Understanding Networking Fundamentals

Course Code: GK3150

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Duration: 5 days

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Course Overview

Build a foundation of networking knowledge in a real-world, multi-vendor environment!

A strong foundation of basic networking concepts is fundamental to a successful career in information technology. Networking technologies underly all IT activities and a strong comprehension of the hardware and protocols used to create networks is essential to future success.

In this broad-based foundational course, you will move step-by-step through the basics of data networking, practicing with leading-edge technologies from Cisco, Microsoft and other vendors. You will gain practical skills in IP address configuration of a workstation, identifying and calculating appropriate subnet masks, examining and manipulating address resolution protocol (ARP) and domain name system (DNS) caches on a workstation, using ping to verify connectivity, basic wireless router configuration, and the simple use of a protocol analyzer to examine local area network (LAN) communications.

With a strong foundation and an understanding of basic network functions, standards, and protocols, you will be prepared to tackle advanced networking skills, including Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), security, wireless integration, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

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Target Audience

New IT professionals who want to learn the basics of a structured, layered approach to networking, including the fundamentals of network hardware and components, network protocols, IP addressing and subnetting, and various tools used in network monitoring and troubleshooting. Ideal candidates include:

• Entry-level and newly hired technical professionals, including PC support, help desk, and networking professionals
• Sales and marketing professionals looking to increase their ability to communicate with technical professionals and increase sales
• Technical professionals looking to strengthen core skill before pursuing advanced topics and certifications

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Course Objectives

During this course you will learn:

• The basics of layered network protocols and compare the two primary reference models: OSI and TCP/IP
• How to inspect a structured cabling system, including the proper use and installation of UTP and fiber optic cables
• How to configure a workstation to connect to a network
• Ethernet operations and the use of VLANs by examining the configuration and operation of switches on a network
• The operation of various TCP/IP protocols on a network, including connectionless and connection-oriented communications using UDP and TCP, translation between private and public addresses using NAT, and support protocols such as ARP, DNS, and DHCP
• How to configure a Wi-Fi router for operation on a SOHO network, including security, SSID, and Wi-Fi channel
• The Various IP addressing considerations, including binary to decimal conversion, dotted decimal notation, classful vs. classless addressing, private vs. public addresses, and the use of network masking
• Spanning Tree operation as a method of eliminating broadcast storms on a switched network
• How to create a subnet for a small network, selecting the correct masks for various situations to accommodate the current number of hosts in each subnet and to also allow for future growth
• Router configurations to determine the function of various routing protocols, including RIP, IGRP, and OSPF, within and between networks
• Various WAN technologies, including circuit switched solutions such as leased lines and packet switched solutions such as Carrier Ethernet, and determine the best WAN connectivity solution for a given corporate network
• How to use a protocol analyzer to capture and view network traffic, including e-mail, instant message exchanges, and web transactions
• The basic network security implementations by testing the impact a router that has been configured as a firewall has on the flow of traffic through a network
• Research the suitability of popular anti-malware suites for mitigating network security threats
• Research Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to support BYOD deployments

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Course Content

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Course Pre-requisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

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Test Certification

This course prepares delegates for the CompTIA Network+ exam.

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Follow-on Courses

• Mastering TCP/IP (GK-9055)
• Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND1) or CCNA Fast Track Programme (CCNABC)

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