CCNA 200-3001

Module 1: Network Fundamentals

Before you can run an ISP, you have to understand the wires and the waves.

• The OSI & TCP/IP Models: Understanding how data is encapsulated from the Application layer down to the Physical layer.

• Cabling & Interfaces: Deep dive into Fiber Optics (Single-mode vs. Multi-mode), Ethernet (Cat5e, Cat6), and SFP modules used in ISP environments.

• IPv4 & IPv6 Subnetting: Mastery of Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM).

  Note: ISPs operate heavily in IPv6. You must be comfortable with hex-based addressing and prefix delegation.

Module 2: Switching & Connectivity

This is the "bread and butter" of IT companies. You'll learn how to manage office networks efficiently.

• VLANs & Trunking (802.1Q): Segmenting corporate traffic for security and performance.

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): Preventing Layer 2 loops. We focus on Rapid-PVST+ and MSTP.

• EtherChannel: Bundling links for higher bandwidth—essential for server rooms.

• Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) & LLDP: Mapping out a network you’ve never seen before.

Module 3: IP Connectivity (Routing)

This is where the ISP magic happens. Routers determine the best path across the internet.

• Routing Table Logic: Longest prefix match, Administrative Distance (AD), and Metric.

• OSPFv2 & OSPFv3: The primary internal routing protocol for most enterprises.

  • Concept: Multi-area OSPF for scalability.

• First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP): Implementing HSRP or VRRP so that if one gateway fails, the office stays online.

• The ISP Edge: Introduction to BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) basics—the protocol that runs the internet.

Module 4: IP Services & Security

A network is useless if it’s slow or hacked.

• NAT/PAT: How private office IPs talk to the public internet.

• Access Control Lists (ACLs): The first line of defense. Standard, Extended, and Named ACLs.

• DHCP & DNS: The background services that make the internet "user-friendly."

• Security Fundamentals: * Site-to-Site VPNs (IPsec).

  • Layer 2 Security: DHCP Snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), and Port Security.

  • WPA2/WPA3 Wireless architectures.

Module 5: Automation & Programmability

Modern IT companies no longer configure 1,000 routers by hand. They use code.

• Controller-Based Networking: Understanding Cisco DNA Center and SD-WAN.

• APIs (REST): How software talks to hardware using JSON and XML.

• Configuration Management: Introduction to Ansible, Puppet, and Chef.

• Python in Networking: Writing scripts to automate repetitive tasks like VLAN creation.

The "ISP-Ready" Lab Challenge

To be ready for a job interview, you should be able to build this from scratch in Packet Tracer or GNS3:

1. Core: Two Multilayer switches running HSRP.

2. Distribution: OSPF routing between the office and the "ISP Router."

3. Access: VLANs for Data, Voice, and Guest Wi-Fi.

4. Automation: A Python script that backs up the running configuration of all devices.