Data Sheet CCNA Discovery Opportunity We live in an increasingly connected world, creating a global economy and a growing need for technical skills. Cisco ­Networking Academy delivers information technology skills to over 500,000 students a year in more than 165 countries worldwide. Networking Academy students have the opportunity to participate in a powerful and consistent learning experience that is supported by high quality, online curricula and assessments, instructor training, hands-on labs, and classroom interaction. This experience ensures the same level of qualifications and skills regardless of where in the world a student is located. Networking Academy students will become the architects of the networked economy; enabling everyday experiences on the global human network. With the ever-increasing demand for their skills, Networking Academy students have the chance to dream about business-critical positions never before imagined, in industries ranging from medicine and finance to entertainment and aerospace. Networking Academy opens doors to rewarding careers and opportunities for economic advancement and local community development. Students only need to be ‘Mind Wide Open’ to the possibilities. Solution The Cisco CCNA® Discovery curriculum provides foundational networking knowledge, practical experience, opportunities for career exploration, and soft-skills development to help students prepare for entry-level careers in IT and networking. The curriculum offers a hands-on approach to learning, and uses interactive tools and easy-to-follow labs to help students learn the general theory needed to build networks. CCNA Discovery is designed to be offered as an independent, standalone curriculum or combined with programs offered by secondary schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities. Students who enroll in CCNA Discovery are not expected to have any previous technical skills or knowledge, aside from basic PC skills. Features Packet Tracer The curriculum encourages students to explore networking concepts with tools such as Packet Tracer, a powerful network simulation program developed by Cisco that a ­ llows students to experiment with network behavior and ask “what if” questions. CCNA Discovery allows for quick application of learned concepts to encourage students to consider additional education in IT. It uses easy-to-follow, step-by-step labs that provide detailed instructions and feedback to help students reach the final solution. CCNA Discovery includes embedded e-doing, highly interactive activities that stimulate learning and improve knowledge retention. E-doing involves rich multimedia, i­ncluding Flash-based activities, videos, and interactive quizzes, that address a variety of learning styles, increase comprehension, and provide a rich learning experience. Course Description The CCNA Discovery curriculum is composed of four courses: • Networking for Home and Small Businesses • Working at a Small-to-Medium Business or ISP • Introducing Routing and Switching in the Enterprise • Designing and Supporting Computer Networks The courses are delivered sequentially, and each course is a prerequisite for the next course. CCNA Discovery teaches networking based on application covering the types of practical networks students may encounter, from simple home or small office networks to more complex enterprise models. Students learn the technical skills and soft skills needed to succeed in entry-level networking professions such as a network installer, help desk technician, pre-sales support technician, or network technician. CCNA Discovery also provides an introduction to advanced technologies such as voice, video, wireless, and security Data Sheet Skills and Competencies Here are some examples of the skills students will be able to perform after completing each course: Networking for Home and Small Businesses Working at a Small-to-Medium Business or ISP Set up a personal computer system, including the operating system, interface cards, and peripheral devices Understand the structure of the Internet and how communication occurs between hosts Plan and install a small network connecting to the Internet Install, configure, and troubleshoot Cisco IOS devices Troubleshoot network and Internet connectivity Plan a basic wired infrastructure to support network traffic The CCNA Discovery curriculum prepares students for two different Cisco certification exams, CCENT® or CCNA®. After completing the Networking for Home and Small Businesses and Working at a Smallto-Medium Business or ISP courses, a student can choose to complete the CCENT® certification (Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician) certification exam. CCENT certifies that students have developed the practical skills required for entry-level networking support positions. In addition, this certification is designed to assess a student’s aptitude and competence for working with Cisco routers, switches and Cisco IOS™. Share resources such as files and printers among multiple computers Configure a server to share resources and provide common Web services Recognize and mitigate security threats to a home network Implement basic WAN connectivity using Telco services Configure an integrated wireless access point and wireless client Demonstrate proper disaster-recovery procedures and perform server backups Introducing Routing and Switching in the Enterprise Designing and Supporting Computer Networks Implement a LAN for an approved network design Gather customer requirements Configure a switch with VLANs and interswitch communication Design a simple Internetwork using Cisco technology Implement access lists to permit or deny specific traffic Design an IP addressing scheme to meet LAN requirements Implement WAN links Create an equipment list to meet LAN design requirements Configure routing protocols on Cisco devices Install and configure a prototype Internetwork CCENT is an optional first step toward earning the Cisco CCNA® network ­associate certification, which is the foundational certification for networking careers. Students who complete all four CCNA Discovery courses will be prepared for the industry-standard CCNA certification exam. Perform LAN, WAN, and VLAN troubleshooting using a structured methodology and the OSI model Obtain and upgrade Cisco IOS software in Cisco devices Industry Recognized Certification For more information Cisco Networking Academy Program www.cisco.com/go/netacad Locate a Networking Academy www.cisco.com/edu/locate Course Catalog www.cisco.com/edu/courses Certifications www.cisco.com/go/certifications Americas Headquarters Cisco Systems, Inc. 170 West Tasman Drive San Jose, CA 95134-1706 USA www.cisco.com Tel: 408 526-4000 800 553-NETS (6387) Fax: 408 527-0883 Asia Pacific Headquarters Cisco Systems, Inc. 168 Robinson Road #28-01 Capital Tower Singapore 068912 www.cisco.com Tel: +65 6317 7777 Fax: +65 6317 7799 Europe Headquarters Cisco Systems International BV Haarlerbergpark Haarlerbergweg 13-19 1101 CH Amsterdam The Netherlands www-europe.cisco.com Tel: +31 0 800 020 0791 Fax: +31 0 20 357 1100 Cisco has more than 200 offices worldwide. Addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers are listed on the Cisco Website at www.cisco.com/go/offices. ©2007 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 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