OSI Model / CCNA

Anyone interested in networking or technology should have a basic understanding of the Layers of the OSI Model, and how they interact.
Seven layers are defined:
7) Application: Provides different services to the applications
6) Presentation : Converts the information
5) Session : Handles problems which are not communication issues
4) Transport : Provides end to end communication control
3) Network : Routes the information in the network
2) Data Link : Provides error control between adjacent nodes
1) Physical : Connects the entity to the transmission media

Remember by using this Acronym:
Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away

At a minimum you will need to have a basic understanding of four core areas of Networking; Planning & Design, Implementation & Operations, Troubleshooting and Technology environments. IThis is a very high level description of what you will need to know. More Specifically the CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.

This is a great certification to compliment your degree or MCSE.