About CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) validates the ability to install, config ure, operate, and

troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks, includin g implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. CCNA curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wirele ss networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This new c urriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protoc ol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2),VLANs, Ethernet, access control lists (ACLs).

CCNA certification is a second-level Cisco Career certification. CCNA certificat ion validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot mediu m-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification o f connections to remote sites in a WAN. Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is limited to small geographical area , such as an office building or even a network of computers and devices in a hom e. A Local Area Network (LAN) is used for many purposes like sharing of resource s, gaming and collaboration. In a Local Area Network the complete infrastructure of the network is owned by the company itself that includes devices like switch es and cables. A Local Area network provides high-speed connectivity ranging fro m 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps but the media suffers from distance limitation. What is a VPN? In this lesson we will study VPN concepts as a required topic for the Cisco CCNA exam. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are encrypted networks tra nsported over a public network, such as the Internet. Organizations use VPNs to connect branch and home offices, partner sites and remote telecommuters to all o r portions of their corporate network. All traffic sent through the public Inter net infrastructure is sent encrypted over from one end to the other. Of course, Layer 2 connections, such as leased lines could be used, but the technologies fo r Layer 2 connections are much higher and they do not allow the same mobility as a VPN connection. A VPN connection can be initiated from wherever you are: home , a hotel where you have a wireless connection available, some other branch offi ces. On the other side, VPN as a virtual connection routed through the Internet, provides a limited set of protocols. If your organization uses some in-house de veloped applications that require Layer 2 connectivity, VPNs may not be suitable for you.