CCNA Routing and Switching ICND2 (200-105) Official Cert Guide: Article Plan
This guide prepares candidates for the ICND2 exam (200-105), covering LAN switching, IPv4/IPv6 routing, and WAN technologies for network proficiency․
ICND2 (200-105) represents the second exam in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching certification track․ It builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in ICND1 (100-105), delving into more complex networking concepts and technologies․ This exam validates a candidate’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks, including implementing routing protocols and ensuring network security․
While the CCNA 200-301 exam has replaced the ICND1 and ICND2 approach, understanding the material from these older exams remains valuable․ Many core concepts persist, providing a solid base for the current certification․ Resources like Jeremy Labs offer practical experience, and focusing on questions with explanations is crucial for mastering the key topics․ The ICND2 specifically tests skills in LAN switching, IPv4 and IPv6 routing, and WAN technologies․
Exam Objectives and Blueprint
The ICND2 (200-105) exam blueprint details the specific knowledge areas assessed․ Key objectives include mastering LAN switching technologies, such as VLANs and Spanning Tree Protocol, alongside advanced EtherChannel configuration․ A significant portion focuses on IPv4 and IPv6 routing, encompassing static routing, OSPF, and EIGRP configuration․ Furthermore, the exam tests proficiency in WAN technologies like Frame Relay and serial link setup․

Candidates should prioritize understanding infrastructure services, specifically DHCP and DNS configuration and troubleshooting․ The blueprint emphasizes practical skills, requiring candidates to demonstrate the ability to implement and verify network functionality․ Utilizing practice exams reflecting the real exam environment, like those with 250 questions, is vital․ Remember to focus on the current blueprint, as some ICND2 topics are now obsolete or have evolved․
Understanding the CCNA 200-301 Exam Relationship
The CCNA 200-301 exam has evolved, incorporating elements from both the older ICND1 (100-105) and ICND2 (200-105) exams, but isn’t a direct combination․ While foundational concepts remain relevant, the 200-301 introduces new topics and updates existing ones․ Studying ICND1 and ICND2 labs from Jeremy Labs can be beneficial, providing a strong base, but a focused approach on the current CCNA 200-301 blueprint is crucial․
Some ICND2 topics are still present, while others are obsolete․ Success requires identifying these changes and concentrating on the new material․ Practice questions with explanations are essential for mastering key topics and understanding the rationale behind correct answers․ Don’t solely rely on older ICND material; supplement it with resources specifically designed for the 200-301 exam․
Key Topic Areas for ICND2
ICND2 (200-105) focuses on advanced networking concepts․ LAN switching technologies are central, including VLANs and their implementation for network segmentation․ Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is vital for loop prevention in redundant network designs․ EtherChannel configuration enhances bandwidth and redundancy․ The exam delves into IPv4 routing technologies, notably static routing and dynamic protocols like OSPF and EIGRP․
Furthermore, IPv6 is a significant component, covering addressing, configuration, and routing with OSPFv3 and EIGRP for IPv6․ WAN technologies, such as Frame Relay and serial link configuration, are also tested․ Finally, infrastructure services like DHCP and DNS, alongside system logging and monitoring, complete the ICND2 knowledge domain․
LAN Switching Technologies

LAN switching forms a core component of the ICND2 (200-105) exam․ Understanding VLANs is crucial, encompassing their configuration and benefits for network segmentation and security․ Mastery of inter-VLAN routing is essential, enabling communication between different VLANs․ The exam tests knowledge of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), including its variations like Rapid STP (RSTP), to prevent loops and ensure network stability․
EtherChannel configuration, vital for link aggregation and redundancy, is also a key area․ Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting these technologies․ Practical application through labs, like those offered by Jeremy Labs, is highly recommended for solidifying understanding and preparing for exam scenarios․
VLANs and Inter-VLAN Routing
VLANs are fundamental to modern network design, offering logical segmentation within a physical LAN․ The ICND2 exam heavily emphasizes VLAN configuration, including assigning ports, creating VLANs, and understanding their benefits for security and performance․ Inter-VLAN routing is the next critical step, enabling communication between these segmented networks․
This typically involves a Layer 3 device, like a router or a Layer 3 switch․ Expect exam questions on configuring router interfaces for inter-VLAN routing and understanding the routing process․ Practical labs are invaluable here, allowing you to build and troubleshoot inter-VLAN communication․ Mastering these concepts is key to passing the 200-105 exam․
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is crucial for preventing loops in redundant Layer 2 networks․ The ICND2 exam expects a solid understanding of how STP operates, including its different states (blocking, listening, learning, forwarding) and the role of Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs)․ You’ll need to be able to interpret STP information using commands like show spanning-tree․
Beyond the basics, be prepared for questions on Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and its faster convergence times․ Troubleshooting STP issues, such as identifying root bridges and port roles, is also a common exam scenario․ Practical configuration and analysis are vital for success on the 200-105 exam․
EtherChannel Configuration
EtherChannel, also known as link aggregation, is a key technology for increasing bandwidth and providing redundancy in switched networks․ The ICND2 exam focuses on configuring EtherChannels using both Port Aggregation Protocol (PAgP) and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP)․ Understanding the differences between these protocols and when to use each is essential․
You should be comfortable with the commands needed to create and verify EtherChannel configurations․ Troubleshooting EtherChannel issues, such as mismatched configurations or protocol mismatches, is also a likely exam topic․ Practical labs involving EtherChannel setup and verification are highly recommended for exam preparation, especially utilizing Jeremy Labs․
IPv4 Routing Technologies
IPv4 routing forms a core component of the CCNA 200-105 exam, demanding a solid grasp of fundamental concepts․ The ICND2 curriculum emphasizes static routing, requiring proficiency in configuring and verifying static routes for basic network connectivity․ Beyond static routes, the exam delves into dynamic routing protocols, specifically OSPF and EIGRP․
You’ll need to understand how these protocols function, including neighbor discovery, route calculation, and convergence․ Practical configuration and troubleshooting skills are vital․ Jeremy Labs provides valuable hands-on experience․ Mastering questions with detailed explanations is crucial for solidifying your understanding of IPv4 routing principles and configurations․
Static Routing Configuration
Static routing, a foundational element of IPv4 routing, requires precise configuration on Cisco devices․ The ICND2 (200-105) exam expects candidates to demonstrate the ability to define static routes, specifying the destination network and the next-hop IP address․ Understanding the implications of static routes, such as administrative distance and their lack of automatic adaptation to network changes, is crucial․

Configuration involves using the ip route command in global configuration mode․ Verification utilizes commands like show ip route․ Proficiency in troubleshooting static route issues, including reachability problems, is essential․ Practice with Jeremy Labs will solidify these skills, and focusing on questions with explanations will enhance comprehension․
Routing Protocols: OSPF
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a dynamic routing protocol vital for larger networks, and a key component of the ICND2 (200-105) exam․ Candidates must understand OSPF’s operation, including its use of link-state advertisements (LSAs) to build a topology database․ Configuration involves defining router IDs, network statements, and area assignments․
Key concepts include adjacency formation, hello packets, and the Dijkstra algorithm for shortest path calculation․ Troubleshooting OSPF requires analyzing neighbor relationships and LSDB synchronization․ Jeremy Labs provide practical experience, and mastering questions with explanations will solidify understanding of OSPF’s complexities and its advantages over static routing․

Routing Protocols: EIGRP
Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), a Cisco proprietary hybrid routing protocol, is another crucial topic for the ICND2 (200-105) exam․ Understanding EIGRP’s features, like Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) for convergence and its use of reliable transport protocol, is essential․ Configuration involves defining autonomous system numbers, network statements, and K-values for metric calculation․
Candidates should be familiar with EIGRP neighbor discovery, hello and hold timers, and stuck-in-active routes․ Troubleshooting requires analyzing neighbor adjacencies and route tables․ Utilizing questions with explanations alongside Jeremy Labs will reinforce practical skills and a deep understanding of EIGRP’s operation within a network environment․
IPv6 Routing Technologies
IPv6 routing is a significant component of the ICND2 (200-105) exam, reflecting the increasing adoption of the next-generation internet protocol․ This section focuses on configuring and troubleshooting IPv6 routing in a network environment․ Key concepts include IPv6 addressing schemes, autoconfiguration methods, and the importance of stateless address autoconfiguration (SLAAC)․
Candidates must grasp the fundamentals of routing protocols adapted for IPv6, specifically OSPFv3 and EIGRP for IPv6․ Practical experience through Jeremy Labs, coupled with detailed questions with explanations, is vital for mastering IPv6 routing configurations and effectively diagnosing network issues related to IPv6 implementation․
IPv6 Addressing and Configuration
IPv6 addressing is foundational to understanding the ICND2 (200-105) exam’s networking concepts․ This involves mastering the different types of IPv6 addresses – unicast, multicast, and anycast – and their respective scopes․ Configuration requires familiarity with IPv6 address formats, prefix lengths, and the use of tools for verification․
Understanding stateless address autoconfiguration (SLAAC) and its interaction with DHCPv6 is crucial․ Practical labs, like those offered by Jeremy Labs, provide hands-on experience․ Success hinges on a solid grasp of IPv6 addressing and the ability to troubleshoot common configuration issues, reinforced by studying questions with explanations to solidify knowledge․
IPv6 Routing with OSPFv3
OSPFv3 adapts the well-known OSPF routing protocol for the IPv6 environment․ Key differences from IPv4 OSPF include the use of link-local addresses for neighbor discovery and the removal of the wildcard mask․ Configuration involves enabling OSPFv3 on interfaces, defining router IDs, and understanding the role of various OSPFv3 packet types․
Mastering OSPFv3 requires understanding how it builds and maintains routing tables based on link-state advertisements․ Practical application through labs, such as those from Jeremy Labs, is essential․ Thorough preparation includes studying questions with explanations to grasp the nuances of IPv6 routing and OSPFv3’s operation within a network․
IPv6 Routing with EIGRP for IPv6
EIGRP for IPv6 extends Cisco’s Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol to support IPv6 networks․ Unlike OSPFv3, EIGRP utilizes a Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) for fast convergence and efficient routing․ Configuration involves enabling EIGRP for IPv6 on interfaces and defining autonomous system numbers․ Understanding the differences between IPv4 and IPv6 EIGRP is crucial․
Successful implementation requires knowledge of EIGRP’s neighbor discovery process and its use of reliable transport protocol (RTP)․ Practice with labs, like those offered by Jeremy Labs, solidifies understanding․ Focus on questions with explanations to master the intricacies of EIGRP for IPv6 and its role in modern network infrastructure․
WAN Technologies
WAN Technologies represent a critical component of the CCNA 200-105 exam, focusing on connecting networks over long distances․ Key areas include Frame Relay and Serial Link Configuration․ Frame Relay, while somewhat legacy, requires understanding of DLCI assignment, encapsulation, and troubleshooting․ Serial links involve configuring clock rates, DTE/DCE roles, and encapsulation methods․
Mastering these technologies demands practical application through labs․ Jeremy Labs provides valuable hands-on experience․ Success hinges on grasping concepts like point-to-point connections and the differences between synchronous and asynchronous serial communication․ Prioritize questions with explanations to solidify your understanding of WAN technologies and their configurations․
Frame Relay Configuration
Frame Relay, a packet-switching protocol, is a key element within the ICND2 (200-105) exam’s WAN technologies section․ Configuration involves defining a Frame Relay map, assigning Data Link Connection Identifiers (DLCIs) to interfaces, and configuring encapsulation․ Understanding the relationship between DLCIs and virtual circuits is crucial․
Troubleshooting Frame Relay often requires analyzing connectivity issues and verifying correct DLCI assignments․ Jeremy Labs offers practical exercises to reinforce these skills․ Focus on concepts like Inverse Multiplexing over ATM (IMA) and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) over Frame Relay․ Utilize practice questions with explanations to master the intricacies of Frame Relay configuration and troubleshooting․
Serial Link Configuration
Serial link configuration is a vital component of the ICND2 (200-105) exam, focusing on establishing point-to-point connections․ This involves setting the interface speed (e․g;, 64kbps, 128kbps), defining the encapsulation method (HDLC or PPP), and configuring a clock rate on one end of the link․ Understanding the importance of the clock rate for proper synchronization is essential․

Troubleshooting serial links often involves verifying physical layer connectivity, encapsulation settings, and clock rate configuration․ Jeremy Labs provides hands-on experience with these configurations․ Mastering concepts like DTE/DCE and the use of serial cables will prove beneficial․ Remember to utilize practice questions with explanations to solidify your understanding of serial link operation․
Infrastructure Services

Infrastructure Services within the ICND2 (200-105) curriculum center around essential network functionalities like DHCP and DNS․ DHCP configuration and troubleshooting are key, including understanding scope creation, address assignment, and relay agent configurations․ You’ll need to diagnose common DHCP issues, such as address conflicts and lease failures․
Similarly, DNS configuration and troubleshooting are crucial․ This involves configuring DNS servers, understanding record types (A, CNAME, MX), and resolving name resolution problems․ Jeremy Labs offers practical scenarios for mastering these services․ Remember to focus on questions with explanations to grasp the underlying principles and effectively manage these vital network components․

DHCP Configuration and Troubleshooting
DHCP configuration is a core skill for the ICND2 (200-105) exam, demanding proficiency in setting up DHCP scopes, defining address pools, and configuring DHCP options․ Understanding address leases, reservation, and exclusions is vital․ Troubleshooting requires diagnosing common issues like address conflicts, lease renewal failures, and incorrect configurations․
Expect scenarios involving DHCP relay agents for multi-subnet environments․ Jeremy Labs provides hands-on practice with these configurations․ Mastering DHCP is essential for automated IP address assignment․ Focus on questions with explanations to solidify your understanding of the protocol’s operation and effectively resolve real-world network problems․
DNS Configuration and Troubleshooting
DNS configuration for the ICND2 (200-105) exam involves understanding record types (A, MX, CNAME), zone transfers, and forward/reverse lookup zones․ You’ll need to configure DNS servers and troubleshoot resolution issues․ Troubleshooting focuses on identifying problems like incorrect DNS server settings, failed lookups, and zone transfer failures․
Practice configuring static DNS records and dynamic updates․ Jeremy Labs offers practical scenarios for DNS implementation․ A strong grasp of DNS is crucial for network connectivity․ Utilize questions with explanations to master the intricacies of DNS resolution and effectively diagnose and resolve common DNS-related network problems․
Infrastructure Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Infrastructure maintenance within the ICND2 (200-105) framework centers on proactive monitoring and preventative measures․ This includes software upgrades, security patching, and regular backups․ Troubleshooting demands a systematic approach, utilizing tools like ping, traceroute, and show commands to isolate network issues․
Expect scenarios involving device failures, configuration errors, and performance bottlenecks․ Jeremy Labs provides hands-on experience with real-world troubleshooting situations․ Mastering these skills is vital for maintaining a stable network․ Leverage questions with explanations to solidify your understanding of diagnostic techniques and efficient problem resolution, ensuring network uptime and reliability․
System Logging and Monitoring
System logging is crucial for tracking network events and diagnosing issues within the ICND2 (200-105) curriculum․ Configuring devices to send logs to a central server, like a syslog server, allows for comprehensive analysis․ Monitoring involves utilizing tools to observe network performance, identify anomalies, and proactively address potential problems․
Understanding SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is key for gathering device statistics․ Jeremy Labs will likely present scenarios requiring log analysis and performance monitoring․ Effective use of these features aids in preventative maintenance and rapid troubleshooting․ Remember, questions with explanations are invaluable for mastering these concepts and ensuring network stability․
Troubleshooting Methodologies
Effective troubleshooting is a core skill assessed on the ICND2 (200-105) exam․ A systematic approach is vital; begin by defining the problem, gathering information, and isolating the cause․ Utilize the divide-and-conquer method to narrow down potential issues․ Command-line tools like ping, traceroute, and show commands are essential for diagnostics․
Jeremy Labs will undoubtedly challenge your troubleshooting abilities․ Practice analyzing outputs and interpreting error messages․ Remember to document your steps and findings․ Mastering these methodologies, coupled with questions with explanations, will build confidence and ensure you can efficiently resolve network problems during the exam and in real-world scenarios․

Utilizing Practice Exams and Labs
Practice exams and labs are indispensable for CCNA (ICND2 200-105) preparation․ Jeremy Labs provides a realistic exam environment, simulating the challenges you’ll encounter․ Aim to complete numerous practice questions – ideally 250 or more – to reinforce your understanding; Focus on understanding why an answer is correct, not just memorizing it․
Questions with explanations are crucial; they reveal the reasoning behind solutions․ Labs allow hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting network devices․ Combine theoretical knowledge with practical application․ Regularly assess your readiness and identify areas needing improvement․ This combined approach maximizes your chances of success on the exam․
Jeremy Labs and Exam Preparation
Jeremy Labs are highly recommended for CCNA exam preparation, specifically mirroring the exam’s practical challenges․ Candidates should prepare for labs similar to those encountered during the assessment․ While ICND1 (100-105) and ICND2 (200-105) materials can be beneficial, prioritize the current CCNA 200-301 exam blueprint․
The current exam includes updated topics, so focus your studies accordingly․ Utilize Jeremy Labs to gain hands-on experience and solidify your understanding of key concepts․ Supplement lab work with practice questions featuring detailed explanations․ This focused approach ensures you’re well-prepared for the complexities of the CCNA certification․
Importance of Questions with Explanations
Mastering key CCNA topics requires more than just answering practice questions; understanding why an answer is correct is crucial․ Seek out resources offering detailed explanations alongside each question; This approach transforms practice from rote memorization into genuine comprehension of networking principles․
Resources like practice tests reflecting the real exam environment, with 250 questions, are invaluable․ Simulation exercises and exam cram notes further enhance preparation․ Questions with explanations allow you to identify knowledge gaps and reinforce learning․ This method is essential for successfully navigating the ICND2 (200-105) and the broader CCNA 200-301 exam․
















































































