Foundations

Cisco Fundamentals

Independent Network Foundations

A free beginner course that builds the core networking vocabulary and device-awareness skills learners need before Cisco certification study.

29 lessons 2 simulated IOS labs Beginner Free with account

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Lessons and embedded labs

1.0 Network Concepts and Communication Models 20%

1.1 Explain the purpose of a network Explain Why Networks Exist Exposure · 10 min Recognize Network Devices and Services Exposure · 10 min

1.2 Identify common network types Compare Everyday Network Types Exposure · 10 min

1.3 Describe the OSI model Follow Data Through the OSI Model Exposure · 10 min Explain Encapsulation and De-encapsulation Exposure · 10 min

1.4 Describe the TCP/IP model and how it maps to the OSI model Map TCP/IP Layers to OSI Layers Exposure · 10 min

1.5 Recall basic traffic terms Use Basic Traffic Terms Exposure · 10 min

2.0 Ethernet, Switching, and Local Packet Flow 20%

2.1 Describe Ethernet frames and MAC addresses Read Ethernet and MAC Address Basics Exposure · 10 min

2.2 Explain how a switch learns and forwards frames Explain MAC Learning and Forwarding Exposure · 10 min Predict Basic Local Frame Flow Exposure · 10 min

2.3 Describe ARP and default gateway concepts Explain ARP and Default Gateways Exposure · 10 min

2.4 Identify basic cabling and interface terms Recognize Cabling and Interface Terms Exposure · 10 min

2.5 Describe VLANs and trunking at a high level Explain VLAN and Trunk Purpose Exposure · 10 min

3.0 IP Addressing, Subnetting Exposure, and Routing Concepts 25%

3.1 Describe IPv4 addressing Read IPv4 Address Basics Exposure · 10 min Recognize Private and Public IPv4 Addresses Exposure · 10 min

3.2 Explain the purpose of subnetting at a high level Explain Why Subnetting Exists Exposure · 10 min Find Network, Host, and Broadcast Parts Exposure · 10 min

3.3 Describe IPv6 purpose and basic notation Read IPv6 Notation Exposure · 10 min

3.4 Explain routing and default gateway concepts Explain Routing and Default Gateway Decisions Exposure · 10 min

3.5 Identify common transport and application protocols Recognize Common Protocol Roles Exposure · 10 min

4.0 Introduction to Cisco IOS and Network Device Roles 20%

4.1 Identify Cisco network device roles Match Cisco Device Roles Exposure · 10 min

4.2 Describe Cisco IOS purpose and CLI access Explain Cisco IOS Access Methods Exposure · 10 min

4.3 Identify basic CLI modes and prompts Explore Cisco IOS Prompts Exposure · 14 min IOS Lab

4.4 Explain the purpose of basic show commands Recognize Basic Show Command Output Exposure · 14 min IOS Lab

4.5 Describe lab safety and device-management awareness Practice Safe Lab Habits Exposure · 10 min

5.0 Foundational Security, Wireless, and Network Services Awareness 15%

5.1 Identify foundational security terms Use Foundational Security Terms Exposure · 10 min

5.2 Describe AAA, passwords, MFA, and least privilege Explain Access Control Basics Exposure · 10 min

5.3 Describe wireless basics Recognize Wireless Names and Security Exposure · 10 min

5.4 Explain the purpose of common network services Explain Common Network Services Exposure · 10 min