The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course. Your CCNA start Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course provides a practical and beginner-friendly introduction to networking fundamentals, ideal for those starting their journey toward CCNA certification or an IT networking career. The curriculum covers essential concepts like IP addressing, subnetting, network devices, and core protocols, with hands-on labs using Cisco Packet Tracer. With approximately 5.5 hours of on-demand video content, learners will gain foundational knowledge and real-world simulation experience to prepare for entry-level networking roles or further study. The course is structured into six modules, each building on the previous to ensure a solid understanding of how networks operate.
Module 1: Introduction to Networking
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- What is a network?
- Types of networks and topologies
- OSI model structure and layers explained
- TCP/IP model and its relationship to the OSI model
Module 2: IP Addressing and Subnetting
Estimated time: 1 hour
- IPv4 addressing fundamentals
- Subnet masks and default gateways
- CIDR notation and its application
- Subnetting calculations and practice exercises
Module 3: Switches, Routers & Firewalls
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Functions and roles of routers, switches, and firewalls
- Basic router and switch operation
- Introduction to Cisco CLI for device configuration
- Configuring basic settings using Cisco Packet Tracer
Module 4: Cabling, Devices & Packet Flow
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Ethernet standards and cabling types
- Straight-through vs crossover cables
- MAC addresses and their role in data delivery
- How ARP and packet flow work across networks
Module 5: Wireless, NAT, and DHCP
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Introduction to wireless networking
- Wireless encryption types (WEP, WPA, WPA2)
- Understanding NAT, DHCP, and DNS services
- Role of these services in modern networks
Module 6: Real-World Labs & Certification Guidance
Estimated time: 1.25 hours
- Setting up and navigating Cisco Packet Tracer
- Step-by-step simulation of common networking scenarios
- Building a small network with routers and switches
- Introduction to the CCNA certification path
- Career options and next steps in networking
Prerequisites
- Basic computer literacy
- No prior networking experience required
- Familiarity with using Windows or macOS
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Explain how data travels across networks using the OSI and TCP/IP models
- Perform basic subnetting and configure IP addressing schemes
- Describe the functions of routers, switches, and firewalls
- Configure basic network devices using Cisco Packet Tracer
- Pursue further networking studies or prepare for the CCNA certification