Networks and Servers Course

Lesson 1 • Data Transmission Basics

Covers how data is encoded, transmitted, and received across a medium. Introduces bandwidth, latency, throughput, and signal types.

Lesson 2 • Network Topologies and Architectures

Examines physical and logical layouts of networks including bus, star, ring, and mesh. Connects topology choice to performance, fault tolerance, and scalability.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Computer Networks

Defines what a network is, its purpose, and the types of networks in use today. Establishes vocabulary and context for all subsequent networking topics.

Lesson 4 • The OSI and TCP/IP Models

Introduces the seven-layer OSI model and the four-layer TCP/IP model as frameworks for understanding network communication. Maps real protocols to each layer.

Lesson 1 • Subnet Masks and CIDR Notation

Introduces subnet masks and classless inter-domain routing notation for flexible address allocation. Connects mask values to network and host boundaries.

Lesson 2 • Address Management and DHCP

Explains dynamic and static address assignment using DHCP and manual configuration. Covers DHCP server operation, scopes, and lease management.

Lesson 3 • IPv4 Addressing Fundamentals

Explains the structure of IPv4 addresses, address classes, and public vs. private ranges. Provides the basis for all subnetting and routing concepts.

Lesson 4 • Subnetting Techniques and Practice

Teaches step-by-step subnetting calculations to divide networks into smaller segments. Reinforces skills through structured practice problems.

Lesson 1 • Firewalls and Network Security Appliances

Introduces stateful firewalls, next-generation firewalls, and IDS/IPS devices as network boundary controls. Explains placement and policy fundamentals.

Lesson 2 • Cabling, Connectors, and Physical Media

Covers copper, fibre, and wireless media specifications, connector types, and installation standards. Ensures students can select and verify physical layer components.

Lesson 3 • Wireless Access Points and Controllers

Covers wireless networking standards, access point deployment, and controller-based management. Connects wireless infrastructure to wired network design.

Lesson 4 • Routers and Layer 3 Forwarding

Explains how routers use IP addresses and routing tables to forward packets between networks. Introduces static and dynamic routing at a conceptual level.

Lesson 1 • Spanning Tree Protocol Operation

Explains how STP prevents Layer 2 loops by electing a root bridge and blocking redundant paths. Covers port states, timers, and convergence.

Lesson 2 • Managed Switch Configuration Basics

Introduces CLI and GUI-based switch management, including initial setup and interface configuration. Provides the operational foundation for all switching topics.

Lesson 3 • EtherChannel and Link Aggregation

Introduces link aggregation to combine multiple physical links into a single logical channel for bandwidth and redundancy. Covers LACP and static configuration.

Lesson 4 • Trunk Links and Inter-Switch Connectivity

Covers 802.1Q trunking to carry multiple VLANs across switch uplinks. Explains native VLAN, allowed VLAN lists, and trunk negotiation.

Lesson 1 • Routing Concepts and Static Routing

Reviews routing table operation and configures static and default routes for small networks. Establishes the baseline before introducing dynamic protocols.

Lesson 2 • Distance-Vector Routing Protocols

Covers RIP and EIGRP as distance-vector protocols, explaining their update mechanisms and convergence behaviour. Connects protocol choice to network size and stability.

Lesson 3 • WAN Technologies and Connectivity Options

Surveys leased lines, MPLS, broadband, and SD-WAN as enterprise WAN options. Connects technology choice to cost, bandwidth, and reliability requirements.

Lesson 4 • Link-State Routing with OSPF

Explains OSPF's link-state database, area design, and DR/BDR election for scalable routing. Covers single-area and multi-area OSPF configuration.

Lesson 1 • Virtualisation Platforms and Hypervisors

Introduces Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors, virtual machine creation, and resource allocation. Connects virtualisation to server consolidation and flexibility.

Lesson 2 • Server Hardware and Operating System Selection

Covers server form factors, hardware components, and criteria for selecting a server OS. Connects hardware specifications to workload requirements.

Lesson 3 • Installing and Configuring Server OS

Walks through installation, post-install configuration, and hardening of a server operating system. Establishes a secure, functional baseline for all server roles.

Lesson 4 • Core Server Roles and Services

Configures essential server roles including DNS, DHCP, file sharing, and print services. Demonstrates how each role supports network operations.

Lesson 1 • User and Group Account Management

Teaches creation, modification, and deletion of user and group accounts with appropriate permissions. Reinforces least-privilege principles in account design.

Lesson 2 • Active Directory Domain Services

Covers AD DS installation, domain controller promotion, and forest and domain design. Connects AD structure to authentication and policy application.

Lesson 3 • Group Policy Objects and Configuration

Explains GPO creation, linking, and inheritance to enforce desktop and security settings across the domain. Covers filtering and troubleshooting policy application.

Lesson 4 • Authentication Protocols and Single Sign-On

Covers Kerberos, NTLM, and RADIUS as authentication mechanisms and introduces SSO for user convenience. Connects protocol choice to security and compatibility.

Lesson 1 • VPN Technologies and Secure Remote Access

Explains site-to-site and remote-access VPN technologies including IPsec and SSL/TLS tunnels. Covers configuration concepts and use cases for secure connectivity.

Lesson 2 • Structured Troubleshooting Methodology

Applies a systematic top-down, bottom-up, and divide-and-conquer approach to diagnosing network and server faults. Reinforces use of diagnostic tools at each OSI layer.

Lesson 3 • Access Control Lists and Firewall Rules

Teaches configuration of ACLs on routers and firewall rule sets to permit or deny traffic. Connects rule logic to security policy requirements.

Lesson 4 • Network Security Fundamentals

Covers threat categories, attack vectors, and defence-in-depth principles for network protection. Establishes the security mindset applied throughout this chapter.