FREE CCNA 200-301 Course 2024 // Complete Practical CCNA v1.1 with real equipment

Summary

This comprehensive CCNA course distinguishes itself by utilizing actual networking hardware, not simulations, to teach. The instructor emphasizes the importance of physical device familiarity, showcasing a variety of equipment including a Starlink mini and explaining fundamental concepts like routers, switches, and fiber optics. The course covers practical skills for the CCNA exam and real-world applications, contrasting single and multi-mode fiber optics, and introducing historical context with older devices like hubs and serial interfaces. It also explores modern devices, the functions of routers and access points, and the significance of understanding MAC and IP addresses in networking.

Takeaways

• 🌐 This CCNA course focuses on practical, hands-on learning using real physical equipment rather than simulations or emulators.
• 👀 The course aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring learners can identify and work with actual networking devices.
• 💡 The instructor has invested in a variety of networking devices, including modern and older models, to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
• 📡 Topics covered include the differences between routers, switches, and the nuances of layer two and layer three devices.
• 🌟 The course delves into the physical aspects of networking, such as the distinction between single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables.
• 🌐 The importance of understanding historical networking devices is emphasized to grasp why modern devices function as they do.
• 🔌 Practical demonstrations include the use of various cables, hubs, and switches to illustrate how data transmission occurs.
• 🛠️ Labs will utilize Cisco Packet Tracer and Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) for additional practice, complementing the physical equipment demonstrations.
• 🏢 The course is designed to prepare students not only to pass the CCNA exam but also to be successful in real-world networking careers.
• 📚 The instructor encourages learners to download and use Cisco Packet Tracer for additional practice and to build their own network configurations.

Q & A

What makes this CCNA course different from others?

This CCNA course is unique because it uses physical equipment for explanations instead of simulations or emulators, providing a more practical and real-world approach to learning.

Why is it important to know what physical devices look like?

Knowing what physical devices look like is crucial because it helps new network engineers to recognize and interact with actual hardware in real-world scenarios, which they might not have experienced using only simulations.

What is the significance of understanding the difference between routers and switches?

Understanding the difference between routers and switches is significant because it helps in configuring network devices correctly and knowing their roles in network architecture, such as layer two and layer three functionalities.

How does the Starlink Mini change internet access?

The Starlink Mini changes internet access by providing a portable satellite dish with a built-in router, allowing internet connectivity in various locations without traditional infrastructure.

What is the difference between single mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables?

Single mode fiber optic cables have a smaller core and do not allow multiple paths of light to propagate, whereas multi-mode cables have a larger core and allow multiple paths, resulting in different light transmission patterns when bent.

Why are copper Ethernet cables still relevant in today's networking?

Copper Ethernet cables are still relevant because they are used for short-distance data transmission in many networks, and they are cost-effective and widely available.

What is the role of an Ethernet Bridge in a network?

An Ethernet Bridge's role in a network is to connect two LANs and filter traffic between them based on MAC addresses, reducing congestion and improving network efficiency.

Why is it important to understand the history of networking devices?

Understanding the history of networking devices is important because it provides context for why current technologies and protocols work the way they do, aiding in troubleshooting and optimizing networks.

How do switches differ from hubs in terms of network traffic handling?

Switches differ from hubs by using MAC addresses to forward traffic only to the intended recipient port, unlike hubs which broadcast traffic out of all ports except the incoming one, leading to less network congestion and improved performance.

What is the function of a router in a network?

A router's function in a network is to route traffic from one network to another, such as from a local area network (LAN) to a wide area network (WAN), using various interfaces like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular connections.

Why are physical labs important for learning CCNA concepts?

Physical labs are important for learning CCNA concepts because they provide hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how devices and cables work in real-world scenarios, which is not fully replicated in virtual environments.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Practical CCNA Course Introduction

The speaker introduces a unique CCNA course that focuses on using physical networking equipment rather than simulations or emulators. The course aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills by showcasing actual devices like routers, switches, and fiber optic cables. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the physical aspects of networking, such as the difference between single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables, and the practical use of devices in real-world scenarios. The course includes a variety of networking equipment, from modern devices like the Starlink Mini to older equipment, to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

05:02

🔌 Understanding Network Devices and Topologies

This section delves into the practical aspects of networking devices, explaining the roles of routers, switches, and hubs in a network. The speaker discusses the importance of knowing the physical characteristics and functionalities of these devices, such as the difference between a router and a switch, and the role of MAC addresses in network communication. The course includes demonstrations of modern devices like the Cisco 9200 series switches and routers, as well as older equipment, to provide a historical context and understanding of how networking has evolved. The speaker also touches on the importance of understanding network protocols like IPv4 and IPv6, and the role of different types of cables in network connectivity.

10:03

💻 Hands-on Learning with Physical Equipment

The speaker highlights the value of hands-on learning with physical networking equipment, as opposed to relying solely on simulations. The course includes a variety of devices, from classic to modern, to help learners understand the practical application of networking concepts. The speaker discusses the differences between Cisco IOS and IOS XE operating systems and how they are used in networking devices. The course also covers the importance of understanding network topologies and the role of devices like Ethernet bridges and hubs in network design. The speaker encourages learners to use free software like Cisco Packet Tracer for practice and to complement the practical learning experience provided by the course.

Keywords

💡CCNA

CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate, which is an entry-level certification program for networking professionals. It is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to install, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. In the video, the course is focused on preparing students for the CCNA exam, emphasizing practical knowledge that goes beyond just passing the test.

💡Physical Equipment

Physical equipment refers to the actual hardware used in networking, such as routers, switches, and cables. The video emphasizes the importance of learning with physical devices rather than relying solely on simulations or emulators. This hands-on approach helps students understand the real-world appearance and functionality of networking devices, which is crucial for practical application in the field.

💡Starlink Mini

Starlink Mini is a portable satellite dish mentioned in the video that enables internet access via satellite. It includes a built-in router and is used to demonstrate the practical application of satellite technology in networking. This example shows how modern networking solutions can leverage satellite connectivity for remote or hard-to-reach areas.

💡Router

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. In the video, the instructor discusses the differences between routers and switches, and the importance of understanding the functions of a router. Routers operate at Layer 3 of the OSI model, making decisions based on IP addresses, and are essential for connecting different networks and the internet.

💡Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cables are a type of cable used for transmitting data using pulses of light through the optical fibers. The video distinguishes between single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables, highlighting the differences in how light travels through them. Understanding these cables is crucial for network professionals, as they form the backbone of modern data transmission, including undersea cables that connect the world's internet infrastructure.

💡Ethernet Bridge

An Ethernet bridge is a networking device that connects two LANs (Local Area Networks) and filters the traffic between them. In the context of the video, the instructor mentions Spanning Tree Protocol and the concept of a root bridge. Bridges operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model and are used to segment networks to improve performance and prevent broadcast storms.

💡Collision Domain

A collision domain refers to a network segment where packets can collide with each other if two devices attempt to transmit at the same time. The video explains the historical context of collision domains, particularly in relation to older networking devices like hubs. Understanding collision domains is important for network design to ensure efficiency and reduce the likelihood of data transmission errors.

💡MAC Address

A MAC address, or Media Access Control address, is a unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications at the data link layer of a network segment. In the video, the instructor discusses how switches use MAC addresses to forward traffic to the correct destination, as opposed to hubs that broadcast traffic indiscriminately. MAC addresses are fundamental to the operation of network devices and protocols.

💡IPv4 and IPv6

IPv4 and IPv6 are Internet Protocol versions used for assigning unique IP addresses to devices on a network. The video mentions the use of these protocols in modern networking and the internet. IPv4 is the older version with a limited number of addresses, while IPv6 was developed to accommodate the growing number of devices requiring unique IP addresses.

💡Packet Tracer

Packet Tracer is a network simulation software developed by Cisco that allows users to create and manipulate network topologies. The video suggests using Packet Tracer for practice, as it provides a platform for students to configure networks and understand how devices interact without the need for physical equipment. It's a valuable tool for learning and reinforcing networking concepts.

Highlights

This CCNA course uses physical equipment for learning rather than simulations or emulators.

The importance of recognizing physical devices in real-world scenarios is emphasized.

The course includes a variety of physical devices, such as a Starlink Mini and Cisco routers and switches.

Explanation of the difference between routers, layer two and layer three switches.

The course will cover configuring Cisco routers and switches to prepare for the CCNA exam.

Packet Tracer and Cisco Modeling Labs are mentioned as supplementary tools for lab practice.

Physical demonstration of fiber optic cables, including the difference between single-mode and multi-mode.

The necessity of understanding the physical aspects of networking, like fiber cables used under oceans.

Introduction to copper Ethernet cables and their function in data transmission.

Learning about Ethernet Bridges and Spanning Tree protocols with a focus on the root Bridge concept.

The value of understanding older networking devices to grasp current technologies.

Explanation of the difference between serial interfaces, hubs, and switches.

The course will cover the history of networking to understand concepts like collision and broadcast domains.

Investment in modern and older networking equipment for practical demonstrations.

The role of routers in routing traffic from one network to another, including various connection types.

Differentiation between classic IOS and IOS XE operating systems on Cisco devices.

Practical demonstrations of how traffic is managed on a network with hubs versus switches.

Encouragement to download Cisco Packet Tracer for additional lab practice.

The course aims to make networking concepts less abstract and more tangible through physical examples.

Transcripts

welcome to my complete practical CCNA course  this course is very different to other courses  

I'm going to be explaining CCNA topics using  physical equipment rather than simulations or  

emulators I've heard this story too many times new  person arrives at site they need to configure a  

device and they ask where is the device and the  customer is shocked because the device is right  

next to them and that's because the person is only  ever used simulations or online labs and doesn't  

actually know what devices look like it's really  important that you see what the physical devices  

actually look like and how they act rather than  just using a simulator or even an emulator like  

CML I've spent thousands of dollars collecting  various devices to add to this course and this is  

only some of them as an example here's a starlink  mini this really changes the game because you can  

access the internet using a portable satellite  dish like this this has a built-in router and  

I'm going to explain what a router actually is  because you need to know the differences between  

say routers such as these or some of these routers  versus what a switch is and what a layer two and a  

layer three switch is you may not understand what  those terms are right now but in this video and  

in the course I'm going to explain those topics  in a lot of detail and you're going to configure  

CSCO routers and switches so that you have the  knowledge to pass the CCNA exam but also have  

the knowledge to go out there and be successful in  your career now Packet Tracer and CML or Cisco  

Modeling Labs are fantastic for labs and you can  use those as part of this course but they cannot  

simulate physical devices like these Fiber Optic  Cables you need to know the difference between a  

single mode fiber optic cable and a multi mode  fiber optic cable notice the difference in  

the light shown through these cables single mode  fiber if I bend it you can see the light bleeding  

through the cable there but notice the pattern  doesn't really change whereas with multimode fiber  

if I bend the cable the pattern changes it  moves you need to understand the difference  

between multimode and single mode fiber very  difficult to understand that and Visually see  

what it does when you're just using an emulator  now you may be wondering why do you need to know  

about fiber cables you're actually using them  right now the world is connected using fiber  

cables under the oceans so when you're watching  a YouTube video as an example that information  

is transmitted across a fiber cable such as  these we also have copper ethernet cables so  

this is a copper ethernet cable that you probably  seen before it's using an RJ45 connector at the  

end here this uses copper this is fiber data is  transmitted through light through these cables  

whereas here it uses electricity to transmit data  now in the CCNA course you're going to learn about  

an Ethernet Bridge specifically in Spanning Tree  you're going to learn about something called the  

Spanning Tree root Bridge most people will just  show you a picture of a bridge they will not  

show you what it actually looks like so they'll  use an icon and we've actually designed brand  

new icons for this course so all the topologies  are going to be using a new icon set that we've  

created so you'll just see an icon similar to  what's on screen at the moment but you don't  

know what a bridge actually looks like and how it  actually acts now I do get some push back or flack  

when I show older devices but a really important  lesson in networking if you don't understand the  

past you won't understand why things act  the way they do today like as an example  

if you don't know what a bridge is you wouldn't  understand why we have a root Bridge rather  

than a root switch in spanning tree you wouldn't  understand why a switch and this is a very modern  

switch this is a 9200 CX switch why modern  switch like that is better than a bridge or  

even an older switch like this 2950 series switch  switches are much faster than Bridges but they act  

in a very similar way in the very old days we had  interfaces like these these are serial interfaces  

very very slowly you may still come across  them depending where you are in the world so  

I'm going to talk about some of the history as  we go through this course so that you understand  

concepts such as a collision domain or broadcast  domain collision domains were really important  

when we had hubs notice this is a Cisco Hub  this is a hub this is a switch they're very  

different a hub as an example works as follows  when traffic arrives in one port it's repeated  

out of all the other ports this is known as  a multi-port repeater here's an example of a  

single port repeater we've only got port Port one  and Port two here so when traffic arrives in one  

port it gets repeated or amplified out of another  port that allows ethernet to traverse much greater  

distances so as an example with the cables that  we tend to use today UTP cabling a cable like this  

as an example maximum distance is 100 meters if you  wanted to amplify the signal or have the signal go  

further you need something that repeats the signal  or amplifies the signal and this is a very basic  

example of a repeater multiport repeater or Hub is  a dumb device doesn't understand the traffic sent  

in the network so when traffic arrives on one port  destined to one other device simply replicated or  

repeated out of all other ports on the device that  means that if you have a collision on any one of  

these ports it affects everyone in the topology  switches work differently to Hubs so in switches  

we use what are called Mac addresses or Hardware  addresses to identify hosts on a network so when  

you use your phone as an example to connect  to a Wi-Fi network or you use your computer  

to connect to a physical ethernet Network you'll  notice that it has what's called a MAC address or  

media Access Control address that is a hardware  identifier for a device on a ethernet Network or  

a Wi-Fi network your device will also have an  IP address here we've got both an IPv4 

as well as an IPv6 address in networks  today and the internet today we use IPv4  

or IPv6 those are protocols or languages  if you like here we speaking English hopefully you  

can understand what I'm saying because speaking  the same language when a phone as an example is  

used to go to YouTube the language used by the  phone to send information into the network and  

for YouTube to send a video back to the phone is  IPv4 4 or IPv6 now I've invested  

thousands of dollars collecting equipment for  this course and this is only some of it not only  

collect equipment that you might never have seen  before such as this ethernet Bridge or the Cisco  

Hub but I've also collected very modern devices  to add to the course such as this C 9200 L switch  

and one of my favorites the c9200 CX switch  I like these small switches such as the 1000  

series switch because they're quiet and I can run  them on my desk without a bunch of fan noise but  

I have got bigger switches such as this one I've  also got a Cisco 8200 router or what Cisco call  

an edge platform but it's essentially a router so  I've got a very modern router here I've also got  

another modern router here on ISR 1100 4G as well  as these 1000 series routers so I've got these two  

routers that have multiple ethernet ports and this  one has a DSL Port as an example I've also got a  

Cisco firewall as well as a Cisco land controller  and I've collected a whole bunch of access points  

so that I can physically demonstrate how things  work now what is a router Router basically route  

from one network to another you may have a router  similar to this at home one of the most confusing  

things about devices today is that they actually  combine various features together so even though  

this is a router it actually acts like a Wi-Fi  access point in other words you can connect to  

the router using Wi-Fi here has a dedicated  Wi-Fi access point as an example this isn't  

a router it's simply an access point allowing  you to connect to the network using a Wi-Fi  

device so this acts like a Wi-Fi access point  it acts like a switch so it has what I called  

Lan ports but notice it also has a Wan Port these  are local area network ports local area network  

is a network like in your home it's local to where  you are routers route from one network to another  

using the W or wide area network so as an example  you could use ethernet like on this router but  

here's a 5G router this routes from your home to  a 5G Network here's a starlink router routes from  

your home network as an example to satellites and  onto the internet there is a DSL connection this  

routes from your home network so perhaps you've  got some devices connected to these ports at home  

connects you via your telephone to the internet  or wide area network so a router will rout you  

for instance from ethernet your local area network  or Wi-Fi to satellite or from ethernet your landan  

interface or your local network to 5G or 4G  or if you've got fiber at home you might have  

an ethernet port on your router that connects  you to a modem or a device that your internet  

service provider or ISP gives you at home with a  fiber connection again I'm hoping that this is the  

most complete most practical and most real world  CCNA course that you take that you're not just  

learning about stuff from a theoretical point  of view that you're actually seeing what these  

are these are sfps so we've got 10 gig sfps here  we've got gig sfps here's a 25 gig Dack cable or  

direct attach cable and here we've got 100 gbits  per second qsfp28 I don't want you to go out into  

the real world and only learn about stuff through  slides or through pictures I want you to actually  

see how things work and not just old equipment  but very modern equipment as well now for the  

labs you could use packet tracer this is a Cisco  4321 router and the reason I purchased this router  

is because it's part of Packet Tracer so in the  labs I will show you physically how things look  

and then you'll be able to configure them Packet  Tracer is a fantastic simulator but it doesn't  

simulate everything perfectly 950 switches are  also part of Packet Tracer but again I've got very  

modern switches like the c9200 CX fantastic little  switch it's important that you understand the  

difference between a classic iOS switch as well  as a iOS XE switch so I've got both examples here  

so that you can see how iOS XE versus iOS Works  basically iOS is the operating system that devices  

run so it think of this like running Windows  or Mac OS so you're running a Windows operating  

system on your PC this device runs Cisco iOS this  device runs Cisco iOS XE so you need to learn the  

commands that the operating system uses in the  same way that you'd learn commands in Windows  

or Linux or Mac OS and that gets to me talking  about PCS that are part of the lab I'm going  

to show you Mac OS I'm going to show you Linux  I'm going to show you Windows physical laptops  

that are connected to the devices so that you  understand how things actually work versus what  

simulated environments do so as an example if  I had this MacBook connected to Port one on  

the switch and this Windows computer connected  to Port two on the switch if traffic was sent  

from the MacBook to the Windows computer traffic  would arrive on Port one and only go out of port  

two because the switch would learn where the Mac  addresses are of the devices in the topology with  

a hub however if the MacBook was connected to Port  one again and the Windows computer is connected  

to Port two if traffic was sent from the MacBook  to the Windows computer it would go out of every  

port except the port in which it arrived because  the Hub is basically a dumb device it doesn't  

understand where devices are in the topology it  doesn't Lear Mac addresses it it simply repeats  

or floods the traffic out of all ports except  the port in which it arrived hence it's called  

a multi-port repeater we don't really use hubs  today but the reason why it's important to know  

about them is you need to understand collisions  in Ethernet networks Wi-Fi as an example is a  

shared medium so the bandwidth is shared between  multiple devices in the same way that it it is  

with a hub I've used a lot of terminology now  don't let it overwhelm you we're going to talk  

about what this means and why it's important  I'm going to show you how these physically get  

inserted into switches such as these and how they  used with fiber cables as an example don't let  

the terminology worry you if you struggle just  know that you're joining many of us who started  

initially and it felt like we were drinking from  a fire hydron because there's so much information  

just keep on trying to learn something new every  day and you'll get it networking initially seems  

really complicated because of all the terminology  some people have told me that they find it really  

abstract it's difficult to imagine things or  to conceptualize things and hence me buying  

once again lots of physical devices and cables  and options to show you how things actually work  

both for the CCNA but also for the real world big  thing that I suggest you do is download Packet  

Tracer it's free software that you can download  from Cisco and you can practice so in the labs  

you can either use Cisco packet Tracer or CML  Cisco modeling Labs but if you're new to this  

and you're struggling get Cisco Packet Tracer and  I'll show you in an upcoming video how to download  

that and install it and build your own networks  using Cisco Packet Tracer once you've seen real  

devices working you'll find it a lot easier  to work with Cisco Packet Tracer and configure  

networks yourself okay I hope you are as excited  as I am to release this free course on YouTube