Cisco Technician Program

Average Length

180 hours. Please see the FAQ page for how hours are calculated.

Program Costs

Please see the FAQ page for the Program Costs spreadsheet.

Required Materials

There are two lab manuals for this program. The first is available as a .pdf or you may purchase a printed copy from the bookstore. The second lab manual is only available in printed form from the MATC Bookstore.

Program Description

The Cisco Technician Program validates the ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. The network professional demonstrates the skills required for entry-level network support positions – the starting point for many successful careers in networking. The curriculum covers networking fundamentals, WAN technologies, basic security and wireless concepts, routing and switching fundamentals, and configuring simple networks. Cisco Technician is the first step toward achieving CCENT and then your CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.

This program provides general networking theory and the basics of routing, switching, and advanced technologies using a spiral approach, where concepts are presented in the context of the types of practical networks students may encounter; from home and small offices, to more complex enterprise models. The curriculum helps students prepare for the industry-standard CCENT certification exam. The first two courses of CCNA Discovery also prepare students for the Cisco CCENT™ certification for entry network technicians, an optional first step toward earning the CCNA certification. The curriculum consists of four courses delivered sequentially. Each course includes a troubleshooting chapter and advanced technologies (voice, video, wireless, and security) are introduced throughout the curriculum.

To view sample chapters of the online curriculum and more information about the Cisco Networking Academy please click here.

Goals and Objectives

Skills and knowledge gained will include: install and verify PC peripherals; select and install a Windows OS with updates and patches; use hierarchical network management to develop IP and naming schemes; understand how classless IP numbers are developed and used; use PT 5.x to design and test network topologies; design and install a Home and a Small Office wired and wireless network; select the correct ISP for the networks that they design and connect to them; use the Cisco ISR and Linksys GUIs to configure DHCP, DNS, NAT, and other network services; use common PC tools: ping, netstat, ipconfig, tracert, nslookup, telnet, and arp –a to troubleshoot network errors; harden network PCs to network attacks caused by viruses, worms, trojan horses, and spyware; analyze NAT bindings inside the integrated router to troubleshoot networking connections; and use good soft skills to solve customer problems in a helpdesk situation and document the solutions, cCreating Help Desk Documentation; Installing a Cisco ISR Device; Use of the SDM Router and Security Configuration; Planning for Networking Upgrades; Configuration of NAT/PAT; Configuration of DHCP; Configuration of SSH; Configuration of EIGRP and BGP; Understand AAA Security; Switch Configuration; Contrast IDS and IPS Systems; and Disaster Recovery Planning Including Running Backups.

Describe the operation of data networks

  • Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices
  • Select the components required to meet a given network specification
  • Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to explain how data flows in a network
  • Describe common networking applications including web applications
  • Describe the purpose and basic operation of the protocols in the OSI and TCP models
  • Describe the impact of applications such as Voice Over IP on a network
  • Interpret network diagrams
  • Determine the path between two hosts across a network
  • Describe the components required for network and Internet communications
  • Identify and correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3 and 7 using a layered model approach
  • Differentiate between LAN/WAN operation and features

 Implement a small switched network

  • Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect switches to other network devices and hosts
  • Explain the technology and media access control method for Ethernet technologies
  • Explain network segmentation and basic traffic management concepts
  • Explain the operation of Cisco switches and basic switching concepts
  • Perform, save and verify initial switch configuration tasks including remote access management
  • Verify network status and switch operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH, arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands
  • Implement and verify basic security for a switch (port security, deactivate ports)
  • Identify, prescribe, and resolve common switched network media issues, configuration issues, autonegotiation, and switch hardware failures

Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet network requirements for a small branch office

  • Describe the need and role of addressing in a network
  • Create and apply an addressing scheme to a network
  • Assign and verify valid IP addresses to hosts, servers, and networking devices in a LAN environment
  • Explain the basic uses and operation of NAT in a small network connecting to one ISP
  • Describe and verify DNS operation
  • Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP addressing
  • Enable NAT for a small network with a single ISP and connection using SDM and verify operation using CLI and ping
  • Configure, verify and troubleshoot DHCP and DNS operation on a router (using both CLI and SDM)
  • Implement static and dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment
  • Identify and correct IP addressing issues

Implement a small routed network

  • Describe basic routing concepts (including: packet forwarding, router lookup process)
  • Describe the operation of Cisco routers (including: router bootup process, POST, router components)
  • Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect routers to other network devices and hosts
  • Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2
  • Access and utilize the router CLI to set basic parameters
  • Connect, configure, and verify the operational status of a device interface
  • Verify device configuration and network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH or other utilities
  • Perform and verify routing configuration tasks for a static or default route given specific routing requirements
  • Manage IOS configuration files (including: save, edit, upgrade, restore)
  • Manage Cisco IOS
  • Implement password and physical security
  • Verify network status and router operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH, arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands

Explain and select the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLAN

  • Describe standards associated with wireless media (including: IEEE WI-FI Alliance, ITU/FCC)
  • Identify and describe the purpose of the components in a small wireless network. (including: SSID, BSS, ESS)
  • Identify the basic parameters to configure on a wireless network to ensure that devices connect to the correct access point
  • Compare and contrast wireless security features and capabilities of WPA security (including: open, WEP, WPA-1/2)
  • Identify common issues with implementing wireless networks

Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats

  • Explain today’s increasing network security threats and the need to implement a comprehensive security policy to mitigate the threats
  • Explain general methods to mitigate common security threats to network devices, hosts, and applications
  • Describe the functions of common security appliances and applications
  • Describe security recommended practices including initial steps to secure network devices

Implement and verify WAN links

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

About the curriculum

The curriculum provides the experience needed to help meet the growing demand for ICT professionals. The courses help prepare students for entry-level career opportunities, continuing education, and globally recognized Cisco certifications. This program teaches networking based on application, covering networking concepts within the context of network environments students may encounter in their daily lives – from small office and home office (SOHO) networking to more complex enterprise and theoretical networking models later in the curriculum. This program includes the following features:

  • Courses emphasize critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and the practical application of skills
  • Rich multimedia content, including Flash-based interactive activities, videos, games, and quizzes, addresses a variety of learning styles and help stimulate learning and increase knowledge retention
  • Packet Tracer simulation-based learning activities promote the exploration of networking concepts and allow students to experiment with network behavior and ask “what if” questions
  • Hands-on labs help students develop critical thinking and complex problem solving skills
  • Innovative assessments provide immediate feedback to support the evaluation of knowledge and acquired skills
  • Case studies provide critical and strategic thinking scenarios to help students develop soft skills such as analyzing business objectives, planning timelines and resources, and delivering customer presentations
  • Networking concepts are explained using language that works well for learners at all levels and embedded interactive activities break up reading of the content and help reinforce understanding

This program prepares you for additional training or a career as a Help desk technician or Network support technician

We are a Cisco Academy Training Center.

  • Click here to learn more about the Cisco Networking Academy Program.
  • Click here to review the Cisco Career Path Guide.

Related Industry Certification

Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT).  The exam name and number: ICND 1 640-816

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) validates the ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. With a CCENT, network professional demonstrates the skills required for entry-level network support positions – the starting point for many successful careers in networking. CCENT is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.

MATC does not guarantee that taking these programs will fully prepare you for the certification exams.

Learn more…