Cisco Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1)

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare the student to apply and understand the basics of networking. The course introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components and models of the Internet and computer networks. The principles of IP addressing and fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the curriculum. Students will be able to build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches and implement IP addressing schemes. This is the first part of a four-part series designed to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) exam. The course aligns with the Cisco Networking Academy CCNA: Introduction to Networks curriculum and is offered at multiple Florida colleges including Seminole State College, Valencia College, and Florida Gateway College.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Network Fundamentals: Explain how networks affect daily life, the advances in modern network technologies, and how host and network devices are used.
• OSI & TCP/IP Models: Identify and describe the functions of each of the seven layers of the OSI reference model and compare them to the TCP/IP model.
• Cisco IOS Configuration: Describe the command structure of Cisco IOS software, configure a Cisco IOS device using CLI, and use IOS commands to save the running configuration.
• Protocols: Explain the purpose of adhering to a protocol suite and describe the role of standards organizations.
• Addressing: Configure a host device with an IP address, configure initial settings on a Cisco IOS router, and configure devices to use the default gateway.
• IPv4 Addressing & Subnetting: Explain public, private, and reserved IPv4 addresses; calculate IPv4 subnets for /24, /16, and /8 prefixes; and implement a VLSM addressing scheme.
• IPv6 Addressing: Explain the need for IPv6, how IPv6 addresses are represented, compare types of IPv6 network addresses, and implement a subnetted IPv6 addressing scheme.
• Ethernet & Data Link: Describe data link and network addresses and identify key differences between them; define the function of a MAC address.
• Connectivity Testing: Use various tools to test network connectivity and explain how ICMP is used to test network connectivity.
• Transport Layer: Explain characteristics of TCP and UDP.
• Verification: Verify connectivity between two end devices using common networking utilities.

Optional Outcomes

• Explain employment opportunities in the networking field.
• Differentiate between a collision domain and a broadcast domain.
• Demonstrate familiarity with DHCP and DNS services.
• Identify and troubleshoot basic organizational and acceptable use policies.
• Implement and maintain basic device security procedures.
• Explain the defense-in-depth approach to security (e.g., DMZ, Bastion Host).
• Identify and troubleshoot common network security attacks and breaches.
• Explore introductory concepts of SDN and NFV in modern network infrastructures.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Networking Today: types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN, WLAN, PAN), network components, and network representations
• Basic Switch and End Device Configuration using Cisco IOS
• Protocols and Models: OSI model, TCP/IP model, encapsulation
• Physical Layer: media types (copper, fiber, wireless) and characteristics
• Number Systems: binary, decimal, and hexadecimal conversions
• Data Link Layer and Ethernet Switching: frames, MAC addressing, switch operation
• Network Layer: routing concepts, IP packet structure
• Address Resolution: ARP and IPv6 Neighbor Discovery
• Basic Router Configuration
• IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting (including VLSM)
• IPv6 Addressing
• ICMP and Connectivity Testing (ping, traceroute)
• Transport Layer: TCP and UDP
• Application Layer: DNS, DHCP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP
• Network Security Fundamentals
• Build a Small Network

Optional Topics

• Network automation and programmability concepts
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
• Cloud and virtualization fundamentals
• Wireless LAN technologies and standards
• Advanced troubleshooting methodologies
• Career exploration in IT and networking

Resources & Tools

• Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad): Online curriculum, interactive activities, and assessments for CCNA: Introduction to Networks
• Cisco Packet Tracer: Network simulation software used for hands-on labs and topology design
• Physical Lab Equipment: Cisco routers, switches, and cabling for hands-on configuration
• Wireshark: Protocol analyzer used to examine Ethernet frames and network traffic
• Introduction to Networks Companion Guide / Labs and Study Guide (Cisco Press)
• Course typically requires a lab fee and computer/Internet access

Career Pathways

Successful completion of this course supports entry-level career paths in information technology and computer networking. It is the first in a course series to build the skills needed for associate-level roles like Network Administrator, System Administrator, or Network Engineer. Common career titles include:

• Network Administrator
• Network Technician
• Help Desk / Technical Support Specialist
• System Administrator
• Junior Network Engineer
• Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician

Credits earned in this course typically apply toward an A.S. degree in Computer Engineering Technology, Network Engineering Technology, or Cybersecurity at Florida colleges.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: CET1600C is the first of a multi-course Cisco Networking Academy sequence (followed by CET 1610C Cisco Router Technology and CET 2615C Cisco Advanced Routing and Switching) that prepares students for the CCNA certification exam. Successful completion contributes toward preparation for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and supports CompTIA Network+ exam preparation.

Course Format: The course is a combined lecture/lab course (the "C" suffix in CET1600C indicates a combined lecture and lab course in the Florida SCNS). Students engage in hands-on labs using physical Cisco equipment and Cisco Packet Tracer simulations.

Articulation: As a Florida SCNS-numbered course, CET1600C transfers between participating Florida public colleges and universities offering the same course number.