CCNA Exploration 4: Accessing the WAN
The primary focus of this course is on accessing wide area networks (WAN). The goal is
to develop an understanding of various WAN technologies to connect small- to medium-sized
business networks.
The course introduces WAN converged applications and quality of service (QoS). It
focuses on WAN technologies including PPP, Frame Relay, and broadband links. WAN security
concepts are discussed in detail, including types of threats, how to analyze network
vulnerabilities, general methods for mitigating common security threats and types of
security appliances and applications. The course then explains the principles of traffic
control and access control lists (ACLs) and describes how to implement IP addressing
services for an Enterprise network, including how to configure NAT and DHCP. IPv6 addressing
concepts are also discussed. During the course, you will learn how to use Cisco Router
and Security Device Manager (SDM) to secure a router and implement IP addressing services.
Finally, students learn how to detect, troubleshoot and correct common Enterprise network
implementation issues.
The labs and Packet Tracer activities used in this course are designed to help you
develop an understanding of how to configure routing operations while reinforcing the
concepts learned in each chapter.
Chapter 1 Introduction to WANs - In Chapter 1, you will learn the
fundamentals enterprise WANs, the technologies available to implement them, and the
terminology used to discuss them. You will learn how the Cisco enterprise architecture
provides integrated services over an enterprise network and how to select the appropriate
WAN technology to meet different enterprise business requirements.
Chapter 2 PPP - Chapter 2 focuses on serial point-to-point
communications and the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). Understanding how point-to-point
communication links function to provide access to a WAN is important to an overall
understanding of how WANs function. Various aspects of PPP are discussed including
securing PPP using either Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) or the more effective
Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP).
Chapter 3 Frame Relay - Chapter 3 focuses on the high-performance
Frame Relay WAN protocol. You will learn how to implement Frame Relay for use between
LANs over a WAN.
Chapter 4 Network Security - Chapter 4 introduces network security
which has moved to the forefront of network management and implementation. The overall
security challenge is to find a balance between two important requirements: the need
to open networks to support evolving business opportunities, and the need to protect
private, personal, and strategic business information. You will learn to identify
security threats to enterprise networks and mitigation techniques. You will also learn
how to configure basic router security, disable unused resources and interfaces.
Finally you will learn to manage configurations and IOS files.
Chapter 5 ACLs - Chapter 5 builds on the concepts introduced in
Chapter 4 and focuses on the application of ACLs. One of the most important skills
a network administrator needs is mastery of access control lists (ACLs). You will
learn how to create firewalls using standard and extended ACLs. Finally, you learn
about advanced ACL features including dynamic, reflexive and timed ACLs.
Chapter 6 Teleworker Services - Chapter 6 discusses broadband
technologies from a telecommuter’s perspective. Specifically, you will learn about
cable, DSL, and wireless broadband options. You will also explore how VPNs are utilized
to secure broadband connections.
Chapter 7 IP Addressing Services - Chapter 7 discusses how a branch
site can provide IP addressing services to users. You will identify teleworker requirements
and recommend architectures for providing teleworking services. Specifically, you will
learn how to configure a router to be a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
server and how to integrate private addresses and Network Address Translation (NAT).
You will finish with an overview of IPv6 and how to configure routers to exchange IPv6
routes using RIPng.
Chapter 8 Network Troubleshooting - Chapter 8
is the capstone chapter for this course. You will learn how to establish a network
baseline and develop network documentation to help in network troubleshooting. You will
also develop your network troubleshooting skills by reviewing troubleshooting methodology.
You will learn to identify and troubleshoot common enterprise network implementation
issues using a layered model approach.