Skills and Resources
Participants should be comfortable with basic networking concepts, including:
Layer 1 – Layer 7 concepts
VLAN design and logical segmentation
IP addressing and subnetting
Basic traffic-flow control
Verification and troubleshooting using common testing methods
Teams must bring their own computers with Cisco Packet Tracer installed; Cisco offers the software for free. Please see the link below. Additional competition materials will be provided. Internet access will be available.
https://www.netacad.com/skillsforall/files/Cisco_Packet_Tracer_Download_and_Installation_Instructions.pdf
Team
Teams may consist of one or two participants.
Protocol
Teams will progress through a structured workflow aligned to OSI Layers 1–7. A Combination of physical and logical approaches will be used to solve the problem statement. Areas to focus on training before the competition.
Layer 1: Selecting media and physical switch components based on business requirements; document design choices.
Layer 2: Implement VLAN segmentation in Packet Tracer.
Layers 3/4: Apply subnetting and implement required traffic flows using a firewall/router component.
Layers 5–7: Add one or two basic application services and document them.
Practice creating topologies, cabling, and assigning IP addresses in Packet Tracer.
Submissions will be evaluated using a common rubric focused on:
Planning document aligning to business requirements
Correctness of segmentation and addressing
Implementation of any required routing or traffic flow
Validation evidence and clarity of documentation