By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain fundamental network architectures, protocols, and models (OSI, TCP/IP).
• Describe the components and types of networks, including LANs, WANs, and wireless networks.
• Understand the principles of IP addressing (IPv4 and IPv6), subnetting, and address resolution.
• Identify the characteristics and functions of the physical, data link, network, transport, and application layers.
• Recognize common network security threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies.
• Understand the basics of network devices (switches, routers, end devices) and their configurations.
• Describe the purpose and operation of protocols such as Ethernet, ARP, ICMP, TCP, UDP, and application layer protocols (web, email, file sharing).
• Understand number systems relevant to networking (binary, hexadecimal).
• Configure basic settings on switches and routers using Cisco IOS.
• Implement and verify IP addressing and connectivity in a small network.
• Use command-line interface (CLI) commands to navigate, configure, and troubleshoot network devices.
• Build and secure small networks, including configuring device security and mitigating common attacks.
• Perform subnetting for IPv4 and IPv6 networks to meet specific requirements.
• Use tools like ping and traceroute to test and troubleshoot network connectivity.
• Analyze and interpret network diagrams, topologies, and device roles.
• Apply troubleshooting methodologies to resolve network issues in real-world scenarios.
• An appreciation for the importance of reliable, secure, and scalable network design.
• A proactive approach to network security and risk mitigation.
• Confidence in using technical documentation and standards to guide network configuration and troubleshooting.
• A collaborative mindset for working in teams and communicating technical information effectively.
• Professionalism and ethical responsibility as IT professionals in handling network resources and data.

Module 1: Networking Today

1.0. Introduction

1.1. Networks Affect our Lives

1.2. Network Components

1.3. Network Representations and Topologies

1.4. Common Types of Networks

1.5. Internet Connections

1.6. Reliable Networks

1.7. Network Trends

1.8. Network Security

1.9. The IT Professional

1.10. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 2: Basic Switch and End Device Configuration

2.0. Introduction

2.1. Cisco IOS Access

2.2. IOS Navigation

2.3. The Command Structure

2.4. Basic Device Configuration

2.5. Save Configurations

2.6. Ports and Addresses

2.7. Configure IP Addressing

2.8. Verify Connectivity

2.9. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 3: Protocols and Models

3.0. Introduction

3.1. The Rules

3.2. Protocols

3.3. Protocol Suites

3.4. Standards Organizations

3.5. Reference Models

3.6. Data Encapsulation

3.7. Data Access

3.8. Module Practice and Quiz

• Checkpoint Exam: Basic Network Connectivity and Communications Exam

• Checkpoint Exam

Module 4: Physical Layer

4.0. Introduction

4.1. Purpose of the Physical Layer

4.2. Physical Layer Characteristics

4.3. Copper Cabling

4.4. UTP Cabling

4.5. Fiber-Optic Cabling

4.6. Wireless Media

4.7. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 5: Number Systems

5.0. Introduction

5.1. Binary Number System

5.2. Hexadecimal Number System

5.3. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 6: Data Link Layer

6.0. Introduction

6.1. Purpose of the Data Link Layer

6.2. Topologies

6.3. Data Link Frame

6.4. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 7: Ethernet Switching

7.0. Introduction

7.1. Ethernet Frames

7.2. Ethernet MAC Address

7.3. The MAC Address Table

7.4. Switch Speeds and Forwarding Methods

7.5. Module Practice and Quiz

• Checkpoint Exam: Ethernet Concepts Exam

• Checkpoint Exam

Module 8: Network Layer

8.0. Introduction

8.1. Network Layer Characteristics

8.2. IPv4 Packet 8.3. IPv6 Packet

8.4. How a Host Routes

8.5. Introduction to Routing

8.6. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 9: Address Resolution

9.0. Introduction

9.1. MAC and IP

9.2. ARP

9.3. IPv6 Neighbor Discovery

9.4. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 10: Basic Router Configuration

10.0. Introduction

10.1. Configure Initial Router Settings

10.2. Configure Interfaces

10.3. Configure the Default Gateway

10.4. Module Practice and Quiz

• Checkpoint Exam: Communicating Between Networks Exam

• Checkpoint Exam

Module 11: IPv4 Addressing

11.0. Introduction

11.1. IPv4 Address Structure

11.2. IPv4 Unicast, Broadcast, and Multicast

11.3. Types of IPv4 Addresses

11.4. Network Segmentation

11.5. Subnet an IPv4 Network

11.6. Subnet a Slash 16 and a Slash 8 Prefix

11.7. Subnet to Meet Requirements

11.8. VLSM

11.9. Structured Design

11.10. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 12: IPv6 Addressing

12.0. Introduction

12.1. IPv4 Issues

12.2. IPv6 Address Representation

12.3. IPv6 Address Types

12.4. GUA and LLA Static Configuration

12.5. Dynamic Addressing for IPv6 GUAs

12.6. Dynamic Addressing for IPv6 LLAs

12.7. IPv6 Multicast Addresses

12.8. Subnet an IPv6 Network

12.9. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 13: ICMP

13.0. Introduction

13.1. ICMP Messages

13.2. Ping and Traceroute Tests

13.3. Module Practice and Quiz

• Checkpoint Exam: IP Addressing Exam

• Checkpoint Exam

Module 14: Transport Layer

14.0. Introduction

14.1. Transportation of Data

14.2. TCP Overview

14.3. UDP Overview

14.4. Port Numbers

14.5. TCP Communication Process

14.6. Reliability and Flow Control

14.7. UDP Communication

14.8. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 15: Application Layer

15.0. Introduction

15.1. Application, Presentation, and Session

15.2. Peer-to-Peer

15.3. Web and Email Protocols

15.4. IP Addressing Services

15.5. File Sharing Services

15.6. Module Practice and Quiz

• Checkpoint Exam: Network Application Communications Exam

•Checkpoint Exam

Module 16: Network Security Fundamentals

16.0. Introduction

16.1. Security Threats and Vulnerabilities

16.1.1 Types of Threats

16.1.2 Types of Vulnerabilities

16.1.3 Physical Security

16.1.4 Check Your Understanding - Security Threats and Vulnerabilities

16.2. Network Attacks

16.3. Network Attack Mitigations

16.4. Device Security

16.5. Module Practice and Quiz

Module 17: Build a Small Network

17.0. Introduction

17.1. Devices in a Small Network

17.2. Small Network Applications and Protocols

17.3. Scale to Larger Networks

17.4. Verify Connectivity

17.5. Host and IOS Commands

17.6. Troubleshooting Methodologies

17.7. Troubleshooting Scenarios

17.8. Module Practice and Quiz

• Checkpoint Exam: Building and Securing a Small Network Exam

o Checkpoint Exam

• CCNA: Introduction to Networks Practice Final Exam

o Practice Final Exam

o ITN Practice PT Skills Assessment (PTSA)

• CCNA: Introduction to Networks Course Final Exam

o Course Final Exam

 

• Network technicians
• Network engineers
• Network administrators
• Network help-desk staff.