Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2

As a Cisco Networking Academy Support Centre, The Open University offers the Cisco Certified Networking Associate – Routing and Switching version 7 curriculum that provides the foundational knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to configure a larger scale LAN/WAN using Cisco equipment. As part of your studies, you’ll complete CCNA 3 Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation and IoT (Internet of Things) Security and gain hands-on experience of configuring networks at a compulsory day school.

What you will study

The full Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum consists of four parts, sometimes referred to as CCNA 1–3. This module covers CCNA 3–along with IoT Security.¹

Part 1: Enterprise Networks, Security and Automation (CCNA 3)
This part describes the architecture, components and operations of routers and switches in a small network. You’ll learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this part, you’ll be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1 and RIPv2; single-area and multi-area OSPF; virtual LANs; and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

Part 2: Networking for the Internet of Things
This part introduces you to the main concepts of the Internet of Things (IoT) and how it puts software as a main component of a networking infrastructure. Completing this unit will allow you to configure a small network with IoT devices (e.g. in a smart home) and to implement some rules of interaction between those devices.

Part 3: IoT Security
Following on from Part 2 and linked to Part 1 of this module. IoT security explores the challenges and opportunities faced by Network Engineers when deploying and managing smart technologies. You will explore challenges with home automation, smart cities and industrial automation solutions within the context of the Internet of Things. Topics will include a range of IoT security solutions and how blockchain supports the deployment of secure devices.

Each part consists of a number of chapters. Most chapters have an online exam, and Part 1 and 3 have online final exams.

You will learn

This module will:

• make you understand to a greater level of detail, the concepts and algorithms underlying switching and routing protocols
• provide you with further practical skills for implementing switching and routing protocols in real-world scenarios
• make you aware of best practices for securing LAN (Local Area Networks) and WAN (Wide Area Networks)
• teach you the fundamental and systematic processes for troubleshooting larger networks
• introduce you to the main concepts of the Internet of Things (IoT) and their associated security challenges and practices
• provide you with an opportunity to go on and gain an industry-recognised qualification (CCNA Routing and Switching certification).

Professional recognition

Those within the networking technician and engineering discipline consider Cisco certification professional recognition and personal accreditation. CCENT certification is an invaluable entry accreditation for the network engineering profession.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.

However, as this is an OU level 3 module, you'll need a good knowledge of the subject area obtained through any of the following:

• OU level 1 study
• equivalent work at another university
• experience as an IT professional
• Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257) or Cisco networking (CCNA) (T216) – discontinued
• Cisco NetAcad Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1) and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 2).

Preparatory work

Introduction to computing and information technology 1  (TM111) and Introduction to computing and information technology 2  (TM112) would give you the required familiarity with the basic computing.

We will assume you’ve studied Cisco Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1) and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 2), so strongly recommend you’ve passed one of the following:

• OU module Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)
• discontinued OU module Cisco networking (CCNA) (T216)
• Cisco Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1) and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 2) from somewhere else.

When you register on TM357, we’ll send you details of a free course – Packet Tracer 101. This short (2-hour) course offers you:

• some familiarisation with the Packet Tracer Network simulation software used on the module
• exposure to some basic networking principles and practices
• the opportunity to reflect on networking being a potential pathway and career choice; and the opportunity to consider the demands of the Cisco modules.

What's included

• Access to the Cisco study materials, and additional supplementary material, via the website
• One practical day school.

Computing requirements

A computing device with a browser and broadband internet access is required for this module. Any modern browser will be suitable for most computer activities. Functionality may be limited on mobile devices.

Any additional software will be provided, or is generally freely available. However, some activities may have more specific requirements. For this reason, you will need to be able to install and run additional software on a device that meets the requirements below.

A desktop or laptop computer with either an up-to-date version of Windows or macOS.

The screen of the device must have a resolution of at least 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 pixels vertically.

To join in the spoken conversation in our online rooms we recommend a headset (headphones or earphones with an integrated microphone).

Our Skills for OU study website has further information including computing skills for study, computer security, acquiring a computer and Microsoft software offers for students.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll have a named tutor who will support your studies and mark and comment on your assignment work; you can also seek academic advice and guidance from them. Your tutor will offer support through email, telephone and online forum discussions. Additionally, there will be face-to-face and online tutorials. We will advertise tutorials before the module starts; TM357 tutors will take them, but depending on the tutorial, not necessarily your own named tutor.

Assessment

You can find the assessment details for this module in the facts box.

You must use the online eTMA system to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs).

Residential school

The day school is a practical experience with Cisco Networking technologies and a Cisco assessment at the end. Your work during the day school will be linked to the end-of-module assessment. You must satisfactorily attend a day school to pass this course and gain the completion certificates from Cisco.

We’ll hold the day schools at specific venues on Saturdays (and some Sundays) near the end of the module. We’ll offer a choice of dates – usually over two different weekends at each venue.

The cost of day schools is included in the module fee, but you must make your own travel arrangements.

In exceptional circumstances, we can provide an Alternative Learning Experience (ALE). Exceptional circumstances include students who are registered disabled; the carer of a registered disabled person; members of HM Forces (or their dependants) serving abroad; or HM Government employees (or their dependants) working abroad. We will consider other applications for the ALE on an individual basis.

COVID-19

It may be necessary to cancel the day school. Should that happen, we’ll replace the day school and associated ALE with an online alternative. This will include arrangements to take the CCNA2 Switching, Wireless and Routing Essentials online exam. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity of any changes to the planned day schools.