Computer Networks Course

Lesson 1 • Data Transmission Fundamentals

Covers how data is encoded, transmitted, and measured across a medium. Builds the signal-level understanding needed for physical layer study.

Lesson 2 • Network Types and Topologies

Classifies networks by scale and physical layout. Enables students to identify appropriate network designs for given scenarios.

Lesson 3 • What Is a Computer Network

Defines networks, their purpose, and real-world applications. Anchors all subsequent technical content in practical context.

Lesson 1 • Wireless Transmission Fundamentals

Explains radio, microwave, and infrared propagation for unguided media. Prepares students to assess wireless channel behavior and limitations.

Lesson 2 • Guided Transmission Media

Analyzes copper and fiber-optic cables as physical carriers. Connects media characteristics to real installation and performance decisions.

Lesson 3 • Physical Layer Devices and Interfaces

Identifies hubs, repeaters, and network interface cards as physical layer components. Links hardware knowledge to troubleshooting and design tasks.

Lesson 4 • Multiplexing Techniques

Teaches FDM, TDM, and WDM as methods to share a single medium among multiple signals. Illustrates how carriers maximize bandwidth utilization.

Lesson 1 • Medium Access Control Protocols

Analyzes CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA, and token-based access methods for shared media. Provides the basis for understanding Ethernet and Wi-Fi operation.

Lesson 2 • Ethernet Standards and Operation

Details Ethernet frame format, speed variants, and auto-negotiation. Directly applicable to configuring wired LAN infrastructure.

Lesson 3 • Framing and Error Detection

Explains how data is packaged into frames and protected with error-detection codes. Establishes reliability mechanisms before addressing access control.

Lesson 4 • Flow Control and Error Recovery

Covers stop-and-wait, sliding window, and ARQ protocols for reliable delivery. Connects these mechanisms to TCP behavior studied later.

Lesson 1 • IP Packet Structure and Fragmentation

Examines IPv4 and IPv6 header fields and how fragmentation handles MTU limits. Supports packet-level analysis and troubleshooting skills.

Lesson 2 • IPv6 Addressing and Transition

Introduces IPv6 address format, types, and coexistence mechanisms with IPv4. Prepares students for modern dual-stack network environments.

Lesson 3 • ARP, ICMP, and NAT

Covers address resolution, error reporting, and address translation as essential IP support protocols. Directly used in network diagnostics and design.

Lesson 4 • IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting

Teaches IPv4 address classes, CIDR notation, and subnet mask calculation. Students gain hands-on subnetting skills essential for network design.

Lesson 1 • Distance-Vector Routing Protocols

Covers RIP and EIGRP operation, metrics, and convergence behavior. Illustrates Bellman-Ford algorithm application in real protocols.

Lesson 2 • Link-State Routing Protocols

Teaches OSPF and IS-IS using Dijkstra's algorithm for shortest-path computation. Enables students to design scalable enterprise routing.

Lesson 3 • Static and Default Routing

Explains manual route configuration and default gateway use. Provides the baseline before introducing dynamic protocol complexity.

Lesson 4 • Routing Protocol Comparison and Selection

Evaluates protocols by scalability, convergence speed, and complexity. Equips students to choose appropriate protocols for given network designs.

Lesson 1 • Transport Layer Security Basics

Introduces TLS handshake and record protocol as transport-layer security. Connects to application security topics covered in later chapters.

Lesson 2 • UDP and Lightweight Transport

Covers UDP header, use cases, and trade-offs versus TCP. Prepares students to select the right transport for latency-sensitive applications.

Lesson 3 • TCP Connection Management

Details the three-way handshake, data transfer, and four-way termination. Provides the foundation for understanding reliable application protocols.

Lesson 4 • TCP Flow and Congestion Control

Explains receive window, slow start, and AIMD algorithms for traffic management. Directly relevant to diagnosing network performance issues.

Lesson 1 • HTTP and Web Protocols

Covers HTTP/1.1, HTTP/2, and HTTP/3 request-response cycles and headers. Connects web browsing behavior to underlying protocol mechanics.

Lesson 2 • DNS Architecture and Operation

Explains hierarchical name resolution, record types, and caching. Essential for understanding how all internet services are located.

Lesson 3 • Email Protocols

Details SMTP, POP3, and IMAP for sending and retrieving email. Enables students to configure and diagnose mail server infrastructure.

Lesson 4 • File Transfer and Remote Access Protocols

Examines FTP, SFTP, SCP, and SSH for data transfer and remote management. Directly applicable to server administration tasks.

Lesson 1 • Firewalls and Access Control

Covers packet filtering, stateful inspection, and next-generation firewall features. Enables students to design and configure perimeter defenses.

Lesson 2 • VPNs and Secure Tunneling

Details IPsec, SSL/TLS VPN, and tunneling protocols for secure remote access. Directly applicable to enterprise remote connectivity design.

Lesson 3 • Intrusion Detection and Security Monitoring

Introduces IDS, IPS, and SIEM systems for detecting and responding to threats. Connects security monitoring to incident response workflows.

Lesson 4 • Cryptography for Network Security

Explains symmetric, asymmetric encryption, and hashing as security primitives. Provides the cryptographic basis for VPN and TLS configurations.