Draft:Getting Started

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One of the best things about competitions centering around Cisco is that the topics covered during rounds of the competition are typically stated before the competition begins. Generally, the website of the competition will state what modules of the Cisco NetAcad course will be covered during play. These modules' information comes from the Cisco Content Course, which your coach should give you access to. Before jumping in, you'll first need to create a Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) account.

Creating a Netacad Account

To get started, go to the Cisco Networking Academy website and create an account. After that, your coach should give you a link to join the Content Course, which contains the training modules used to prepare for the Cisco Challenges in each round. Make sure not to share this course with anyone who isn’t part of your competition.

In addition to the Content Course, there is also a Competition Course. This is where you’ll access the actual competition materials—- more specifically, the multiple-choice quiz and the hands-on virtual networking exercise. This course uses a separate account or login, and your coach will provide the credentials for it.

Sources (ig): https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/competition/training-materials/cisco

Installing Packet Tracer

The hands-on virtual networking exercise portion of the Cisco Network Challenge will require you to use Packet Tracer to open the file and finish the portion. You can install the latest version of Cisco Packet Tracer here. Make sure you are logged in before you can download and install Packet Tracer on your device. Note that some competitions may use an older version of Packet Tracer. You should always verify the specific version of Packet Tracer with information on the competition website.

What is Cisco Packet Tracer?

You’ll learn more about Cisco Packet Tracer as you go through this guide, but put simply, it’s a network simulation tool created by Cisco. It allows you to build and configure virtual network topologies, simulate how devices behave, and test out different network protocols all without needing any physical Cisco hardware. You’ll use this both for learning and competing.