Networking Foundations

A network, is a system of interconnected computers (and devices) that operate interactively. 

Any number of computers may be connected into a network, from two to dozens, hundreds, thousands or even millions.

Networks typically include other devices such as printers, external hard drives, modems and routers, etc. Nearly everyone involved with computers at any level now requires knowledge and skills with networks computer systems.

Today networks are widely used in not only the workplace; but increasingly in homes.

When computers fail to operate; a common reason is a networking issue. Things you learn in this course are not only an essential foundation for a career in I.T. but they can be a key to solving simple IT problems in any home or workplace.

Studies include: networking introduction, topology, architecture and transmission media; components and hardware; design and planning; upgrading; basic TCP/IP Services and Applications and more.

There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Networking Terms, Concepts and Standards
   • What is a network
   • History of networks
   • Network hosts and backbones
   • Access vs core networks
   • Internet backboneWhat is a host
   • Types of computer networks
   • Local area network (LAN)
   • Wide area network (WAN)
   • Home networking and Wireless local area networks
   • Types of LANs
   • LAN topology
   • Wireless networking (Wi Fi)
   • Hardware for a basic network
   • Network cards
   • Network cable
   • Hubs and switches
   • Routers
   • Network standards
   • ISO
2. Network Topology, Architecture and Transmission Media
   • Physical vs. local topology
   • Design considerations
   • Physical topologies: star, bus, ring, tree, mesh
   • Logical topologies
   • Architecture of a network
   • Transmission media
   • Cost of a network
   • Band width
   • Band use
   • Multiplexing
   • Attenuation
   • Electromagnetic interference
3. Network Components and Hardware
   • Repeater
   • Switch
   • Hub
   • Bridge
   • Router
   • Server
   • Modem
   • Short haul modems
   • Firewall hardware
4. Network Design and Planning
   • Evaluating needs of an organisation
   • Applications
   • Users
   • Network services
   • Security of the network
   • Growth planning
   • Designing a logical network
   • Communicating effectively with clients
5. Network Upgrading and Project Management
   • Why upgrade a network
   • Is it time to upgrade
   • What are the new requirements
   • Planning an upgrade: prioritise, budget, evaluate
6. Network Protection and Maintenance
   • Information security
   • Network attacks
   • Man in the middle attack
   • Replay attack
   • Denial of service attack
   • Distributed denial of service attack
   • Attackers
   • Internal security
   • Password security
   • File and directory permissions
   • Educating users
   • External security
   • Firewalls
   • Intrusion detection systems
   • Security zones
   • Virtual LAN's
7. Understanding Network Connecting Options
   • Dial up connections
   • DSL connections
   • ADSL connections
   • ADSL+2 connections
   • Cable connections
   • Leased line connections
   • Satellite
8. Installation and Configuration of Network
   • Network installation process
   • Cabeling the network
   • Router configuration
   • Server configuration
   • Multiple equipment configuration
   • Testing the configuration
9. Basic TCP/IP Services and Applications
   • TCP/IP suite
   • HTTP
   • SMTP/POP3
   • Telnet
   • FTP
   • DNS
   • NNTP
10. Troubleshooting Tools for TCP/IP Networks
    • Troubleshooting techniques
    • Troubleshooting tools
    • Ping
    • Traceroute
    • NSlookup
    • Hostname

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims:

• Discuss the history and key developments in networking.
• Describe the main networking models, terminology and standards.
• Explain the different topologies, architectures and transmission media in computer networks.
• Explain the physical components within a network and how individual components connect to each other.
• Evaluate the needs of the organisation and design a logical network.
• Discuss reasons for network upgrade and techniques for managing a network upgrade.
• Explain the importance of network protection to prevent downtime and preserve valuable data.
• Identify and compare various connection options like dial-up connections and dedicated connections.
• Describe the installation process and configurations for networking.
• Describe the TCP/IP suites of utilities generally used by end users.

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