Data Communications and Networking Course

Lesson 1 • What Is a Data Network

Defines data communication networks and their purpose in modern infrastructure. Establishes vocabulary used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 2 • Types of Networks by Scale

Distinguishes LAN, MAN, WAN, and PAN by geographic scope and use case. Prepares students to classify real-world deployments correctly.

Lesson 3 • Standards Bodies and Protocols

Introduces IEEE, IETF, and ISO as sources of networking standards. Explains why open standards enable interoperability across vendors.

Lesson 4 • Network Components and Devices

Identifies routers, switches, hubs, access points, and cabling roles. Provides hardware context for all protocol discussions that follow.

Lesson 1 • The TCP/IP Model

Contrasts the four-layer TCP/IP model with OSI and maps each layer to real protocols. Grounds students in the model actually used on the internet.

Lesson 2 • The Seven OSI Layers

Details each OSI layer's function, data unit, and responsibilities. Enables precise protocol classification and fault isolation.

Lesson 3 • Encapsulation and De-encapsulation

Traces how data is wrapped with headers at each layer during transmission and unwrapped on receipt. Builds intuition for packet analysis.

Lesson 4 • Purpose of Layered Models

Explains why abstraction layers simplify network design and troubleshooting. Frames the OSI model as a universal reference tool.

Lesson 1 • Subnet Masks and CIDR

Explains how subnet masks define network boundaries and introduces CIDR prefix notation. Enables efficient address space allocation.

Lesson 2 • Subnetting Techniques

Teaches fixed-length and variable-length subnet masking to divide address space. Students solve subnetting problems under time constraints.

Lesson 3 • IPv6 Addressing Fundamentals

Introduces 128-bit IPv6 structure, notation rules, and address types. Prepares students for dual-stack and IPv6-only environments.

Lesson 4 • IPv4 Address Structure

Breaks down the 32-bit IPv4 address into network and host portions. Introduces classes, private ranges, and special addresses.

Lesson 1 • Ethernet Standards and Media

Reviews IEEE 802.3 Ethernet variants, speeds, and physical media types. Connects standard selection to bandwidth and distance requirements.

Lesson 2 • MAC Addressing and Framing

Explains the 48-bit MAC address structure and Ethernet data frame format. Enables students to interpret data frames during troubleshooting.

Lesson 3 • Switch Forwarding Logic

Details how switches build MAC address tables and make forwarding decisions. Explains network flooding, filtering, and forwarding behaviours.

Lesson 4 • Spanning Tree Protocol

Explains how STP prevents Layer 2 loops in redundant switched networks. Covers port states, root bridge election, and rapid convergence.

Lesson 1 • Router Architecture and Operation

Describes router hardware components and the packet forwarding process. Establishes how routing tables drive forwarding decisions.

Lesson 2 • Link-State Routing with OSPF

Details OSPF neighbour formation, LSA network flooding, and SPF calculation. Students configure single-area OSPF and verify adjacencies.

Lesson 3 • Static and Default Routing

Covers manual route configuration for small or stub networks. Students configure static routes and a default gateway of last resort.

Lesson 4 • BGP and Inter-Domain Routing

Introduces BGP as the internet's path-vector protocol for autonomous system routing. Covers eBGP peering, attributes, and policy basics.

Lesson 1 • Port Numbers and Sockets

Defines well-known, registered, and dynamic port ranges and socket pairs. Enables students to identify application traffic by port.

Lesson 2 • UDP and Connectionless Transport

Contrasts UDP's low-overhead model with TCP and identifies appropriate use cases. Explains why real-time applications prefer UDP.

Lesson 3 • DNS, HTTP, and Email Protocols

Covers DNS resolution, HTTP/HTTPS request-response cycles, and SMTP/IMAP operation. Provides protocol-level understanding for troubleshooting.

Lesson 4 • File Transfer and Remote Access Protocols

Examines FTP, SFTP, SCP, SSH, and Telnet for data transfer and remote management. Emphasises secure alternatives to legacy protocols.

Lesson 1 • Network Address Translation

Explains static NAT, dynamic NAT, and PAT for address conservation and hiding. Connects NAT to IPv4 exhaustion and security benefits.

Lesson 2 • Secure Network Management

Covers encrypted management protocols, AAA frameworks, and device hardening. Ensures students can secure network devices against unauthorised access.

Lesson 3 • Common Network Threats

Catalogues reconnaissance, DoS, man-in-the-middle, and spoofing attacks. Builds threat awareness needed to justify security controls.

Lesson 4 • Firewalls and DMZ Architecture

Describes stateful firewall operation and DMZ design for public-facing services. Students design a basic three-zone firewall topology.

Lesson 1 • Quality of Service Fundamentals

Introduces QoS classification, marking, queuing, and policing to prioritise critical traffic. Students configure DSCP marking and priority queuing.

Lesson 2 • Syslog and NetFlow Analysis

Uses syslog severity levels and NetFlow records to detect anomalies and audit events. Builds skills for log-based root cause analysis.

Lesson 3 • Diagnostic Tools and Commands

Covers ping, traceroute, nslookup, netstat, and packet capture tools. Students use each tool to isolate faults at specific OSI layers.

Lesson 4 • SNMP and Network Monitoring

Explains SNMP versions, MIB structure, and trap-based alerting for infrastructure monitoring. Connects monitoring data to proactive fault management.