Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO 640-821)

This exam consists of 55 to 65 questions and must be completed in 90 minutes. The listed topics are general guidelines for the type of content that is likely to appear on the exam. However, Cisco states that there may be questions on other relevant or related topics on the exam.

I. Design and Support

1. Use a subset of Cisco IOS commands to analyze and report network problems
2. Use embedded layer 3 through layer 7 protocols to establish, test, suspend, or disconnect connectivity to remote devices from the router console
3. Determine IP addresses

II. Implementation and Operation

1. Establish communication between a terminal device and the router IOS, and use IOS for system analysis
2. Manipulate system image and device configuration files
3. Perform an initial configuration on a router and save the resultant configuration file
4. Use commands incorporated within IOS to analyze and report network problems
5. Assign IP addresses
6. Describe and install the hardware and software required to be able to communicate via a network
7. Use embedded data link layer functionality to perform network neighbor discovery and analysis from the router
8. Use embedded layer 3 through layer 7 protocols to establish, test, suspend or disconnect connectivity to remote devices from the router console

III. Technology

1. Demonstrate the mathematical skills required to work seamlessly with integer decimal, binary and hexadecimal numbers and simple binary logic
2. Define and describe the structure and technologies of computer networks
3. Describe the hardware and software required to be able to communicate via a network
4. Describe the physical, electrical and mechanical properties and standards associated with optical, wireless, and copper media used in networks
5. Describe the topologies and physical issues associated with cabling common LANs
6. Identify the key characteristics of common wide area networking (WAN) configurations and technologies, and differentiate between these and common LAN technologies
7. Describe the purpose and fundamental operation of the internetwork operating system (IOS)
8. Describe the role of a router in a WAN
9. Identify the major internal and external components of a router, and describe the associated functionality
10. Identify and describe the stages of the router boot-up sequence
11. Describe how the configuration register and boot system commands modify the router boot-up sequence
12. Describe the concepts associated with routing, and the different methods and protocols used to achieve it
13. Describe how an IP address is associated with a device interface, and the association between physical and employ IP addressing techniques
14. Employ IP addressing techniques
15. Compare and contrast collision and broadcast domains, and describe the process of network segmentation
16. Describe the principles and practice of switching in an Ethernet network
17. Explain how collisions are detected and handled in an Ethernet system
18. Explain the fundamental concepts associated with the Ethernet media access technique
19. Describe how the protocols associated with TCP/IP allow host communication to occur
20. Describe the operation of the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) and identify the reasons, types and format of associated error and control messages
21. Describe the principles and practice of packet switching utilizing the Internet Protocol (IP)