Unit 165: Fundamentals of Computer Networking

1. Introduction to Computer Networking

• Definition of computer networking
• Importance and benefits of networking
• Types of networks:
  • Local Area Network (LAN)
  • Wide Area Network (WAN)
  • Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
  • Other relevant types (PAN, CAN)

2. Network Devices and Components

• Overview of essential devices
• Routers: role and functionality
• Switches: operation and types
• Hubs: characteristics and limitations
• Modems: purpose and types
• Network cables:
  • Twisted pair (UTP/STP)
  • Coaxial
  • Fiber optic
• Wireless access points and their role

3. Network Topologies

• Definition and importance of topology
• Bus topology:
  • Structure and data flow
  • Advantages and disadvantages
• Star topology:
  • Design and operation
  • Pros and cons
• Ring topology:
  • Mechanism and use cases
  • Strengths and weaknesses
• Mesh topology:
  • Full vs partial mesh
  • Benefits and challenges
• Hybrid topology:
  • Combination of topologies
  • Applications

4. OSI Model

• Introduction to the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model
• The seven layers:
  1. Physical Layer
  2. Data Link Layer
  3. Network Layer
  4. Transport Layer
  5. Session Layer
  6. Presentation Layer
  7. Application Layer
• Functions and responsibilities of each layer
• Interaction and data flow between layers

5. TCP/IP Protocol Suite

• Overview of TCP/IP model
• Comparison with OSI model
• Transmission Control Protocol (TCP):
  • Connection-oriented communication
  • Flow control and error handling
• Internet Protocol (IP):
  • Addressing and routing
  • IPv4 and IPv6 overview
• Other key protocols (UDP, ICMP, ARP)

6. IP Addressing and Subnetting

• IP addressing fundamentals
• IPv4 addressing format and classes
• IPv6 addressing overview
• Subnet masks and their significance
• Subnetting:
  • Purpose and process
  • Calculating subnets and hosts
• Designing and implementing IP addressing schemes

7. Network Security

• Importance of securing networks
• Common security threats:
  • Malware, phishing, DoS attacks
  • Man-in-the-middle attacks
• Encryption techniques:
  • Symmetric and asymmetric encryption
  • VPNs and SSL/TLS
• Firewalls:
  • Types and deployment
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
• Best practices for network security

8. Wireless Networking

• Wireless networking concepts
• Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
• Wireless security protocols:
  • WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
• Wireless access points and configuration
• Benefits and challenges of wireless networks

9. Network Troubleshooting

• Common network problems:
  • Connectivity issues
  • Performance degradation
• Troubleshooting methodologies
• Network troubleshooting tools:
  • Ping, Traceroute, Ipconfig/ifconfig
  • Network analyzers and packet sniffers
• Implementing solutions and preventive measures

10. Network Management and Administration

• Role and responsibilities of a network administrator
• Network management tools and software
• Network monitoring techniques
• Configuration management and documentation
• Maintaining network health and performance