Networking

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Successfully passed the Cisco CCNA 200-301 examination — one of the most respected entry-to-mid-level networking certifications in the industry. This certification validates my ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks.

Obtained: 23 April 2025

Cisco 200-301

Active & Verified

Core Knowledge

CCNA Topic Areas

The technical domains covered by the CCNA 200-301 exam and applied in real environments.

IP Routing

Static and dynamic routing protocols including OSPF, EIGRP, and RIP. Inter-VLAN routing and route redistribution.

Switching & VLANs

VLAN configuration, 802.1Q trunking, STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), EtherChannel, and Layer 2 security.

Subnetting & IPv6

CIDR notation, VLSM, IPv4/IPv6 addressing, DHCP, NAT/PAT, and address planning for enterprise networks.

Network Security

ACLs (standard and extended), port security, AAA framework, VPNs, and securing network device access.

Wireless Networking

WLAN architecture, 802.11 standards, WLC configuration, RF fundamentals, and wireless security (WPA2/WPA3).

Network Automation

Introduction to SDN, network programmability, REST APIs, Python for automation, and Cisco DNA Center basics.

Infrastructure Services

DNS, DHCP, NTP, SNMP, Syslog, and CDP/LLDP for device discovery and network management.

WAN Technologies

Point-to-Point, MPLS, SD-WAN concepts, Internet connectivity options, and broadband technologies.

OSI & TCP/IP Model

Deep understanding of all 7 OSI layers, TCP/UDP protocols, encapsulation, and network troubleshooting methodology.

Hands-On Practice

Lab Exercises

Practical labs completed in Cisco Packet Tracer and GNS3, simulating real-world enterprise network scenarios.

Lab Name	Platform	Topic	Status
Basic Router & Switch Config	Packet Tracer	CLI Fundamentals, Hostnames, Passwords	Complete
VLAN Segmentation Lab	Packet Tracer	802.1Q Trunking, Access Ports, VTP	Complete
OSPF Single-Area	Packet Tracer	Dynamic Routing, OSPF Area 0	Complete
NAT/PAT Configuration	Packet Tracer	Inside/Outside NAT, Overloading	Complete
ACL Lab — Permit/Deny Rules	Packet Tracer	Standard & Extended ACLs	Complete
DHCP & DNS Server Setup	Packet Tracer	DHCP Pools, DNS Resolution	Complete
STP & EtherChannel	Packet Tracer	Loop Prevention, LACP Bundling	Complete
Inter-VLAN Routing (Router-on-a-Stick)	Packet Tracer	Subinterfaces, 802.1Q Encapsulation	Complete
Multi-Area OSPF	GNS3	ABR, Backbone Area, LSAs	Complete
IPv6 Addressing & Routing	Packet Tracer	EUI-64, SLAAC, OSPFv3	Complete
Enterprise WAN Simulation	GNS3	MPLS, Serial Links, Branch Connectivity	In Progress
Network Automation with Python	Local VM	Netmiko, NAPALM, REST APIs	In Progress

Sample Enterprise Topology

A simplified 3-tier enterprise network architecture I have designed and configured in lab environments.

Internet

Core Layer

Core-R1

Core-R2

Distribution Layer

Dist-SW1

Dist-SW2

Access Layer

Acc-SW1
VLAN 10

Acc-SW2
VLAN 20

Acc-SW3
VLAN 30

Acc-SW4
VLAN 40

Printer

Server

WAP

Mobile

Toolset

Tools & Technologies

Cisco IOS

Packet Tracer

GNS3

Wireshark

Python / Netmiko

VirtualBox / VMware