Connecting Networks Companion Guide is the official supplemental textbook for the Connecting Networks course in the Cisco® Networking Academy® CCNA® Routing and Switching curriculum.

This course discusses the WAN technologies and network services required by converged applications in a complex network. The course allows you to understand the selection criteria of network devices and WAN technologies to meet network requirements. You will learn how to configure and troubleshoot network devices and resolve common issues with data link protocols. You will also develop the knowledge and skills needed to implement IPSec and virtual private network (VPN) operations in a complex network.

The Companion Guide is designed as a portable desk reference to use anytime, anywhere to reinforce the material from the course and organize your time.

The book’s features help you focus on important concepts to succeed in this course:

• Chapter objectives–Review core concepts by answering the focus questions listed at the beginning of each chapter.
• Key terms–Refer to the lists of networking vocabulary introduced and highlighted in context in each chapter. 
• Glossary–Consult the comprehensive Glossary with 195 terms. 
• Summary of Activities and Labs–Maximize your study time with this complete list of all associated practice exercises at the end of each chapter. 
• Check Your Understanding–Evaluate your readiness with the end-of-chapter questions that match the style of questions you see in the online course quizzes. The answer key explains each answer.
• How To–Look for this icon to study the steps you need to learn to perform certain tasks.
• Interactive Activities–Reinforce your understanding of topics with all the different exercises from the online course identified throughout the book with this icon.
• Videos–Watch the videos embedded within the online course.
• Packet Tracer Activities–Explore and visualize networking concepts using Packet Tracer exercises interspersed throughout the chapters.
• Hands-on Labs–Work through all the course labs and Class Activities that are included in the course and published in the separate Lab Manual.