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Learning Lab — CCNA Journey | Sarwar Matin
Learning Lab — Networking

On the Path
to CCNA.

Cisco Certified Network Associate — a structured, hands-on journey into networking fundamentals, IP addressing, routing, switching, and security. Documented as I go.

200 Exam Code
301 CCNA v1.1
6 Core Domains
120 Min Exam
Cisco 🌐 Certification CCNA
Study Progress

Tracking Every Module

CCNA 200-301 covers six weighted exam domains. Here's where I am across each one.

65%
Complete
Overall progress
across all 6 domains
Network Fundamentals
90%
Done
Network Access
75%
Done
IP Connectivity
60%
In Progress
IP Services
40%
In Progress
Security Fundamentals
15%
Up Next
Automation & Programmability
5%
Up Next
Exam Domains

Six Domains.
One Certification.

The CCNA 200-301 exam tests six core areas of networking knowledge. Each domain carries a specific exam weight.

🔌
20% of Exam
Network Fundamentals
The building blocks — how networks operate, OSI and TCP/IP models, Ethernet, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, and basic device roles.
OSI Model TCP/IP Stack IPv4 / IPv6 Subnetting Ethernet
🔗
20% of Exam
Network Access
VLANs, trunking, STP, EtherChannel, and wireless LAN concepts — how Layer 2 networks are built and managed.
VLANs Trunking (802.1Q) STP / RSTP EtherChannel Wireless LAN
🗺️
25% of Exam
IP Connectivity
The largest domain — routing, routing protocols (OSPF), static routes, and how traffic moves between networks at Layer 3.
Static Routing OSPFv2 Default Routes First Hop Redundancy
⚙️
10% of Exam
IP Services
Supporting protocols that make networks practical — DHCP, DNS, NAT, NTP, SNMP, and QoS mechanisms.
DHCP DNS NAT / PAT NTP QoS
🔒
15% of Exam
Security Fundamentals
Core security concepts — ACLs, port security, VPNs, AAA, and how to harden and protect network infrastructure.
ACLs Port Security VPN AAA / RADIUS Threats & Attacks
🤖
10% of Exam
Automation & Programmability
Modern networking — SDN, REST APIs, network automation tools, JSON/XML data formats, and Cisco DNA Center basics.
SDN REST APIs Ansible / Puppet JSON / YAML
Why CCNA

Networking is the
backbone of everything.

Every website, application, and cloud service runs on a network. Understanding how data actually moves — at the IP, switch, and router level — makes me a more complete technical professional.

CCNA is the industry's most recognised entry-to-mid networking certification, issued by Cisco. It validates the ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot enterprise networks.

Issued by Cisco Systems Globally Recognised 3-Year Valid Single Exam (200-301)
120m
Exam Duration
~103
Questions
825/1000
Pass Score
3yr
Certification Valid
Study Resources

How I'm Studying

A mix of structured courses, labs, and documentation — the combination that works for hands-on network learning.

🎥
Jeremy's IT Lab
Free, comprehensive CCNA video course on YouTube. One of the most detailed and beginner-friendly series available — covers every exam domain with Packet Tracer labs.
Video Course
📘
Official Cert Guide
Cisco Press CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide (Wendell Odom). The definitive textbook — dense but thorough. Used as a reference alongside video study.
Textbook
🛠️
Cisco Packet Tracer
Cisco's free network simulation tool. Build routers, switches, and end devices virtually — configure VLANs, OSPF, NAT, and ACLs without physical hardware.
Lab Simulator
💻
Boson NetSim
Advanced network lab environment with guided exercises for routing and switching scenarios. Closer to real CLI experience than Packet Tracer for complex configurations.
Lab Practice
🧪
Boson ExSim
The industry-standard CCNA practice exam tool. Adaptive question bank with detailed explanations — used to assess readiness before the real exam.
Practice Exams
📄
Cisco Documentation
Official Cisco IOS command references and configuration guides. Cross-referenced while working through labs to understand the reasoning behind commands.
Official Docs
📝
Lab Notes & Command Sheets
I document key commands, topology diagrams, and subnetting references as I study each domain. These notes will be shared here as blog posts and downloadable resources over time.
IOS Command Reference Subnetting Cheat Sheet OSPF Configuration Guide VLAN Topology Notes ACL Examples

Follow the Journey

I write about what I learn — networking concepts, lab breakdowns, and CCNA exam prep. Check the blog for updates.

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