100-140

The Cisco 100-140 exam, ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices, Part 1), focuses on the foundational knowledge needed to work with Cisco networking devices. The main points cover a broad range of networking concepts, but can be summarized into these key areas:

• Networking Fundamentals: This is the base layer. You need a solid understanding of:

  • IP addressing and subnetting: This is arguably the most important topic. You must be able to calculate subnet masks, determine usable IP addresses, and understand the different classes of IP addresses (though IPv4 addressing is heavily emphasized).
  • Network topologies: Understanding bus, star, mesh, ring, and hybrid topologies.
  • Network models (OSI and TCP/IP): Knowing the layers and their functions in both models is crucial. You'll need to understand how data flows through these models.
  • Network devices: The roles and functions of routers, switches, hubs, and other network infrastructure components.
  • Ethernet: The basics of Ethernet frames, including MAC addresses.

• LAN Switching Technologies: This section delves into how switches operate:

  • Switch operation and features: Understanding how switches learn MAC addresses, forward frames, and handle collisions (though less relevant with modern switches).
  • VLANs (Virtual LANs): Configuring and managing VLANs to segment networks. This is a significant portion of the exam.
  • Trunking (802.1Q): Connecting switches together to allow VLAN traffic to travel between them.
  • Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): Prevents loops in switched networks. Understanding how STP works and its various modes is vital.

• IP Routing: This introduces the core function of routers:

  • Routing protocols (RIP and EIGRP basics): A fundamental understanding of how these protocols work to share routing information is necessary, particularly focusing on RIP as it's simpler. EIGRP will have less depth compared to more advanced Cisco courses.
  • Routing table: Understanding how routing tables work and how entries are added.
  • Static routing: Manually configuring routes. This provides a foundation for understanding dynamic routing.
  • Route summarization: Aggregating multiple routes to simplify routing tables.

• WAN Technologies: A brief introduction to Wide Area Networks:

  • Basic WAN concepts: Understanding the difference between LANs and WANs.
  • Point-to-point connections: How they are established.

• Network Security Basics: A high-level overview of network security concepts:

  • Access control lists (ACLs): Basic understanding of how ACLs filter network traffic.
  • Basic security threats: An introduction to some common network security threats and vulnerabilities.

Important Note: The exam heavily emphasizes practical, hands-on knowledge. While understanding the concepts is vital, you'll need to be able to apply them to simulated scenarios. Lab practice using Cisco Packet Tracer or a similar simulator is highly recommended. Memorization alone is not sufficient for success. Focus on understanding the why behind the concepts, not just the what .