CCNA (200-301)
Articles covering Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) 200-301 exam objectives. These guides focus on networking fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability topics essential for your CCNA certification.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.1: Explain the Role and Function of Network Components
Comprehensive guide to understanding network components including routers, switches, firewalls, access points, controllers, endpoints, servers, and PoE technology for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.2: Describe Characteristics of Network Topology Architectures
Comprehensive guide to network topology architectures including two-tier, three-tier, spine-leaf, WAN, SOHO, and on-premises/cloud architectures for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.3: Compare Physical Interface and Cabling Types
Comprehensive guide to physical interface and cabling types including single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, copper cabling, and Ethernet connection types for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.4: Identify Interface and Cable Issues
Comprehensive guide to identifying and troubleshooting interface and cable issues including collisions, errors, duplex mismatch, and speed problems for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.5: Compare TCP to UDP
Comprehensive guide to comparing Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP), including characteristics, mechanisms, use cases, and protocol selection criteria for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.6: Configure and Verify IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting
Comprehensive guide to IPv4 addressing and subnetting including address structure, subnet masks, CIDR notation, subnetting calculations, configuration methods, and troubleshooting techniques for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.7: Describe Private IPv4 Addressing
Comprehensive guide to private IPv4 addressing including RFC 1918 address ranges, Network Address Translation (NAT), security benefits, address conservation, and implementation scenarios for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.8: Configure and Verify IPv6 Addressing and Prefix
Comprehensive guide to IPv6 addressing and prefix configuration including address structure, address types, configuration methods, verification techniques, and transition mechanisms for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.9: Describe IPv6 Address Types
Comprehensive guide to IPv6 address types including unicast (global, unique local, link-local), anycast, multicast, and Modified EUI-64 interface identifiers for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.10: Verify IP Parameters for Client OS (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)
Comprehensive guide to verifying IP parameters on different client operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux using command-line tools, graphical interfaces, and troubleshooting techniques for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.11: Describe Wireless Principles
Comprehensive guide to wireless networking principles including nonoverlapping Wi-Fi channels, SSID configuration, RF characteristics, and wireless encryption methods for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.12: Explain Virtualization Fundamentals
Comprehensive guide to virtualization fundamentals including server virtualization, container technology, Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF), and network virtualization integration for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 1.13: Describe Switching Concepts
Comprehensive guide to switching concepts including MAC learning and aging, frame switching, frame flooding, and MAC address table management for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 2.1: Configure and Verify VLANs (Normal Range) Spanning Multiple Switches
Comprehensive guide to VLAN configuration and verification including access ports for data and voice, default VLAN configuration, and interVLAN connectivity for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 2.2: Configure and Verify Interswitch Connectivity
Comprehensive guide to interswitch connectivity configuration and verification including trunk ports, 802.1Q VLAN tagging, and native VLAN configuration for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 2.3: Configure and Verify Layer 2 Discovery Protocols (Cisco Discovery Protocol and LLDP)
Comprehensive guide to Layer 2 discovery protocols including Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) and Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) configuration, verification, and troubleshooting for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 2.4: Configure and Verify (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP)
Comprehensive guide to EtherChannel configuration and verification including Layer 2 and Layer 3 EtherChannels, Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), and load balancing for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 2.5: Interpret Basic Operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol
Comprehensive guide to Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol including root bridge and port concepts, port states and roles, PortFast configuration, and protection mechanisms for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 2.6: Describe Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP Modes
Comprehensive guide to Cisco wireless architectures including autonomous, cloud-based, and controller-based deployments, as well as access point modes for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 2.7: Describe Physical Infrastructure Connections of WLAN Components (AP, WLC, Access/Trunk Ports, and LAG)
Comprehensive guide to WLAN physical infrastructure connections including access points, wireless LAN controllers, access and trunk ports, and Link Aggregation Groups for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 2.8: Describe Network Device Management Access (Telnet, SSH, HTTP, HTTPS, Console, TACACS+/RADIUS, and Cloud Managed)
Comprehensive guide to network device management access methods including console access, Telnet, SSH, HTTP/HTTPS, TACACS+/RADIUS authentication, and cloud-based management for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 2.9: Interpret the Wireless LAN GUI Configuration for Client Connectivity (WLAN Creation, Security Settings, QoS Profiles, and Advanced Settings)
Comprehensive guide to wireless LAN GUI configuration including WLAN creation, security settings, QoS profiles, and advanced settings for client connectivity in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 3.1: Interpret the Components of Routing Table (Routing Protocol Code, Prefix, Network Mask, Next Hop, Administrative Distance, Metric, and Gateway of Last Resort)
Comprehensive guide to routing table components including routing protocol codes, prefixes, network masks, next hops, administrative distance, metrics, and gateway of last resort for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 3.2: Determine How a Router Makes a Forwarding Decision by Default (Longest Prefix Match, Administrative Distance, and Routing Protocol Metric)
Comprehensive guide to router forwarding decision process including longest prefix match, administrative distance, and routing protocol metrics for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 3.3: Configure and Verify IPv4 and IPv6 Static Routing (Default Route, Network Route, Host Route, and Floating Static)
Comprehensive guide to static routing configuration and verification including default routes, network routes, host routes, and floating static routes for both IPv4 and IPv6 in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 3.4: Configure and Verify Single Area OSPFv2 (Neighbor Adjacencies, Point-to-Point, Broadcast DR/BDR Selection, and Router ID)
Comprehensive guide to single area OSPFv2 configuration and verification including neighbor adjacencies, point-to-point networks, broadcast networks with DR/BDR selection, and router ID configuration for CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 3.5: Describe the Purpose, Functions, and Concepts of First Hop Redundancy Protocols
Comprehensive guide to first hop redundancy protocols including HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP, their purpose, functions, and key concepts for providing high availability default gateway functionality in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 4.1: Configure and Verify Inside Source NAT Using Static and Pools
Comprehensive guide to inside source NAT configuration and verification including static NAT and NAT pools for providing internet connectivity and network address translation in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 4.2: Configure and Verify NTP Operating in Client and Server Mode
Comprehensive guide to Network Time Protocol (NTP) configuration and verification including client and server modes for maintaining accurate time synchronization across network devices in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 4.3: Explain the Role of DHCP and DNS Within the Network
Comprehensive guide to understanding the roles and functions of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Domain Name System (DNS) within network environments for automatic IP address assignment and domain name resolution in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 4.4: Explain the Function of SNMP in Network Operations
Comprehensive guide to understanding the function and role of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) in network operations including network monitoring, management, and troubleshooting in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 4.5: Describe the Use of Syslog Features, Including Facilities and Severity Levels
Comprehensive guide to understanding the use of syslog features for network logging and monitoring including facility codes, severity levels, and log analysis in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 4.6: Configure and Verify DHCP Client and Relay
Comprehensive guide to configuring and verifying DHCP client functionality and DHCP relay agents on network devices for automated IP address assignment and centralized DHCP services in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 4.7: Explain the Forwarding Per-Hop Behavior (PHB) for QoS
Comprehensive guide to understanding the forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB) for Quality of Service (QoS) including classification, marking, queuing, congestion management, policing, and shaping in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 4.8: Configure Network Devices for Remote Access Using SSH
Comprehensive guide to configuring network devices for secure remote access using Secure Shell (SSH) protocol including SSH server configuration, authentication methods, and security best practices in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 4.9: Describe the Capabilities and Functions of TFTP/FTP in the Network
Comprehensive guide to understanding the capabilities and functions of Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) in network environments including protocol differences, use cases, and security considerations in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 5.1: Define Key Security Concepts (Threats, Vulnerabilities, Exploits, and Mitigation Techniques)
Comprehensive guide to understanding fundamental cybersecurity concepts including threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques for implementing effective network security measures in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 5.2: Describe Security Program Elements (User Awareness, Training, and Physical Access Control)
Comprehensive guide to understanding security program elements including user awareness, training programs, and physical access control for implementing comprehensive security measures in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 5.3: Configure and Verify Device Access Control Using Local Passwords
Comprehensive guide to configuring and verifying device access control using local passwords including user account creation, password policies, privilege levels, and authentication mechanisms in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 5.4: Describe Security Password Policy Elements (Management, Complexity, and Password Alternatives)
Comprehensive guide to understanding security password policy elements including password management, complexity requirements, and alternative authentication methods such as MFA, certificates, and biometrics in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 5.5: Describe IPsec Remote Access and Site-to-Site VPNs
Comprehensive guide to understanding IPsec remote access and site-to-site VPNs including protocols, authentication methods, encryption, and implementation considerations in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 5.6: Configure and Verify Access Control Lists
Comprehensive guide to configuring and verifying access control lists (ACLs) including standard, extended, and named ACLs, placement strategies, and verification procedures in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 5.7: Configure and Verify Layer 2 Security Features (DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection, and Port Security)
Comprehensive guide to configuring and verifying Layer 2 security features including DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and port security for protecting against Layer 2 attacks in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 5.8: Compare Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting Concepts
Comprehensive guide to understanding and comparing authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) concepts including their purposes, implementation methods, and integration in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 5.9: Describe Wireless Security Protocols (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3)
Comprehensive guide to understanding wireless security protocols including WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, their security features, implementation considerations, and evolution in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 5.10: Configure and Verify WLAN within the GUI using WPA2 PSK
Comprehensive guide to configuring and verifying Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) using graphical user interfaces with WPA2 Pre-Shared Key security in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 6.1: Explain How Automation Impacts Network Management
Comprehensive guide to understanding how automation technologies impact network management processes, operations, and administration in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 6.2: Compare Traditional Networks with Controller-Based Networking
Comprehensive guide to understanding the differences between traditional network architectures and controller-based networking approaches in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 6.3: Describe Controller-Based, Software Defined Architecture (Overlay, Underlay, and Fabric)
Comprehensive guide to understanding controller-based, software-defined network architectures including overlay, underlay, and fabric concepts in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 6.4: Explain AI (Generative and Predictive) and Machine Learning in Network Operations
Comprehensive guide to understanding artificial intelligence, machine learning, and their applications in network operations including generative and predictive AI in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 6.5: Describe Characteristics of REST-based APIs (Authentication Types, CRUD, HTTP Verbs, and Data Encoding)
Comprehensive guide to understanding REST-based APIs including authentication mechanisms, CRUD operations, HTTP verbs, and data encoding methods in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 6.6: Recognize the Capabilities of Configuration Management Mechanisms such as Ansible and Terraform
Comprehensive guide to understanding configuration management tools including Ansible and Terraform capabilities, use cases, and network automation applications in CCNA certification exam preparation.
CCNA 200-301 Objective 6.7: Recognize Components of JSON-Encoded Data
Comprehensive guide to understanding JSON data format including syntax, structure, data types, and network management applications in CCNA certification exam preparation.