My personal, no-fluff plan to crush the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) exam.
Book I’m using: Networking Essentials Companion Guide v3 (2nd Edition)
Tools: Packet Tracer, subnettingpractice.com, flashcards, coffee
Why I’m Doing This
I’ve got 14 days, one book, and a goal: to pass the Cisco CCST and build a strong foundation for my future in networking. This isn’t about cramming—it’s about staying consistent, getting hands-on, and keeping my eye on the finish line. Here’s how I’m tackling it, one day at a time.
WEEK 1: Getting My Networking Foundation Locked In
Focus: Build the basics—OSI, TCP/IP, cabling, and subnetting. These are the building blocks.
Day 1 – Starting with the Basics
Chapter: 1
I’m kicking off with networking fundamentals. Today I’ll break down different network types (LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN), understand how they connect, and sketch out topologies. This sets the stage.
Day 2 – Devices and the Lower Layers
Chapter: 2
I’m diving into routers, switches, and how data physically travels through cables. I’m focusing on OSI Layers 1 to 3—this is where most networking problems start, so I want to understand it cold.
Day 3 – OSI to TCP/IP: Bridging the Models
Chapter: 3
I’ll walk through Layers 4–7 and compare the OSI and TCP/IP models side by side. I’ll practice tracing a packet’s journey using Packet Tracer.
Day 4 – Cables, Ports, and Media Types
Chapter: 4
I’m reviewing the real-world stuff: UTP vs STP, fiber, copper, RJ45, and Ethernet standards. I’ll quiz myself on which cables go where and why.
Day 5 – IP Addressing and Subnetting
Chapter: 5
This is where it gets tricky. I’m practicing subnetting by hand, learning about IPv4 vs IPv6, and using online calculators to verify my work. I won’t move on until I feel good about this.
WEEK 2: Applying It All – Real-World Concepts and Troubleshooting
Focus: Now I’ll put everything together—DHCP, DNS, wireless, security, and troubleshooting.
Day 6 – DHCP, DNS, and NAT Demystified
Chapter: 6
I’m learning how devices get their IP addresses, how names resolve to IPs, and how NAT keeps private addresses safe. I’ll do a simple DHCP config in Packet Tracer.
Day 7 – Going Wireless
Chapter: 7
Today’s about Wi-Fi. I’ll learn the differences between 802.11 standards, understand 2.4GHz vs 5GHz, and figure out what SSID, channels, and interference really mean.
Day 8 – Cybersecurity Essentials
Chapter: 8
I’m covering the basics—firewalls, VPNs, threats, ACLs. I’ll make a quick “Network Security Checklist” I can reuse later.
Day 9 – Troubleshooting Tools & Skills
Chapter: 9
Today I’ll learn to use ping, traceroute, ipconfig, and more. I’ll set up a Packet Tracer scenario and troubleshoot a broken network. I’ll document what went wrong and how I fixed it.
Day 10 – Cloud and IoT Fundamentals
Chapter: 10
I’ll wrap up the technical content by learning about cloud service models (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS) and how IoT connects to networks—and what risks it introduces.
FINAL STRETCH: Review, Test, and Get Ready
Focus: Lock it in, fix weak spots, and simulate the exam.
Day 11 – Review Core Networking (Ch. 1–5)
I’ll go over subnetting again, review my OSI model notes, and hit my flashcards hard. Anything fuzzy gets cleared up today.
Day 12 – Review Services, Security, and Wireless (Ch. 6–10)
I’m targeting the tough stuff—security, DHCP, and wireless quirks. I’ll re-do some Packet Tracer labs to solidify concepts.
Day 13 – Practice Exam Day
I’m doing a full-length CCST practice exam under timed conditions. I’ll log every question I miss and revisit those chapters right after.
Day 14 – Light Review & Mental Reset
Last day. Just a light flashcard review, some subnetting warm-up, and calming the nerves. I’ll double-check my exam date and go in confident. No last-minute cramming—just breathing, reviewing, and trusting the work I’ve put in.
Tools I’m Using:
- Book: Networking Essentials Companion Guide v3 (2nd Ed)
- Packet Tracer – for sim labs
- SubnettingPractice.com – for drills
- Quizlet – for flashcards
- Notebook & Diagrams – for memory mapping and sketching concepts