CCNA® Study Guide
Exam 200-301
- Study Guide -
Table of Contents
Welcome!..................................................................................................... 3
Getting started............................................................................................. 3
Labs............................................................................................................ 3
Ready to get started?.................................................................................... 4
Sign up for a Pearson Vue account to register for Cisco® exams................... 4
Additional resources to help with understanding....................................... 4
Building a lab........................................................................................... 4
Develop your study routine!...................................................................... 4
Network Fundamentals................................................................................ 5
Network Access............................................................................................ 7
IP Connectivity............................................................................................. 9
IP Services................................................................................................. 11
Security Fundamentals............................................................................... 13
Automation and Programmability............................................................... 15
Appendix................................................................................................... 17
IPv4 Subnetting notes................................................................................ 18
IPv6 Addresses........................................................................................... 21
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Welcome!
The study guide is separated into sections to help you more easily navigate.
You can click a link in the Table of Contents to reach each section associated
with one of the six CCNA® 200-301 exam topics.
Getting started
This is where your journey begins! In this section, you will start by registering for your exam. Scroll down to the
next page when you’re ready to get started!
Labs
We have two types of lab scenarios available for download. Skill Builder Labs which offer simple configuration
tasks to help you master the command line. For our members that use Packet Tracer, we have preconfigured labs
available for download. Each of the Packet Tracer® labs has a built-in problem that you must solve.
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Ready to get started?
Here are a few resources to help you move forward right now!
Sign up for a Pearson Vue account to register for Cisco® exams.
You can review Cisco® Certification Exam Policies here.
Additional resources to help with understanding.
CCNA® 200-301 Official Cert Guide®, Volume 1
CCNA® 200-301 Official Cert Guide®, Volume 2
CBT Nuggets is not a direct partner or affiliate of Cisco®. We suggest the Cisco® Official
Cert Guide® as a great resource to supplement top your video training.
Building a lab.
Build a Physical Cisco® Lab Environment
Set Up Packet Tracer for Hands-On Cisco® Practice
Develop your study routine!
Here are a few resources to help you move forward right now!
• Schedule your study space and time!
• Clear a comfortable quiet place to relax and study each time you study.
• Aim for the same time each day.
• For better retention, it is suggested that you start by studying for one
hour each day and increase the amount of time as needed.
• Experiment with your new study routine. Block off one-hour for total study time for each day.
• Within each hour-long block, create two blocks of 30 minutes.
• Now separate the thirty-minute block into 25 minutes for studying and 5 minutes for taking a break.
• This will help prevent burnout.
• Now you’re ready to start learning!
• For the next 25 minutes study the resource you want to focus on.
• When the timer sounds, take a five-minute break!
• Make sure you detach yourself from your study space by walking away!
• This will give your mind something else to focus on and refresh you for the next round of studying!
• At the end of the five-minute break begin a new 30-minute block!
• Move to the next Study Plan when you understand the information.
• Post a message in the CBT Nuggets Learner Community #ask-a-mentor channel for help!
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
Network Fundamentals | Exam 200-301
Cisco® 200-301 Exam Topic
1 Network Fundamentals
1.1 Explain the role and function of network components
1.2 Describe the characteristics of network topology architectures
1.3 Compare physical interface and cabling types
1.4 Identify interface and cable issues (collisions, errors, mismatch duplex, and/or speed)
1.5 Compare TCP to UDP
1.6 Configure and verify IPv4 addressing and subnetting
1.7 Describe the need for private IPv4 addressing
1.8 Configure and verify IPv6 addressing and prefix
1.9 Compare IPv6 address types
1.10 Verify IP parameters for Client OS (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)
1.11 Describe wireless principles
1.12 Explain virtualization fundamentals (virtual machines)
1.13 Describe switching concepts
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
Network Fundamentals | Exam 200-301
CBT Nuggets Skills
Describe Network Functions and Equipment
Explain Network Communication Using the OSI and TCP/IP Model
Describe Common Network Architectures
Discern Copper and Fiber Optic Network Cable Characteristics
Connect and Navigate Cisco® Internetwork Operating System (IOS)
Create a Base Configuration for Cisco® Devices
Create a Base Configuration for Cisco® Devices Hands-On Lab
Wireshark Fundamentals: Capturing, Viewing, and Filtering Data
Describe and Analyze TCP and UDP Communication
Configure Windows, MAC, or Linux for Network Access
Describe Network Switch Functions and How to Locate Network Devices
Diagnose Interface Status, Errors, and Cabling Issues on a Cisco® Switch
Describe Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities and Standards
Explain IP Addressing and Subnetting Concepts
Convert Decimal to Binary and Back
Perform Subnetting Based on Network Requirements
Perform Subnetting Based on Host Requirements
Reverse Engineering Subnets and Using VLSM
Describe IPv6 Core Addressing Concepts
Additional Resources
IP Addressing Notes
OCG®
Volume 1, Part 1, Chapters 1, 2, 3
Volume 2, Part 4, Chapter 13
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
Network Access | Exam 200-301
Cisco® 200-301 Exam Topic
2 Network Access
2.1 Configure and verify VLANs (normal range) spanning multiple switches
2.2 Configure and verify interswitch connectivity
2.3 Configure and verify Layer 2 discovery protocols (Cisco® Discovery Protocol and LLDP)
2.4 Configure and verify (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP)
2.5 Describe the need for and basic operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol and identify basic operations
2.6 Compare Cisco® Wireless Architectures and AP modes
2.7 Describe physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components (AP, WLC, access/trunk ports, and LAG)
2.8 Describe AP and WLC management access connections (Telnet, SSH,
HTTP, HTTPS, console, and TACACS+/RADIUS)
2.9 Configure the components of a wireless LAN access for client connectivity using GUI only
such as WLAN creation, security settings, QoS profiles, and advanced WLAN settings
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
Network Access | Exam 200-301
CBT Nuggets Skills
Design a Basic Wireless Network
Explain VLANs and Configure VLANs on a Single Switch
Configure Trunking Between Switches, WAPs, and Servers
Create a Network Diagram with Cisco® CDP and LLDP
Design and Configure a Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Network
Increase Network Capacity Using EtherChannel
Configure a Basic Cisco® Wireless Network using the WLC GUI
Explain End-To-End IP Communications
Additional Resources
OCG®
Volume 1, Part 2, Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7
Volume 1, Part 3, Chapters 8, 9, 10
Volume 1, Part 4, Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14
Volume 1, Part 8, Chapters 26, 27, 28, 29
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
IP Connectivity | Exam 200-301
Cisco® 200-301 Exam Topic
3 IP Connectivity
3.1 Interpret the components of a routing table
3.2 Determine how a router makes a forwarding decision by default
3.3 Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 static routing
3.4 Configure and verify single area OSPFv2
3.5 Describe the purpose of first-hop redundancy protocol
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
IP Connectivity | Exam 200-301
CBT Nuggets Skills
Configure and Verify Cisco® IPv4 Static Routes
Configure and Verify Cisco® IPv6 Static Routes
Describe Cisco® Dynamic IPv4 Routing with OSPF
Implement Cisco® Dynamic IPv4 Routing with OSPF
Configure and Verify First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP)
Interpret and Describe a Cisco® IP Routing Table
Predict a Cisco® Router’s IP Forwarding Decisions
Configure and Verify Cisco®’s Router on a Stick
Additional Resources
OCG®
Volume 1, Part 5, Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18
Volume 1, Part 6, Chapters 19, 20, 21
Volume 1, Part 7, Chapters 22, 23, 24, 25
Volume 2, Part 3, Chapter 12
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
IP Services | Exam 200-301
Cisco® 200-301 Exam Topic
4 IP Services
4.1 Configure and verify inside source NAT using static and pools
4.2 Configure and verify NTP operating in a client and server mode
4.3 Explain the role of DHCP and DNS within the network
4.4 Explain the function of SNMP in network operations
4.5 Describe the use of syslog features including facilities and levels
4.6 Configure and verify DHCP client and relay
4.7 Explain the forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB) for QoS such as classification,
marking, queuing, congestion, policing, shaping
4.8 Configure network devices for remote access using SSH
4.9 Describe the capabilities and function of TFTP/FTP in the network
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
IP Services | Exam 200-301
CBT Nuggets Skills
Troubleshoot an IP Network
Cisco® NAT Concepts and Base Configurations: Static and Overload
Configure and Verify Cisco® NTP
Configure DHCP Server and Relay Functions
Explain Common Network Services: SNMP, Syslog, QoS, and TFTP-FTP
Additional Resources
OCG®
Volume 1, Part 3, Chapters 9, 10, 11
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
Security Fundamentals | Exam 200-301
Cisco® 200-301 Exam Topic
5 Security Fundamentals
5.1 Define key security concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques)
5.2 Describe security program elements (user awareness, training, and physical access control)
5.3 Configure device access control using local passwords
5.4 Describe security password policies elements, such as management, complexity, and
password alternatives (multi factor authentication, certificates, and biometrics)
5.5 Describe remote access and site-to-site VPNs
5.6 Configure and verify access control lists
5.7 Configure Layer 2 security features (DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and port security)
5.8 Differentiate authentication, authorization, and accounting concepts
5.9 Describe wireless security protocols (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3)
5.10 Configure WLAN using WPA2 PSK using the GUI
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
Security Fundamentals | Exam 200-301
CBT Nuggets Skills
Define Key Concepts Regarding Network Security
Describe Security Program Elements
Describe Elements of Secure Password Policies
Configure Cisco® Device Access Control Using Local Passwords
Summarize and Differentiate AAA Concepts
Apply and Verify Cisco® Access Control Lists
Configure and Verify Cisco® Port Security
Configure and Verify Cisco® DHCP Snooping
Configure and Verify Cisco® Dynamic ARP Inspection
Describe Remote Access and Site-to-Site VPNs
Describe, Configure, and Verify Wireless Security protocols
Additional Resources
OCG®
Volume 2, Part 1, Chapters 1, 2, 3
Volume 2, Part 2, Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Volume 2, Part 4, Chapters 14
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
Automation and Programmability | Exam 200-301
Cisco® 200-301 Exam Topic
6 Automation and Programmability
6.1 Explain how automation impacts network management
6.2 Compare traditional networks with controller-based networking
6.3 Describe controller-based and software defined architectures (overlay, underlay, and fabric)
6.3.a Separation of control plane and data plane
6.3.b North-bound and south-bound APIs
6.4 Compare traditional campus device management with Cisco® DNA Center enabled device management
6.5 Describe characteristics of REST-based APIs (CRUD, HTTP verbs, and data encoding)
6.6 Recognize the capabilities of configuration management mechanisms Puppet, Chef, and Ansible
6.7 Interpret JSON encoded data
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
Automation and Programmability | Exam 200-301
CBT Nuggets Skills
What is Network Automation?
Use REST APIs and JSON
Controller-Based Networking
Network Automation Tools: Ansible, Puppet, and Chef
Additional Resources
OCG®
Volume 2, Part 4, Chapter 15
Volume 2, Part 5, Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
Appendix | Exam 200-301
Appendix
IPv4 Subnetting notes
IPv6 Addresses
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
IPv4 Subnetting notes | Exam 200-301
IPv4 Subnetting notes
Reverse engineering values chart
Bits 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Value 128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
Mask .128 .192 .224 .240 .248 .252 .254 .255
Default: IP Address Ranges, Masks, and CIDR
CIDR
Address Class Default Masks
Classless Inter-Domain Routing
Class A (1-126) [Link] /8
Class B (128-191) [Link] /16
Class C (192-223) [Link] /24
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
IPv4 Subnetting notes | Exam 200-301
Powers of 2
Powers of 2 are critical to finding Block Size and other information. Complete this chart at least one time to help
you memorize the powers of 2 up to 2^16.
Power Answer Power Answer Power Answer Power Answer
2^1 2^5 32 2^9 2^13
2^2 2^6 2^10 2^14
2^3 2^7 2^11 2^15
2^4 2^8 256 2^12 4096 2^16 65536
Subnet Mask Big Picture
Complete this chart one time! This can help you remember the different ways of expressing the subnet mask and
network/host values.
Number of Networks Number of Hosts
CIDR Subnet Mask Binary
(2^n) (2^h-2)
11111111.00000000. Networks (2^8) Hosts (2^24-2)
/8 [Link]
00000000.00000000 256 16,777,214
/9
/10
/11
/12 4,096
/13 8,192
/14
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Subnet Mask Big Picture continued
Number of Networks Number of Hosts
CIDR Subnet Mask Binary
(2^n) (2^h-2)
/15
11111111.11111111.
/16 [Link]
00000000.00000000
/17
/18
/19
/20
/21
/22
/23
11111111.11111111.
/24 16,777,216 254
11111111.00000000
11111111.11111111.
/25
11111111.10000000
/26
/27
/28
/29
/30
/31
/32
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
IPv6 Addresses | Exam 200-301
IPv4 Addresses vs IPv6 Addresses
Deployed 1981 1999
Address size 32 bit number 128 bit number
Hexadecimal Notation:
Dotted Decimal Notation:
Address format 3FFE:F200:0234:AB00:0123:
[Link]
4567:8901:ABCD
Prefix notation
[Link]/24 3FFE:F200:0234::/48
(network address)
340,282,366,920,938,463,436,
374,607,431,768,211,456
Possible addresses 4,300,000,000 (4.3 Billion)
340 Undecillion
340 Trillion Trillion Trillion
IPv6b Link-Local Address Breakdown
FE80: 0000: 0000: 0000: BAE8: 56FF: FE4A: ECFE
10 Bits 54 bits 64 Bits
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
IPv6 Addresses | Exam 200-301
IPv6 Segments Breakdown
Subnet
Global Routing Prefix Interface ID
ID
48 Bits 64 Bits
16 Bits
2001: 0DB8: 0234: AB00: 0123: 4567: 8901: ABCD
2 Global
unicast 0DB8 0234 AB00
64 bit EUI
Address ISP Customer Subnet
Indicator
001 Region
IPv6 Address Shortening
2001: 0DB8: 7AAB: 0008: 0000: 0000: A573: 2618
Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3 Segment 4 Segment 5 Segment 6 Segment 7 Segment 8
16 bits 16 bits 16 bits 16 bits 16 bits 16 bits 16 bits 16 bits
2001: 0DB8: 7AAB: 0008: : : :A573 :2618
Leading Leading
All Zeros All Zeros
Zeros Zeros
2001: 0DB8: 7AAB: 8: : : :A573 :2618
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CC N A® STU DY G UID E
IPv6 Addresses | Exam 200-301
Binary to Hexadecimal Conversion
Fill in the incomplete chart on the right from memory.
Binary Hexadecimal Binary Hexadecimal
0000 0 0000 0
0001 1 F
0010 2 0010
0011 3 D
0100 4 3
0101 5 A
0110 6 1110
0111 7 6
1000 8 0111
1001 9 4
1010 A 1
1011 B 9
1100 C 1100
1101 D 0101
1110 E 8
1111 F 1011
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