The Open University is a Cisco Networking Academy Support Centre. We offer the Cisco Certified Networking Associate version 7 curriculum, which provides the foundational knowledge, understanding and skills to configure larger LAN/WAN using Cisco equipment. As part of your studies, you'll complete CCNA 3 Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation along with DevNet and gain simulated hands-on experience configuring networks through online activities.
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | TM357 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| Includes residential school | |
The full Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum consists of three parts, sometimes referred to as CCNA 1–3. This module covers CCNA 3–along with DevNet.1
Part 1: Enterprise Networks, Security and Automation (CCNA 3)
This part describes the architecture, components and operations of routers and switches in a small network. You'll learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this part, you'll be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1 and RIPv2; single-area and multi-area OSPF; virtual LANs; and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
Part 2: DevNet
Following on from the CCNA Routing and Switching content, you will explore how coding is used to automate the management of infrastructure networking technologies via the DevNet associate certification content. You will explore how application development and coding applies within the context of network automation, use a range of developer tools and environments to solve automation challenges, apply API's to automate network device management and set up an automated solution for a given problem.
Each part consists of a number of chapters. Most chapters have an online exam, and both Part 1 and Part 2 have online final exams.
This module will:
You'll learn both theory and practical elements of network addressing and management, router configuration, switch management, securing a local area network and network automation.
In addition, this module will thoroughly prepare you for the industry-standard CCNA R&S and DevNet examinations.
You must make your own arrangements to sit the CCNA R&S and DevNet certifications.
You must have passed one of the following modules:
We may allow you to study TM357 without passing TM257 or T216. You must have other relevant knowledge/experience, such as:
Talk to an advisor if you're not sure you're ready.
The Cisco DevNet course, the second part of TM357, requires you to be familiar with coding but not an expert. The module website will include a link to this free short Python Coding Course. You can revisit your coding skills, complete a refresher, or become familiar with concepts that you might have found challenging in the past.
Access to the Cisco study materials, and additional supplementary material, via the website.
You'll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11), or macOS Monterey or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile App will operate on all current, supported, versions of Android and iOS. It's not available on Kindle.
It's also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook, however, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you'll also require a desktop or laptop as described above.
Note: if using a Mac with an M1 chip, you could experience issues with the module software. We advise against using a Mac with this chip type for this module.
Throughout your module studies, you'll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They'll help you by:
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won't be compulsory for you to complete the module, you're strongly encouraged to take part.
You can find the assessment details for this module in the facts box.
This module has a compulsory virtual day school.
The virtual day school (offered over a 4–6-week period, where you choose when you participate) provides practical experience with Cisco Networking technologies. Your work during the school will link to your end-of-module assessment.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
All this module's study materials are online using both the OU VLE and Cisco Networking Academy website (NetAcad). Online materials are composed of pages of text with images; audio/video clips of 3–10 minutes (all with transcripts/subtitles); diagrams; interactive media; animations; and multiple-choice self-assessed quizzes. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms.
This module provides two online tutorials. Although not compulsory, tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
You'll be required to work with other students and we assess this. This includes looking at, and commenting on, others' work; reflecting on others' comments on your work; and/or working together with fellow learners on a project/task.
You'll have access to the NetLabVE – a remote lab experience using physical networking equipment via a remote connection. Screen readers should work for most students in this context. The module team will accommodate anyone with additional requirements based on need and prior advance notification.
You'll also have access to the Packet Tracer Network Simulator for practical in-module activities and assignment/assessment work. This simulator has various accessibility features that you can tailor to your needs. The module team will also support any specific additional requirements.
The study materials contain –a significant number of diagrams. Producing your own version of one of these of these is an important part of the module assessment. Figure descriptions are provided for all figures by Cisco as part of their content – there is a 'switch' to access these within the online content context menu.
You will be required to search for, and make use of, third-party material online and we assess this. We can provide alternatives for required/assessed research material to enable you to meet the learning outcomes of the module.
This module has two tutor-marked assignments (TMAs), which you must submit online via the OU electronic TMA system, and an end-of-module assessment (EMA) submitted online. There are also two Cisco self-assessment exams; you'll take both online. The second will form part of the virtual day school activity linked to the EMA.
You'll receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted tutor-marked assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
We structure all University modules to a set timetable and you will need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. We'll support you in developing these skills.
The module materials and assessment ask you to use the following specialist software: Packet Tracer network simulator, and may not be fully accessible as a result. The curriculum has been adapted to enable students to complete the content; however, the type of screen reader that works with the content and the network simulator is very specific and requires pre-configuration.
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2024.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.
This course is expected to start for the last time in October 2029.
Those within the networking technician and engineering discipline consider Cisco certification professional recognition and personal accreditation. Cisco CCNA R&S and DevNet certifications are invaluable entry accreditations for the network engineering profession.