The CCNA exam does not test your product-specific knowledge. So you are not expected to know what feature cards are available for a Layer 3 series switch, but you do need to understand the differences between a router and a switch, and you need to understand how their configuration requirements vary.

This section introduces you to Cisco equipment. In this section you will learn how to connect to it and make initial configurations, as well as how to connect it to other devices to build a network. You will review the different types of network connections available, with particular emphasis on those that are tested in the CCNA exams. You will also look at where a Cisco device stores the various files it needs to operate, the files needed for the boot process, and the backup and restoration of system files

For our purposes, we use a Catalyst 2960 or 3560 switch and a 1600, 1700, or 2600 series router as example devices. Most of the commands you learn in this section also apply to more advanced models.

Cisco devices are very costly. For exam preparation you could use simulators. Several simulators are available choose one that best suites you. We would packet tracer for configuration.