Networking Basic To Advance

Course Title: Introduction to Networking

Module 1: Introduction to Networking

  1. What is Networking?
    • Definition of computer networks
    • Importance of networking in the modern world
    • Types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN, etc.)
  2. Basic Networking Concepts
    • Network Topologies (Star, Ring, Bus, Mesh, Hybrid)
    • Protocols and Standards
    • OSI Model (7 Layers) – Overview and Functions
    • TCP/IP Model (4 Layers)
  3. Types of Networks
    • LAN (Local Area Network)
    • WAN (Wide Area Network)
    • MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
    • WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
    • VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Module 2: Networking Hardware and Devices

  1. Network Devices
    • Routers
    • Switches
    • Hubs
    • Bridges
    • Modems
    • Firewalls
    • Access Points (AP)
    • Network Interface Cards (NICs)
  2. Cabling and Connectors
    • Types of cables (Ethernet, Fiber Optic, Coaxial)
    • Cable standards (Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7, etc.)
    • RJ45, Fiber connectors (SC, LC, ST, MTP)
  3. Wireless Networking
    • Wi-Fi standards (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
    • Wireless Access Points (WAPs)
    • Wireless Security (WPA2, WPA3, WEP)

Module 3: Network Addressing and IP Fundamentals

  1. IP Addressing
    • IPv4 vs. IPv6
    • Structure of an IP address (Classes A, B, C, D, E)
    • Subnetting: Concept and Practice
    • CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing)
    • Private vs. Public IP addresses
    • NAT (Network Address Translation)
  2. Subnetting and VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Mask)
    • Subnet mask calculation
    • Subnetting exercises (Practical)
  3. IP Address Assignment Methods
    • Static IP vs. Dynamic IP
    • DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
    • ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
  4. IPv6 Addressing
    • IPv6 format
    • IPv6 Address types (Unicast, Multicast, Anycast)
    • Transition from IPv4 to IPv6

Module 4: Networking Protocols and Communication

  1. TCP/IP Suite and Protocols
    • TCP vs. UDP (Transmission Control Protocol vs. User Datagram Protocol)
    • Common Ports and Services (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH, Telnet)
    • DNS (Domain Name System)
    • DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
    • ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
  2. Application Layer Protocols
    • HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
    • FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
    • SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
    • POP3/IMAP (Post Office Protocol/Internet Message Access Protocol)
    • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
  3. Transport Layer Protocols
    • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
    • UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
  4. Network Layer Protocols
    • IP (Internet Protocol)
    • ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
  5. Link Layer Protocols
    • Ethernet
    • PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol)
    • ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)

Module 5: Routing and Switching

  1. Introduction to Routing
    • Routing concepts
    • Static vs. Dynamic Routing
    • Routing Algorithms (Distance Vector, Link State, Path Vector)
  2. Routing Protocols
    • RIP (Routing Information Protocol)
    • OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
    • BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
  3. Introduction to Switching
    • What is switching?
    • Switch operation (Frame forwarding)
    • MAC Address Table
    • VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks)
  4. Advanced Switching Concepts
    • STP (Spanning Tree Protocol)
    • Port Security
    • VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP)
    • EtherChannel

Module 6: Network Security

  1. Introduction to Network Security
    • Basic Security Concepts
    • CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
    • Types of Attacks (Man-in-the-Middle, DDoS, MITM, Phishing, etc.)
    • Firewalls (Stateful vs. Stateless)
  2. Network Security Devices and Tools
    • Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) / Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
    • VPN (Virtual Private Network) and VPN Tunnels
    • Network Access Control (NAC)
    • Authentication Methods (RADIUS, TACACS+)
  3. Encryption and Secure Communication
    • Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Encryption
    • SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security)
    • VPN encryption protocols (IPSec, L2TP, PPTP)
    • SSL VPNs
  4. Wireless Security
    • WPA/WPA2/WPA3
    • WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
    • EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol)
    • WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

Module 7: Network Troubleshooting and Monitoring

  1. Troubleshooting Methodologies
    • OSI Model Approach to Troubleshooting
    • Common Networking Issues (Connectivity, Speed, Security)
    • Tools for Troubleshooting (Ping, Traceroute, nslookup, netstat, ipconfig, ifconfig)
  2. Network Monitoring and Performance Tuning
    • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
    • Network Performance Metrics (Latency, Bandwidth, Jitter, Packet Loss)
    • Bandwidth Monitoring Tools (Wireshark, NetFlow, SolarWinds)
  3. Network Management
    • Network Topology Mapping
    • Configuring and Managing Routers and Switches
    • Using Network Management Software (Cisco Network Assistant, PRTG)

Module 8: Advanced Networking Concepts (Optional for Advanced Learners)

  1. Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
    • SDN Architecture
    • SDN Controllers
    • OpenFlow Protocol
  2. Cloud Networking
    • Cloud Computing and Network Infrastructure
    • Virtual Networks in Cloud (AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network)
  3. Network Automation
    • Introduction to Automation Tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
    • Scripting for Networking (Python, PowerShell)
  4. Advanced Routing and Switching
    • MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)
    • BGP Configuration and Troubleshooting

Hands-On Labs/Assignments (Throughout the Course)

  • Lab 1: Setting up a basic home network (Router, Switch, and Devices)
  • Lab 2: Configuring IP addresses and Subnetting
  • Lab 3: Setting up a DNS Server
  • Lab 4: Configuring a Basic Router with Static Routing
  • Lab 5: Configuring VLANs and Switchport Security
  • Lab 6: Troubleshooting a Network Connectivity Issue
  • Lab 7: Simulating Network Attacks and Securing the Network
  • Lab 8: Packet Sniffing with Wireshark

Course Assessment

  • Quizzes at the end of each module to test understanding.
  • Final Project: Design and configure a network for a small office or home network.
  • Hands-on Exam: Troubleshooting a simulated network issue in a timed environment.

Target Audience

  • Beginners with no prior knowledge of networking
  • IT professionals looking to expand their knowledge of computer networks
  • Anyone interested in preparing for networking certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or similar

Certification

  • Upon completion, students should receive a certificate that demonstrates their understanding of networking fundamentals and practical skills.

This outline can be further customized based on the level of detail desired and the target audience