Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the function of network components and the OSI and TCP/IP models.
• Implement and configure IP addressing schemes, including IPv4 and basic IPv6.
• Configure and manage common network devices such as switches and routers.
• Apply fundamental routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, EIGRP) in a simulated environment.
• Understand and implement virtual LANs (VLANs) for network segmentation.
• Perform basic network security configurations, including access control lists (ACLs).
• Utilize monitoring and troubleshooting tools to diagnose network performance issues.
• Set up and manage essential network services like DNS, DHCP, and NAT.

• Aspiring Network Administrators and Engineers.
• System Administrators seeking to deepen their networking knowledge.
• IT support staff who frequently troubleshoot connectivity issues.
• Cybersecurity analysts needing a strong network foundation.
• Individuals preparing for vendor-specific networking certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNA).

• Extensive hands-on labs using network simulation tools (e.g., Packet Tracer).
• Scenario-based practical exercises for configuring routers and switches.
• Group activities focused on designing and segmenting a corporate network.
• Case studies on diagnosing and resolving complex network outages.

Unit 1: Network Models and Fundamentals

• Detailed breakdown of the seven layers of the OSI model.
• Mapping the OSI model to the four-layer TCP/IP model.
• Encapsulation and de-encapsulation processes.
• Key protocols at each layer (e.g., ARP, TCP, UDP, HTTP).

• Common network topologies (Star, Mesh, Bus) and their use cases.
• Function and placement of hubs, switches, and routers.
• Cabling standards (UTP, Fiber) and Ethernet technologies.
• Wireless networking standards (802.11) and access points.

Unit 2: IP Addressing and Subnetting

• Classes of IP addresses and public vs. private ranges.
• Detailed instruction on Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR).
• Practical subnetting calculation and VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Masking).
• IP address management (IPAM) best practices.

• IPv6 address structure and representation.
• Types of IPv6 addresses (Unicast, Multicast, Anycast).
• Transition mechanisms from IPv4 to IPv6.
• Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) vs. DHCPv6.

Unit 3: Switching and VLANs

• The function of MAC addresses and the MAC address table.
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and its role in loop prevention.
• Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) for bandwidth increase.
• Switch security features (Port Security, DHCP snooping).

• Creating, configuring, and verifying VLANs on switches.
• Trunking protocols (802.1Q) and their configuration.
• Inter-VLAN routing techniques and implementation.
• Best practices for VLAN design and segmentation.

Unit 4: Routing and Wide Area Networks (WAN)

• Static vs. Dynamic routing and their application.
• Configuration and verification of OSPF (Open Shortest Path First).
• Introduction to EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol).
• Gateway Redundancy Protocols (HSRP, VRRP).

• Introduction to MPLS, Metro Ethernet, and VPNs.
• Configuration of Network Address Translation (NAT) and PAT.
• DSL, Cable, and Fiber connections in a WAN context.
• Considerations for BGP and Internet connectivity.

Unit 5: Network Services and Administration

• Installation and configuration of DHCP servers and relay agents.
• Understanding the DNS resolution process and zone types.
• Monitoring tools: SNMP, NetFlow, and Syslog.
• Quality of Service (QoS) principles and implementation.

• Implementing Access Control Lists (ACLs) for traffic filtering.
• Introduction to network firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).
• The structured network troubleshooting methodology.
• Using ping, traceroute, and protocol analyzers (e.g., Wireshark).