West Virginia University Extended Learning and the Office of Information Technology offers CCNA Explorer to adults with advanced problem solving and analytical skills typically associated with degree programs in engineering, math, or science.  The CCNA Explorer curriculum is a blended program with both online and classroom learning components.

Registrations for spring term will be accepted from November 5, 2007 to December 31, 2007.  Class access will be e-mailed to all registrants prior to the spring semester which begins on January 7, 2008.  The online portion of the class is self-paced, but all coursework needs to be completed by June 30, 2008.

On-site labs will be held one Saturday a month from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. during the spring term.  The lab dates are January 26, February 23, March 22, April 19, May 24, and June 21, 2008.  All students will need to report to the Cisco Training Lab at 5401 Waterfront Place, Morgantown, WV on those dates.

Computer Requirements

Internet Explorer

Materials
Textbooks and Lab Manuals are available online at the Cisco Academy Connection http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/index.html and at http://www.ciscopress.com/content/downloads/cisco/irc/AtAGlance_Fall2007.pdf

Background

CCNA Explorer presents a comprehensive overview of networking; from fundamentals to advanced applications and services. The course emphasizes concepts and skills required to design networks, while providing opportunities for practical application and hands-on experience by teaching students how to install, operate, and maintain networks. CCNA Explorer helps students develop the skills necessary to fulfill the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators, and network engineers.

Target Audience

CCNA Explorer is primarily designed for students with advanced problem solving and analytical skills typically associated with degree programs in engineering, math, or science. Assistance in internship placement is available upon course completion.

Course Goal

After completing CCNA Explorer, students will be prepared to take the Cisco CCNA Certification Exam.

Course Objectives

By completing the course, the student will learn to:

• Explain the importance of data networks and the Internet in supporting business communications and everyday activities.
• Explain how communication works in data networks and the Internet.
• Recognize the devices and services that are used to support communications across an Internet work.
• Use network protocol models to explain the layers of communications in data networks.
• Explain the role of protocols in data networks.
• Describe the importance of addressing and naming schemes at various layers of data networks.
• Describe the protocols and services provided by the application layer in the OSI model and describe how this layer operates in sample networks.
• Analyze the operations and features of the transport layer protocols and services.
• Analyze the operations and feature of the network layer protocols and services and explain the fundamental concepts of routing.
• Design, calculate, and apply subnet masks and addresses to fulfill given requirements.
• Describe the operation of protocols at the OSI data link layer and how they support communications.
• Explain the role of physical layer protocols and services in supporting communications across data networks.
• Explain fundamental Ethernet concepts such as media, services, and operation.
• Employ basic cabling and network designs to connect devices in accordance with stated objectives.
• Build a simple Ethernet network using routers and switches.
• Use Cisco CLI commands to perform basic router and switch configuration and verification.

Course Structure and Schedule

This is a non-credit course offered for 50 hours online and 20 hours in the classroom.  The student can register before the beginning of each term.  Cost is $585 per course/per student.  A certificate for course completion will be issued by Cisco Training Academy.

Overview/Subject Matter

The CCNA Explorer curriculum is comprised of four courses.  Network Fundamentals is the first course, and is the prerequisite for the other three courses.  Routing Protocols and Concepts is the preferred second course in the sequence, but variations are possible.

Course 1:  Network Fundamentals

1. Living, Learning, Working, and Playing in a Network-Centric World
2. Communications with Data Networks and the Internet
3. OSI Application Layer
4. OSI Transport Layer
5. OSI Network Layer and Routing
6. Addressing the Network – Ipv4
7. OSI Data Link Layer
8. OSI Physical Layer
9. An Example LAN technology – Ethernet
10. Planning and Cabling Your Network
11. Configuring and Testing Your Network

Course 2:  Routing Protocols and Concepts

1. Introduction to Routing and Packet Forwarding
2. Static Routes
3. Introduction to Dynamic Routing
4. Distance Vector Routing Protocol
5. RIPv1
6. Classless Routing Protocols, VLSM and CIDR
7. RIPv2
8. Routing Table:  A Closer Look
9. EIGRP
10. Link State Routing Protocols
11. OSPF

Course 3:  LAN Switching and Wireless (Release Date:  December 2007)

Course 4:  Accessing the WAN (Release Date:  December 2007)

For more information, visit: http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/course_catalog/CCNAdiscovery.html

Registration

Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning.  Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions.  Major credit cards and electronic checks accepted.