Cisco Networking II: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials

Course Description

CET1610C is the second course in a three-part Cisco Networking Academy series that prepares students for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification exam. This course is designed to prepare the student to apply and understand the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in small networks and introduces wireless local area networks (WLAN) and security concepts. The course describes the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network, and students learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. Building on the foundation established in Cisco Networking I, students develop hands-on skills configuring, managing, and troubleshooting enterprise-grade Cisco devices in both IPv4 and IPv6 environments.

Coursework combines lecture, structured online curriculum from the Cisco Networking Academy, and extensive hands-on lab work using physical equipment and Packet Tracer simulation software. A lab fee is typically required.

Prerequisites

CET1600C (Cisco Networking I / Introduction to Networks) or equivalent foundational networking knowledge, including familiarity with the OSI model, TCP/IP, IP addressing, and basic Cisco IOS commands.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Configure and troubleshoot routers and switches for advanced operation using security best practices.
• Resolve common issues with routing protocols in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
• Configure VLANs and inter-VLAN routing.
• Configure redundancy on a switched network using STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) and EtherChannel.
• Configure switch security to mitigate LAN attacks.
• Configure and verify static routing and default routing on Cisco routers.
• Implement and troubleshoot DHCPv4 and DHCPv6 services.
• Apply standard and extended Access Control Lists (ACLs) to filter network traffic.
• Demonstrate proficiency with the Cisco IOS Command Line Interface (CLI) for device configuration and verification.

Optional Outcomes

• Describe the architecture and security concepts of wireless local area networks (WLANs).
• Configure a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) and a wireless router for a small enterprise network.
• Implement First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP) such as HSRP.
• Configure Network Address Translation (NAT) for IPv4.
• Explain Layer 2 threats including MAC flooding, VLAN hopping, and DHCP spoofing in greater depth.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Basic Switch Configuration — initial setup, management VLAN, secure remote access (SSH)
• Switching Concepts — frame forwarding, MAC address tables, collision and broadcast domains
• VLANs and Trunking — 802.1Q, VLAN creation, trunk configuration, Native VLAN
• Inter-VLAN Routing — router-on-a-stick and Layer 3 switch SVI methods
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) — STP, RSTP, PortFast, BPDU Guard
• EtherChannel — LACP and PAgP link aggregation
• DHCPv4 and DHCPv6 — server, client, and relay configuration
• LAN Security Concepts — port security, DHCP snooping, ARP inspection
• Static Routing — directly connected, recursive, fully specified, and default routes for IPv4 and IPv6
• Routing Table Analysis — interpreting route sources, administrative distance, and metrics
• Troubleshooting — systematic diagnosis of switching, VLAN, STP, and routing issues

Optional Topics

• WLAN Concepts and Configuration — 802.11 standards, SSIDs, WPA2/WPA3, WLC setup
• WLAN Threats and Security — rogue APs, evil twin attacks, authentication methods
• First Hop Redundancy Protocols — HSRP, VRRP, GLBP overview
• Network Security Fundamentals — threats, vulnerabilities, mitigation techniques
• Switch Stacking and Chassis Aggregation

Resources & Tools

• Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) — Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (SRWE) online curriculum
• Cisco Packet Tracer — network simulation and lab software
• Physical Lab Equipment — Cisco Catalyst switches, Cisco ISR routers, console cables
• Cisco IOS Command Reference documentation
• Recommended companion guide: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials Companion Guide (CCNAv7), Cisco Press

Career Pathways

This course supports preparation for entry- to associate-level networking careers. CCNA validates a broad range of fundamentals for all IT careers — from networking technologies, to security, to software development — proving you have the skills businesses need to meet market demands. Common career roles include:

• Network Technician
• Network Support Specialist
• Help Desk / Tier 2 Support Technician
• Junior Network Administrator
• Systems Administrator (networking focus)
• NOC (Network Operations Center) Technician

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This is the second of a three-part series designed to prepare students for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) exam. Topics covered map directly to the switching, routing, and wireless domains of the current Cisco 200-301 CCNA exam blueprint. The CCNA certification is valid for three years and can be renewed with Continuing Education credits or by retaking exams before they expire.

Hands-On Lab Component

The "C" suffix in CET1610C indicates a combined lecture/lab course. Students should expect significant hands-on time configuring real or simulated Cisco equipment. A lab fee is typically required at most Florida colleges offering this course.

Articulation

Successful completion of the full Cisco Networking series at a Florida college may articulate toward industry certifications and additional college credit through statewide articulation agreements, particularly for students continuing in Computer Engineering Technology or Network Systems Technology A.S. degree programs.