This detailed 8-week study plan is tailored to cover all topics in JN0-351, emphasizing the use of the Pomodoro Technique for focused sessions and the Forgetting Curve for optimal memory retention. Each day’s tasks are specific, actionable, and include both theoretical and practical components to ensure a balanced approach.

Overview of the Plan

Goals

1. Understand and master the 9 key topics in JN0-351:
   • Layer 2 Switching or VLANs
   • Spanning Tree
   • Layer 2 Security
   • Protocol Independent Routing
   • OSPF
   • IS-IS
   • BGP
   • Tunnels
   • High Availability
2. Build confidence through hands-on configuration tasks and real-world use cases.
3. Review and retain knowledge using spaced repetition.
4. Achieve readiness by solving practice questions and mock exams.

Learning Framework

1. Pomodoro Technique:
   • Study in 25-minute focused intervals with 5-minute breaks.
   • After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer 20–30 minute break.
2. Spaced Repetition:
   • Review material at intervals: 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days after initial learning.
3. Active Recall:
   • Summarize topics and solve quiz-style questions.
4. Practical Application:
   • Perform lab configurations for theoretical topics wherever possible.

Week 1: Foundations

Objective:

• Build a solid understanding of Layer 2 Switching or VLANs and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).
• Learn through theory, hands-on configurations, and visual exercises.
• Reinforce knowledge using review and quiz sessions.

Day 1: Layer 2 Switching Basics

Tasks:

1. Study Concepts:
   • Read about MAC address learning and frame forwarding.
   • Understand the structure and function of a MAC address table.
2. Learn VLAN Basics:
   • Study VLANs as a method of segmenting a network.
   • Learn how VLANs improve broadcast domain control and enhance security.
3. Visualize Topology:
   • Draw a simple topology with three switches and VLANs (e.g., VLAN 10 and VLAN 20).
   • Highlight traffic flow within and across VLANs.
4. Review Notes:
   • Summarize concepts into key bullet points or flashcards for spaced repetition.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study MAC address learning and frame forwarding.
• Pomodoro 2: Study VLAN basics and benefits.
• Pomodoro 3: Draw and label a simple VLAN topology.
• Pomodoro 4: Review and summarize key points.

Day 2: VLAN Tagging and Inter-VLAN Routing

Tasks:

1. Study 802.1Q VLAN Tagging:
   • Learn how VLAN tags are added to frames.
   • Understand the role of trunk ports in carrying traffic for multiple VLANs.
2. Learn Inter-VLAN Routing:
   • Study the need for routing between VLANs.
   • Understand how Layer 3 switches or routers enable VLAN communication.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure VLANs on a switch.
   • Set up trunk ports and assign devices to VLANs.
   • Test connectivity within and between VLANs.
4. Summarize Findings:
   • Note down configurations and troubleshooting tips.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study 802.1Q VLAN tagging and trunk ports.
• Pomodoro 2: Read about inter-VLAN routing and methods.
• Pomodoro 3–4: Perform lab configurations for VLANs and trunk ports.

Day 3: Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) Basics

Tasks:

1. Understand the Role of STP:
   • Study why STP is necessary for loop prevention in Layer 2 networks.
   • Learn about the creation of a loop-free tree topology.
2. Learn Core Elements:
   • Root Bridge: Understand its role as the central device in an STP topology.
   • BPDU (Bridge Protocol Data Unit): Learn how BPDUs are used for STP operations.
3. Diagram Exercise:
   • Draw a topology showing Root Bridge selection and port roles (Root Port, Designated Port, Blocked Port).
4. Review and Flashcards:
   • Create flashcards for STP terminology and functions.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study the purpose of STP and its basic operation.
• Pomodoro 2: Learn about BPDUs and their role in STP.
• Pomodoro 3: Practice drawing and labeling a simple STP topology.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize and create flashcards.

Day 4: STP Port States and Enhancements

Tasks:

1. Learn Port States:
   • Study the STP port states (Disabled, Blocking, Listening, Learning, Forwarding).
   • Understand how ports transition between these states.
2. Understand RSTP Enhancements:
   • Learn about Rapid STP (RSTP) improvements, including Alternate and Backup Ports.
   • Compare RSTP with traditional STP.
3. Practice Scenarios:
   • Simulate STP/RSTP on a virtual lab or emulator.
   • Test root bridge election by changing switch priorities.
4. Create a Summary Chart:
   • Create a table comparing STP and RSTP, focusing on key differences.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study port states and their transitions.
• Pomodoro 2: Learn RSTP features and benefits.
• Pomodoro 3: Simulate STP/RSTP operations in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize key differences in STP vs. RSTP.

Day 5: Review and Quiz

Tasks:

1. Review Key Concepts:
   • Go through notes and flashcards created earlier in the week.
   • Focus on VLAN tagging, STP elements, and RSTP enhancements.
2. Take a Short Quiz:
   • Solve 15–20 practice questions covering Layer 2 Switching and STP.
   • Identify weak areas and revise.
3. Hands-On Practice:
   • Repeat a lab scenario for VLANs or STP with different configurations.
4. Document Errors:
   • Create a “Lessons Learned” document for future revision.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Review Layer 2 Switching notes and flashcards.
• Pomodoro 2: Review STP notes and RSTP enhancements.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve quiz questions.
• Pomodoro 4: Perform a lab exercise.

Day 6: Rest or Light Revision

Tasks:

1. Optional Review:
   • Go through any topic you found challenging earlier in the week.
   • Use flashcards or short videos for light revision.
2. Relax and Recharge:
   • Take a break to avoid burnout.

Day 7: Full Practice

Tasks:

1. Solve Exam-Style Questions:
   • Attempt 20–30 questions covering Layer 2 Switching and STP.
   • Focus on identifying tricky concepts.
2. Perform a Comprehensive Lab:
   • Create a network with multiple VLANs and STP-enabled switches.
   • Test inter-VLAN routing and root bridge election.
3. Reflect and Plan:
   • Review your performance and note areas to improve in the next week.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Solve practice questions.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Perform and troubleshoot a comprehensive lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Reflect and prepare notes for Week 2.

Summary of Week 1 Goals

By the end of Week 1, you should:

• Understand the concepts of VLANs, 802.1Q tagging, and inter-VLAN routing.
• Be familiar with STP basics, port roles, and RSTP enhancements.
• Have completed hands-on practice for VLAN and STP configurations.
• Have taken practice quizzes and identified weak areas for review.

Week 2: Layer 2 Security

Objective:

• Understand and configure Layer 2 Security mechanisms.
• Focus on securing Layer 2 networks from common threats like loops, spoofing, and malicious traffic.
• Apply hands-on configurations to strengthen learning.

Day 1: BPDU Protection and Root Protection

Tasks:

1. Understand BPDU Protection:
   • Study how BPDU Guard prevents rogue switches from sending BPDUs.
   • Learn the impact of BPDU Guard on access ports.
2. Learn Root Protection:
   • Study how Root Guard protects the root bridge from being replaced.
   • Understand its application on designated ports.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure BPDU Guard on access ports.
   • Configure Root Guard on designated ports and observe behavior when a rogue BPDU is sent.
4. Review Notes:
   • Create a quick-reference guide for BPDU and Root Protection settings.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study BPDU and Root Protection concepts.
• Pomodoro 2: Configure BPDU Guard in a lab.
• Pomodoro 3: Configure Root Guard and test behavior.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize findings and create a review guide.

Day 2: Port Security

Tasks:

1. Understand Port Security Features:
   • Study MAC Limiting (static, dynamic, and sticky MAC addresses).
   • Learn how to block unauthorized devices from accessing the network.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Configure Port Security on a switch:
     • Limit the number of MAC addresses allowed on a port.
     • Test violations (e.g., connect unauthorized devices).
3. Troubleshoot Configurations:
   • Observe logs for port violations and learn recovery methods (shutdown, restrict, protect).
4. Flashcards:
   • Create flashcards summarizing Port Security commands and modes.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study Port Security features and MAC limiting.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure Port Security in a lab and test violations.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize Port Security settings and troubleshooting.

Day 3: Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) and IP Source Guard

Tasks:

1. Learn DAI:
   • Understand how DAI prevents ARP spoofing attacks.
   • Study the binding table used for validation.
2. Learn IP Source Guard:
   • Study how IP Source Guard validates IP and MAC addresses against DHCP bindings.
   • Understand its role in preventing IP spoofing.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure DAI on VLANs and test with ARP spoofing scenarios.
   • Configure IP Source Guard and observe blocked packets when spoofed IPs are used.
4. Review and Note Down Findings:
   • Create diagrams explaining how DAI and IP Source Guard work.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study DAI concepts and its interaction with DHCP snooping.
• Pomodoro 2: Study IP Source Guard concepts and practical scenarios.
• Pomodoro 3–4: Perform lab configurations for DAI and IP Source Guard.

Day 4: Storm Control and MACsec

Tasks:

1. Study Storm Control:
   • Understand broadcast, multicast, and unknown unicast storms.
   • Learn how Storm Control limits traffic rates to prevent storms.
2. Learn MACsec:
   • Study Layer 2 encryption provided by MACsec.
   • Understand how MACsec ensures secure communication on Ethernet links.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure Storm Control to limit broadcast traffic on ports.
   • Set up a basic MACsec-enabled link (if supported in the lab).
4. Summarize Key Features:
   • Create a table summarizing all Layer 2 Security features, use cases, and configuration commands.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study Storm Control and MACsec concepts.
• Pomodoro 2: Configure Storm Control in a lab.
• Pomodoro 3: Explore MACsec configurations (or theoretical use cases).
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize all Layer 2 Security features into a table.

Day 5: Review and Quiz

Tasks:

1. Comprehensive Review:
   • Revisit BPDU Protection, Root Protection, Port Security, DAI, IP Source Guard, Storm Control, and MACsec.
   • Use flashcards and notes for quick recall.
2. Take a Quiz:
   • Solve 20–30 exam-style questions on Layer 2 Security.
   • Focus on understanding mistakes and weak points.
3. Apply Concepts:
   • Perform a small lab simulating Layer 2 Security in action (e.g., combining BPDU Guard, Port Security, and Storm Control).

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Review BPDU and Root Protection.
• Pomodoro 2: Review Port Security and DAI/IP Source Guard.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve quiz questions and analyze mistakes.
• Pomodoro 4: Perform a combined lab exercise.

Day 6: Rest or Light Revision

Tasks:

1. Optional Revision:
   • Review challenging topics lightly (e.g., flashcards or short videos).
2. Relaxation:
   • Take a break to avoid burnout.

Day 7: Full Practice

Tasks:

1. Perform a Comprehensive Lab:
   • Combine all Layer 2 Security mechanisms into one scenario:
     • Enable BPDU Guard, Root Guard, Port Security, DAI, and Storm Control.
     • Test network resilience under attacks (e.g., ARP spoofing, broadcast storms).
2. Solve Practice Questions:
   • Attempt 30–40 questions focusing on Layer 2 Security.
3. Reflect and Prepare:
   • Summarize any mistakes or concepts requiring more attention.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Perform the comprehensive lab exercise.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve practice questions.
• Pomodoro 4: Reflect on performance and prepare notes for Week 3.

Summary of Week 2 Goals

By the end of Week 2, you should:

• Understand and configure all Layer 2 Security mechanisms.
• Be able to secure a Layer 2 network using BPDU Guard, Port Security, DAI, IP Source Guard, Storm Control, and MACsec.
• Have completed hands-on labs for each feature and identified weak points through quizzes.

Week 3: Protocol Independent Routing

Objective:

• Build a solid understanding of static routing, routing instances, Martian addresses, and advanced techniques like route filters and filter-based forwarding.
• Apply theoretical knowledge through practical configurations and real-world scenarios.

Day 1: Static Routing Basics

Tasks:

1. Study Static Routing:
   • Learn how static routing works and its advantages/disadvantages.
   • Understand the components of a static route: destination, next-hop, and outgoing interface.
2. Understand Default Routes:
   • Study the concept of a default route and its use in simplifying routing for stub networks.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure static routes in a small network:
     • Example: Connect three routers and configure static routes to enable end-to-end communication.
   • Test connectivity by pinging devices in different subnets.
4. Review Notes:
   • Create a quick-reference guide for static route commands and scenarios.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study static routing concepts and default routes.
• Pomodoro 2: Perform lab configurations for basic static routing.
• Pomodoro 3: Test and troubleshoot connectivity in the lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize static routing commands and scenarios.

Day 2: Martian Addresses

Tasks:

1. Learn Martian Address Concepts:
   • Understand what Martian addresses are and why they are invalid.
   • Study common examples like 0.0.0.0/8, 127.0.0.0/8, and private IP ranges.
2. Practical Application:
   • Configure filters on a router to block traffic using Martian addresses.
   • Test by attempting to route packets with invalid source/destination addresses.
3. Document Findings:
   • Note down scenarios where Martian filtering is useful (e.g., preventing spoofing attacks).

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study Martian address definitions and examples.
• Pomodoro 2: Configure filters to block Martian addresses.
• Pomodoro 3: Test and observe filter behavior in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize practical use cases for Martian filtering.

Day 3: Routing Instances

Tasks:

1. Understand Routing Instances:
   • Study the concept of virtual routing tables (VRFs) and their use in multi-tenant networks.
   • Learn the types of routing instances: forwarding, VRF, and others.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Create two routing instances on a router to simulate multi-tenant isolation.
   • Test connectivity between devices in the same instance and ensure isolation between instances.
3. Create a Use Case Document:
   • Summarize scenarios where routing instances are necessary (e.g., enterprise networks or MPLS).

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study routing instance concepts and use cases.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure routing instances and test isolation in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Document findings and common configuration steps.

Day 4: Route Filters

Tasks:

1. Learn Route Filters:
   • Study how route filters control the import and export of routes in a routing table.
   • Understand prefix-based filters and attribute-based filters.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Create and apply route filters to allow/block specific routes.
   • Example: Permit only routes in the 10.0.0.0/8 range and block others.
3. Troubleshooting:
   • Test the filter by advertising blocked and permitted routes.
   • Use router logs to identify issues.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study route filter concepts and scenarios.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure and test route filters in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Create a table summarizing filter commands and their effects.

Day 5: Load Balancing and Filter-Based Forwarding

Tasks:

1. Study Load Balancing:
   • Learn about Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP) routing.
   • Understand the difference between per-packet and per-flow load balancing.
2. Learn Filter-Based Forwarding:
   • Study how filters can override the default routing table lookup.
   • Understand its use cases, such as policy-based routing.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure ECMP for two equal-cost static routes and test traffic distribution.
   • Set up a filter-based forwarding rule to route specific traffic through a predefined path.
4. Document Results:
   • Summarize findings from the lab, including configuration challenges and results.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study load balancing and filter-based forwarding concepts.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Perform lab exercises for ECMP and filter-based forwarding.
• Pomodoro 4: Review and document findings.

Day 6: Review and Quiz

Tasks:

1. Review All Topics:
   • Revisit static routing, Martian addresses, routing instances, route filters, load balancing, and filter-based forwarding.
   • Use flashcards and notes for active recall.
2. Take a Quiz:
   • Solve 20–30 practice questions covering all topics from the week.
   • Identify areas needing more focus.
3. Optional Lab:
   • Redo any lab exercise you found challenging during the week.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Review notes and flashcards for all topics.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve quiz questions and analyze mistakes.
• Pomodoro 4: Perform optional lab practice.

Day 7: Full Practice

Tasks:

1. Comprehensive Lab:
   • Design a lab scenario combining multiple topics:
     • Static routing.
     • Routing instances for traffic isolation.
     • Filters for Martian addresses and route control.
     • Load balancing with ECMP.
   • Test connectivity and troubleshoot.
2. Solve Practice Questions:
   • Attempt 30–40 questions focusing on routing topics.
3. Reflect and Plan:
   • Document key takeaways from the week and prepare for OSPF in Week 4.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Perform a comprehensive lab scenario.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve practice questions and analyze errors.
• Pomodoro 4: Reflect and finalize notes for Week 4.

Summary of Week 3 Goals

By the end of Week 3, you should:

• Understand static routing, Martian addresses, routing instances, route filters, load balancing, and filter-based forwarding.
• Be able to configure and test these concepts in a lab environment.
• Have completed practice quizzes and identified areas for improvement.

Week 4: OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)

Objective:

• Master OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) concepts, focusing on area design, router types, LSAs, and DR/BDR elections.
• Practice hands-on configurations and troubleshooting to reinforce theoretical understanding.

Day 1: OSPF Basics and LSDB

Tasks:

1. Study OSPF Basics:
   • Understand how OSPF operates as a link-state protocol.
   • Learn about OSPF’s reliance on the Link State Database (LSDB) and Dijkstra’s algorithm for path calculation.
2. Understand OSPF Metrics:
   • Study how OSPF calculates cost based on link bandwidth.
   • Learn to adjust metrics to influence path selection.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Set up a basic OSPF configuration between two routers.
   • Advertise networks into OSPF and verify routes using the routing table.
4. Summarize Key Points:
   • Note down OSPF’s key concepts, commands, and troubleshooting steps.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study OSPF basics and the LSDB.
• Pomodoro 2: Learn about OSPF metrics and cost calculation.
• Pomodoro 3: Configure a basic OSPF setup in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Document findings and create a summary sheet.

Day 2: Area Design

Tasks:

1. Learn OSPF Areas:
   • Study Area 0 (backbone area) and its role in OSPF hierarchies.
   • Understand how non-backbone areas connect to Area 0.
2. Explore Special Area Types:
   • Learn about Stub, Totally Stubby, and Not-So-Stubby Areas (NSSA).
   • Study how these areas reduce routing table size and improve scalability.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure multiple OSPF areas in a lab environment.
   • Test connectivity between devices in different areas.
4. Create a Summary Diagram:
   • Draw a network diagram showing OSPF areas, routers, and traffic flow.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study Area 0 and non-backbone areas.
• Pomodoro 2: Learn about special area types.
• Pomodoro 3: Perform lab configurations for multi-area OSPF.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize and diagram OSPF area designs.

Day 3: OSPF Router Types

Tasks:

1. Learn Router Types:
   • Study the roles of different OSPF router types:
     • Internal Router
     • Area Border Router (ABR)
     • Autonomous System Boundary Router (ASBR)
   • Understand the responsibilities and placement of each type.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Configure ABRs and ASBRs in a lab environment.
   • Redistribute static or external routes into OSPF using an ASBR.
3. Verify and Troubleshoot:
   • Use commands like show ip ospf to verify router roles and configurations.
4. Review Key Concepts:
   • Summarize the characteristics and use cases of each router type.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study OSPF router types and their roles.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure ABRs and ASBRs in a lab and test connectivity.
• Pomodoro 4: Review and document findings.

Day 4: Link State Advertisements (LSAs)

Tasks:

1. Understand LSAs:
   • Study the different types of LSAs and their purposes:
     • Type 1 (Router LSA)
     • Type 2 (Network LSA)
     • Type 3 (Summary LSA)
     • Type 4 (ASBR Summary LSA)
     • Type 5 (External LSA)
   • Focus on how each LSA contributes to OSPF’s topology map.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Observe LSAs using commands like show ip ospf database.
   • Analyze the flow of LSAs in multi-area OSPF configurations.
3. Summarize and Visualize:
   • Create a chart summarizing LSA types, their purpose, and their scope (intra-area, inter-area, external).

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study LSA types and their roles in OSPF.
• Pomodoro 2: Observe LSAs in a lab setup.
• Pomodoro 3: Analyze LSA behavior in multi-area OSPF.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize findings in a chart.

Day 5: DR/BDR Election

Tasks:

1. Learn DR/BDR Concepts:
   • Understand the purpose of Designated Router (DR) and Backup Designated Router (BDR) in multi-access networks.
   • Study the election process based on router priority and Router ID.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Configure a multi-access OSPF network and observe DR/BDR elections.
   • Change router priorities and verify the impact on elections.
3. Troubleshooting:
   • Test scenarios where DR/BDR changes due to network failures or priority adjustments.
4. Review Notes:
   • Summarize DR/BDR roles and configurations for quick reference.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study DR/BDR election concepts and criteria.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure and test DR/BDR elections in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Review and document findings.

Day 6: Review and Quiz

Tasks:

1. Comprehensive Review:
   • Revisit OSPF basics, areas, router types, LSAs, and DR/BDR elections.
   • Use flashcards and notes for active recall.
2. Take a Quiz:
   • Solve 20–30 exam-style questions covering all OSPF topics.
   • Identify weak areas and review corresponding concepts.
3. Optional Lab:
   • Redo any challenging lab exercise from the week.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Review all OSPF topics.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve quiz questions and analyze mistakes.
• Pomodoro 4: Perform optional lab practice.

Day 7: Full Practice

Tasks:

1. Comprehensive Lab:
   • Design a network scenario incorporating:
     • Multi-area OSPF.
     • ABRs and ASBRs.
     • LSA observations.
     • DR/BDR election on multi-access networks.
   • Test connectivity, redistribute routes, and troubleshoot any issues.
2. Solve Practice Questions:
   • Attempt 30–40 questions focusing on OSPF.
3. Reflect and Plan:
   • Document key takeaways and prepare notes for Week 5.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Perform a comprehensive lab.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve practice questions.
• Pomodoro 4: Reflect and finalize notes for Week 5.

Summary of Week 4 Goals

By the end of Week 4, you should:

• Understand OSPF basics, areas, router types, LSAs, and DR/BDR elections.
• Be confident in configuring and troubleshooting OSPF networks.
• Have practiced with lab scenarios and exam-style questions.

Week 5: IS-IS (Intermediate System to Intermediate System)

Objective:

• Develop a thorough understanding of IS-IS concepts, including levels, areas, TLV structures, and PDUs.
• Practice hands-on configurations to reinforce theoretical knowledge.
• Compare IS-IS to OSPF to highlight their similarities and differences.

Day 1: IS-IS Basics and Levels

Tasks:

1. Learn IS-IS Fundamentals:
   • Understand IS-IS as a link-state protocol designed for dynamic routing.
   • Study the role of Intermediate Systems (routers) and End Systems (hosts).
   • Review how IS-IS operates within the OSI model but supports IP routing.
2. Understand Levels:
   • Learn about Level-1 (intra-area routing) and Level-2 (inter-area routing).
   • Understand the role of Level-1/Level-2 routers as connectors between areas.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Set up an IS-IS network with Level-1 and Level-2 routers.
   • Test intra-area and inter-area routing.
4. Review and Diagram:
   • Create a visual map showing IS-IS levels and areas with router roles.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study IS-IS basics and levels.
• Pomodoro 2: Explore Level-1 vs. Level-2 routing.
• Pomodoro 3: Perform lab configurations for IS-IS levels.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize and diagram IS-IS topology.

Day 2: IS-IS Areas and Metrics

Tasks:

1. Study IS-IS Areas:
   • Learn how areas are structured hierarchically in IS-IS.
   • Understand how routing between areas occurs via Level-2 routers.
2. Explore IS-IS Metrics:
   • Learn about default IS-IS metrics and how they are used in path selection.
   • Study metric manipulation to influence routing decisions.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure IS-IS areas and adjust metrics to create preferred paths.
   • Verify routing decisions using debugging commands.
4. Create a Summary Table:
   • Summarize area design, metric types, and use cases for IS-IS.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study IS-IS areas and metrics.
• Pomodoro 2: Configure IS-IS areas and adjust metrics in a lab.
• Pomodoro 3: Test and verify routing behavior.
• Pomodoro 4: Document findings and create a summary table.

Day 3: TLV (Type-Length-Value) Format

Tasks:

1. Learn TLV Basics:
   • Study the structure of IS-IS TLVs:
     • Type: Defines the type of information (e.g., IP prefixes, metrics).
     • Length: Specifies the size of the value.
     • Value: Contains the actual routing information.
   • Review commonly used TLVs like Metric TLV, IP Prefix TLV, and Extended TLVs.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Observe TLVs in action by viewing IS-IS packets using a debugging or packet capture tool.
   • Identify key TLVs in the IS-IS database.
3. Review and Diagram:
   • Create a visual representation of how TLVs are structured and transmitted.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study TLV format and examples.
• Pomodoro 2: Capture and analyze IS-IS TLVs in a lab.
• Pomodoro 3: Explore additional TLVs and their applications.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize findings and create a diagram.

Day 4: Link-State PDUs (Protocol Data Units)

Tasks:

1. Learn IS-IS PDUs:
   • Study the role of PDUs in IS-IS:
     • Hello PDUs: Establish and maintain neighbor relationships.
     • LSP (Link State PDUs): Advertise link-state information.
     • CSNP (Complete Sequence Number PDUs): Synchronize link-state databases.
     • PSNP (Partial Sequence Number PDUs): Request or acknowledge specific LSPs.
2. Lab Practice:
   • View PDUs in action by monitoring IS-IS operations.
   • Simulate link failures and observe how PDUs are used to update the topology.
3. Summarize Key Concepts:
   • Create a table summarizing PDU types and their functions.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study the different types of IS-IS PDUs.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Capture and analyze PDUs in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize findings in a table.

Day 5: DIS (Designated Intermediate System)

Tasks:

1. Understand DIS Concepts:
   • Study the role of the Designated Intermediate System (DIS) in IS-IS.
   • Learn how DIS reduces overhead in broadcast networks.
   • Compare DIS with OSPF’s Designated Router (DR).
2. Lab Practice:
   • Configure an IS-IS network with a broadcast segment.
   • Observe DIS election and behavior when a higher-priority router joins.
3. Review and Reflect:
   • Note down differences between IS-IS DIS and OSPF DR/BDR.
   • Summarize DIS election rules and its role in the topology.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study DIS concepts and election rules.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure and test DIS behavior in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Document findings and compare with OSPF DR.

Day 6: Review and Quiz

Tasks:

1. Comprehensive Review:
   • Revisit IS-IS basics, levels, areas, metrics, TLVs, PDUs, and DIS.
   • Use flashcards and notes for active recall.
2. Take a Quiz:
   • Solve 20–30 exam-style questions covering IS-IS.
   • Focus on weak areas and review corresponding concepts.
3. Optional Lab:
   • Redo any lab exercise you found challenging during the week.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Review all IS-IS topics.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve quiz questions and analyze mistakes.
• Pomodoro 4: Perform optional lab practice.

Day 7: Full Practice

Tasks:

1. Comprehensive Lab:
   • Design a network scenario incorporating:
     • IS-IS levels and areas.
     • Metric manipulation to influence routing paths.
     • Observation of TLVs, PDUs, and DIS behavior.
   • Test connectivity, simulate failures, and troubleshoot.
2. Solve Practice Questions:
   • Attempt 30–40 questions focusing on IS-IS.
3. Reflect and Plan:
   • Document key takeaways from the week and prepare notes for Week 6.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Perform a comprehensive lab scenario.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve practice questions.
• Pomodoro 4: Reflect and finalize notes for Week 6.

Summary of Week 5 Goals

By the end of Week 5, you should:

• Understand IS-IS levels, areas, metrics, TLVs, PDUs, and DIS.
• Be confident in configuring and troubleshooting IS-IS networks.
• Have practiced with lab scenarios and exam-style questions.

Week 6: BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)

Objective:

• Master the foundational concepts of BGP, including neighbor relationships, path selection rules, and route attributes.
• Differentiate between IBGP and EBGP, and configure BGP for real-world scenarios.
• Develop expertise in route control and policy-based routing using BGP attributes.

Day 1: BGP Basics and Neighbor Relationships

Tasks:

1. Understand BGP Basics:
   • Learn about BGP as an Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP).
   • Understand the purpose of AS numbers in BGP routing.
   • Study the differences between IBGP and EBGP.
2. Learn BGP Neighbor Relationships:
   • Study how BGP sessions are established over TCP (port 179).
   • Understand the BGP neighbor states: Idle, Connect, Active, OpenSent, OpenConfirm, and Established.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure a basic EBGP session between two routers.
   • Verify the BGP session using show bgp neighbors and check neighbor states.
4. Review and Summarize:
   • Document BGP neighbor establishment steps and common configuration commands.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study BGP basics and the role of AS numbers.
• Pomodoro 2: Learn BGP neighbor establishment and states.
• Pomodoro 3: Configure and test an EBGP session in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize findings and create quick-reference notes.

Day 2: BGP Path Selection Rules

Tasks:

1. Learn BGP Path Selection:
   • Study the rules for selecting the best path in BGP:
     • AS-PATH length: Shortest path is preferred.
     • Weight: Cisco-specific, locally significant.
     • Local Preference: Higher preference is better.
     • Origin Type: IGP > EGP > Incomplete.
     • MED: Lower is preferred.
   • Understand how BGP attributes influence path selection.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Configure a network with multiple EBGP paths and observe path selection.
   • Manipulate Local Preference and MED to influence routing decisions.
3. Create a Summary Table:
   • List BGP path selection rules in order of priority with examples.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study BGP path selection rules.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure and observe BGP path selection in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize and document BGP path selection logic.

Day 3: IBGP vs. EBGP

Tasks:

1. Understand IBGP:
   • Learn about full-mesh requirements in IBGP and the role of route reflectors.
   • Study split-horizon rules to prevent loops.
2. Understand EBGP:
   • Study how EBGP operates between different ASes.
   • Understand how EBGP modifies the AS-PATH attribute.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure IBGP in a small AS using three routers.
   • Configure EBGP between two ASes and observe AS-PATH changes.
4. Review and Compare:
   • Create a comparison table for IBGP vs. EBGP, highlighting key differences.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study IBGP requirements and split-horizon rules.
• Pomodoro 2: Study EBGP behavior and AS-PATH modification.
• Pomodoro 3: Configure IBGP and EBGP in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize and compare IBGP and EBGP.

Day 4: BGP Attributes

Tasks:

1. Study BGP Attributes:
   • Learn about common BGP attributes:
     • AS-PATH: Prevent loops and influence routing.
     • Community: Group routes for policy application.
     • MED (Multi-Exit Discriminator): Suggest a preferred entry point to neighboring ASes.
     • Next-Hop: Ensure next-hop reachability for IBGP routes.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Configure BGP attributes to control inbound and outbound traffic:
     • Example: Use AS-PATH prepending to influence traffic flow.
   • Use the show ip bgp command to verify attribute changes.
3. Summarize Attribute Usage:
   • Document examples of how each attribute is used to influence routing.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study AS-PATH, Community, MED, and Next-Hop attributes.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure and test attribute manipulation in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize BGP attributes and their use cases.

Day 5: Route Filtering and Policy Control

Tasks:

1. Learn BGP Route Filtering:
   • Study prefix filtering to control route advertisement.
   • Understand how to use route maps and distribute lists for policy-based routing.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Configure prefix lists and route maps to filter routes in both IBGP and EBGP.
   • Test the impact of filtering on advertised and received routes.
3. Troubleshooting:
   • Use debugging commands to verify and resolve BGP policy misconfigurations.
4. Summarize Key Concepts:
   • Document common filtering scenarios and troubleshooting steps.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study route filtering and policy-based control.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure filtering and policy controls in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize findings and document filtering strategies.

Day 6: Review and Quiz

Tasks:

1. Comprehensive Review:
   • Revisit BGP basics, neighbor relationships, path selection rules, IBGP vs. EBGP, attributes, and route filtering.
   • Use flashcards and notes for active recall.
2. Take a Quiz:
   • Solve 20–30 exam-style questions covering all BGP topics.
   • Identify weak areas and review corresponding concepts.
3. Optional Lab:
   • Redo any challenging lab exercise from the week.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Review all BGP topics.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve quiz questions and analyze mistakes.
• Pomodoro 4: Perform optional lab practice.

Day 7: Full Practice

Tasks:

1. Comprehensive Lab:
   • Design a network scenario incorporating:
     • EBGP and IBGP configurations.
     • Route filtering and policy-based routing.
     • Attribute manipulation to influence traffic flow.
   • Test connectivity, simulate failures, and troubleshoot.
2. Solve Practice Questions:
   • Attempt 30–40 questions focusing on BGP.
3. Reflect and Plan:
   • Document key takeaways from the week and prepare notes for Week 7.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Perform a comprehensive lab scenario.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve practice questions.
• Pomodoro 4: Reflect and finalize notes for Week 7.

Summary of Week 6 Goals

By the end of Week 6, you should:

• Understand BGP basics, path selection rules, and attributes.
• Be confident in configuring and troubleshooting IBGP and EBGP.
• Have practiced route filtering, policy control, and attribute manipulation.

Week 7: Tunnels and High Availability

Objective:

• Understand and configure tunneling techniques, focusing on GRE and IP-IP tunnels.
• Learn high availability (HA) mechanisms like LAG, RTG, Virtual Chassis, NSR, and ISSU to ensure network resilience.
• Practice real-world scenarios combining tunneling and HA concepts.

Part 1: Tunnels

Day 1: GRE Tunnels

Tasks:

1. Learn GRE Basics:
   • Understand the purpose and operation of GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation).
   • Study the benefits and limitations of GRE (e.g., no encryption).
2. Lab Practice:
   • Configure a GRE tunnel between two routers.
   • Encapsulate and route traffic from different subnets through the tunnel.
   • Verify the tunnel using show interface tunnel commands.
3. Troubleshoot Configurations:
   • Test scenarios with incorrect tunnel source or destination and resolve them.
4. Review Notes:
   • Create a quick-reference guide for GRE configurations and troubleshooting steps.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study GRE concepts and use cases.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure and test GRE tunnels in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize GRE commands and troubleshooting tips.

Day 2: IP-IP Tunnels

Tasks:

1. Learn IP-IP Tunneling:
   • Understand the simpler structure of IP-IP tunnels compared to GRE.
   • Study how IP-IP encapsulates only IP traffic (IPv4 or IPv6).
2. Lab Practice:
   • Configure an IP-IP tunnel and test connectivity between two networks.
   • Use packet capture tools to analyze encapsulation and decapsulation.
3. Compare GRE and IP-IP:
   • Create a comparison table for GRE vs. IP-IP, highlighting use cases and limitations.
4. Summarize Key Concepts:
   • Document scenarios where IP-IP tunnels are most beneficial.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study IP-IP tunneling concepts.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure and test IP-IP tunnels in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize and compare GRE and IP-IP.

Day 3: Use Cases for Tunnels

Tasks:

1. Explore Tunnel Applications:
   • Study real-world use cases for GRE and IP-IP tunnels:
     • VPNs.
     • Multicast traffic.
     • Traffic engineering.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Simulate a VPN scenario using GRE.
   • Use IP-IP tunnels for point-to-point IPv6 communication.
3. Review and Document:
   • Create a table summarizing tunnel types, configurations, and use cases.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study tunnel applications and benefits.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure and simulate tunnel use cases in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Document findings and create a use-case table.

Part 2: High Availability (HA)

Day 4: Link Aggregation Group (LAG)

Tasks:

1. Learn LAG Basics:
   • Study how LAG combines multiple physical links into a logical link.
   • Understand the role of LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) in LAG.
2. Lab Practice:
   • Configure LAG between two switches or a switch and a router.
   • Test load balancing and failover by disabling one physical link.
3. Review and Troubleshoot:
   • Analyze logs to verify LACP negotiation and resolve common issues.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study LAG concepts and LACP.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure and test LAG in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize LAG configurations and troubleshooting steps.

Day 5: Redundant Trunk Group (RTG) and Virtual Chassis

Tasks:

1. Learn RTG Concepts:
   • Study how RTG provides failover for trunk interfaces.
   • Understand the differences between RTG and LAG.
2. Learn Virtual Chassis:
   • Study how multiple switches operate as a single logical device.
   • Understand the benefits of simplified management and enhanced redundancy.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Configure RTG on a network and test failover behavior.
   • Set up a Virtual Chassis and observe its management interface.
4. Document Findings:
   • Create a comparison table for RTG vs. LAG and note Virtual Chassis benefits.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study RTG and Virtual Chassis concepts.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Configure RTG and Virtual Chassis in a lab.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize findings in a comparison table.

Day 6: NSR (Non-Stop Routing) and ISSU

Tasks:

1. Learn NSR:
   • Study how NSR maintains routing protocol state during failover.
   • Understand its role in avoiding session reestablishment.
2. Learn ISSU:
   • Study how ISSU enables seamless software upgrades without interrupting services.
   • Understand the requirements for ISSU, such as redundant control and forwarding planes.
3. Lab Practice:
   • Simulate NSR behavior during failover scenarios.
   • Explore ISSU processes in a lab (if supported by your hardware/software).
4. Review Key Concepts:
   • Summarize the benefits and limitations of NSR and ISSU.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Study NSR and ISSU concepts.
• Pomodoro 2: Configure NSR in a lab and test failover scenarios.
• Pomodoro 3: Explore ISSU configurations and use cases.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize findings and document best practices.

Day 7: Review and Practice

Tasks:

1. Comprehensive Review:
   • Revisit tunnels (GRE, IP-IP) and HA mechanisms (LAG, RTG, Virtual Chassis, NSR, ISSU).
   • Use flashcards and notes for active recall.
2. Take a Quiz:
   • Solve 20–30 exam-style questions on tunnels and HA.
3. Perform a Combined Lab:
   • Design a scenario integrating:
     • GRE and IP-IP tunnels.
     • LAG and RTG configurations.
     • NSR and ISSU failover simulations.
4. Reflect and Plan:
   • Summarize key takeaways and prepare notes for Week 8.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Review notes and solve quiz questions.
• Pomodoro 3: Perform a comprehensive lab scenario.
• Pomodoro 4: Reflect and finalize notes.

Summary of Week 7 Goals

By the end of Week 7, you should:

• Understand and configure GRE and IP-IP tunnels for various use cases.
• Be proficient in high availability mechanisms like LAG, RTG, Virtual Chassis, NSR, and ISSU.
• Have practiced integrating tunneling and HA concepts in real-world scenarios.

Week 8: Final Review and Exam Preparation

Objective:

• Consolidate knowledge of all topics covered in the JN0-351 syllabus.
• Identify weak areas through mock exams and targeted reviews.
• Practice troubleshooting and configuration tasks in simulated exam conditions.

Day 1: Comprehensive Review of Weeks 1–3

Tasks:

1. Review Layer 2 Switching, VLANs, and STP:
   • Revisit VLAN configurations, tagging, inter-VLAN routing, and STP/RSTP concepts.
   • Focus on port roles, BPDU mechanics, and STP enhancements.
2. Review Layer 2 Security:
   • Go through BPDU Guard, Root Guard, Port Security, DAI, IP Source Guard, and Storm Control.
3. Review Protocol Independent Routing:
   • Revisit static routing, Martian addresses, routing instances, and load balancing concepts.
4. Solve Practice Questions:
   • Attempt 20–30 questions focusing on topics from Weeks 1–3.
   • Review incorrect answers and revise weak areas.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Review Layer 2 Switching and STP.
• Pomodoro 2: Review Layer 2 Security concepts.
• Pomodoro 3: Revisit Protocol Independent Routing topics.
• Pomodoro 4: Solve and analyze practice questions.

Day 2: Comprehensive Review of Weeks 4–5

Tasks:

1. Review OSPF:
   • Go through OSPF basics, area design, router types, LSAs, and DR/BDR election.
   • Focus on troubleshooting OSPF configurations and topology issues.
2. Review IS-IS:
   • Revisit IS-IS levels, areas, TLVs, PDUs, and DIS behavior.
3. Solve Practice Questions:
   • Attempt 20–30 questions focusing on topics from Weeks 4–5.
   • Focus on detailed explanations for incorrect answers.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Review OSPF concepts.
• Pomodoro 2: Review IS-IS topics.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve and analyze practice questions.
• Pomodoro 4: Document weak areas for further review.

Day 3: Comprehensive Review of Weeks 6–7

Tasks:

1. Review BGP:
   • Revisit BGP basics, neighbor relationships, path selection rules, IBGP vs. EBGP, and attributes.
   • Focus on route filtering and policy control using route maps and attributes.
2. Review Tunnels and HA:
   • Revisit GRE, IP-IP, LAG, RTG, Virtual Chassis, NSR, and ISSU.
3. Solve Practice Questions:
   • Attempt 20–30 questions focusing on topics from Weeks 6–7.
   • Review configurations related to tunneling and HA in lab scenarios.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Review BGP concepts.
• Pomodoro 2: Revisit tunneling and HA mechanisms.
• Pomodoro 3: Solve and analyze practice questions.
• Pomodoro 4: Summarize findings and finalize notes.

Day 4: Mock Exam 1

Tasks:

1. Take a Full-Length Mock Exam:
   • Simulate exam conditions: 90 minutes, no interruptions.
   • Attempt questions covering all topics (50–60 questions if possible).
2. Analyze Results:
   • Identify weak areas and list topics that require more review.
   • Categorize mistakes:
     • Conceptual Errors: Revisit study material for clarification.
     • Configuration Errors: Recreate scenarios in a lab environment.
3. Plan for Weak Areas:
   • Allocate extra time for topics that need improvement.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Take the mock exam.
• Pomodoro 3–4: Analyze results and revisit weak areas.

Day 5: Targeted Review and Troubleshooting

Tasks:

1. Focus on Weak Areas:
   • Revisit topics identified as weak during the mock exam.
   • Use targeted study methods:
     • Flashcards for key concepts.
     • Lab exercises for configuration issues.
2. Practice Troubleshooting:
   • Simulate common network issues and resolve them:
     • STP misconfigurations.
     • BGP neighbor issues.
     • OSPF area and LSDB inconsistencies.
3. Solve Practice Questions:
   • Focus on questions related to the weak areas.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Review weak areas from the mock exam.
• Pomodoro 2–3: Practice troubleshooting in lab scenarios.
• Pomodoro 4: Solve targeted practice questions.

Day 6: Mock Exam 2

Tasks:

1. Take Another Full-Length Mock Exam:
   • Simulate exam conditions again to track improvement.
   • Focus on time management and accuracy.
2. Analyze Results:
   • Compare scores with Mock Exam 1 to measure progress.
   • Identify any remaining weak areas for final revision.
3. Plan for Final Review:
   • Outline topics to prioritize on the final day.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1–2: Take the mock exam.
• Pomodoro 3–4: Analyze results and plan final revisions.

Day 7: Final Review

Tasks:

1. Revisit All Topics:
   • Focus on summaries, flashcards, and quick-reference guides created throughout the study plan.
   • Use spaced repetition to reinforce critical topics.
2. Light Lab Practice:
   • Perform simple configurations for:
     • VLANs and STP.
     • OSPF and BGP.
     • Tunnels and HA mechanisms.
3. Prepare for Exam Day:
   • Review exam-taking strategies:
     • Time management.
     • Eliminating incorrect answers.
     • Prioritizing known questions.
   • Ensure you are familiar with the exam format and tools.

Pomodoro Plan:

• Pomodoro 1: Review Layer 2 and routing protocols.
• Pomodoro 2: Review advanced topics like BGP, Tunnels, and HA.
• Pomodoro 3: Perform light lab practice.
• Pomodoro 4: Final preparation and relaxation.

Summary of Week 8 Goals

By the end of Week 8, you should:

• Have a strong command of all JN0-351 topics.
• Be confident in solving exam-style questions and troubleshooting scenarios.
• Feel ready to approach the exam with a clear strategy and minimal stress.