Advanced Networking Technologies and Operations Course

Lesson 1 • IP Addressing and Subnetting Essentials

Covers IPv4 and IPv6 address structures, CIDR notation, and subnet design. Accurate addressing underpins every routing and switching topic ahead.

Lesson 2 • Ethernet and LAN Switching Basics

Explains MAC addressing, frame forwarding, and VLAN segmentation at Layer 2. Builds the LAN foundation required for advanced switching topics.

Lesson 3 • Network Devices and Their Roles

Differentiates routers, switches, firewalls, and access points by function. Clarifies device selection criteria applied in later design chapters.

Lesson 4 • OSI and TCP/IP Model Deep Dive

Maps each OSI layer to real protocols and hardware roles. Provides the conceptual framework used throughout all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 1 • Routing Protocol Fundamentals

Contrasts distance-vector, link-state, and path-vector algorithms and their convergence behavior. Sets the analytical basis for protocol selection decisions.

Lesson 2 • Route Redistribution and Policy Control

Addresses controlled redistribution between routing domains and loop prevention. Directly applies OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP knowledge from prior sections.

Lesson 3 • BGP for Enterprise and Service Providers

Teaches iBGP and eBGP peering, attribute manipulation, and policy-based routing. Prepares students for multi-homed internet connectivity design.

Lesson 4 • EIGRP Design and Troubleshooting

Examines EIGRP's DUAL algorithm, neighbor relationships, and feasibility conditions. Troubleshooting stuck-in-active scenarios is emphasized.

Lesson 1 • Campus Network Architecture Models

Applies three-tier and collapsed-core design models to real campus scenarios. Students produce a documented campus design with redundancy and scalability.

Lesson 2 • First-Hop Redundancy Protocols

Teaches HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP gateway redundancy and failover tuning. Ensures uninterrupted default gateway availability for end hosts.

Lesson 3 • Spanning Tree Protocol Variants

Compares STP, RSTP, and MSTP operation, port roles, and convergence behavior. Mastery here prevents outages caused by Layer 2 loops.

Lesson 4 • Inter-VLAN Routing and Layer 3 Switching

Explains router-on-a-stick, SVIs, and hardware-based CEF forwarding. Connects Layer 2 segmentation to routed campus topologies.

Lesson 1 • IPsec and VPN Tunnel Technologies

Covers IKEv2 negotiation, IPsec transform sets, and GRE-over-IPsec design. Prepares students for secure overlay networks used in SD-WAN.

Lesson 2 • MPLS Architecture and VPN Services

Explains label switching, LDP, and Layer 3 VPN operation with VRF tables. Students trace traffic through a provider MPLS core.

Lesson 3 • SD-WAN Architecture and Components

Introduces SD-WAN control plane, data plane, and orchestration components. Establishes the architectural vocabulary for SD-WAN deployment sections.

Lesson 4 • SD-WAN Policy and Traffic Engineering

Applies application-aware routing, SLA policies, and centralized policy management. Students configure policies that optimize application performance across WAN links.

Lesson 1 • Security Design Principles and Frameworks

Applies defense-in-depth, zero-trust, and least-privilege principles to network design. Frames all subsequent security implementation topics.

Lesson 2 • Encrypted Traffic and Threat Visibility

Addresses TLS inspection, encrypted traffic analytics, and visibility gaps. Balances privacy requirements with the need for threat detection.

Lesson 3 • Network Access Control and Authentication

Implements 802.1X port-based authentication, RADIUS, and posture assessment. Ensures only compliant, authenticated devices access network resources.

Lesson 4 • Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems

Explains signature-based and anomaly-based IDS/IPS detection and inline deployment. Connects to firewall placement for a coordinated threat response.

Lesson 1 • 802.11 Standards and PHY Layer Evolution

Traces 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be capabilities, modulation schemes, and throughput gains. Informs access point selection and client compatibility planning.

Lesson 2 • Wireless Security Protocols and Design

Covers WPA3, 802.1X wireless authentication, and rogue AP detection. Secures the wireless edge consistent with the wired security architecture.

Lesson 3 • WLAN Site Survey and Troubleshooting

Applies predictive and active site survey methods, channel planning, and RF troubleshooting. Students produce a validated RF heat map for a sample facility.

Lesson 4 • RF Fundamentals and Propagation

Explains frequency bands, signal propagation, interference sources, and antenna types. RF knowledge is the physical foundation for all WLAN design decisions.

Lesson 1 • Python Scripting for Network Operations

Applies Python libraries such as Netmiko, NAPALM, and Nornir to device interaction. Students write scripts that retrieve, validate, and push configurations.

Lesson 2 • Automation Concepts and Drivers

Explains why automation reduces errors, accelerates change, and enables scale. Frames the business and operational case for all subsequent automation topics.

Lesson 3 • Version Control and CI/CD for Networks

Applies Git workflows, pipeline automation, and automated testing to network changes. Students build a pipeline that validates configs before deployment.

Lesson 4 • Infrastructure as Code with Ansible

Uses Ansible playbooks, roles, and templates to manage network device configurations at scale. Connects scripting skills to enterprise-grade automation workflows.

Lesson 1 • Network Monitoring Architectures

Compares SNMP, streaming telemetry, and flow-based monitoring for operational visibility. Establishes the monitoring foundation for performance and fault management.

Lesson 2 • Performance Baselining and Capacity Planning

Establishes traffic baselines, utilization thresholds, and growth forecasting methods. Enables proactive capacity decisions before performance degradation occurs.

Lesson 3 • Structured Troubleshooting Methodology

Applies top-down, bottom-up, and divide-and-conquer troubleshooting models to real faults. Students resolve multi-layer network problems using a documented process.

Lesson 4 • Change Management and ITSM Integration

Integrates network changes into ITSM workflows including change advisory boards and rollback plans. Reduces operational risk through structured change governance.