CCNA Automation study plan
CCNA Automation · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Network Fundamentals
Diagram the OSI and TCP/IP models from memory and map at least 10 protocols to their layers
Compare IPv4 and IPv6 header fields and explain which fields changed and why
Identify the cable types, connectors, and bandwidth/distance limits used for copper, fiber, and wireless media
Describe the purpose of each major network device (switch, router, firewall, WLC, access point) and where it sits in a topology
Your checkpoint
A one-page hand-drawn topology of a small enterprise network labeled with devices, media types, and the OSI layer each device primarily operates at
Network Fundamentals
Subnet IPv4 networks in /24 through /30 and calculate network, broadcast, and usable host ranges without a calculator
Summarize IPv6 address types (global unicast, link-local, unique local, multicast) and apply address compression rules
Explain the role of TCP and UDP and list common ports and their associated applications
Describe how a packet travels from host to host across a switched and routed path, including ARP
Your checkpoint
A subnetting worksheet with 20 solved problems (network, broadcast, usable range, host count) scoring at least 18/20
Network Access
Configure access and trunk ports on a switch and verify VLAN assignment and trunk status
Explain the 802.1Q tag and how native VLAN mismatches affect traffic
Describe the purpose of CDP and LLDP and list what information each advertises
Identify the components of a wireless LAN architecture (WLC, AP, SSID, BSS, channel, band)
Your checkpoint
A working packet-tracer or lab topology with two VLANs, a trunk between two switches, and captured output showing correct VLAN and trunk verification
IP Connectivity
Configure and verify static routes, including default and floating static routes
Compare distance-vector and link-state routing and describe how OSPF builds adjacency and selects a route
Configure single-area OSPFv2 on at least three routers and verify neighbor and route tables
Explain administrative distance and how the router chooses among competing routes
Your checkpoint
A three-router lab where OSPF converges and a floating static route takes over after the primary link is shut down, documented with show command output
IP Connectivity & IP Services
Describe how HSRP or VRRP provides first-hop redundancy and identify the active and standby roles
Explain the DHCP process (DORA) and configure a router as a DHCP server and relay
Describe DNS resolution flow and configure basic NTP for time synchronization
Explain NAT/PAT operation and configure static and dynamic NAT on a router
Your checkpoint
A lab with DHCP serving two subnets, NTP synchronized to a source, and PAT translating internal hosts, verified with show commands
Security Fundamentals
Configure device access security: local users, enable secret, SSH-only access, and console/VTY line protection
Explain AAA concepts and the difference between authentication, authorization, and accounting
Describe common Layer 2 attacks (MAC flooding, VLAN hopping, DHCP spoofing) and the features that mitigate them
Configure port security and DHCP snooping on a switch and verify the results
Your checkpoint
A hardened switch and router configuration checklist with applied commands and verification output for SSH, port security, and DHCP snooping
Automation and Programmability
Explain the difference between traditional networks and controller-based SDN architectures, including the control and data planes
Describe REST API fundamentals: HTTP methods, status codes, and JSON payload structure
Interpret a sample JSON object and extract a specific key or value
Explain the purpose of configuration management tools such as Ansible and Puppet and how they differ from manual CLI changes
Your checkpoint
A written walkthrough of a sample REST API call, including the method, URL, request body, expected status code, and the JSON fields returned
Network Fundamentals & Network Access & IP Connectivity & IP Services & Security Fundamentals & Automation and Programmability
Complete two full-length timed practice exams and score each domain separately
Re-study the two lowest-scoring domains using targeted labs and notes
Review all deliverables from weeks 1-7 and correct any errors found
Build a one-page command reference for the verification commands most likely to appear
Your checkpoint
A domain-by-domain score report from both practice exams showing improvement and a final one-page command reference sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 85% on a 30-question mixed fundamentals and subnetting quiz without notes
Week 4: Demonstrate a converged OSPF topology and a successful failover to a floating static route in under 15 minutes
Week 6: Successfully SSH into a device with local credentials only, with Telnet disabled and port security active on an access port
Week 8: Achieve at least 80% overall on a full-length timed practice exam with no domain below 70%