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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Cisco
Exam Format
120 min
90-110
825
Associate
Registration
$300 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese
Validity
3 years
Pass any current associate exam; Pass any current professional concentration exam; Pass any current technology core exam
200-301 Exam Topics and Domains
200-301 is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with Access control, Configuration management, Data protection, Internet connectivity, and more.
1
Network Fundamentals
20%
Explain the role and function of network components
RoutersLayer 2 and Layer 3 switchesNext-generation firewalls and IPSAccess pointsControllersEndpointsServersPoE
- Explain the role and function of each network component
- Identify appropriate use cases for different components
- Understand component placement in network architecture
Describe characteristics of network topology architectures
Two-tierThree-tierSpine-leafWANSmall office/home office (SOHO)On-premises and cloud
- Compare different topology architectures
- Select appropriate architecture for given requirements
- Understand scalability and performance implications
Compare physical interface and cabling types
Single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, copperConnections (Ethernet shared media and point-to-point)
- Select appropriate cabling for requirements
- Understand physical layer specifications
- Troubleshoot physical connectivity issues
Identify interface and cable issues
Collisions, errors, mismatch duplex, and/or speed
- Identify common cable and interface problems
- Use appropriate troubleshooting tools
- Resolve physical layer issues
Compare TCP to UDP
TCP vs UDP characteristics
- Understand transport layer protocols
- Select appropriate protocol for applications
- Identify protocol characteristics
Configure and verify IPv4 addressing and subnetting
IPv4 addressing and subnetting
- Calculate subnets and host ranges
- Design IP addressing schemes
- Configure IP addresses on devices
Describe private IPv4 addressing
RFC 1918 addresses
- Identify private address ranges
- Understand when to use private addressing
- Plan private address allocation
Configure and verify IPv6 addressing and prefix
IPv6 addressing
- Configure IPv6 addresses
- Understand IPv6 notation
- Implement IPv6 on network devices
Describe IPv6 address types
Unicast (global, unique local, and link local)AnycastMulticastModified EUI 64
- Identify IPv6 address types
- Understand address scopes and uses
- Configure different IPv6 address types
Verify IP parameters for Client OS
Windows, Mac OS, Linux
- Use OS tools to verify configuration
- Troubleshoot client connectivity
- Configure client network settings
Describe wireless principles
Nonoverlapping Wi-Fi channelsSSIDRFEncryption
- Understand wireless fundamentals
- Configure basic wireless settings
- Troubleshoot wireless issues
Explain virtualization fundamentals
Server virtualization, containers, and VRFs
- Understand virtualization concepts
- Compare virtualization technologies
- Identify virtualization use cases
Describe switching concepts
MAC learning and agingFrame switchingFrame floodingMAC address table
- Understand switch operations
- Explain frame forwarding process
- Troubleshoot switching issues
2
Network Access
20%
Configure and verify VLANs (normal range) spanning multiple switches
Access ports (data and voice)Default VLANInterVLAN connectivity
- Configure VLANs across switches
- Implement voice VLANs
- Enable inter-VLAN routing
Configure and verify interswitch connectivity
Trunk ports802.1QNative VLAN
- Configure trunk links
- Understand 802.1Q tagging
- Secure native VLAN
Configure and verify Layer 2 discovery protocols
Cisco Discovery Protocol and LLDP
- Configure CDP and LLDP
- Use discovery protocols for troubleshooting
- Understand security considerations
Configure and verify (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP)
EtherChannel and LACP
- Configure EtherChannel
- Implement LACP
- Verify EtherChannel operation
Interpret basic operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol
Root port, root bridge (primary/secondary), and other port namesPort states and rolesPortFastRoot guard, loop guard, BPDU filter, and BPDU guard
- Understand Rapid PVST+ operation
- Configure STP features
- Troubleshoot STP issues
Describe Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP modes
Wireless architectures and AP modes
- Compare wireless architectures
- Understand AP modes
- Select appropriate architecture
Describe physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components
AP, WLC, access/trunk ports, and LAG
- Understand WLAN connectivity
- Configure switch ports for wireless
- Design wireless infrastructure
Describe network device management access
Telnet, SSH, HTTP, HTTPS, console, TACACS+/RADIUS, and cloud managed
- Configure management access
- Implement secure management
- Understand AAA integration
Interpret the wireless LAN GUI configuration
WLAN creation, security settings, QoS profiles, and advanced settings
- Configure WLANs via GUI
- Implement wireless security
- Configure QoS for wireless
3
IP Connectivity
25%
Interpret the components of routing table
Routing protocol codePrefixNetwork maskNext hopAdministrative distanceMetricGateway of last resort
- Read and interpret routing tables
- Understand route selection process
- Troubleshoot routing issues
Determine how a router makes a forwarding decision by default
Longest prefix matchAdministrative distanceRouting protocol metric
- Understand routing decision process
- Apply route selection rules
- Predict routing behavior
Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 static routing
Default routeNetwork routeHost routeFloating static
- Configure static routes
- Implement route redundancy
- Verify static routing
Configure and verify single area OSPFv2
Neighbor adjacenciesPoint-to-pointBroadcast (DR/BDR selection)Router ID
- Configure OSPF
- Verify OSPF operation
- Troubleshoot OSPF issues
Describe the purpose, functions, and concepts of first hop redundancy protocols
FHRP concepts
- Understand FHRP concepts
- Compare FHRP protocols
- Design redundant gateways
4
IP Services
10%
Configure and verify inside source NAT using static and pools
Static NAT and NAT pools
- Configure NAT
- Verify NAT operation
- Troubleshoot NAT issues
Configure and verify NTP operating in a client and server mode
NTP client and server
- Configure NTP
- Verify time synchronization
- Understand NTP hierarchy
Explain the role of DHCP and DNS within the network
DHCP and DNS roles
- Understand DHCP operation
- Explain DNS functionality
- Identify service dependencies
Explain the function of SNMP in network operations
SNMP operations
- Understand SNMP concepts
- Explain monitoring process
- Identify SNMP security issues
Describe the use of syslog features including facilities and severity levels
Syslog features and severity
- Understand syslog operation
- Configure logging levels
- Analyze log messages
Configure and verify DHCP client and relay
DHCP client and relay agent
- Configure DHCP relay
- Verify DHCP operation
- Troubleshoot DHCP issues
Explain the forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB) for QoS
Classification, marking, queuing, congestion, policing, and shaping
- Understand QoS concepts
- Explain traffic handling
- Identify QoS methods
Configure network devices for remote access using SSH
SSH configuration
- Configure SSH access
- Secure management connections
- Troubleshoot SSH issues
Describe the capabilities and functions of TFTP/FTP in the network
TFTP and FTP functions
- Understand file transfer protocols
- Identify appropriate use cases
- Compare TFTP and FTP
5
Security Fundamentals
15%
Define key security concepts
Threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques
- Identify security threats
- Understand vulnerabilities
- Apply mitigation techniques
Describe security program elements
User awareness, training, and physical access control
- Understand security programs
- Identify training needs
- Implement physical security
Configure and verify device access control using local passwords
Local password configuration
- Configure passwords
- Secure device access
- Implement password policies
Describe security password policy elements
Management, complexity, and password alternatives
- Design password policies
- Understand authentication alternatives
- Implement strong authentication
Describe IPsec remote access and site-to-site VPNs
IPsec VPN types
- Understand VPN concepts
- Compare VPN types
- Identify VPN components
Configure and verify access control lists
ACL configuration
- Configure ACLs
- Apply ACLs correctly
- Troubleshoot ACL issues
Configure and verify Layer 2 security features
DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and port security
- Configure Layer 2 security
- Prevent Layer 2 attacks
- Verify security features
Compare authentication, authorization, and accounting concepts
AAA concepts
- Understand AAA
- Compare AAA protocols
- Design AAA solutions
Describe wireless security protocols
WPA, WPA2, and WPA3
- Compare wireless security protocols
- Understand encryption methods
- Select appropriate security
Configure and verify WLAN within the GUI using WPA2 PSK
WPA2 PSK configuration
- Configure WPA2 PSK
- Verify wireless security
- Troubleshoot wireless issues
6
Automation and Programmability
10%
Explain how automation impacts network management
Automation impact
- Understand automation benefits
- Identify automation opportunities
- Assess automation impact
Compare traditional networks with controller-based networking
Traditional vs controller-based
- Compare network architectures
- Understand SDN benefits
- Identify use cases
Describe controller-based, software defined architecture
Separation of control plane and data planeNorthbound and Southbound APIs
- Understand SDN architecture
- Explain API roles
- Describe overlay and underlay
Explain AI (generative and predictive) and machine learning in network operations
AI and ML in networking
- Understand AI/ML concepts
- Identify networking applications
- Explain operational benefits
Describe characteristics of REST-based APIs
Authentication types, CRUD, HTTP verbs, and data encoding
- Understand REST APIs
- Identify HTTP operations
- Explain authentication types
Recognize the capabilities of configuration management mechanisms
Ansible and Terraform
- Understand configuration management
- Compare Ansible and Terraform
- Identify use cases
Recognize components of JSON-encoded data
JSON components
- Read JSON data
- Identify JSON components
- Understand JSON syntax
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 200-301 earns the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification. It sits in the Enterprise (Unified) track.
Alternative Paths
- 200-901 - DEVASCAutomation and programmability focus
- 200-201 - CBROPSSecurity operations focus
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for 200-301 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-08-20
- Announcement date: 2024-04-01
Updates
- Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 Latest standards Updated wireless principles coverage • Release date: 2024-08-20
- SD-WAN
- Cloud Networking
- Network Automation
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Entry-level network engineers and Network administrators.
- Basic computer literacy
- Basic PC operating system navigation skills
- Basic Internet usage skills
- Basic IP address knowledge