Cisco Certified Network Associate (Introduction to Networks - Switching Routing & Wireless Essential)

Essentials

Duration: 1 Year Part-time
Start date: 17th September 2024
End date: 3rd June 2025
Day: Tue
Time: 18:00-21:30
Information Event: Yes

Course fees for each year.

Course Content

The new CCNA v7.0 curriculum has been split into three courses:

• CCNAv7: Introduction to Networks (ITN)
• CCNAv7: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials
• CCNAv7: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation

The courses are delivered sequentially and each course is a prerequisite for the next course.

Year 1:  Students will study Introduction to Networks (ITN) & Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials.

Year 2:  Students will study Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation

CCNAv7: Introduction to Networks (ITN)

(ITN) covers the architecture, structure, functions and components of the Internet and other computer networks. Students achieve a basic understanding of how networks operate and how to build simple local area networks (LAN), perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement Internet Protocol (IP).

CCNAv7: Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials

(SRWE) covers the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in small networks and introduces wireless local area networks (WLAN) and security concepts. Students learn how to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches for advanced functionality using security best practices and resolve common issues with protocols in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

CCNAv7: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation

(ENSA) describes the architecture, components, operations, and security to scale for large, complex networks, including wide area network (WAN) technologies. The course emphasizes network security concepts and introduces network virtualization and automation. Students learn how to configure, troubleshoot, and secure enterprise network devices and understand how application programming interfaces (API) and configuration management tools enable network automation.

Course Aims

The CCNAv7 curriculum is designed for people looking to gain a professional certification in networking which is recognised worldwide. Many of the world networks use CISCO equipment and technology. This course will be a good starting point for those who want a career in networks and networking.

Special Features

To facilitate students learning in their own time, students are entitled to free Microsoft software for use at home via our Microsoft Imagine programme. This includes the latest Microsoft Operating Systems and Microsoft Office. Students will also have free access to LinkedIn Learning courses.

Assessment Methods

• Cisco Online Assessment exams
• Semester Final Exam (75% pass mark)
• A range of  Practical Labs
• Cisco CCNA Certification exam.

Course Update

Please note that due to ongoing major campus construction projects courses at Ballymena may be relocated to alternative suitable locations as required.

There are no prerequisite qualifications required for this course. Students are expected to have the following skills:

• High school reading level
• Basic computer literacy
• Basic internet usage skills

Students are required to have successfully completed Introduction to Networks (ITN) course prior to beginning Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials.

Where mature students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions by 12th August, as an application deadline will apply. It is at the College's discretion to consider APEL enquiries after the dates stated.

Subject to numbers, students completing Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNAv7 Year 1: Introduction to Networks - Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials) can progress to Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNAv7 Year 2: Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation). Students will be prepared to take the new CCNAv7 exam (CCNA 200-301) after completing all three courses.