Gap Map

Complete Syllabus: Zero to Job-Ready

This page prevents missing pieces. Cisco exams give the certification spine; real jobs need operating systems, tickets, hardware, cloud, security, wireless, documentation and proof.

# Core Learning Blocks

Level 0 Foundations

  • Computer basics, OS basics, files, logs, terminal.
  • IP, DNS, DHCP, gateway, ports, protocols.
  • Windows and Linux survival commands.

Subnetting Mastery

  • Binary, CIDR, masks, usable range, broadcast.
  • VLSM, summarization, wildcard masks, IPv6 prefixes.
  • Daily timed drills until subnetting is automatic.

OSI Troubleshooting

  • Layer 1 cable, power, SFP, speed and duplex.
  • Layer 2 VLAN, MAC, ARP, trunk, STP.
  • Layer 3 routing, gateway, subnet, reachability.
  • Layer 4-7 ports, firewall, DNS, TLS, app.

Cisco Path

  • CCST Networking Foundation.
  • CCNA job-ready foundation.
  • CCNP Enterprise: ENARSI first, ENAUTO second.
  • CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure thinking.
  • Architect portfolio, not active CCAr.

Real Hardware

  • RJ45, cable tester, patch panel, rack layout.
  • Console cable, SFP, fiber safety, PoE, UPS.
  • Device replacement and change-window checklist.

Data Center Basics

  • Rack units, ToR, spine-leaf, out-of-band management.
  • iDRAC, iLO, IPMI, dual NICs, redundant power.
  • Hyper-V and VMware networking basics.

Security and Firewall

  • Firewall rules, NAT, DMZ, VPN troubleshooting.
  • RADIUS/TACACS+, 802.1X, MFA, logs, certificates.
  • Common ports and secure device management.

Wireless Troubleshooting

  • RSSI, SNR, channel overlap, 2.4/5/6 GHz.
  • Roaming, interference, AP placement, channel width.
  • Connected to Wi-Fi but no internet workflow.

Cloud Networking Bridge

  • AWS VPC, subnets, route tables, IGW, NAT Gateway, SG, NACL.
  • Azure VNet, NSG, route tables, VPN Gateway, Private Endpoint.
  • Hybrid BGP, site-to-site VPN, overlapping subnet problems.

# Proof Standard

Every topic must produceRequired evidence
ConceptSimple explanation, why it matters, real-world use.
LabTopology, commands, expected result, break-it task.
TroubleshootingSymptom, suspected layer, commands used, root cause, fix, verification.
PortfolioScreenshot, config file, notes, GitHub link, interview answer.

# Certification Version Control

Rule: certification details change. Every certification page should show official source, exam version, last checked date, learning status, and what changed since the last review. Exam pricing is intentionally not tracked because this site is for personal learning.