IT Networking Course

Lesson 1 • What Is a Computer Network

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

Lesson 2 • Data Transmission Basics

Explains how data moves across a network as bits, packets, and frames. Grounds students in transmission concepts before protocol study.

Lesson 3 • Network Components and Hardware

Identifies routers, switches, hubs, access points, and NICs and explains each device's role. Prepares students to recognise hardware in real environments.

Lesson 4 • Network Types and Topologies

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

Lesson 1 • The TCP/IP Model in Depth

Maps the four-layer TCP/IP model to real-world protocols and compares it to OSI. Bridges theory to the protocols used on the modern internet.

Lesson 2 • The Seven OSI Layers

Details each OSI layer's responsibilities, protocols, and associated devices. Provides the reference framework used throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Layered Models

Explains why layered abstractions simplify network design and troubleshooting. Sets the conceptual stage for both OSI and TCP/IP study.

Lesson 4 • Applying Models to Real Traffic

Uses packet captures to trace data through model layers. Reinforces abstract concepts with observable, hands-on evidence.

Lesson 1 • Subnetting Practice and VLSM

Applies subnetting to real design scenarios using Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM). Builds speed and accuracy for professional and certification contexts.

Lesson 2 • IPv4 Address Structure

Breaks down the 32-bit IPv4 address into octets, classes, and binary representation. Establishes the math foundation required for subnetting.

Lesson 3 • Subnet Masks and CIDR

Teaches how subnet masks divide addresses into network and host portions using CIDR. Enables students to calculate usable hosts and network ranges.

Lesson 4 • Address Assignment and Management

Covers DHCP, static assignment, and address planning strategies. Connects addressing theory to operational network management.

Lesson 1 • Spanning Tree and Loop Prevention

Explains how STP and RSTP prevent Layer 2 loops in redundant switch topologies. Connects loop prevention to network stability and uptime.

Lesson 2 • How Switches Operate

Explains MAC address learning, flooding, forwarding, and filtering in Layer 2 switches. Connects switching behaviour to network performance and design.

Lesson 3 • Dynamic Routing Protocols

Surveys distance-vector and link-state protocols including RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP. Students can select and configure appropriate protocols for given scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Routing Concepts and Static Routes

Introduces routing tables, next-hop logic, and manual static route configuration. Builds the conceptual base before dynamic routing protocols.

Lesson 1 • HTTP, HTTPS, and Web Protocols

Examines HTTP request-response cycles, status codes, and TLS encryption in HTTPS. Grounds web traffic understanding in protocol-level detail.

Lesson 2 • Network Time and Management Protocols

Introduces NTP, SNMP, Syslog, and NetFlow for time synchronisation and monitoring. Links protocol knowledge to operational network management tasks.

Lesson 3 • DNS: Domain Name System

Explains DNS hierarchy, record types, and resolution process from stub to authoritative. Enables students to configure and troubleshoot name resolution.

Lesson 4 • Email and File Transfer Protocols

Covers SMTP, IMAP, POP3, FTP, SFTP, and TFTP roles and port numbers. Prepares students to support and secure common data transfer services.

Lesson 1 • Firewalls and Access Control Lists

Covers stateless and stateful firewalls, ACL syntax, and rule ordering logic. Enables students to write and apply traffic filtering rules.

Lesson 2 • Wireless Security Protocols

Compares WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 and explains authentication methods. Prepares students to secure wireless networks against common attacks.

Lesson 3 • VPNs and Secure Remote Access

Covers IPsec, SSL/TLS VPNs, and split tunneling for secure remote connectivity. Links VPN technology to workforce mobility and data protection requirements.

Lesson 4 • Network Address Translation (NAT)

Explains static NAT, dynamic NAT, and PAT with configuration examples. Connects NAT to address conservation and perimeter security design.

Lesson 1 • Packet Analysis with Wireshark

Teaches capture filters, display filters, and protocol dissection in Wireshark. Enables deep-dive analysis of traffic to isolate application and protocol faults.

Lesson 2 • Troubleshooting Layer 3 and Above

Diagnoses routing failures, IP conflicts, DNS errors, and application-layer faults. Completes the full-stack troubleshooting skill set.

Lesson 3 • Essential Command-Line Diagnostic Tools

Covers ping, traceroute, nslookup, ipconfig/ifconfig, and netstat with practical examples. Builds hands-on proficiency with tools used daily by network professionals.

Lesson 4 • Troubleshooting Physical and Layer 2 Issues

Addresses cable faults, duplex mismatches, VLAN misconfiguration, and STP problems. Connects physical symptoms to logical root causes.

Lesson 1 • Campus and Enterprise Network Design

Applies hierarchical design to campus LAN environments with wired and wireless integration. Prepares students to design networks for medium to large organisations.

Lesson 2 • Documentation and Network Diagrams

Teaches logical and physical diagram creation, IP address documentation, and change records. Establishes professional documentation habits essential for team environments.

Lesson 3 • Data Centre Network Architecture

Introduces spine-leaf topology, east-west traffic patterns, and data centre interconnect. Connects data centre design to cloud and virtualisation trends.

Lesson 4 • Network Design Principles

Covers hierarchical design, modularity, scalability, and redundancy as core principles. Frames design decisions within business and technical requirement contexts.