The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a widely recognized certification in the field of IT, specifically focusing on networking technologies. It validates the holder’s foundational knowledge and skills in networking, including understanding of various network topologies, protocols, and network infrastructure. The CCNA certification is designed for network specialists, network administrators, and network support engineers, aiming to improve and validate their ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.
The CCNA training is at the associate level, which is for junior network administrators. The 200-301 course validates Cisco skills and is thus valuable for both new IT professionals with some experience in networks as well as experienced network administrators.
Individuals seeking a career in IT networking, including roles such as network specialist, network administrator, and network engineer.
The CCNA certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam.
Yes, the CCNA exam is available for online proctoring as well as at Pearson VUE authorized testing centers.
Cisco does not publish the exact passing scores for its exams as they are subject to change; candidates receive a score report with a pass/fail status at the end of the exam.
There are no formal prerequisites for taking the CCNA exam, but having a good understanding of the exam objectives and hands-on experience is highly recommended.
Understanding key terms related to CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is crucial for anyone preparing for the CCNA certification or working in network engineering and administration. The CCNA certification is a foundational certification offered by Cisco that covers a broad range of networking concepts. It is designed for network specialists, network administrators, and network support engineers to validate their ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks. Knowing these key terms not only aids in passing the certification exam but also in practical networking tasks, enabling professionals to effectively communicate and implement network solutions.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| OSI Model | A conceptual framework used to understand network interactions in seven layers: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application. |
| TCP/IP Model | A concise four-layer networking framework (application, transport, internet, and network access) that guides the design and implementation of internet-connected networks. |
| Subnetting | The practice of dividing a network into smaller, manageable parts called subnets to improve performance and security. |
| VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) | A technology that creates logically separate networks within a physical network, improving the management and security of network resources. |
| IP Addressing | The assignment of a numerical label to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. |
| CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) | A method for allocating IP addresses and routing internet traffic that allows for more efficient use of IP address space. |
| DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) | A network management protocol used on IP networks whereby a server dynamically assigns an IP address and other network configuration parameters to each device on a network. |
| DNS (Domain Name System) | The hierarchical and decentralized naming system used to identify computers, services, and other resources reachable through the Internet or private networks. |
| NAT (Network Address Translation) | A method of remapping one IP address space into another by modifying network address information in the IP header of packets while they are in transit across a traffic routing device. |
| Routing Protocols | Protocols that facilitate the routing of data packets between interconnected networks, examples include OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP. |
| Switching | The process of forwarding packets based on their destination IP address within a local area network (LAN). |
| Firewall | A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. |
| VPN (Virtual Private Network) | A technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the internet, to provide remote access and secure data transmission. |
| Wireless Standards | Protocols for wireless communication, including IEEE 802.11 standards like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), that govern the operation of wireless networks. |
| QoS (Quality of Service) | A mechanism to manage network traffic by prioritizing certain types of data, ensuring the performance of critical applications and services. |
| IPv4 vs. IPv6 | The fourth and sixth versions of the Internet Protocol, with IPv6 designed to address the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses by using longer address formats. |
| SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) | An Internet Standard protocol for collecting and organizing information about managed devices on IP networks and modifying that information to change device behavior. |
| STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) | A network protocol that ensures a loop-free topology for any bridged Ethernet local area network. |
| Frame Relay | A standardized wide area network technology that specifies the physical and data link layers of digital telecommunications channels using a packet switching methodology. |
| MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) | A routing technique in telecommunications networks that directs data from one node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses. |
These terms represent the foundational knowledge required to understand and work within the field of network engineering and to prepare for the CCNA certification. Mastery of these concepts is essential for anyone looking to establish or advance their career in networking.
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