Unit 869: Networking Fundamentals

1. What is Networking?

• Definition of Networking
• Importance of Networking in the Digital Age
• Types of Networks
  • Local Area Network (LAN)
  • Wide Area Network (WAN)
  • Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
  • Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
  • Personal Area Network (PAN)
  • Other emerging network types

2. OSI Model Overview

• Introduction to OSI Model
• The Seven Layers of OSI Model
  • Layer 1: Physical Layer
    • Function and examples
  • Layer 2: Data Link Layer
    • Function and examples
  • Layer 3: Network Layer
    • Function and examples
  • Layer 4: Transport Layer
    • Function and examples
  • Layer 5: Session Layer
    • Function and examples
  • Layer 6: Presentation Layer
    • Function and examples
  • Layer 7: Application Layer
    • Function and examples
• Importance of OSI Model in Network Communication

3. TCP/IP Protocol Suite

• Introduction to TCP/IP
• Role of TCP/IP in Networking
• Layers of TCP/IP Model
  • Network Interface Layer
  • Internet Layer
  • Transport Layer
  • Application Layer
• Key Protocols
  • IP (Internet Protocol)
  • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
  • UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
  • HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, DNS
• Data Transmission over the Internet Using TCP/IP

4. Network Devices and Components

• Overview of Network Devices
• Routers
  • Functionality and usage
• Switches
  • Functionality and usage
• Hubs
  • Functionality and usage
• Modems
  • Functionality and usage
• Network Interface Cards (NICs)
• Cables and Connectors
  • Ethernet cables (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.)
  • Fiber optic cables
  • Coaxial cables

5. Network Topologies

• Introduction to Network Topologies
• Bus Topology
  • Structure
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
• Star Topology
  • Structure
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
• Ring Topology
  • Structure
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
• Mesh Topology
  • Structure
  • Advantages and Disadvantages
• Hybrid Topology
  • Structure
  • Advantages and Disadvantages

6. IP Addressing and Subnetting

• Basics of IP Addressing
• IPv4 Addressing Scheme
  • Structure and classes
  • Public vs. Private IP addresses
• IPv6 Addressing Scheme
  • Structure and necessity
• Introduction to Subnetting
  • Purpose and benefits
  • Subnet masks
  • Calculating subnets
• Assigning and Managing IP Addresses

7. Network Security Fundamentals

• Importance of Network Security
• Firewalls
  • Types and functions
• Encryption
  • Basic concepts and methods
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
  • Purpose and implementation
• Authentication
  • Methods and protocols
• Common Security Threats
  • Malware, phishing, spoofing, DoS attacks
• Best Practices for Securing Networks

8. Wireless Networking

• Wireless Networking Technologies
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth
  • Cellular Networks (3G, 4G, 5G)
• Wireless Protocols and Standards
• Security Considerations in Wireless Networks
  • WPA, WPA2, WPA3
  • Risks and mitigation
• Applications of Wireless Networking

9. Network Troubleshooting

• Common Network Issues
  • Connectivity problems
  • Performance issues
  • Hardware failures
• Troubleshooting Methodologies
  • Identify, Diagnose, Resolve, Verify
• Tools for Network Troubleshooting
  • Ping, Traceroute, IPConfig/Ifconfig
  • Network analyzers and sniffers
  • Diagnostic software
• Best Practices for Effective Troubleshooting