April 20

CCNA SP
Study Guide
2015
Collaboration document authored by the cisco CCNA SP Community Study
Group. It tries to cover the topics for passing cisco SPNGN1, Part 1 (640-875) Community Authored
and SPNGN2, Part 2 (640-878 ) exams. (To be edited)
Page 1 of 18
Table of Contents
Building Cisco Service Provider Next Generation Networks. Part 1 ................................................................... 7
1.0 IP Networks .......................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices (at the core, distribution, and
access layers) .................................................................................................................................. 7
Enterprise Campus Infrastructure Review ............................................................................................ 7
1.2 Identify the functional components required to meet a given network specification ................. 12
1.3 Describe the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to explain how data flows in
a network ...................................................................................................................................... 12
1.4 Describe common network applications and their impact on the network ................................. 12
1.5 Interpret network diagrams .......................................................................................................... 12
1.6 Troubleshoot common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 using a layered model
approach ....................................................................................................................................... 12
1.7 Describe differences between LAN and WAN operation and features ........................................ 12
2.0 IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing ................................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Describe the structure of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses ....................................................................... 12
2.2 Describe VLSM, CIDR and route summarization concepts ............................................................ 12
2.3 Describe the different types of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses .............................................................. 12
2.4 Design an IP subnetting plan based on given requirements ......................................................... 12
3.0 Switched Network Technologies I ..................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Describe bridging concepts and Layer 2 Ethernet frames ............................................................ 12
3.2 Configure basic Spanning Tree operations on Cisco IOS Switches................................................ 12
3.3 Interpret the output of various basic show and debug commands to verify the operational
status of a Cisco switched network .............................................................................................. 12
3.4 Configure basic switch security (i.e, port security, securing unused ports) ................................. 12
3.5 Describe Ethernet link bundling, LACP, and PAgP and Flex Links ................................................. 13
4.0 Routed Network Technologies I......................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Describe classful versus classless routing ..................................................................................... 13
4.2 Describe routing protocols basics (metrics, IGP versus EGP) ........................................................ 13
4.3 Describe RIPv1, RIPv2, RIPNG........................................................................................................ 13
4.4 Implement EIGRPv4 and EIGRPv6 on Cisco IOS, IOS-XE and IOS-XR routers ................................ 13
4.5 Describe route redistribution ........................................................................................................ 13
4.6 Describe VRF.................................................................................................................................. 13
4.7 Describe GRE ................................................................................................................................. 13
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5.0 IP Services .......................................................................................................................................... 13
5.1 Configure NAT (IPv4) on Cisco routers .......................................................................................... 13
5.2 Configure DHCP (IPv4 and IPv6) operations on Cisco routers ...................................................... 13
5.3 Describe ICMPv4 and ICMPv6 ....................................................................................................... 13
5.4 Describe DNS ................................................................................................................................. 13
6.0 Cisco Operating Systems and Platforms I .......................................................................................... 13
6.1 Perform basic Cisco IOS, IOS-XE and IOS-XR CLI operations ......................................................... 13
6.2 Implement basic Cisco IOS, IOS-XE and IOS-XR routers configurations ........................................ 13
7.0 Transport Technologies ........................................................................................................................... 13
7.1 Describe SONET and SDH .............................................................................................................. 13
7.2 Describe DWDM, IPoDWDM, and ROADM ................................................................................... 13
7.3 Configure 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 40 Gigabit Ethernet, and 100 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces on Cisco
routers .......................................................................................................................................... 13
7.4 Describe Frame Relay .................................................................................................................... 14
7.5 Describe ATM ................................................................................................................................ 14
7.6 Describe Metro Ethernet............................................................................................................... 14
7.7 Describe DSL .................................................................................................................................. 14
7.8 Describe T1, T3, E1, E3, and ISDN.................................................................................................. 14
7.9 Implement PPP encapsulation on Cisco routers serial and POS interfaces .................................. 14
7.10 Describe cable (DOCSIS) ................................................................................................................ 14
7.11 Describe the main BRAS and BNG routers functions in IP NGN.................................................... 14
7.12 Describe various Passive Optical Network (PON) access technologies and FTTx ......................... 14
8.0 Security in the Network ..................................................................................................................... 14
8.1 Describe Layer 2 security features on Cisco IOS switches ............................................................ 14
8.2 Configure management plane security on Cisco routers and IOS switches.................................. 14
8.3 Describe IPsec................................................................................................................................ 14
8.4 Describe control plane security ..................................................................................................... 14
8.5 Configure basic AAA (TACACS+ and RADIUS) services on Cisco routers ....................................... 14
8.6 Configure routing protocols authentication between Cisco routers ............................................ 14
8.7 Describe the relationships between users, user groups, tasks groups and task IDs in IOS-XR ..... 14
8.8 Describe common types of network attacks ................................................................................. 14
9.0 Network Management ............................................................................................................................ 14
9.1 Configure NTPserver or client on Cisco routers ............................................................................ 14

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 9.2 Configure IP SLA on Cisco routers ................................................................................................. 14
9.3 Configure CDP on Cisco routers and IOS switches ........................................................................ 14
9.4 Configure SNMP on Cisco routers ................................................................................................. 15
9.5 Configure NetFlow on Cisco routers ............................................................................................. 15
9.6 Configure logging to syslog server on Cisco routers ..................................................................... 15
9.7 Describe the Cisco IOS Call-Home feature .................................................................................... 15
9.8 Describe Cisco TAC procedure and navigate Cisco support tools (CCO) ....................................... 15
9.9 Implement management access (SSH, telnet, and out-of-band management design) ................ 15
9.10 Implement SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN ......................................................................................... 15
9.11 Implement file transfers to manage network devices configurations and images using FTP, SCP,
TFTP, SFTP, and RCP...................................................................................................................... 15
Building Cisco Service Provider Next Generation Networks. Part 2 ................................................................. 17
1.0 IP NGN Architecture........................................................................................................................... 17
1.1 Identify the functional components required to meet a given network specification ................. 17
1.2 Troubleshoot common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 using a layered model
approach ....................................................................................................................................... 17
1.3 Describe the different types of service providers ......................................................................... 17
1.4 Describe service provider principal and reference NGN architecture .......................................... 17
1.5 Describe the IP address and AS number allocation process via IANA/RIRs .................................. 17
2.0 Switched Network Technologies II .................................................................................................... 17
2.1 Configure enhanced switching technologies (including RSTP, MST, and PVSTP) on Cisco IOS
switches ........................................................................................................................................ 17
2.2 Describe how VLANs create logically separate networks and the need for routing between them
...................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.3 Configure VLANs on Cisco IOS switches ........................................................................................ 17
2.4 Configure trunking on Cisco IOS switches ..................................................................................... 17
2.5 Configure InterVLAN routing ......................................................................................................... 17
2.6 Configure REP on Cisco IOS switches ............................................................................................ 17
2.7 Configure QinQ on Cisco IOS switches .......................................................................................... 17
3.0 Routed Network Technologies II........................................................................................................ 18
3.1 Configure basic single area OSPFv2 and OSPFv3 routing on Cisco routers................................... 18
3.2 Configure basic single area IS-IS routing on Cisco routers ............................................................ 18
3.3 Describe the differences between static versus dynamic routing, as well as distance vector
versus link-state routing protocol operations .............................................................................. 18

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 3.4 Configure basic BGP routing on Cisco routers .............................................................................. 18
3.5 Describe the address family concept on Cisco routers ................................................................. 18
3.6 Describe IPv6 transitioning technologies ...................................................................................... 18
3.7 Configure first hop router redundancy protocol (HSRP, VRRP, GLBP)on Cisco routers................ 18
3.8 Implement ACL on Cisco routers ................................................................................................... 18
3.9 Describe Carrier Grade NAT and NAT64 ....................................................................................... 18
3.10 Describe MPLS functions in the SP IP NGN ................................................................................... 18
3.11 Configure LDP on Cisco routers ..................................................................................................... 18
4.0 Cisco Operating Systems and Platforms II ......................................................................................... 18
4.1 Manage the IOS XR configurations and software packages .......................................................... 18
4.2 Describe IOS XE software packagings............................................................................................ 18
4.3 Describe Cisco SP router platforms, their operating system and placement in the SP IP NGN .... 18

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SPNGN1 - 640-875

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Building Cisco Service Provider Next Generation Networks. Part 1

Exam Description: The “Building Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation Networks (SPNGN1), Part 1” (640-
875) exam is associated with the CCNA®SP certification. This exam tests a candidate’s basic knowledge and
skills necessary to support a service provider network. Candidates can prepare for this 90-minute, 65−75
questions exam by taking the “Building Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation Networks(SPNGN1), Part
1”course.

The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the exam. However, other
related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of
the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.

1.0 IP Networks

1.1 Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices (at the core,
distribution, and access layers)
Designing Cisco Enterprise Campus Architecture Models.
(http://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=1315434)
By Diane Teare, Keith Hutton, Mark Schofield.
Sample Chapter is provided courtesy of Cisco Press.
Date: Apr 17, 2009.

The complexity inherent in today's campus networks necessitates a design process capable of
separating solutions into basic elements. The Cisco hierarchical network model achieves this goal by
dividing the network infrastructure into modular components. Each module is used to represent a
functional service layer within the campus hierarchy.

Enterprise Campus Infrastructure Review

The building blocks of the enterprise campus infrastructure are the access layer, the distribution
layer, and the core layer. The principal features associated with each layer are hierarchal design and
modularity. A hierarchical design avoids the need for a fully meshed network in which all nodes are
interconnected. A modular design enables a component to be placed in service or taken out of
service with little or no impact on the rest of the network. This methodology also facilitates
troubleshooting, problem isolation, and network management.

Access Layer

The access layer is the point of entry into the network for end devices, as illustrated in Figure 1.1

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Figure 1.1 Access Layer

The campus access layer aggregates end users and provides uplinks to the distribution layer. The
access layer can support multiple features:

 High availability: At the access layer, high availability is supported through various
hardware and software attributes. With hardware, system-level redundancy can be provided
using redundant supervisor engines and redundant power supplies. It can also be provided by
default gateway redundancy using dual connections from access switches to redundant
distribution layer switches. With software, high availability is supported through the use of
first-hop routing protocols (FHRP), such as the Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP),
Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP), and Gateway Load Balancing Protocol
(GLBP).

NOTE

Cisco offers a unique high-availability feature to its 3750 Workgroup Switch and
Etherswitch Services Module called StackWise. StackWise technology enables switches to
be interconnected to create a single logical unit through the use of special stack cables. The
cables create a bidirectional path that behaves as a switch fabric for all the interconnected
switches. The stack is managed as a single unit, eliminating the need for spanning tree and
streamlining the interface to a single management session for all devices. For more
information about StackWise, refer to Cisco.com.

NOTE

IOS Release 12.2(18) SXD extended high availability to the 6500/7600 series line of
switches. It added services such as Control Plane Policing (CoPP), Nonstop Forwarding
(NSF), Stateful Switchover (SSO), and Gateway Load Balancing Protocol (GLBP), which
are discussed later in this chapter.

 Convergence: The access layer supports inline Power over Ethernet (PoE) for IP telephony
and wireless access points, allowing customers to converge voice onto their data network
and providing roaming wireless LAN (WLAN) access for users.
 Security: The access layer provides services for additional security against unauthorized
access to the network through the use of tools such as IEEE 802.1x, port security, DHCP
snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), and IP Source Guard.
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  Quality of service (QoS): The access layer allows prioritization of mission-critical network
traffic using traffic classification and queuing as close to the ingress of the network as
possible. It supports the use of the QoS trust boundary.
 IP multicast: The access layer supports efficient network and bandwidth management using
software features such as Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping.

Distribution Layer

The distribution layer aggregates traffic from all nodes and uplinks from the access layer and
provides policy-based connectivity, as illustrated in Figure 1.2

Figure 1.2: Distribution Layer.

Availability, load balancing, QoS, and provisioning are the important considerations at this layer.
High availability is typically provided through dual paths from the distribution layer to the core and
from the access layer to the distribution layer. Layer 3 equal-cost load sharing allows both uplinks
from the distribution to the core layer to be used.

The distribution layer is the place where routing and packet manipulation are performed and can be
a routing boundary between the access and core layers. The distribution layer represents a
redistribution point between routing domains or the demarcation between static and dynamic routing
protocols. The distribution layer performs tasks such as controlled routing and filtering to implement
policy-based connectivity and QoS. To further improve routing protocol performance, the
distribution layer summarizes routes from the access layer. For some networks, the distribution layer
offers a default route to access layer routers and runs dynamic routing protocols when
communicating with core routers.

The distribution layer uses a combination of Layer 2 and multilayer switching to segment
workgroups and isolate network problems, preventing them from impacting the core layer. The
distribution layer may be used to terminate VLANs from access layer switches. The distribution
layer connects network services to the access layer and implements QoS, security, traffic loading,
and routing policies. The distribution layer provides default gateway redundancy using an FHRP,
such as HSRP, GLBP, or VRRP, to allow for the failure or removal of one of the distribution nodes
without affecting endpoint connectivity to the default gateway.

NOTE

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Cisco has introduced the Virtual Switching System (VSS), which can reduce or eliminate the need
for FHRPs at the distribution layer. For more information about VSS, visit
http://www.cisco.com/go/vss.

Core Layer

The core layer provides scalability, high availability, and fast convergence to the network, as
illustrated in Figure 1-3. The core layer is the backbone for campus connectivity, and is the
aggregation point for the other layers and modules in the Cisco Enterprise Campus Architecture.
The core provides a high level of redundancy and can adapt to changes quickly. Core devices are
most reliable when they can accommodate failures by rerouting traffic and can respond quickly to
changes in the network topology. The core devices implement scalable protocols and technologies,
alternate paths, and load balancing. The core layer helps in scalability during future growth.

Figure 1.3: Core Layer

The core is a high-speed, Layer 3 switching environment using hardware-accelerated services. For
fast convergence around a link or node failure, the core uses redundant point-to-point Layer 3
interconnections because this design yields the fastest and most deterministic convergence results.
The core layer is designed to avoid any packet manipulation, such as checking access lists and
filtering, which would slow down the switching of packets.

Not all campus implementations require a campus core. The core and distribution layer functions
can be combined at the distribution layer for a smaller campus.

Without a core layer, the distribution layer switches need to be fully meshed, as illustrated in Figure
1.4. This design can be difficult to scale, and increases the cabling requirements, because each new
building distribution switch needs full-mesh connectivity to all the distribution switches. The routing
complexity of a full-mesh design increases as new neighbors are added.

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Figure 1.4: Is a Core Layer Needed?

NOTE

Note that combining distribution and core layer functionality (collapsed core) requires a great deal
of port density on the distribution layer switches. An alternative solution is a Layer 2 core with
discrete VLANs on each core switch. This scenario requires only two ports per distribution layer
switch—regardless of the number of buildings (switch blocks)—and so you can avoid the expense
of multilayer core switches.

In Figure 1.4, a distribution module in the second building of two interconnected switches requires
four additional links for full-mesh connectivity to the first module. A third distribution module to
support the third building would require 8 additional links to support connections to all the
distribution switches, or a total of 12 links. A fourth module supporting the fourth building would
require 12 new links, for a total of 24 links between the distribution switches. Four distribution
modules impose eight Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP) neighbors on each distribution switch.

As a recommended practice, deploy a dedicated campus core layer to connect three or more
buildings in the enterprise campus, or four or more pairs of building distribution switches in a very

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large campus. The campus core helps make scaling the network easier by addressing the
requirements for the following:

 Gigabit density
 Data and voice integration
 LAN, WAN, and MAN convergence

1.2 Identify the functional components required to meet a given network

specification

1.3 Describe the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to
explain how data flows in a network

1.4 Describe common network applications and their impact on the network

1.5 Interpret network diagrams

1.6 Troubleshoot common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 using a

layered model approach

1.7 Describe differences between LAN and WAN operation and features

2.0 IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing

2.1 Describe the structure of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses

2.2 Describe VLSM, CIDR and route summarization concepts

2.3 Describe the different types of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses

2.4 Design an IP subnetting plan based on given requirements

3.0 Switched Network Technologies I

3.1 Describe bridging concepts and Layer 2 Ethernet frames

3.2 Configure basic Spanning Tree operations on Cisco IOS Switches

3.3 Interpret the output of various basic show and debug commands to verify the
operational status of a Cisco switched network

3.4 Configure basic switch security (i.e, port security, securing unused ports)

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3.5 Describe Ethernet link bundling, LACP, and PAgP and Flex Links

4.0 Routed Network Technologies I

4.1 Describe classful versus classless routing

4.2 Describe routing protocols basics (metrics, IGP versus EGP)

4.3 Describe RIPv1, RIPv2, RIPNG

4.4 Implement EIGRPv4 and EIGRPv6 on Cisco IOS, IOS-XE and IOS-XR
routers

4.5 Describe route redistribution

4.6 Describe VRF

4.7 Describe GRE

5.0 IP Services

5.1 Configure NAT (IPv4) on Cisco routers

5.2 Configure DHCP (IPv4 and IPv6) operations on Cisco routers

5.3 Describe ICMPv4 and ICMPv6

5.4 Describe DNS

6.0 Cisco Operating Systems and Platforms I

6.1 Perform basic Cisco IOS, IOS-XE and IOS-XR CLI operations

6.2 Implement basic Cisco IOS, IOS-XE and IOS-XR routers configurations

7.0 Transport Technologies

7.1 Describe SONET and SDH

7.2 Describe DWDM, IPoDWDM, and ROADM

7.3 Configure 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 40 Gigabit Ethernet, and 100 Gigabit

Ethernet interfaces on Cisco routers

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7.4 Describe Frame Relay

7.5 Describe ATM

7.6 Describe Metro Ethernet

7.7 Describe DSL

7.8 Describe T1, T3, E1, E3, and ISDN

7.9 Implement PPP encapsulation on Cisco routers serial and POS interfaces

7.10 Describe cable (DOCSIS)

7.11 Describe the main BRAS and BNG routers functions in IP NGN

7.12 Describe various Passive Optical Network (PON) access technologies and
FTTx

8.0 Security in the Network

8.1 Describe Layer 2 security features on Cisco IOS switches

8.2 Configure management plane security on Cisco routers and IOS switches

8.3 Describe IPsec

8.4 Describe control plane security

8.5 Configure basic AAA (TACACS+ and RADIUS) services on Cisco routers

8.6 Configure routing protocols authentication between Cisco routers

8.7 Describe the relationships between users, user groups, tasks groups and task
IDs in IOS-XR

8.8 Describe common types of network attacks

9.0 Network Management

9.1 Configure NTPserver or client on Cisco routers

9.2 Configure IP SLA on Cisco routers

9.3 Configure CDP on Cisco routers and IOS switches

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9.4 Configure SNMP on Cisco routers

9.5 Configure NetFlow on Cisco routers

9.6 Configure logging to syslog server on Cisco routers

9.7 Describe the Cisco IOS Call-Home feature

9.8 Describe Cisco TAC procedure and navigate Cisco support tools (CCO)

9.9 Implement management access (SSH, telnet, and out-of-band management

design)

9.10 Implement SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN

9.11 Implement file transfers to manage network devices configurations and

images using FTP, SCP, TFTP, SFTP, and RCP

Page 15 of 18
SPNGN2 - 640-878

Page 16 of 18
Building Cisco Service Provider Next Generation Networks. Part 2
Exam Description: The “Building Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation Networks SPNGN2), Part 2” (640-
875) exam is associated with the CCNA®SP certification. This exam tests a candidates knowledge and skills
necessary to implement and support a service provider network. Candidates can prepare for this90-minute,
65−75 questions exam by taking the “Building Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation Networks (SPNGN2),
Part 2”course.

The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the exam. However, other
related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of
the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.

1.0 IP NGN Architecture

1.1 Identify the functional components required to meet a given network

specification

1.2 Troubleshoot common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 using a

layered model approach

1.3 Describe the different types of service providers

1.4 Describe service provider principal and reference NGN architecture

1.5 Describe the IP address and AS number allocation process via IANA/RIRs

2.0 Switched Network Technologies II

2.1 Configure enhanced switching technologies (including RSTP, MST, and

PVSTP) on Cisco IOS switches

2.2 Describe how VLANs create logically separate networks and the need for
routing between them

2.3 Configure VLANs on Cisco IOS switches

2.4 Configure trunking on Cisco IOS switches

2.5 Configure InterVLAN routing

2.6 Configure REP on Cisco IOS switches

2.7 Configure QinQ on Cisco IOS switches

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3.0 Routed Network Technologies II

3.1 Configure basic single area OSPFv2 and OSPFv3 routing on Cisco routers

3.2 Configure basic single area IS-IS routing on Cisco routers

3.3 Describe the differences between static versus dynamic routing, as well as
distance vector versus link-state routing protocol operations

3.4 Configure basic BGP routing on Cisco routers

3.5 Describe the address family concept on Cisco routers

3.6 Describe IPv6 transitioning technologies

3.7 Configure first hop router redundancy protocol (HSRP, VRRP, GLBP)on
Cisco routers

3.8 Implement ACL on Cisco routers

3.9 Describe Carrier Grade NAT and NAT64

3.10 Describe MPLS functions in the SP IP NGN

3.11 Configure LDP on Cisco routers

4.0 Cisco Operating Systems and Platforms II

4.1 Manage the IOS XR configurations and software packages

4.2 Describe IOS XE software packagings

4.3 Describe Cisco SP router platforms, their operating system and placement in
the SP IP NGN

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