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Study Guide
Professional Certified Network Administrator
Use this document to direct your study and help you prepare for the PCNA certification exam. These
learning outcomes form the basis of the questions and practical application scenarios of the certification
exam.
Learning outcomes are listed under the course and section in which the concepts are explained. When
preparing for the certification exam, you can use the menu ( ! ) in each online course to navigate the
specific section you want to review.
Course 1
Essentials: Build Your First Network
Build Your First Network
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Explain the function of each network device:
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Switch
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Router
◦
Wireless Access Point (WAP)
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Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
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Modem
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Explain why the switch, rather than the router, is the center of the network.
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Explain why an “all-in-one” networking device is not ideal.
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Explain the difference between a WAN and a Local Area Network LAN.
The Language of Networks
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Define the purpose of the TCP/IP suite.
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Define the term “host.”
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Describe the four network host configuration parameters:
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IP Address
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Subnet Mask
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DNS Server
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Default Gateway
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Describe the function of DHCP
IP Addresses
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Describe IP address basics, including:
◦
The striation of IP addresses.
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Converting numbers from binary to decimal, and decimal to binary.
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Selecting a subnet mask that is appropriate for the number of hosts on a
network.
◦
Identify the valid host IP address range of a network.
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Using a subnet mask, compare two IP addresses to determine if they are on the
same network.
Subnet Mask
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Explain how a subnet mask determines the number of hosts on a network.
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Use a subnet mask to identify the network portion of an IP address.
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Identify the broadcast address for a network.
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Contrast dotted-decimal and CIDR (slash) Notation.
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Default Gateway
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Describe when a host uses the network’s default gateway.
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Identify which device is the network default gateway.
Domain Name System
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Explain how a host contacts a DNS server to convert domain names into an IP
addresses.
MAC Addresses
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Explain how MAC addresses play a role in network communication.
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Contrast MAC addresses and IP addresses.
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Explain ARP.
The OSI Model
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Describe the basic purpose of each layer of the OSI (five layer) model.
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Explain the encapsulation and de-encapsulation process.
Course 2
Switches
Cables & Categories
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Explain how resistance and EMI effect attenuation in different categories of
cables.
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Differentiate between the characteristics of categories of Ethernet cables.
◦ Explain the purpose of twisted pairing.
◦ Contrast solid versus stranded core cables.
◦ Explain the purpose of cable shielding.
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Apply cable installation best practices.
Connecting Switches
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Describe the effects of connection bottlenecks and network hops on signal
latency.
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Apply switch connection principles to to minimize network hops and avoid
switching loops.
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Explain switching capacity (backplane) and describe the characteristics of a
“non-blocking” switch.
Power-over-Ethernet
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List the basic principles of PoE.
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Demonstrate rough and precise PoE budgeting.
Managed Switches
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Differentiate between managed and unmanaged switches.
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Contrast unicast, multicast, and broadcast network traffic.
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Explain the use of IGMP.
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Explain the purpose and function of VLANs.
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Explain the purpose and function of STP.
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Explain the purpose of Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP).
Managed Switch Maintenance
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Explain the importance of firmware updates.
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Demonstrate how to perform a firmware update on Pakedge networking
equipment.
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Demonstrate how to factory reset Pakedge networking equipment.
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Demonstrate how to backup and restore the configuration of Pakedge
networking equipment.
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Course 3
Routers
Router Fundamentals
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Describe how the router “declares” the network.
Connecting LAN to WAN
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Explain the effect of routing hops on a network.
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Demonstrate how to use traceroute to discover routing hops.
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Explain why an “all-in-one” modem should be placed in bridge mode.
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Explain the purpose of a dual-WAN configuration.
Plan the LAN
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Explain how private IP addresses protect hosts on private networks.
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Explain how subnetworks are created.
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Explain the purpose and function of Network Address Translation (NAT).
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Explain how hosts are configured to communicate on a network through DHCP.
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Contrast dynamic, static, and reserved IP addresses.
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Demonstrate how to plan and implement a network IP addressing scheme.
Secure Remote Access
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Explain why port forwarding should be avoided as a method of remotely
accessing a network.
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Describe how to implement and use Open VPN to remotely access a network.
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Describe how Dynamic DNS works and facilitates remote access to a network.
Course 4
Wireless Access Points
Wifi Fundamentals
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Explain the reasons why connecting hosts to a network using an Ethernet cable is
preferable to wireless.
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Compare how WAPs are similar to switches.
Key Concepts
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Explain the best practices for naming SSIDs.
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Explain the best practices for creating strong wireless network passwords.
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Contrast wireless security standards and the importance of using WPA2 PSK
encryption.
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Explain the best practices for implementing a guest wireless network.
Frequencies
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Explain the basics of radio frequencies:
◦ Wavelength
◦ Frequency
◦ Amplitude
◦ Attenuation
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Explain the basics of WiFi channels:
◦ The advantages of using non-overlapping channels.
◦ Auto channel selection.
◦ Co-channel and adjacent channel interference.
A World of Interference
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List the most common sources of wireless interference.
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Demonstrate how to use RSSI to test wireless signal strength.
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Attenuation
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Describe how obstructions attenuate wireless signals.
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List the most common types of wireless signal obstructions.
Throughput
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Define throughput.
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Explain the relationship between signal strength and throughput.
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Demonstrate how to test wireless throughput using Tamosoft.
Single WAP
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Explain the principles of effective WAP placement.
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Describe the characteristics of a RF cell.
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Explain how coverage and capacity direct WAP selection and placement.
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Demonstrate channel assignment to avoid interference from nearby wireless
networks.
Multiple WAPs
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Explain wireless roaming
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Demonstrate adjusting transmission power to define RF cell boundaries.
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List the advantages of multi-channel architecture.
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Explain the function of 5 GHz Dynamic Bandwidth Selection.
Course 5
Remote Monitoring and Management
Remote Monitoring and Management
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Describe how BakPak provides monitoring and management capabilities to
Pakedge networks.
Introduction to BakPak
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Explain the purpose of the management agent in a BakPak account.
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Differentiate between BakPak and PakBak Lite.
Setting Up BakPak: Lab A
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Demonstrate the following BakPak functions:
◦ Connect a management agent.
◦ Create a site.
◦ Add network devices.
◦ Add a technician user account.
◦ Set up the BakPak mobile app.
Managing and Monitoring in BakPak: Lab B
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List the four levels of BakPak management for networked devices.
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Explain the process of PDU self-healing.
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Demonstrate the following BakPak applications:
◦ Reset device credentials.
◦ Back up a device’s configuration.
◦ Enable alerts.
◦ Set device properties.
◦ Map switch ports to devices.
◦ Map PDU outlets to devices.
◦ Change an SSID password.
◦ Create device groups.
◦ Manage the configuration for a device group.
◦ Perform a firmware update for a device group.
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Course 6
Network Design
Phases of Network Design
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List the three phases of successful network planning.
Network Design
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List the proper order of network device planning.
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Explain how to gather network planning information from a customer interview,
floorpan analysis, and site visit.
WAPs
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List the key factors of WAP selection.
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Describe the function of MIMO antennas.
Switches
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List the key factors of switch selection.
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Describe “star” and “hub-and-spoke” network topologies.
Router
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List the key factors of router selection.
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Contrast data rate and throughput.
Power Requirements
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List the key factors of PDU selection.
Implementation
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Explain the best practices for WAP, switch, and router placement.
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List the steps of network implementation in order.
Hands-On Tasks
Network Planning and Implementation
● Implement an IP address scheme, including the subnet mask, DHCP range, and
DNS that will accommodate a specified number of devices and leave room for
future growth.
● Set up DHCP reservations.
● Implement secure passwords for networking equipment.
● Set a switch port’s PoE priority.
● Enable IGMP snooping.
● Set WiFi channels for both wireless bands.
● Create SSIDs that delineate the 5 GHz wireless band as the preferred SSID and
the 2.4 GHz wireless band as the alternate SSID.
● Set the WAP’s transmission power.
● Setup Dynamic DNS.
● Connect the router’s management agent to BakPak.
● Create a BakPak site and add devices.
● Create a BakPak account for a technician.
● Enable BakPak alerts.
● In BakPak, map devices for the switch and PDU.
● Create a device group and save the configuration of the devices in the group in
BakPak.
Practical
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