Computer Networking Course

Lesson 1 • What Is a Computer Network

Defines networks, their purpose, and real-world use cases. Grounds all subsequent technical content in practical context.

Lesson 2 • The OSI Reference Model

Introduces the seven-layer OSI model as a framework for understanding protocol responsibilities. Each layer's function is mapped to real network operations.

Lesson 3 • Data Transmission Basics

Covers how bits travel across media as signals. Establishes bandwidth, latency, and throughput as measurable network performance indicators.

Lesson 4 • Network Types and Topologies

Classifies networks by scale and physical layout. Connects topology choice to performance and fault-tolerance trade-offs.

Lesson 1 • Physical Layer Encoding and Signalling

Covers line coding schemes and modulation techniques that convert bits to signals. Links encoding choices to error rates and channel efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Copper Cabling Standards

Details twisted-pair and coaxial cable types, categories, and performance limits. Connects cable selection to speed and distance requirements.

Lesson 3 • Fibre Optic Cabling

Explains light-based transmission through single-mode and multimode fibre. Positions fibre as the solution for high-speed, long-distance, and EMI-resistant links.

Lesson 4 • Wireless Transmission Media

Surveys radio, microwave, and infrared transmission. Introduces frequency bands and regulatory constraints that govern wireless deployments.

Lesson 1 • Switching and MAC Address Tables

Explains how switches learn, store, and use MAC address tables to forward frames. Introduces flooding, forwarding, and filtering decisions.

Lesson 2 • Ethernet Standards and Frames

Covers Ethernet II and IEEE 802.3 frame formats and speed standards from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps. Ties standard selection to cabling and switch capabilities.

Lesson 3 • Data Link Layer Functions

Defines framing, flow control, and error detection as core data link responsibilities. Establishes how this layer shields the network layer from physical imperfections.

Lesson 4 • MAC Addressing

Explains the structure and assignment of 48-bit MAC addresses. Connects MAC addressing to frame delivery within a single broadcast domain.

Lesson 5 • VLANs and Trunking

Introduces virtual LANs as a method to segment broadcast domains logically. Covers 802.1Q tagging and trunk link configuration between switches.

Lesson 1 • Network Layer Responsibilities

Defines routing, logical addressing, and path determination as network layer functions. Distinguishes routed from routing protocols.

Lesson 2 • IPv6 Addressing

Introduces 128-bit IPv6 address types, notation rules, and header improvements over IPv4. Covers stateless address autoconfiguration and dual-stack coexistence.

Lesson 3 • IP Packet Structure and Forwarding

Analyses IPv4 and IPv6 header fields and explains how routers use routing tables to forward packets. Connects TTL and hop limits to loop prevention.

Lesson 4 • IPv4 Addressing and Classes

Explains 32-bit IPv4 address structure, classful ranges, and private address blocks. Provides the foundation for subnetting calculations.

Lesson 1 • Border Gateway Protocol

Presents BGP as the inter-domain routing protocol of the internet. Covers AS numbers, path attributes, and policy-based route selection.

Lesson 2 • Distance-Vector Routing Protocols

Explains Bellman-Ford-based protocols including RIP and EIGRP fundamentals. Covers split horizon, route poisoning, and convergence behaviour.

Lesson 3 • Link-State Routing Protocols

Introduces OSPF and IS-IS as link-state protocols that build complete topology maps. Covers LSA flooding, SPF calculation, and area design.

Lesson 4 • Route Redistribution and Optimisation

Addresses sharing routes between different routing protocols and tuning metrics. Connects redistribution to real multi-vendor enterprise environments.

Lesson 1 • TCP Operation and Reliability

Explains the three-way handshake, sequence numbers, acknowledgments, and flow control. Covers congestion control algorithms that prevent network saturation.

Lesson 2 • HTTP, FTP, and Email Protocols

Surveys web, file transfer, and email protocols at the application layer. Connects protocol behaviour to port numbers and security upgrade paths.

Lesson 3 • UDP and Real-Time Applications

Covers UDP's low-overhead, connectionless model and its suitability for latency-sensitive traffic. Connects UDP to DNS, VoIP, and streaming use cases.

Lesson 4 • Transport Layer Functions

Defines segmentation, port addressing, and end-to-end delivery as transport responsibilities. Distinguishes connection-oriented from connectionless communication.

Lesson 1 • Encryption and VPNs

Covers symmetric and asymmetric encryption, PKI basics, and VPN tunnel types. Connects encryption to confidentiality and integrity goals.

Lesson 2 • Common Network Threats

Catalogues attack types including DoS, man-in-the-middle, spoofing, and reconnaissance. Establishes a threat model that motivates all subsequent security controls.

Lesson 3 • Firewalls and Intrusion Detection

Compares packet-filter, stateful, and next-generation firewalls. Introduces IDS and IPS as complementary detection and prevention mechanisms.

Lesson 4 • Network Hardening Practices

Applies defence-in-depth principles to device configuration and management plane security. Covers AAA, port security, and secure management protocols.

Lesson 1 • Performance Metrics and Baselining

Defines key performance indicators including utilisation, jitter, and packet loss. Baselining normal behaviour enables rapid anomaly detection.

Lesson 2 • Diagnostic Tools and Commands

Covers ping, traceroute, nslookup, netstat, and packet capture tools. Each tool is mapped to specific OSI layers and failure scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Configuration Management and Documentation

Covers change control processes, configuration backups, and network diagram standards. Proper documentation reduces recovery time during outages.

Lesson 4 • Troubleshooting Methodologies

Introduces top-down, bottom-up, and divide-and-conquer diagnostic approaches. Selecting the right method reduces mean time to resolution.