In this step, we do not configure anything.
This step exists to clearly explain what network we are going to build, how it is designed, and why this design allows us to cover the entire CCNA syllabus using one continuous lab.
Think of this step as the blueprint for everything that follows.
🔧 What we are building
We are building one complete enterprise-style network, not multiple small labs.
This network represents a realistic Head Office and Branch setup, built gradually from scratch and expanded step by step as new CCNA topics are introduced.
Instead of learning topics in isolation, we will:
- build the network
- make it work
- then improve, secure, and extend it over time
This mirrors how real networks are built in the real world.
🏢 Network scope (high-level)
Over the full project, the network will include:
- A Head Office (HO) network
- A Branch (BR) network
- Multiple VLANs for traffic separation
- Routing between VLANs and sites
- Centralised services (e.g. DHCP)
- Security controls (ACLs)
- Later additions such as IPv6, wireless, and management access
All of this is done inside the same network, not separate examples.
🏗️ Network design model used
Conceptually: Three-tier enterprise design
At a design level, the network follows the three-tier enterprise model:
- Access layer
End devices connected to switches, assigned to VLANs - Distribution layer
Inter-VLAN routing, policy decisions, and traffic control - Core layer
Fast, reliable transport between major parts of the network
This model describes roles, not necessarily separate devices.
Practically: Collapsed core (CCNA-appropriate)
In this lab, we start with a collapsed core design.
This means:
- Core and distribution functions are combined
- Inter-VLAN routing is performed using Router-on-a-Stick (ROAS)
- This approach is:
- Fully aligned with CCNA
- Common in small to medium real networks
- Easier to understand when starting from zero
Later in the project, this same network can evolve to show alternative designs (such as Layer-3 switching), without changing the overall architecture.
🧱 Devices used in this project (at a design level)
We are not focusing on exact models or port numbers yet — that comes in Step 2 and beyond.
At a design level, the project includes:
- Routers
- One acting at Head Office
- One representing a Branch site
- Used for inter-VLAN routing, inter-site routing, and services
- Switches
- Used at the access layer
- Connect end devices
- Carry VLANs and trunk links
- End devices
- Used to generate and test traffic
- Validate routing, DHCP, and security
More devices are added only when the lab requires them, not upfront.
🔄 How this network will grow over time
This is a living network.
As we progress through the labs:
- VLANs are introduced when traffic needs separation
- Routing is added when VLANs must communicate
- DHCP is added when manual IP addressing stops scaling
- Security (ACLs) is added after traffic exists
- Advanced topics extend the same network further
Nothing is random.
Each step exists because the network demands it.
📚 Why this approach covers the entire CCNA
By building and extending a single network, this project naturally covers:
- Switching concepts
- Routing concepts
- IP addressing and services
- Network security
- Troubleshooting and verification
Instead of memorising commands, you learn how everything fits together.
▶️ What happens in Step 02
In Step 02, we stop planning and start building.
We will:
- Add the routers, switches, and end devices
- Begin constructing the physical and logical topology
- Prepare the network for VLANs and routing
From that point onward, every step follows the actual lab build exactly.
✅ THE MINIMUM NETWORK DEVICE COUNT FOR A COMPLETE CCNA MASTER LAB
✔ 3 Routers (R0, R1, R2)
Because CCNA requires:
- Static routing
- Default routing
- Inter-VLAN routing (router-on-a-stick)
- OSPF single-area
- OSPF multi-area
- WAN technologies (PPP, CHAP)
- NAT overload (PAT)
- DHCP relay
- Floating static routes
- Redundant equal-cost routes
- Troubleshooting routing loops
You cannot do all this with 1 router.
✔ 4 Switches (SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4)
Because CCNA requires Layer 2 topics:
- VLANs
- Trunking (802.1Q)
- Inter-VLAN routing
- EtherChannel
- STP (PVST+) requires multiple switches
- PortSecurity
- DHCP Snooping
- DAI (Dynamic ARP Inspection)
- UDLD (optional)
- VTP (optional)
You cannot teach STP, EtherChannel, or trunk redundancy with only 1 switch.
Minimum setup needed to cover 100% of CCNA topics:
✔ 3 Routers
✔ 4 Switches
✔ 1 Wireless Router (SOHO)
✔ 1 Server
✔ Cloud
✔ 6 PCs, 1 Laptop
This is the correct minimum network topology for covering ALL CCNA exam objectives.
