Network Components: Explanation of the role and function of various network components, including routers, Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, firewalls, access points, controllers, endpoints, servers, and Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Network Topology Architectures: Descriptions of different network topologies, such as two-tier, three-tier, spine-leaf, WAN, small office/home office (SOHO), and on-premise/cloud.
Physical Interface and Cabling Types: Comparison of single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, and copper connections (Ethernet shared media and point-to-point).
IP Addressing and Subnetting: Configuration and verification of IPv4 addressing and subnetting, as well as an overview of private IPv4 addressing.
IPv6 Addressing: Configuration and verification of IPv6 addressing, including unicast (global, unique local, and link local), anycast, multicast, and modified EUI 64.
Wireless Principles: Understanding nonoverlapping Wi-Fi channels, SSID, RF, and encryption.
Virtualization Fundamentals: Introduction to server virtualization, containers, and Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRFs).
Switching Concepts: Explanation of MAC learning, aging, frame switching, frame flooding, and the MAC address table.
Network Access: Configuration and verification of VLANs, interswitch connectivity (trunk ports and 802.1Q), Layer 2 discovery protocols (Cisco Discovery Protocol and LLDP), and Layer 2/Layer 3 EtherChannel (LACP).
Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol: Basic operations, including root port, root bridge, port states (forwarding/blocking), PortFast, and related features.