CCNA ITN: Module 1

modern networks

let people connect and interact instantly across long distances

networking technologies

enable global communication beyond borders and limitations

online communities

allow users to share ideas and access cloud data on any device

Cisco Networking Academy

teaches tech skills and real-world experience through labs, competitions, and hackathons

Cisco certifications

validate knowledge in high-demand fields like networking, cybersecurity, and IT for better jobs and pay

hosts

computers connected to a network that send or receive data

IP address

identifies both the host and its network

server

computer with service software that provides data to multiple clients at once

client

host with software to request and display data from servers

a computer

can run multiple types of client software like email, web, and file sharing

peer-to-peer network

one computer acts as both client and server, common in small setups

peer-to-peer pros

easy to set up, less complex, and low cost

peer-to-peer cons

less secure, not scalable, and lacks central control

end device

source or destination of messages in a network

IP address

usage

intermediary devices

connect end devices and determine paths using destination addresses

networking devices

like routers, switches, and hubs manage traffic and notify errors

network media

options include metal wires, fiber optics, and wireless signals

media selection

depends on range, cost, environment, speed, and data volume

topology diagram

visual map showing device connections in a network

network interface card

allows end device to physically connect to the network

physical port

device outlet connecting to media

interface

port connecting a device to a specific network

physical topology

shows device placement and cable setup in real space

logical topology

shows IP addresses, ports, and how devices communicate

small home network

connects a few devices to the internet

SOHO network

links home or remote offices to a business network

large business network

has many locations and thousands of connected devices

internet

largest existing network, connecting public and private networks globally

network infrastructure

varies by size, users, and available services

LAN

covers small areas like homes or businesses and offers high-speed access

LAN owner

typically one person or organization

WAN

connects LANs across wide geographic areas, owned by telecoms

WAN speed

slower than LANs and managed by multiple providers

Internet

connects WANs and LANs using various media, no central ownership

Internet organizations

IETF, ICANN, and IAB maintain structure and standards

intranet

private internal network only accessible to organization members

extranet

secure access for external partners like consultants and suppliers

ISP

provides internet access to homes and businesses

cable internet

uses same cable as TV for high bandwidth and availability

DSL

uses telephone lines for high-speed internet

cellular internet

depends on mobile phone and tower signal

satellite internet

available in remote areas but needs clear line of sight

dial-up

uses phone lines but not ideal for large data

leased lines

dedicated business lines rented monthly or yearly

Metro Ethernet

expands LAN access across a metro area

business DSL

offers equal upload and download speeds

converged networks

carry voice, video, and data over a single network

reliable network

needs standard architecture, technology, and protocols

fault tolerance

network keeps working through redundant paths

packet-based messaging

allows data to take multiple paths for redundancy

scalability

allows growth without performance loss if built on standards

QoS

quality control for traffic, prioritizes real-time data like voice

secure network

protects data and ensures confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA)

physical security

protects hardware access from unauthorized users

BYOD

users connect personal devices to work or school networks

online collaboration

tools like WebEx support remote teamwork

video communication

is essential for collaboration in work and school

smart devices

have built-in home network support for automation

powerline networking

uses electrical wiring to transmit network signals

wireless broadband

provides access using antennas or cellular signals

cloud computing

provides services and storage over the internet via remote servers

public cloud

available to all, usually free or pay-per-use

private cloud

used by one organization with strict security controls

hybrid cloud

combines public and private clouds with flexible access

community cloud

shared cloud with features tailored for specific groups

network security

requires layered defenses suited to environment and users

external threats

include viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, and more

zero-day attack

targets systems the day a vulnerability is found

threat actor

malicious person attacking devices or data

DoS attack

overloads devices to crash apps or services

data theft

steals private info in transit

identity theft

steals a user’s login credentials

internal threats

include lost devices, mistakes, or insider attacks

security layers

use antivirus, antispyware, firewalls, ACLs, VPNs, and more

home networks

should use antivirus and basic firewall filters

enterprise networks

use ACLs, VPNs, intrusion prevention, and dedicated firewalls

CCNA

certifies foundational knowledge in networking and security

CCNA structure

3 courses, 1 exam covering IP and security

Cisco Talent Bridge

finds job matches for students in networking

job search

IT jobs can be found using sites like Indeed