Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2
The Open University is a Cisco Networking Academy Support Centre. We offer the current 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. We ensure that the content we deliver each year reflects Cisco’s current certifications.
Modules count towards OU qualifications
OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.
Module
- Module code
- TM357
- Credits
- 30
- Study level
| OU | SCQF | FHEQ |
| 3 | 10 | 6 |
What you will study
The full Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum consists of three parts, sometimes called CCNA 1 to 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 ten or more modules. The modules are grouped, with checkpoint exams that count towards your module result. Each of the two parts also has a final online exam that also counts towards your result.
1Module Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257) covers CCNA parts 1 and 2.
You will learn
This module will:
- make you understand to a greater level of detail, the concepts and algorithms underlying switching and routing protocols
- provide you with further practical skills for implementing switching and routing protocols in real-world scenarios
- make you aware of best practices for securing LAN (Local Area Networks) and WAN (Wide Area Networks)
- teach you the fundamental and systematic processes for troubleshooting larger networks
- teach you the fundamental and systematic processes for network automation
- provide you with an opportunity to go on and gain two industry-recognised qualifications (CCNA and DevNet certifications).
Vocational relevance
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 prepare you for the industry-standard DevNet examination, and CCNA examination when taken with Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257).
You must make your own arrangements to sit the CCNA and DevNet certifications.
Professional recognition
Those within the networking technician and engineering discipline consider Cisco certification professional recognition and personal accreditation. Cisco CCNA and DevNet certifications are invaluable entry accreditations for the network engineering profession.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
- marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
- providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
- guiding you to additional learning resources
- facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
Assessment
You can find the assessment details for this module in the facts box.
Virtual day school
This module has a compulsory virtual day school.
The virtual day school (offered over a period of at least a month and 100% online) provides practical experience with Cisco Networking technologies using University-provided remote lab technologies. Your work on the virtual day school will contribute to your end-of-module assessment.
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Course work includes:
- 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
- End-of-module assessment
Future availability
Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.
Entry requirements
You must have passed one of the following modules:
- Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)
- Cisco networking (CCNA) (T216) – discontinued
We may allow you to study TM357 without passing TM257 or T216. You must have other relevant knowledge/experience, such as:
- equivalent work at another university
- relevant experience as an IT professional
- evidence of taking Cisco NetAcad Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1) and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 2) since 2019.
Preparatory work
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.
What's included
Access to the Cisco study materials, and additional supplementary material, via the website.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. We advise against using a mac with an M1 chip as you could experience issues with the module software. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this outlines what studying TM357 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Accessibility statement for Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357)
Mode of study
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.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
Tuition strategy
This module has at least three online tutorials. Although not compulsory, tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
Practical work
You’ll access the NetLabVE – a remote lab experience using physical networking equipment via a remote connection. Screen readers should work for most students in this context.
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.
Diagrams and other visual content
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.
Finding information
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.
Assessment
This module has tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and an end-of-module assessment (EMA) that you must submit via the online TMA/EMA service. There are also self-assessed online Cisco exams.
Feedback
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.
Schedule
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.
Specialist software
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.