Book excerpt: Prepare to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301 CCNA) exam and get to grips with the essentials of networking, security, and automation Key FeaturesSecure your future in network engineering with this intensive boot camp-style certification guideGain knowledge of the latest trends in Cisco networking and security and boost your career prospectsDesign and implement a wide range of networking technologies and services using Cisco solutionsBook Description In the dynamic technology landscape, staying on top of the latest technology trends is a must, especially if you want to build a career in network administration. Achieving CCNA 200-301 certification will validate your knowledge of networking concepts, and this book will help you to do just that. This exam guide focuses on the fundamentals to help you gain a high-level understanding of networking, security, IP connectivity, IP services, programmability, and automation. Starting with the functions of various networking components, you'll discover how they are used to build and improve an enterprise network. You'll then delve into configuring networking devices using a command-line interface (CLI) to provide network access, services, security, connectivity, and management. The book covers important aspects of network engineering using a variety of hands-on labs and real-world scenarios that will help you gain essential practical skills. As you make progress, this CCNA certification study guide will help you get to grips with the solutions and technologies that you need to implement and administer a broad range of modern networks and IT infrastructures. By the end of this book, you'll have gained the confidence to pass the Cisco CCNA 200-301 exam on the first attempt and be well-versed in a variety of network administration and security engineering solutions. What you will learnUnderstand the benefits of creating an optimal networkCreate and implement IP schemes in an enterprise networkDesign and implement virtual local area networks (VLANs)Administer dynamic routing protocols, network security, and automationGet to grips with various IP services that are essential to every networkDiscover how to troubleshoot networking devicesWho this book is for This guide is for IT professionals looking to boost their network engineering and security administration career prospects. If you want to gain a Cisco CCNA certification and start a career as a network security professional, you'll find this book useful. Although no knowledge about Cisco technologies is expected, a basic understanding of industry-level network fundamentals will help you grasp the topics covered easily.