Understanding Networking Fundamentals

1. Introduction to Networking

• What Is Network Computing?
• Building Blocks of Networks
• Network Infrastructure: Media
• Network Infrastructure: Switches and Access Points
• Network Infrastructure: Routers
• Network Services
• Network Types
• Network Topologies
• Locating Network Resources: Peer-to-Peer Networking
• Locating Network Resources: Client-Server Networking
• Virtual Computing
• Cloud Computing
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

2. Network Standards

• Introduction
• Standards Organizations
• Example Standards Development Process
• OSI Mode Overview
• TCP/IP Model
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

3. Physical Network Connections

• Introduction
• UTP Cabling
• Fiber Optic Cabling
• Wireless Connections
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

4. Ethernet LANs

• Introduction
• NIC and MAC Addresses
• Ethernet Standards
• Ethernet Frame Structures
• Ethernet Equipment Types
• Ethernet Connectors
• Ethernet Performance Issues
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

5. Ethernet Switching

• Introduction
• Benefits of Switching
• Switch Installations
• Switch Operations Overview
• Switch Loop Problems
• Spanning Tree Protocol Overview
• Configuring Switches
• VLAN Overview
• Link Aggregation
• Troubleshooting
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

6. Wireless LANs

• Introduction
• WLAN Standards: IEEE & Wi-Fi Alliance
• WLAN Components
• SSID
• Wi-Fi Channels
• Wi-Fi Speeds Overview
• WLAN Security
• WLAN Performance Issues
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

7. IP Addressing

• What Are Logical Addresses?
• Binary Numbering
• Dotted Decimal Notation
• Three Types of IP Addresses
• Classful Addressing
• Assigning IP Addresses
• Reserved Addresses
• Private Addresses
• Network Masking
• Classless Addressing
• Introduction to IPv6
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

8. IPv4 Subnetting

• Purpose of Subnetting
• Subnet Communications
• Subnet Mask Rules
• The Art of Subnetting
• The Science of Subnetting
• Calculating Subnets
• Four Key Addresses
• Implementing the Plan
• Subnetting Case Study
• Variable-Length Subnet Masking
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

9. TCP and UDP

• Introduction
• TCP and UDP Headers
• Connection-Oriented vs. Connectionless Communications
• Transmission Control Protocol
• User Datagram Protocol
• TCP and UDP Port Numbers
• Network Address Translation
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

10. Support and Management Protocols

• Introduction
• Address Resolution Protocol
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• Domain Name System
• Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
• Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)
• Telnet
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
• Legacy Protocols: NetBIOS and NetBEUI
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

11. Routing

• Routing Overview
• Logical Segmentation
• Static vs. Dynamic Routing
• Routing Decision Process
• Route Protocol Operation
• Common Routing Protocols
• Configuring Routers
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

12. Wide Area Networks

• Introduction
• Evolution of WAN Technologies
• Sources of WAN Solutions
• Circuit Switched vs. Packet Switched
• Circuit Switched WAN Solutions
• Packet Switched WAN Solutions
• Internet WANs
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

13. Communications Protocols

• Introduction
• Electronic Mail
• Instant Messaging
• Voice over IP
• Unified Communications
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

14. Web Protocols

• Introduction
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
• Transport Layer Security (TLS)
• Remote Desktop Protocols
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

15. Network Security

• Introduction
• Security Threats
• Threat Mitigation
• Developing a Security Plan
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

16. Emerging Networking Technologies

• Introduction
• Improved Wireless Technologies
• Enterprise Mobility
• Internet of Things
• Software Defined Networks
• Keeping Up with New Technology
• Module Review and Discussion Questions

• Basics of layered network protocols and compare the two primary reference models: OSI and TCP/IP
• Inspect a structured cabling system, including the proper use and installation of UTP and fiber optic cables
• Configure a workstation to connect to a network
• Ethernet operations and the use of VLANs by examining the configuration and operation of switches on a network
• Spanning Tree operation as a method of eliminating broadcast storms on a switched network
• Configure a Wi-Fi router for operation on a SOHO network, including security, SSID, and Wi-Fi channel
• Various IP addressing considerations, including binary to decimal conversion, dotted decimal notation, classful vs. classless addressing, private vs. public addresses, and the use of network masking
• Create a subnet for a small network, selecting the correct masks for various situations to accommodate the current number of hosts in each subnet and to also allow for future growth
• Operation of various TCP/IP protocols on a network, including connectionless and connection-oriented communications using UDP and TCP, translation between private and public addresses using NAT, and support protocols such as ARP, DNS, and DHCP
• Router configurations to determine the function of various routing protocols, including RIP, IGRP, and OSPF, within and between networks
• Various WAN technologies, including circuit switched solutions such as leased lines and packet switched solutions such as Carrier Ethernet, and determine the best WAN connectivity solution for a given corporate network
• Use a protocol analyzer to capture and view network traffic, including e-mail, instant message exchanges, and web transactions
• Basic network security implementations by testing the impact a router that has been configured as a firewall has on the flow of traffic through a network
• Research the suitability of popular anti-malware suites for mitigating network security threats
• Research Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to support BYOD deployments

Lab 1: Connect and Configure a Workstation
Lab 2: Protocol Analysis with Wireshark
Lab 3: Examine Current Switch Configurations
Lab:4 Examine Spanning Tree
Lab 5: Configure a Wi-Fi Router
Lab 6: IPv4 Addressing Considerations
Lab 7: Create a Subnet Plan for a Small Network
Lab 8: Examine Support Protocols
Lab 9: Examine Router Configurations
Lab 10: Recognize Application of Different WAN Technologies
Lab 11: Examine an E-Mail Message with Wireshark
Lab 12: Examine an Instant Message Exchange with Wireshark
Lab 13: Examine a Web Transaction with Wireshark
Lab 14: Test Firewall
Lab 15: Research Anti-Malware
Lab 16: Research MDM Software

New IT professionals who want to learn the basics of a structured, layered approach to networking, including the fundamentals of network hardware and components, network protocols, IP addressing and subnetting, and various tools used in network monitoring and troubleshooting. Ideal candidates include:

• Entry-level and newly hired technical professionals, including PC support, help desk, and networking professionals
• Sales and marketing professionals looking to increase their ability to communicate with technical professionals and increase sales
• Technical professionals looking to strengthen core skill before pursuing advanced topics and certifications