Study Strat

Phase 1: The Language (Days 1–3)

Goal: Understand how data moves and how to slice it.

  • The Task: Master Subnetting and the OSI Model.

  • Why: You cannot configure a router if you don't understand IP addresses.

  • Success Metric: You can look at 192.168.1.50 /27 and know the network ID and broadcast address in your head.

Phase 2: The Logic (Days 4–10)

Goal: Build the "Roads" and "Intersections."

  • The Task: Open Packet Tracer. Focus on Switching (VLANs, Trunks) and Routing (Static routes, OSPF).

  • The Flow: 1. Connect two PCs to a Switch (Ping them). 2. Put them in different VLANs (Watch the ping fail). 3. Add a Router to connect the VLANs (Watch the ping succeed).

  • Success Metric: You can build a small network from scratch without looking at a guide.

Phase 3: The Walls (Days 11–15)

Goal: Secure the network and add services.

  • The Task: Learn ACLs (Access Control Lists), NAT (Network Address Translation), and Security basics (Port security).

  • The Flow: Now that your Phase 2 network works, try to "block" one PC from talking to the other using an ACL.

  • Success Metric: You understand how to permit or deny specific traffic.

Phase 4: The Polishing (Days 16–Exam Day)

Goal: Fill the "memory" gaps and practice the test format.

  • The Task: Take a Practice Exam (like Boson).

  • The Flow: 1. Take the test. 2. Note every topic you missed. 3. Read the 2-page summary on that specific topic. 4. Repeat.

  • Success Metric: You are scoring 80% or higher on practice exams.