Basic Network Course

Lesson 1 • Core Network Components

Identifies routers, switches, hubs, access points, and cables. Students map each component to its role in data delivery.

Lesson 2 • Network Types and Topologies

Covers LAN, WAN, MAN, and PAN distinctions alongside physical and logical topologies. Connects network scope to design decisions.

Lesson 3 • Network Standards and Organizations

Introduces the bodies that define networking standards and why compliance matters. Grounds students in the regulatory and technical landscape.

Lesson 4 • What Is a Computer Network

Defines networks, their purpose, and real-world applications. Establishes the vocabulary used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 1 • Encapsulation and Data Flow

Traces a data packet from sender to receiver through each model layer. Reinforces how headers are added and removed at each stage.

Lesson 2 • TCP/IP Model in Depth

Covers the four-layer TCP/IP model used in modern networks. Compares it directly to the OSI model for clarity.

Lesson 3 • Purpose of Layered Network Models

Explains why abstraction layers simplify network design and troubleshooting. Sets the stage for deep dives into each layer.

Lesson 4 • OSI Model Layer by Layer

Walks through all seven OSI layers with functions and examples. Students associate real protocols and devices with each layer.

Lesson 1 • Variable Length Subnet Masking

Introduces VLSM for efficient address allocation across multiple subnets. Students design VLSM schemes that minimise address waste.

Lesson 2 • Subnet Masks and CIDR

Explains subnet masks, prefix lengths, and Classless Inter-Domain Routing. Students calculate network and host ranges from CIDR notation.

Lesson 3 • IPv6 Addressing Fundamentals

Covers the 128-bit IPv6 format, address types, and notation rules. Prepares students for dual-stack and IPv6-only environments.

Lesson 4 • Address Assignment Methods

Compares static assignment, DHCP, and IPv6 autoconfiguration. Students select the appropriate method for different network scenarios.

Lesson 1 • VLANs and Network Segmentation

Introduces VLANs as a tool for logical segmentation and broadcast control. Students configure access and trunk ports on a switch.

Lesson 2 • How Switches Forward Frames

Explains MAC address table learning, flooding, and forwarding decisions. Students trace how a switch handles known and unknown destinations.

Lesson 3 • Ethernet Standards and Frame Structure

Details Ethernet evolution, frame fields, and MAC addressing. Connects physical media standards to frame delivery.

Lesson 4 • Switch Security Basics

Introduces port security, MAC filtering, and DHCP snooping. Ties Layer 2 security controls to broader network protection goals.

Lesson 1 • Static Routing Configuration

Covers manual route entry, floating static routes, and use cases. Students configure and verify static routes in a lab environment.

Lesson 2 • Dynamic Routing Protocol Concepts

Introduces distance-vector, link-state, and path-vector categories. Students compare protocol behaviour and convergence characteristics.

Lesson 3 • OSPF Fundamentals

Covers OSPF neighbour relationships, LSAs, and SPF calculation. Students configure single-area OSPF and verify adjacency formation.

Lesson 4 • Routing Between VLANs

Explains router-on-a-stick and Layer 3 switch methods for inter-VLAN routing. Connects switching knowledge to routing configuration.

Lesson 1 • Network Address Translation

Covers static NAT, dynamic NAT, and PAT to conserve public addresses. Students configure NAT and verify translation table entries.

Lesson 2 • File Transfer and Email Protocols

Covers FTP, SFTP, SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 operation and security considerations. Students identify the correct protocol for each data transfer scenario.

Lesson 3 • DNS: Domain Name Resolution

Explains the DNS hierarchy, resolution process, and record types. Students trace a query from client to authoritative server.

Lesson 4 • DHCP Service Operation

Details the DORA process, scope configuration, and relay agents. Builds on IP addressing concepts to show automated address management.

Lesson 1 • Wireless Security Protocols

Covers WEP weaknesses, WPA2, and WPA3 improvements for wireless protection. Students configure secure wireless authentication and encryption settings.

Lesson 2 • VPN Technologies

Introduces site-to-site and remote-access VPN types, IPsec, and SSL/TLS tunnels. Students compare VPN options for different connectivity needs.

Lesson 3 • Firewalls and Packet Filtering

Explains stateless and stateful firewall operation and rule processing. Students write and order firewall rules to permit and deny traffic.

Lesson 4 • Access Control Lists

Covers standard and extended ACL syntax, placement, and verification. Students apply ACLs to filter traffic on router interfaces.

Lesson 1 • Essential CLI Diagnostic Tools

Covers ping, traceroute, nslookup, netstat, and ipconfig/ifconfig commands. Students use each tool to isolate connectivity and configuration faults.

Lesson 2 • SNMP and Network Monitoring Systems

Explains SNMP versions, MIBs, traps, and polling for device monitoring. Students configure basic SNMP and interpret monitoring dashboard data.

Lesson 3 • Performance Baselining and Capacity Planning

Teaches how to establish normal performance baselines and detect deviations. Students create a simple baseline report and identify capacity thresholds.

Lesson 4 • Packet Capture and Analysis

Introduces packet capture concepts and basic Wireshark filter syntax. Students capture live traffic and identify anomalies in protocol exchanges.