Network Fundamentals

Course Overview

Network Fundamentals is a comprehensive training program designed for IT professionals, system administrators, and anyone looking to build a strong foundation in computer networking. This course covers essential networking concepts, protocols, and practical skills needed to design, implement, and troubleshoot modern networks.

Course Information

• Duration: 8 weeks (4 hours per week)
• Format: In-Person with Virtual Labs
• Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Basic computer knowledge
• Certification: Industry-recognized certificate upon completion

Who Should Attend

• IT Support Professionals
• System Administrators
• Network Engineers (beginners)
• IT Managers
• Anyone preparing for networking certifications (CCNA, Network+)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

1. Understand OSI and TCP/IP models
2. Configure and troubleshoot network devices
3. Implement IP addressing and subnetting
4. Design small to medium-sized networks
5. Understand routing and switching concepts
6. Implement basic network security
7. Troubleshoot common network issues

Detailed Curriculum

Week 1: Introduction to Networking

Topics:

• What is a computer network?
• Types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN)
• Network topologies (Star, Bus, Ring, Mesh)
• OSI Model (7 layers)
• TCP/IP Model
• Network devices overview

Lab Exercises:

• Identify network components in a diagram
• Map OSI layers to real-world protocols
• Virtual network topology design

Key Concepts:

• Understanding how data flows through networks
• Role of each OSI layer
• Difference between OSI and TCP/IP models

Week 2: Network Media and Cabling

Topics:

• Copper cabling (UTP, STP, Coaxial)
• Fiber optic cables (Single-mode, Multi-mode)
• Wireless technologies (Wi-Fi standards)
• Cable standards (TIA/EIA-568)
• Ethernet standards (10BASE-T to 10GBASE-T)

Hands-on Labs:

• Cable crimping and testing
• Fiber optic connector types
• Cable tester usage
• Creating straight-through and crossover cables

Practical Skills:

• Proper cable termination
• Cable testing and certification
• Selecting appropriate media for scenarios

Week 3: IP Addressing and Subnetting

Topics:

• Binary and hexadecimal number systems
• IPv4 addressing structure
• IP address classes (A, B, C, D, E)
• Public vs Private IP addresses
• Subnetting concepts and calculations
• CIDR notation
• Introduction to IPv6

Lab Exercises:

• Binary to decimal conversion
• Subnetting practice problems
• VLSM (Variable Length Subnet Masking)
• IPv6 address configuration

Real-World Application:

Example: Subnetting a /24 network
Network: 192.168.1.0/24
Requirement: 4 subnets with 50 hosts each

Solution:
- Subnet 1: 192.168.1.0/26 (192.168.1.1 - 192.168.1.62)
- Subnet 2: 192.168.1.64/26 (192.168.1.65 - 192.168.1.126)
- Subnet 3: 192.168.1.128/26 (192.168.1.129 - 192.168.1.190)
- Subnet 4: 192.168.1.192/26 (192.168.1.193 - 192.168.1.254)

Week 4: Network Devices and Switching

Topics:

• Hubs, Switches, and Bridges
• MAC addresses and ARP
• Switch operation and CAM table
• VLANs (Virtual LANs)
• Trunking (802.1Q)
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)

Hands-on Labs:

• Configure basic switch settings
• Create and assign VLANs
• Configure trunk ports
• Verify STP operation
• MAC address table analysis

Equipment Used:

• Cisco switches (physical or Packet Tracer)
• Network cables and testers
• Console cables for configuration

Week 5: Routing Fundamentals

Topics:

• Routing concepts and terminology
• Static vs Dynamic routing
• Routing tables and metrics
• Default gateway
• Common routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP)
• Inter-VLAN routing

Lab Exercises:

• Configure static routes
• Set up default routes
• Implement RIP routing
• Configure OSPF basics
• Inter-VLAN routing with router-on-a-stick

Practical Scenarios:

• Small office network routing
• Multi-site connectivity
• Redundant path configuration

Week 6: Network Services and Protocols

Topics:

• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
• DNS (Domain Name System)
• NAT/PAT (Network Address Translation)
• HTTP/HTTPS
• FTP, TFTP, SSH, Telnet
• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

Hands-on Labs:

• Configure DHCP server
• Set up DNS server
• Implement NAT/PAT
• Use network services in practice
• SNMP monitoring setup

Real-World Implementation:

• DHCP scope planning
• DNS zone configuration
• NAT for internet connectivity

Week 7: Network Security Basics

Topics:

• Security threats and vulnerabilities
• Firewalls and ACLs (Access Control Lists)
• VPN (Virtual Private Networks)
• Wireless security (WPA2, WPA3)
• Port security
• Basic security best practices

Lab Exercises:

• Configure ACLs on routers
• Implement port security on switches
• Set up basic firewall rules
• Configure secure wireless networks
• VPN setup and testing

Security Scenarios:

• Securing a small business network
• Remote access security
• Guest network isolation

Week 8: Network Troubleshooting and Management

Topics:

• Troubleshooting methodology
• Network diagnostic tools (ping, traceroute, nslookup)
• Wireshark for packet analysis
• Network monitoring tools
• Documentation best practices
• Network performance optimization

Hands-on Labs:

• Troubleshoot connectivity issues
• Packet capture and analysis
• Use command-line tools effectively
• Create network documentation
• Performance testing and optimization

Troubleshooting Scenarios:

• No internet connectivity
• Slow network performance
• VLAN configuration issues
• Routing problems
• DNS resolution failures

Teaching Approach

Theory and Practice Balance

• 40% Lecture and Concepts
• 60% Hands-on Labs and Exercises

Real-World Focus

• Case studies from actual network implementations
• Industry best practices
• Scenarios from government and enterprise networks

Interactive Learning

• Group discussions
• Peer troubleshooting exercises
• Q&A sessions
• Live demonstrations

Lab Environment

Equipment and Tools

• Cisco routers and switches (or equivalent)
• Packet Tracer simulation software
• Wireshark for packet analysis
• Network cable testers
• Wireless access points

Virtual Labs

• 24/7 access to virtual lab environment
• Practice scenarios available online
• Self-paced lab exercises

Assessment Methods

Final Project Requirements

Design and implement a complete network for a small organization including:

• Network topology diagram
• IP addressing scheme
• VLAN design
• Routing configuration
• Security implementation
• Documentation

Course Materials

Provided Resources

• Comprehensive course manual
• Lab guides and exercises
• Network diagrams and templates
• Command reference sheets
• Video tutorials

Recommended Reading

• “Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach” by Kurose and Ross
• “Network+ Guide to Networks” by Jill West
• Cisco CCNA Official Cert Guide

Certification Preparation

This course prepares students for:

• CompTIA Network+ certification
• Cisco CCNA (200-301) certification
• Entry-level network engineering roles

Student Success Stories

Cohort Results (2024)

• Students Trained: 60
• Completion Rate: 92%
• Average Score: 85%
• Certification Pass Rate: 78% (Network+)

Career Advancement

• 45% received promotions or new roles
• 30% transitioned to network engineering
• 25% pursued advanced certifications

Testimonials

“The hands-on labs were invaluable. I now confidently manage our office network.” - Karim H., IT Support Specialist

“Excellent course structure. The instructor’s real-world experience made complex topics easy to understand.” - Nadia R., System Administrator

“This course gave me the foundation I needed to pass my CCNA exam.” - Imran T., Network Engineer

Instructor Experience

With 6+ years of experience managing enterprise networks including government infrastructure with 99.9% uptime, I bring practical, real-world knowledge to the classroom. Certified in Google IT Support and experienced in managing complex network environments.

Schedule and Pricing

Upcoming Batches

• Next Batch: April 2025
• Schedule: Saturdays, 9 AM - 1 PM
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Class Size: Maximum 20 students

Investment

• Individual: Contact for pricing
• Corporate Training: Custom packages available
• Early Bird: 10% discount
• Group Rates: Available for 5+ participants

Registration Process

1. Fill out registration form
2. Submit payment
3. Receive course materials and lab access
4. Attend orientation session

Contact Information

• Email: shuvokumarshill@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: shuvo-kumar-shill
• Phone: Available upon request

Additional Support

• Post-Course Support: 3 months of email support
• Alumni Network: Join our networking professionals group
• Job Placement Assistance: Resume review and interview preparation
• Continuing Education: Discounts on advanced courses

Build a strong networking foundation. Enroll in Network Fundamentals today!

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