Looking Back: TM257 Cisco Networking (CCNA)
Overall, I enjoyed this module and it helped me get my first interview in the IT field. With any luck, I’ll have a happy update to share in a future post on that note 🤞. The module covers parts one and two of the Cisco CCNA course (with an optional Stage 3 module covering the final part). As it stands, I intend to take that third stage module after I finish Stage 2 and complete the CCNA. Then I’ll consider putting myself forward for the exam. But that’s getting ahead of things.
The Module
The first half of this module felt like it was very much covering old ground with very similar materials to what was covered in TM129. It also felt like this to begin with when starting the second part. Up to this point we were only taking baby steps outside the TM129 territory. That said, there was a lot of new information covered. It was just craftily fed in bite-sized pieces with familiar content subtly contextualising this new information. Then we took strides, leaps and bounds out that comfort zone and that initial refresher actually helped ready me for this.
Old concepts were covered in greater detail and new concepts introduced. This included:
- Inter-VLAN routing
- STP/DTP
- EtherChannel
- LAN security and switch security
- Wireless LANs (WLANs)
- Static routes
- And lots and lots of troubleshooting
The assessments included plenty of Cisco Packet Tracer activities to test knowledge and skill on these concepts. The final assessment had a sneaky little trap in it that had me asking “Why is this subnet suddenly working when I haven’t fixed anything on it yet?”. I really enjoyed that added challenge and learned a lesson about my approach to troubleshooting that wasn’t explicitly covered in the material.
Hint: when dealing with multiple problems on a network, try to understand all of them before you start correcting any one of them. Once you start changing things in one part of the network it can have a knock-on effect on other parts. Trying to tackle each problem wholly in turn made identifying one particular issue more difficult than it had to be (albeit more fun too).
This module also included a day school. The objective at the day school was to physically build and configure a small network (2 routers, 2 switched, 2 PCs). Objectives included working out the optimal VLSMs and configuring these, configure default and static routes, implement appropriate security, configure DHCP, configure EtherChannel and configure SSH. I’m happy to report that I got full marks for this, which contributed to my final assessment score.
I was a little disappointed at falling 2 points shy of another distinction, but a Grade 2 Pass is still an accomplishment. Most of my disappointment comes from the fact that I have no feedback to learn where I dropped points in, what I thought, was a strong final assessment.
Going Forward
I have a long gap before I start my next module. TM252 only runs from February each year. I was under the mistaken belief that I could start a Stage 3 module before my last Stage 2. When I looked before, there were no prerequisites. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Nothing I can do about that now but enjoy the extended break.
TM252 is entitled Web technologies and has three blocks covering web foundations, interactive web and developing applications. It also includes a project in which I will “carry out a substantial project applying skills and techniques from each block”.
I’ve also been taking advantage of the extra time to try and find a new job and have an exciting interview lined up. Wish me luck 🤞.
The featured image on this post is “Cisco Switch 2960” by webernetz and is licensed under CC BY 2.0.