Describe how a network works 

• Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices 
• Select the components required to meet a network specification 
• Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to explain how data flows in a network 
• Describe common networked applications including web applications 
• Describe the purpose and basic operation of the protocols in the OSI and TCP models 
• Describe the impact of applications (Voice Over IP and Video Over IP) on a network 
• Interpret network diagrams 
• Determine the path between two hosts across a network 
• Describe the components required for network and Internet communications 
• Identify and correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3 and 7 using a layered model approach 
• Differentiate between LAN/WAN operation and features

Configure, verify and troubleshoot a switch with VLANs and interswitch communications 

• Explain the technology and media access control method for Ethernet networks 
• Explain network segmentation and basic traffic management concepts 
• Explain basic switching concepts and the operation of Cisco switches 
• Perform and verify initial switch configuration tasks including remote access management 
• Verify network status and switch operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH, arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands 
• Identify, prescribe, and resolve common switched network media issues, configuration issues, auto negotiation, and switch hardware failures 
• Describe enhanced switching technologies (including: VTP, RSTP, VLAN, PVSTP, 802.1q) 
• Describe how VLANs create logically separate networks and the need for routing between them 
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VLANs 
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot trunking on Cisco switches 
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot interVLAN routing 
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VTP 
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RSTP operation 
• Interpret the output of various show and debug commands to verify the operational status of a Cisco switched network. 
• Implement basic switch security (including: port security, trunk access, management vlan other than vlan1, etc.) 
• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect switches to other network devices and hosts

Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP Services to meet network requirements in a medium-size Enterprise branch office network 

• Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP addressing 
• Explain the operation and benefits of using DHCP and DNS 
• Configure, verify and troubleshoot DHCP and DNS operation on a router.(including: CLI/SDM) 
• Implement static and dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment 
• Calculate and apply an addressing scheme including VLSM IP addressing design to a network 
• Determine the appropriate classless addressing scheme using VLSM and summarization to satisfy addressing requirements in a LAN/WAN environment 
• Describe the technological requirements for running IPv6 in conjunction with IPv4 (including: protocols, dual stack, tunneling, etc). 
• Describe IPv6 addresses 
• Identify and correct common problems associated with IP addressing and host configurations.

Configure, verify, and troubleshoot basic router operation and routing on Cisco device 

• Describe basic routing concepts (including: packet forwarding, router lookup process) 
• Describe the operation of Cisco routers (including: router bootup process, POST, router components) 
• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect routers to other network devices and hosts 
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2 
• Access and utilize the router to set basic parameters.(including: CLI/SDM) 
• Connect, configure, and verify operation status of a device interface 
• Verify device configuration and network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH or other utilities 
• Perform and verify routing configuration tasks for a static or default route given specific routing requirements 
• Manage IOS configuration files. (including: save, edit, upgrade, restore) 
• Manage Cisco IOS. 
• Compare and contrast methods of routing and routing protocols 
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot OSPF 
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot EIGRP 
• Verify network connectivity (including: using ping, traceroute, and telnet or SSH) 
• Troubleshoot routing issues 
• Verify router hardware and software operation using SHOW & DEBUG commands. 
• Implement basic router security.

Explain and select the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLA 

• Describe standards associated with wireless media (including: IEEE WI-FI Alliance, ITU/FCC) 
• Identify and describe the purpose of the components in a small wireless network. (Including: SSID, BSS, ESS) 
• Identify the basic parameters to configure on a wireless network to ensure that devices connect to the correct access point 
• Compare and contrast wireless security features and capabilities of WPA security (including: open, WEP, WPA-1/2) 
• Identify common issues with implementing wireless networks. (Including: Interface, misconfiguration).

Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats 

• Describe today's increasing network security threats and explain the need to implement a comprehensive security policy to mitigate the threats 
• Explain general methods to mitigate common security threats to network devices, hosts, and applications 
• Describe the functions of common security appliances and applications 
• Describe security recommended practices including initial steps to secure network devices

Implement, verify, and troubleshoot NAT and ACLs in a medium-size Enterprise branch office network 

• Describe the purpose and types of ACLs 
• Configure and apply ACLs based on network filtering requirements.(including: CLI/SDM) 
• Configure and apply an ACLs to limit telnet and SSH access to the router using (including: SDM/CLI) 
• Verify and monitor ACLs in a network environment 
• Troubleshoot ACL issues 
• Explain the basic operation of NAT 
• Configure NAT for given network requirements using (including: CLI/SDM) 
• Troubleshoot NAT issues

Implement and verify WAN links 

• Describe different methods for connecting to a WAN 
• Configure and verify a basic WAN serial connection 
• Configure and verify Frame Relay on Cisco routers 
• Troubleshoot WAN implementation issues 
• Describe VPN technology (including: importance, benefits, role, impact, components) 
• Configure and verify a PPP connection between Cisco routers