Configure and verify VLANs, trunking, EtherChannel, and wireless access.
Covers VLAN configuration, interswitch connectivity, Layer 2 discovery protocols (CDP, LLDP), EtherChannel with LACP, Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol, wireless architectures, AP modes, and network device management access. This domain represents 20% of the CCNA exam.
5 minutes
5 Questions
Network Access is a fundamental domain in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification that covers approximately 20% of the exam content. This domain focuses on how devices connect to and communicate within a network infrastructure.
Network Access encompasses several critical areas including VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), which allow network administrators to logically segment a physical network into separate broadcast domains. This segmentation improves security, reduces congestion, and simplifies network management. Trunk ports carry traffic for multiple VLANs between switches using protocols like 802.1Q for tagging frames.
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and its variants like Rapid STP and Multiple STP are essential topics within Network Access. These protocols prevent layer 2 loops in redundant network topologies by blocking certain ports while maintaining backup paths for failover scenarios.
EtherChannel technology combines multiple physical links into a single logical connection, providing increased bandwidth and redundancy between switches. This can be configured using protocols such as LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) or PAgP (Port Aggregation Protocol).
The domain also covers switch port configuration including access ports, security features like port security, and DHCP snooping. Port security limits the number of MAC addresses allowed on a port and can take actions when violations occur.
Wireless networking concepts fall under Network Access as well, including understanding wireless architectures, access point configurations, and wireless security protocols like WPA2 and WPA3.
Layer 2 discovery protocols such as CDP (Cisco Discovery Protocol) and LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) help network administrators identify connected devices and their capabilities.
Understanding these Network Access concepts enables network professionals to design, implement, and troubleshoot the foundation layer of enterprise networks, ensuring reliable connectivity for all connected devices and users throughout the organization.Network Access is a fundamental domain in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification that covers approximately 20% of the exam content. This domain focuses on how devices connect to and communicate within a network infrastructure.
Network Access encompasses several critical areas i…