Theses exam topics are guidelines for the content likely to be included on the Cisco Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) exam.

Operation of computer networks

• Describe the functions and uses of network devices
• Select the components required to design a specific network
• Explain how data flows in a network using the OSI and TCP/IP models and their protocols
• Describe common networking applications
• Understand the purpose of protocols in the OSI and TCP models
• Describe how applications such as VoIP might impact a network
• Interpret and understand network diagrams
• Determine the path between two hosts across a network
• Describe the devices and software required for network and Internet communication
• Identify and troubleshoot common network problems at OSI layers 1, 2, 3 and 7
• Distinguish between LAN/WAN features

Build a small switched network

• Determine the best media, cables, ports, and connectors to interconnect switches to other network devices and hosts
• Understand media access control method for Ethernet technologies
• Explain network segmentation concepts
• Understand basic switching concepts
• Explain the operation of Cisco switches
• Perform initial switch configuration, verify the configuration and save to NVRAM
• Verify network status using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH, arp, ipconfig, SHOW & DEBUG commands
• Implement and verify port security on a switch
• Identify and troubleshoot common switched network cabling issues, configuration issues, and switch hardware failures

Implement an IP addressing scheme for a small branch office

• Design and apply an addressing scheme to a network
• Assign valid IP addresses to networking devices in a LAN
• Explain the operation of NAT in a small network connecting to one ISP
• Describe and verify DNS operation
• Describe the benefits of using private and public IP addressing and its operation
• Enable NAT for a small network with a single ISP and connection using SDM and verify operation
• Configure, verify and troubleshoot the operation of DHCP and DNS
• Implement static and dynamic addressing for hosts in a LAN
• Troubleshoot IP addressing issues

Implement a small routed network

• Describe basic routing concepts
• Describe the operation of Cisco routers and router components
• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect routers to other network devices
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2
• Use the router CLI to configure basic parameters
• Connect, configure, and verify operation status of an interface
• Verify configuration and network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH
• Create and verify static or default routes given specific requirements
• Manage IOS configuration files such as save, edit, upgrade, and restore
• Manage Cisco IOS
• Implement password and physical security on devices
• Verify network status and router operation using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH, arp, ipconfig, SHOW & DEBUG commands

WLAN

• Describe standards associated with wireless media
• Describe the purpose of the components in a wireless network
• Ensure that devices can connect to the correct access point
• Compare and contrast wireless security features and capabilities of WPA security
• Identify common issues with implementing wireless networks

Identify security threats to a network and describe how to mitigate those threats

• Explain various network security threats and the need to for a comprehensive security policy
• Explain methods to mitigate common security threats to network devices, hosts, and applications
• Describe the functions of common security appliances and applications
• Describe the recommended security practices to secure network devices

Implement and verify WAN links

• Describe the different methods for connecting to a WAN
• Configure and verify a basic WAN serial connection