Working on a Computer Network Course

Lesson 1 • The OSI and TCP/IP Models

Introduces the layered models that govern network communication. Students use these models as a diagnostic and design framework.

Lesson 2 • Basic Data Communication Concepts

Covers how data travels across a network using signals, bandwidth, and transmission modes. Grounds students in the physics of networking.

Lesson 3 • Network Topologies and Layouts

Explains physical and logical topologies including bus, star, ring, and mesh. Helps students match topology to organizational needs.

Lesson 4 • Types of Networks

Distinguishes LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN, and other network scopes. Connects scope to real-world deployment decisions.

Lesson 1 • Hubs, Switches, and Bridges

Explains how Layer 1 and Layer 2 devices forward traffic. Students distinguish collision domains and broadcast domains.

Lesson 2 • Network Interface Cards and Cables

Covers NICs, Ethernet cables, fiber optics, and connectors. Establishes the physical link layer as the starting point of connectivity.

Lesson 3 • Routers and Layer 3 Devices

Describes how routers direct traffic between networks using IP addresses. Connects hardware function to the network layer of the OSI model.

Lesson 4 • Wireless Access Points and Controllers

Introduces wireless hardware including APs, controllers, and antennas. Students understand how wireless extends wired infrastructure.

Lesson 1 • Network Address Translation (NAT)

Covers static, dynamic, and PAT forms of NAT and their role in conserving public addresses. Connects NAT to real-world internet access scenarios.

Lesson 2 • IPv6 Addressing Fundamentals

Introduces 128-bit IPv6 addressing, notation, and address types. Prepares students for modern dual-stack network environments.

Lesson 3 • Subnet Masks and Subnetting

Teaches how subnet masks divide networks into smaller segments. Students perform manual subnet calculations for host and network ranges.

Lesson 4 • Dynamic Address Assignment with DHCP

Explains how DHCP automates IP address distribution across a network. Students configure DHCP scopes and understand lease processes.

Lesson 1 • TCP and UDP Transport Protocols

Compares connection-oriented TCP with connectionless UDP. Students match protocol choice to application requirements.

Lesson 2 • HTTP, HTTPS, and Web Protocols

Covers the request-response model of HTTP and the encryption layer added by HTTPS. Connects web protocols to everyday network traffic.

Lesson 3 • DNS: Domain Name System

Explains how DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses using a hierarchical structure. Students configure DNS records and trace resolution paths.

Lesson 4 • Email and File Transfer Protocols

Introduces SMTP, IMAP, POP3, FTP, and SFTP for messaging and file exchange. Students trace how email and files traverse a network.

Lesson 1 • Link Aggregation and Redundancy

Covers EtherChannel and HSRP for bandwidth and gateway redundancy. Students configure link bundles and failover mechanisms.

Lesson 2 • Dynamic Routing Protocols

Introduces OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP concepts and their operational differences. Students configure basic OSPF and understand when to use each protocol.

Lesson 3 • Static and Default Routing

Teaches manual route configuration for small or stub networks. Students write and verify static route entries on a router.

Lesson 4 • Spanning Tree Protocol

Covers STP and its variants that prevent Layer 2 loops in redundant switch topologies. Students trace STP election and port states.

Lesson 1 • Encryption and VPN Technologies

Introduces symmetric and asymmetric encryption and VPN tunnel types. Students understand how VPNs secure data in transit across untrusted networks.

Lesson 2 • Common Network Threats and Attacks

Identifies reconnaissance, DoS, man-in-the-middle, and spoofing attacks. Students recognize attack patterns to inform defensive configurations.

Lesson 3 • Firewalls and Access Control Lists

Explains stateful firewalls and ACL rule logic for filtering traffic. Students write and apply ACL entries to permit or deny specific flows.

Lesson 4 • Network Authentication and AAA

Covers RADIUS, TACACS+, and 802.1X for controlling network access. Students configure AAA to authenticate users and devices before granting access.

Lesson 1 • Wireless Security Protocols

Covers WEP weaknesses, WPA2, and WPA3 security improvements. Students configure enterprise and personal wireless security modes.

Lesson 2 • Wireless Network Architecture

Distinguishes infrastructure, ad-hoc, and mesh wireless modes. Students design AP placement for coverage and capacity.

Lesson 3 • Wireless Troubleshooting

Identifies interference, coverage gaps, and authentication failures in wireless networks. Students use diagnostic tools to isolate and resolve wireless issues.

Lesson 4 • Wireless Configuration and Management

Guides students through AP setup, SSID creation, and channel selection. Connects configuration tasks to performance and security outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Performance Optimization Strategies

Introduces QoS, traffic shaping, and bandwidth management to improve user experience. Students apply optimization techniques to congested network segments.

Lesson 2 • Systematic Troubleshooting Methodology

Applies a structured top-down, bottom-up, and divide-and-conquer approach. Students follow a repeatable process to isolate faults efficiently.

Lesson 3 • Common Connectivity Issues

Covers IP conflicts, DNS failures, routing loops, and duplex mismatches. Students diagnose and resolve the most frequent network faults.

Lesson 4 • Packet Capture and Protocol Analysis

Teaches capturing and filtering network traffic for deep inspection. Students interpret packet captures to identify protocol anomalies.