FREE CCNA // What is a Network? // Day 0

Summary

This introductory CCNA course video, sponsored by Boson Software, dives into the fascinating world of networking with a unique analogy: the journey of a bullet in an online game. It explains how data travels across networks, from local to wide area networks, and the internet, highlighting key networking components like switches, routers, and firewalls. Aimed at aspiring network engineers, the course promises to demystify these technologies, with a focus on practical labs and practice exams, all for free, thanks to Boson's support.

Takeaways

• 🎓 This is the introduction to a free CCNA course sponsored by Boson Software, which provides CCNA and CCNP labs and practice exams.
• 🔫 The video uses the analogy of a bullet in an online game to explain how data travels across networks and the internet to reach its destination.
• 🏠 The script describes the journey of data from a local area network (LAN) through various devices such as switches, routers, and modems.
• 🌐 It explains that the internet is essentially a vast network of interconnected routers and other networking devices.
• 🎯 The course aims to educate viewers on how networks work, starting from the basics of connecting computers for data sharing.
• 🤖 The video mentions the evolution of networking from simple computer connections to complex systems involving switches and routers.
• 🔄 Switches are introduced as devices that allow multiple devices to connect and communicate within a network.
• 🛡️ Routers are explained as the devices that connect different networks, enabling communication between devices in separate networks.
• 🔒 Firewalls are described as security measures that protect networks from unauthorized access and potential attacks.
• 📡 The script touches on wireless networking, mentioning wireless access points that broadcast networks over airwaves for devices to connect wirelessly.
• 🛠️ The CCNA certification is positioned as a key step for those aspiring to become network engineers, teaching them to design, build, and maintain network systems.
• 📚 The course promises a comprehensive study plan with weekly videos covering all topics in the CCNA curriculum, using Boson Software for lab demonstrations and practice.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the free CCNA course mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the free CCNA course is to educate and provide training for individuals interested in network engineering, covering topics such as how networks work and the function of various networking devices.

Why is Boson Software mentioned as the official sponsor of the CCNA course?

Boson Software is the official sponsor because they are providing support that enables the course to be made available for free. They are also highlighted for offering the best CCNA and CCNP labs and practice exams.

What is the analogy used in the script to explain how data travels over the internet?

The script uses the analogy of a bullet being fired in a game of Call of Duty to explain how data travels over the internet, passing through various networking devices such as routers, switches, and modems.

What is the role of a switch in a network?

A switch in a network facilitates the connection of multiple devices, allowing them to communicate with each other. It can handle a certain amount of traffic before additional switches may be required to expand the network.

How does a router differ from a switch in terms of network functionality?

A router helps networks communicate with each other, enabling data to be sent between different networks or sections of a larger network, unlike a switch which connects devices within the same network.

What is the role of a firewall in network security?

A firewall's role is to protect the network from unauthorized access and potential attacks by blocking malicious traffic and allowing only safe data to pass through.

What is the significance of the Call of Duty bullet analogy in the script?

The Call of Duty bullet analogy is used to illustrate the speed and complexity of data transmission over the internet, aiming to spark interest in how networking technologies work.

What is the historical context of networking mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that the goal of networking has remained the same over decades: to enable computers to communicate and share data with each other, which has evolved from simple direct connections to complex networks.

What is the purpose of a Wireless Access Point (WAP) in a network?

A Wireless Access Point (WAP), often referred to as a whap, is designed to broadcast the network signal over airwaves, allowing wireless devices such as smartphones to connect to the network.

What is the CCNA certification and why is it important for aspiring network engineers?

The CCNA, or Cisco Certified Network Associate, certification is a key IT certification for individuals on the path to becoming network engineers. It provides foundational knowledge and skills in networking technologies and is often a requirement for entry-level network engineering positions.

How does the script suggest one can prepare for the CCNA certification?

The script suggests that the free CCNA course, along with Boson Software's lab demonstrations and practice exams, will be instrumental in preparing for the CCNA certification, covering all necessary topics and providing hands-on experience.

Outlines

00:00

🎮 Introduction to CCNA and Networking Basics

This paragraph introduces the concept of the CCNA course, sponsored by Boson Software, and uses the analogy of a bullet's journey in an online game to explain the complexity of networks. It covers the local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and the internet, emphasizing the speed at which data travels across routers and networks. The paragraph also touches on the evolution of networking from simple computer-to-computer connections to the current complex systems involving switches, routers, and other network devices. The goal of networking remains the same: to connect computers and share data efficiently.

05:01

🛡️ The Role of Routers, Firewalls, and Wireless in Networking

This section delves deeper into the function of routers and firewalls in a network. Routers are described as devices that help different networks communicate with each other, while firewalls are portrayed as the guardians of the network, protecting it from malicious attacks. The paragraph also introduces the concept of wireless networking, explaining how wireless access points (WAPs) broadcast the network over airwaves for devices like smartphones to connect. The speaker shares personal insights into home networking setups and the importance of understanding these technologies for aspiring network engineers.

10:02

🚀 Embracing the Journey to Become a Network Engineer

The final paragraph serves as a motivational call to action for viewers to embark on the journey of becoming a network engineer through the CCNA course. It highlights the impact of the CCNA certification on the speaker's career and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, lab practice, and taking practice exams. The speaker expresses excitement about the course and encourages viewers to prepare for an intensive but rewarding experience, promising to provide weekly videos covering all aspects of the CCNA curriculum.

Keywords

💡CCNA

CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate. It is a foundational certification for network engineers, focusing on networking technologies and skills. In the video, CCNA is the main theme as the course is designed to teach viewers about networking concepts and prepare them for the CCNA certification exam. The script mentions CCNA as a key stepping stone to becoming a network engineer and highlights its importance in opening career doors.

💡Boson Software

Boson Software is mentioned as the official sponsor of the free CCNA course. They provide lab simulations and practice exams for networking certifications like CCNA and CCNP. The script emphasizes the high quality of Boson's products and their role in making the course available for free, encouraging viewers to check them out.

💡Ethernet cable

An Ethernet cable is a type of networking cable used to connect devices to a local area network (LAN). In the script, the instructor uses the analogy of a bullet traveling over an Ethernet cable to illustrate how data moves from one point to another within a gaming context, emphasizing the physical aspect of data transmission.

💡Local Area Network (LAN)

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that spans a small geographical area, such as a home, school, or office building. The script describes the user's local area network when playing online games like Call of Duty, explaining how the user's bullet travels through their LAN to reach the game server.

💡Wide Area Network (WAN)

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that covers a larger geographical area than a LAN, often spanning cities or countries. The script introduces the concept of the internet as a WAN, illustrating how data travels across multiple routers to reach its destination.

💡Router

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. In the video, routers are described as essential for connecting different networks and facilitating communication between devices in different LANs, such as allowing the instructor's in-game bullet to reach another player.

💡Firewall

A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. The script explains the role of a firewall in protecting a network from potential threats and hackers, ensuring that only authorized traffic is allowed.

💡Switch

A switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices together within a LAN, allowing them to communicate with each other. The script uses the analogy of a switch to explain how multiple devices can be connected and interact within a network, and how switches facilitate this communication.

💡Wireless Access Point (WAP)

A Wireless Access Point (WAP), also known as a WHAP, is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi. The script mentions wireless access points in the context of home networking, explaining how they enable devices like smartphones to connect to the network without cables.

💡Network Engineer

A network engineer is a professional who designs, implements, and maintains networks. In the script, the role of a network engineer is highlighted as someone who makes complex networking scenarios, like the in-game bullet travel example, work efficiently and securely.

💡Call of Duty

Call of Duty is a popular video game franchise used in the script as a relatable example to explain networking concepts. The game serves as a metaphor for how data travels across networks, helping to illustrate the principles of LANs, WANs, and internet communication.

Highlights

Introduction to a free CCNA course sponsored by Boson Software.

Boson Software is recommended for the best CCNA and CCNP labs and practice exams.

An analogy of online gaming to explain how data travels over the internet.

Explanation of local area networks and the process of data transmission within them.

Introduction to wide area networks and the concept of internet as a series of interconnected routers.

The journey of a 'bullet' from a game to its destination to illustrate network paths.

The purpose of the CCNA course to understand and work with networking technologies.

Historical context of networking from simple computer-to-computer connections to complex networks.

The role of switches in connecting multiple devices within a network.

The necessity of routers to connect different networks and facilitate communication between them.

The function of firewalls in protecting networks from external threats and hackers.

Overview of wireless networking and the role of wireless access points.

The importance of CCNA certification for aspiring network engineers.

The course structure with one video per week covering all CCNA topics.

Boson Software's current 25% off summer sale promotion.

Invitation for viewers to ask questions and engage with the course content.

Personal testimony of how CCNA certification positively impacted the instructor's career.

Encouragement for viewers to prepare for a comprehensive learning experience in the CCNA course.

Transcripts

this is day zero of my free CCNA course

and a huge shout out to boson software

the official sponsor of this CCNA course

they are the reason this can be made

available for free so I highly encourage

you to go check them out they have the

absolute best CCNA CCNP labs and

practice exams

[Music]

how do I do that

well it's simple right I clicked shoot

and the computer shut and that's what

happened but hold on a second though I'm

playing online and the guy I shot isn't

just in the game he's actually playing a

game somewhere far away from me how did

my bullet get all the way to him

actually come here with me real quick

okay so that bullet has to fly over this

Ethernet cable all the way down here

come on let's go down here you notice my

wall jack here what let's go it goes

into my idea to my network stuff here in

my rack come through my walls to my

switch to my router and firewall then to

my modem where does that go come on well

it was my 1885 robots and then okay the

Internet you probably saw that coming

right like duh Chuck we play online on

the internet when we play call of duty

with other people but what happens after

that when I fire that bullet where else

does it go I've already shown you how it

goes through your entire network this is

what you have right now if you're

playing call of duty online this is your

local area network but what happens when

we go outside your home to the van or

the wide area network let's see and the

internet will just be more routers just

someone else's routers hip-hopping

across great distances and that's all

the internet really is just a bunch of

routers connected but of course it's not

just routers you'll have switches here

firewalls just all kinds of stuff in all

these different networks but the cool

thing is is that in the blink of an eye

as fast as you could fire a bullet in

Call of Duty that's how fast things are

going across all these routers until

finally your bullet flies all the way to

the call of duty servers but hold on not

finally not yet because your bullet has

intended to call of duty but now call

duty has to send your bullet to the guy

who's about to get a shot so again we go

back up to the internet BAM back to the

router and this could be another path

hopping from router to router to router

until it finally arrives at my brother's

house because he is the one I shot and

it will hit his modem his router his

switch travel through his Ethernet cable

to is ps4 and he gets shot

crap now why did I show you this why why

would I show you how a bullet can travel

across the Internet

well I did it as a test what I'm hoping

is if you saw this you would go wow I

want to know more about how that works I

want to do something like that if that

was you this course is for you the CCNA

is for you because what I just showed

you is what you'll be learning in the

CCNA networking how networks work now if

you look at this the networking we have

now is pretty complex but the goal is

the same as it was 20 30 40 years ago I

want my computer to talk to another

computer I want to share data with that

computer I want to hang out that's

that's all we want to do and that's how

networks came about it was one computer

saying hey I have all this data I want

to share with another computer and I

can't do that right now without a lot of

effort so you know what let's figure out

a way to connect ourselves and that's

where networking was born we can still

do this by the way you can use an

Ethernet crossover cable just to connect

two computers together but mark he

wanted to talk to mark over here was

left out in the cold oh hi mark so

income switches and a switch will allow

us to connect more than one computer

together doesn't have to be a computer

can be a printer by the way just so you

know I'm glossing over this there's a

lot more involved broadcast domains MAC

addresses VLANs all kinds of stuff with

switching so just know this is just the

tip of the iceberg but if you like this

you'll like the other stuff too

now this is a network and a switch

facilitates that all these computers are

connected together their internet work

together and they are having a blast

talking to each other playing games

whatever now a switch can only handle so

much before there are too many computers

talking too many things talking a lot

once and he's like I can't I can't do

this so what do we do well we get

another switch easy enough right so easy

and we connect more computers and they

have a blast or having a good time yes

and yes the more computers I draw the

O'War stay get you probably can even

tell their computers anymore well I

should probably label my switches right

and let's just call them switches so you

know what's going on now what we have

here is essentially two networks let's

call this network one and network - we

got a problem though what if Bob over

here wants to play a game with mark but

they're not connected together how do we

solve that problem well that's where

routers come in routers I'm not gonna

draw one I'm just gonna bring

a router will help these two networks

talk that's what routers do they help

network to talk to each other so we

connect our switch up to our router bam

bam and a high level view extremely high

level view of how this one might work is

Bob's like hey I want to talk to mark so

he says mark are you here and everyone's

like no Mark's not here so Bob's like

huh well maybe he's over here so he goes

to the router says hey router is Mark

anywhere do you know about mark and the

routers like yeah I think I might know

where he is BAM hey Mark is over here

and now mark and Bob can talk to each

other so where does the internet come in

well this might be just one section of

the Internet so put them down here and

we might have another router with

another situation and by situation I

mean another switch with a bunch of

computers who just want to hang out with

people and talk and play games and we

connect these two routers together and

the Internet is just this times a

thousand now again I've got to say this

if you were to pop the hood on the

internet and look inside it's pretty

complex like there's a lot of stuff

going on so keep in mind what I'm saying

here is very high-level but that should

be exciting to you like wow I can't wait

to learn more about how all this works

and we'll definitely cover that okay so

we looked at our switch and we looked at

a router what about this guy

what's a firewall doing well simply he's

protecting you he's protecting your

network now as you may know there are

some bad people out there some bad dudes

that want to attack your network that

want to steal your information these

hackers are constantly trying to find

ways to steal your stuff and while

they'll try to get into your network a

good firewall will keep them out now

again with networking routers and

switches we want to connect people

connect computers connect devices

smartphones and smart lights and all

kinds of stuff and that's a normally

good but then there's bad things and

that's where a firewall comes in a

firewalls job is to block anything that

shouldn't come through or go out and

only allow the good stuff now I'm hoping

at this point some of you are probably

going well Chuck I don't connect

anything to a switch in my house there's

no cables anywhere what are you talking

about

well you're right for the most part most

of things we use in our networks have no

cables that's why part of the CCNA

you'll learn about Wireless but where

does it come in well here's how you

would do it let's take Cameron's network

for example I know that he has what's

called a wireless access point often

referred to as a whap and this device is

designed to

I cast the network over airwaves

airwaves at your phone can connect to

now again many of you and your home

network probably have one device that

has a access point modem firewall router

and switch and one device which is

pretty amazing which might cause you to

wonder well why does Chuck and his

brother have separate devices for all

these functions well first of all we're

geeks a second we do that because we are

network engineers and this is what

you'll see when you walk into a company

because a company they won't have one

device that does all this companies will

typically have a lot more people a lot

more things on their networks still need

bigger switches bigger firewalls bigger

routers more access points so they just

need more and they need more features if

you're curious about what I have in my

home networking what my brother has I've

got links below now again this will be a

free CCNA course CCNA being the cisco

certified network associate it is one of

them probably the main IT certification

you'll want to get on your path to

becoming a network engineer what's a

network engineer well what I just showed

you the whole Call of Duty thing bullets

floating through space and go and

getting to my brother across the

internet a network engineer makes all

that stuff work they design things like

that they make sure those things stay up

that's their job and the CCNA will begin

to teach you about those technologies

understand them build them how they work

and we looked at a few of those devices

right now switches routers firewalls

wireless access points will later look

at network controllers and we're servers

coming to play when we saw the Call of

Duty server right but will look a bit

deeper into well really what is a server

and how does that affect our networks so

free what are you getting I got to make

sure you get your money's worth so I

will be doing one video a week and this

will be a complete course covering every

topic in the CCNA

now a large reason I can do this for

free is because of my sponsor boson

boson software if you've watched me

before you know I talk about them a lot

they are by far the best labbing and

practice exam software out there for

CCNA and CCNP no joke and they have

other stuff too but CCNA CCNP is what

i've used them for and they're fantastic

that being said I will be using them as

my lab demonstration and I will be

throwing up practice exam questions

throughout these videos now real quick

boson is having a sale right now 25% off

it's their summer sale so if you

wanna get boson now is the time I've got

links below now if you have questions

hey this is my first video just getting

started so I'll probably end up

answering a lot of your questions and

you know I've been talking about the

CCNA for a very long time on my youtube

channel so I probably have answered your

question already if you look back

through my videos otherwise I'm here to

help

leave a comment below if you have any

questions about this it can be about hey

how long is it gonna take to study for

the CCNA will it help me get a job is

this even worth it

I mean I've explored that I I had the

CCNA I got it to become a network

engineer it served me pretty well well

guys that's all I got I am stoked like

legit excited to start this course I can

honestly say the CCNA changed my life I

know has changed many people's lives

I've talked to it's one of those

certifications that when I put on my

resume it did open doors for me to

become a network engineer so anyways

get your coffee ready it'll be lots of

coffee in this course we're gonna study

we're gonna lab we're gonna practice and

we're gonna get certified I'll catch you

guys later

[Music]