The first semester is vendor neutral.
It includes a number of hand-on labs including cabling, testing, and implementing peer-to-peer networks.
The second, and subsequent semesters include advanced topics that are vendor-neutral, but applications that are Cisco-specific, which involves learning Cisco's internetwork operating system (IOS) for router and switch configuration. This is where substantial hands-on learning takes place.
The second semester involves designing and implementing subnetted IP-based address schemes, configuration of router interfaces (ports) and routing protocols, as well as troubleshooting.
Semester three lab involves more specific use and configuration of switches, including the design and implementation of virtual LANS
Semester four lab addresses more advanced WAN configuration, with heavy emphasis on PPP, ISDN and Frame Relay.
The advantage of having a current web-based curriculum, with substantial hands-on exercises, far outweighs the necessity to limit use of some of the material. The use and configuration of routers brings the material to life, and enhances understanding of the Internet and internetworking.
The second semester curriculum refers to a standardized "router lab topology", which is composed of four routers, two hubs, two switch, and a number of workstations.
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