NETWORKING FOUNDATIONS BIT103

Learn about Computer networks; what they are, their component parts, the various configurations that are possible and what they can do. This course lays a foundation in a way that will enable you to better plan and manage computer networks.

It is designed for the office manager, or I.T. professional who has limited knowledge of networks; and needs a more solid foundation in order to build their knowledge, skills and ability to work with networks.

 

This course assumes that the student has no knowledge of computer networks. However, students must have access to a computer which is connected to the Internet.

A computer network, commonly just called 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.


LESSON STRUCTURE

There are 10 lessons in this course:

  1. Networking Terms, Concepts and Standards
  2. Network Topology, Architecture and Transmission Media
  3. Network Components and Hardware
  4. Network Design and Planning
  5. Network Upgrading and Project Management
  6. Network Protection and Maintenance
  7. Understanding Network Connecting Options
  8. Installation and Configuration of Network
  9. Basic TCP/IP Services and Applications
  10. Troubleshooting Tools for TCP/IP Networks

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.

 

What is in each lesson?

1. Networking Terms, Concepts and Standards

  • What is a network
  • History of networks
  • Network hosts and backbone
  • Access vs core networks
  • Internet backbone
  • What 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
  • Cabling 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

 

OPPORTUNITIES

Computer Networks are Everywhere
  • In most offices
  • In Retail Shops
  • In most other workplaces

They have real advantages (eg. lots of computers can use a single internet connection), but the one disadvantage is that when something goes wrong; you can find it affects all computers on the network.
Most problems are relatively easy to fix; and a course like this can make a huge difference in enabling you to solve the problem without needing to call in a highly trained expert.

If you work with computers or even just have a network at home; this can be a great course for you.
If you work in IT, it can be a wonderful foundation for developing solid skills in networking and IT support.