The Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies exam is one of the two qualifying exams available to candidates pursuing a two-exam option for CCNA. This exam tests content covered in the Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) course including topics on Network Types, Network Media, Switching Fundamentals, TCP/IP, IP Addressing and Routing, WAN Technologies, Operating and Configuring IOS Devices, and Managing Network Environments. The exam will certify that the successful candidate has important knowledge and skills necessary to describe and identify major network and WAN components, along with their function and purpose.
Exam Topics
The following information provides general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.
Design and Support
Use a subset of Cisco IOS commands to analyze and report network problems
Use embedded layer 3 through layer 7 protocols to establish, test, suspend, or disconnect connectivity to remote devices from the router console
Determine IP addresses
Implementation and Operation
Establish communication between a terminal device and the router IOS, and use IOS for system analysis
Manipulate system image and device configuration files
Perform an initial configuration on a router and save the resultant configuration file
Use commands incorporated within IOS to analyze and report network problems
Assign IP addresses
Describe and install the hardware and software required to be able to communicate via a network
Use embedded data link layer functionality to perform network neighbor discovery and analysis from the router
Use embedded layer 3 through layer 7 protocols to establish, test, suspend or disconnect connectivity to remote devices from the router console
Technology
Demonstrate the mathematical skills required to work seamlessly with integer decimal, binary and hexadecimal numbers and simple binary logic
Define and describe the structure and technologies of computer networks
Describe the hardware and software required to be able to communicate via a network
Describe the physical, electrical and mechanical properties and standards associated with optical, wireless, and copper media used in networks
Describe the topologies and physical issues associated with cabling common LANs
Identify the key characteristics of common wide area networking (WAN) configurations and technologies, and differentiate between these and common LAN technologies
Describe the purpose and fundamental operation of the internetwork operating system (IOS)
Describe the role of a router in a WAN
Identify the major internal and external components of a router, and describe the associated functionality
Identify and describe the stages of the router boot-up sequence
Describe how the configuration register and boot system commands modify the router boot-up sequence
Describe the concepts associated with routing, and the different methods and protocols used to achieve it
Describe how an IP address is associated with a device interface, and the association between physical and employ IP addressing techniques
Employ IP addressing techniques
Compare and contrast collision and broadcast domains, and describe the process of network segmentation
Describe the principles and practice of switching in an Ethernet network
Explain how collisions are detected and handled in an Ethernet system
Explain the fundamental concepts associated with the Ethernet media access technique
Describe how the protocols associated with TCP/IP allow host communication to occur
Describe the operation of the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) and identify the reasons, types and format of associated error and control messages
Describe the principles and practice of packet switching utilizing the Internet Protocol (IP)
Recommended Training
Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) is the recommended training for this exam.
Courses listed are offered by Cisco Learning Partners, the only authorized source for Cisco IT training delivered exclusively by Certified Cisco Instructors. Check the List of Learning Partners for a Cisco Learning Partner nearest you.
Additional Resources
A variety of Cisco Press titles may be available for this exam. These titles can be purchased through the Cisco Marketplace Bookstore, directly from Cisco Press.
