Cisco Networking Academy Launches Security and Wireless Curricula for Academies

SAN JOSE, Calif., September 16, 2003 - Cisco Systems, Inc.® today announced the launch of the Fundamentals of Network Security and the Fundamentals of Wireless LANs curricula through the Cisco Networking Academy^TM Program. After an initial pilot phase that attracted over 250 Academy participants, the Networking Academy program is launching the courses globally.

The Fundamentals of Network Security course teaches students to design and implement security solutions to reduce the risk of revenue loss and vulnerability. The Fundamentals of Wireless LANs is an introductory course about the design, planning, implementation, operation and troubleshooting of wireless networks.

"The new courses give students hands-on training, including everything from basic site survey to installing equipment," said John Sands, an instructor at Morraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois. "They are gaining the knowledge to enter the job market with the basic skills necessary to architect, implement and operate wireless networks and security solutions."

The Cisco Networking Academy Program utilizes a blended learning model, integrating face-to-face teaching with a challenging web-based curriculum, hands-on lab exercises and Internet-based assessment. Academy graduates are prepared for networking and IT-related careers in the public and private sectors, as well as for higher education in engineering, computer science and related fields.

The breadth of the Academy curricula has grown to meet the demand for a range of technical learning paths and skill sets. In addition to Network Security and Wireless LAN training, students can choose courses in Web Design, Voice and Data Cabling, Java Programming, IT Essentials I & II, Fundamentals of UNIX, as well as the traditional Academy courses to prepare for CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certifications.

"There is a significant need in the marketplace for security and wireless network professionals," said Kevin Warner, senior director at Cisco Systems. "We are confident that a growing number of Academies will embrace the security and wireless courses as an integral part of their IT curriculum."

Fundamentals of Wireless LANs

As organizations increasingly depend on wireless technologies in their everyday practices, the Fundamentals of Wireless LANs course teaches students to develop, implement and troubleshoot wireless networks. This 70-hour hands-on, skills-based course offers a comprehensive overview of technologies, security and design best practices. Fundamentals of Wireless LANs helps prepare students for the Cisco Wireless LAN Support Specialist certification exam, (WLANFE).

Fundamentals of Network Security

The Fundamentals of Network Security course is designed to prepare students for certification in the security field. This course combines hands-on experience, instructor-led lectures and web-based curriculum for students. Fundamentals of Network Security helps prepare students for the Cisco Firewall Specialist certifications SECUR and CSPFA, which are also part of the CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional) certification.