Introduction to CISCO Networking

This course is designed for individuals who are new to computer networking and would like a practical introduction to working with Cisco networking equipment. It is suitable for beginners, IT support staff, students considering a career in networking or cyber security, and professionals who want to gain hands-on experience with enterprise networking hardware.

No prior networking knowledge is required. The course begins with the fundamentals and gradually introduces learners to real Cisco devices and basic network configuration tasks.

This course is ideal for anyone who wants to understand how routers and switches operate in real environments and gain confidence working with Cisco equipment before progressing to more advanced certifications such as the Cisco CCNA.

This course focuses on practical networking skills and introduces learners to the fundamental concepts of networking using Cisco devices.

Topics covered include:

· Introduction to computer networking and network infrastructure

· Understanding routers, switches, and end devices

· Connecting to a Cisco device using a console cable

· Using terminal software to access the Cisco command-line interface (CLI)

· Navigating the Cisco IOS operating system

· Understanding and using basic Cisco commands

· Configuring device hostnames and basic system settings

· Introduction to IP addressing and network communication

· Basic switch configuration

· Introduction to VLANs and network segmentation

· Saving and managing configuration files

· Basic network troubleshooting techniques

Learners will work directly with Cisco routers and switches throughout the course to build practical experience.

The course will be delivered through weekly evening sessions that combine short tutor-led explanations with practical laboratory activities.

Each session will introduce a networking concept before students complete hands-on configuration tasks using real Cisco networking equipment. This approach allows learners to build confidence gradually while developing practical skills that are used in real-world networking environments.

Students will also be encouraged to practise commands and explore additional configuration tasks between sessions.

Upon successful completion of the course, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion in Introduction to Cisco Networking.

Students will leave with practical experience in:

· Connecting to Cisco devices

· Using the Cisco command line interface

· Performing basic network configuration

· Understanding how routers and switches operate in a network

These skills provide a strong foundation for further study in networking and cyber security.

After completing this course, learners may wish to progress to more advanced networking study such as:

· Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

· Network Security Fundamentals

· Cyber Security Foundations

· Network Administration and Infrastructure

This course provides the practical grounding required to move into more advanced networking certifications or IT support roles.