocol
2.3 Configure and verify Layer 2 discovery protocols (CDP, LLDP)
2.4 Configure EtherChannel: LACP, PAGP (Layer 2 / Layer 3)
2.5 Describe the need and basic operations of Rapid PVST+ / Spanning Tree Protocol

• Root port, root bridge (primary/secondary), other STP port roles

• Port states (forwarding/blocking)

• Benefits of PortFast

2.6 Compare Cisco wireless architectures and AP modes
2.7 Describe WLAN physical infrastructure connectivity (AP ports, WLC ports, access/trunk ports, LAG)
2.8 Describe network management protocols (Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, TACACS+, RADIUS)
2.9 WLAN components for client connectivity (GUI usage: creating WLAN, security settings, QoS profiles, advanced WLAN settings)

3.0 IP Connectivity

3.1 Explain the components of the routing table
3.2 Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 static routing
3.3 Configure OSPFv2

• Point-to-point

• DR/BDR election

3.5 Overview of FHRP protocols

4.0 IP Services

4.1 Configure and verify NAT
4.2 Configure and verify NTP in client/server mode
4.3 Explain the role of DHCP and DNS in the network
4.4 Explain the function of SNMP in network operations
4.5 Describe the use of syslog features, including facilities and levels
4.6 Configure DHCP in server/client mode
4.7 Explain PHB behavior for QoS (classification, marking, queuing, congestion, policing, shaping)
4.8 Configure remote access using SSH
4.9 Describe TFTP/FTP capabilities and functions

5.0 Security Fundamentals

5.1 Define key security concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, mitigation)
5.2 Describe components of a security program (user awareness, training, physical access control)
5.3 Configure device access control using local passwords
5.4 Describe password policy elements (management, complexity, MFA, certificates, biometrics)
5.5 Describe remote access and VPN concepts
5.6 Configure and verify access control lists (ACLs)
5.7 Configure Layer 2 security features (DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, Port Security)
5.8 Differentiate between authentication, authorization, and accounting
5.9 Describe wireless security protocols (WPA, WPA2, WPA3)
5.10 Configure WLAN with WPA2-PSK using GUI

6.0 Automation & Programmability

6.1 Overview of network automation and programmability
6.2 Introduction to network programming
6.3 Introduction to SDN architecture