1.0 Basic Networking Concepts

1.1 Explain the OSI Model and TCP/IP Model

- Understand the seven layers of the OSI model (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application) and how they correspond to the four-layer TCP/IP model (Link, Internet, Transport, Application). - Describe the function of each layer in both models. - Explain how these models facilitate communication between devices on a network.

1.2 Understand Basic Networking Terms and Devices

- Define key networking terms such as bandwidth, throughput, packet, protocol, subnetting, MAC address, IP address, DNS, DHCP, router, switch, hub, gateway, VPN, and NAT. - Identify the purposes of different types of network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and Wi-Fi access points.

1.3 Describe IP Addressing and Subnetting

- Understand how IP addresses are structured (IPv4 vs. IPv6). - Explain how subnetting is used to optimize network efficiency and performance. - Be able to calculate subnet masks and CIDR notation.

1.4 Network Topologies

- Describe the characteristics of different network topologies, including star, bus (or tree), ring, mesh, and hybrid topologies.

2.0 Hardware and Protocols

2.1 Physical Connectivity and Network Interface Cards (NIC)

- Explain how to connect devices to a network using cables (Ethernet, coaxial, fiber optic). - Describe the role of NICs in establishing network connections.

2.2 Wi-Fi and Wireless Networking

- Understand the fundamentals of wireless communication and how Wi-Fi operates. - Explain the difference between infrastructure and ad-hoc modes. - Be familiar with common Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) and their characteristics.

2.3 Mobile Networking

- Describe how cellular networks function, including GSM, CDMA, LTE, 4G/5G, and the concept of handoffs.

2.4 Ethernet and Switching

- Understand the basics of Ethernet framing and MAC addressing. - Explain how switches operate to create a network and manage traffic with MAC address tables.

2.5 Routing

- Describe how routers determine where to send packets based on routing tables and metrics. - Understand the difference between static and dynamic routing.

2.6 Network Protocols

- Explain the purpose of different protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH, Telnet, SMTP, IMAP, POP3, DNS, and DHCP. - Understand the role of protocols in establishing and maintaining network communication.

3.0 IoT Devices and Network Connectivity

3.1 IoT Device Communication

- Describe how IoT devices communicate with each other and with servers or the cloud. - Understand common communication protocols used in IoT, such as MQTT, CoAP, and ZigBee.

3.2 Network Connectivity for IoT Devices

- Explain different connectivity options for IoT devices (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, LPWAN). - Understand the challenges of securing IoT device communication.

4.0 Infrastructure

4.1 Identifying Device Status Lights and Ports

- Recognize the meaning of status lights on Cisco devices (link, activity, power). - Understand the different types of ports on network devices (console, serial, fiber, Ethernet, SFPs, USB, PoE).

4.2 Network Diagrams and Topology Mapping

- Interpret and understand network diagrams representing physical and logical topologies.

4.3 Data Center Fundamentals

- Describe the components and organization of a data center, including racks, switches, servers, and storage systems. - Understand the importance of redundancy and load balancing in data centers.

5.0 Security Basics

5.1 Network Security Concepts

- Explain basic security principles such as encryption, VPNs, firewalls, and access control lists (ACLs). - Understand the importance of regular software updates and patches for network devices.

5.2 Authentication and Authorization

- Describe the processes of user authentication and authorization on networks. - Explain the role of certificates, public key infrastructure (PKI), and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

5.3 Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

- Understand how IDS and IPS systems monitor and respond to network traffic to detect and prevent malicious activity.

6.0 Troubleshooting Network Issues

6.1 Using Logs and Monitoring Tools

- Utilize logs and monitoring tools to diagnose and resolve network issues. - Understand the importance of analyzing traffic patterns and system performance metrics.

6.2 Resolving Common Network Problems

- Troubleshoot common connectivity issues, such as IP address conflicts, DNS resolution problems, and failed VPN connections. - Use command-line interfaces (CLIs) on network devices to gather information and make configuration changes.

7.0 Network Performance and Quality of Service (QoS)

7.1 Monitoring Network Performance

- Explain how to monitor network performance, including throughput, latency, and packet loss. - Identify tools and methods used for performance monitoring.

7.2 Quality of Service (QoS) and Traffic Management

- Describe QoS techniques such as traffic shaping, load balancing, and congestion avoidance. - Understand how to prioritize network traffic to ensure critical applications perform well under varying conditions.

8.0 Network Documentation and Best Practices

8.1 Maintaining Network Documentation

- Explain the importance of maintaining up-to-date network documentation. - Describe the components that should be included in network documentation, such as topology maps, configuration files, and inventory lists.

8.2 Network Best Practices

- Discuss best practices for network management, including regular audits, risk assessments, and the implementation of security policies. - Understand the principles of sustainable network design that promote energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Cisco CCST - Networking - Practice Exams 2025

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