These three architectures are built on an infrastructure of scalable and resilient hardware and software. Components of the architecture come together to build network systems that span your organization from network access to the cloud, and provide organizations with the services they need.
At the foundation of all three of these architectures, and in fact, at the foundation of the Internet itself, are routers and switches. Routers and switches transport data, voice and video communications, as well as allow for wireless access, and provide for security. After a basic network infrastructure with routing and switching is built, organizations can grow their network over time, adding features and functionality in an integrated solution.
As the use of these integrated, expanding networks increase, so does the need for training for individuals who implement and manage network solutions. This training must begin with the routing and switching foundation. Achieving Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is the first step in helping an individual prepare for a career in networking.
CCNA certification validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. CCNA curriculum also includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This CCNA curriculum includes the use of various protocols, such as: IP, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Serial Line Interface Protocol, Frame Relay, VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs) and others.
This course helps set the stage for networking concepts and basic routing and switching configurations and is a start on your path for CCNA certification.