Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Networking Fundamentals and the OSI Reference Model

• Overview of data networks
• Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN)
• Application categories and specific requirements
• OSI Reference Model functions and the modular structure of data networks

LAN Technology and Ethernet Protocols

• Ethernet protocols and speeds (10M/100M/1G/10Gbps)
• Ethernet media types, including twisted pairs, cable categories (5/5e), fiber optic cables, and connectors
• CSMA/CD algorithm
• Frame structures (802.3, Ethernet-2, Ethernet-SNAP)
• Common troubleshooting issues

LAN Switching: Functions and Operational Mechanics

• Characteristics and operation of LAN bridges
• LAN switch operational principles
• LAN switch technologies, including Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex and auto-negotiation
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN tagging
• Spanning Tree Protocols: STP, RSTP, and MSTP
• Link Aggregation (LAG) and EtherChannel; LAN structure and topologies
• Data Center switching concepts

WAN Protocols and Services

• Public network structure, focusing on access transmission and switching
• Traditional network architectures and protocols
  • End-to-end services: Frame Relay (FR), ATM, and Leased Lines
  • Transmission services: SDH and WDM/DWDM
  • Access services: xDSL, CaTV/DOCSIS
• Next-generation networks
  • End-to-end services: Carrier Ethernet and MPLS IP-Based services
  • Transmission networks: Carrier Ethernet
  • Access networks: Advanced xDSL, DOCSIS, and Optical technologies

Wireless Networks and Wi-Fi

Network architecture, constituent elements, and topology designs

The physical layer specifications

• 802.11a/b/g standards
• 802.11n features, including OFDM and MIMO

MAC layer operations and contention resolution

• CSMA/CA, RTS, CTS, and NAV mechanisms
• IEEE 802.11 Frame Format and Addressing

Additional functional features

• Wi-Fi security protocols: WEP, EAP, TLS, TTLS, and 802.11x

Wi-Fi Quality of Service (QoS): Contention-Based Access (AIFS, Access Categories, Contention Windows) and Controlled Access (Polling, TXOPs). Managing QoS through ADDTS, Traffic Streams, and TSPECs.

• Cellular Network Fundamentals

Foundational concepts

• Frequency spectrum reuse
• Call setup and management processes
• Key network entities: MSC, BSC, BTS, and user terminals
• Handover procedures and channel types

Standards and evolutionary trends

Frameworks including 3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000

Network evolution paths: from cdma1 to EVDO/DV, and from GSM to HSPA and LTE

TCP/IP Introduction

• The TCP/IP model and common associated protocols
• Protocol operational mechanics
• Relevant standardization organizations

IPv4: Protocols and Addressing Schemes

• Core IP characteristics
• ARP: Address Resolution Protocol
• IP packet structure
• IP addressing classes
• Distinction between private and public addresses
• Subnetting IP address spaces using VLSM and CIDR
• IP address design exercises
• DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• Multicast and IGMP

IPv6: Protocols and Addressing Schemes

• IPv6 characteristics and comparison with IPv4
• Overview of packet structure and headers
• IPv6 address types and categories
• The Auto-configuration process
• Migration strategies from IPv4

Layer 4 Protocols: TCP and UDP

• Introduction to Layer 4 protocols and well-known ports
• UDP packet structure and operational behavior
• TCP packet structure and operational behavior
• TCP connectivity and reliability mechanisms
• TCP sliding window, slow-start, and congestion avoidance
• Sequence and acknowledgment numbers
• Calculating TCP maximum throughput (Window Size and RTT)
• Go-back-N and Selective-Repeat mechanisms
• Common TCP performance challenges

Routing and Layer 3 Switching Fundamentals

• Principles of the routing process
• Routing domains and areas
• Static versus dynamic routing
• Distance-vector and Link-state protocols
• Routing metrics
• RIP and OSPF protocols
• BGP: eBGP and iBGP
• Layer 3 Switching
• Static and Dynamic NAT
• HSRP and VRRP
• QoS implementation in IP Networks

QoS Parameters: Bandwidth, Delay, Jitter, and Packet Loss

• Application requirements versus network behavior
• Techniques: Classification and marking, Policing and shaping, Queuing, and RED/WRED

Network Security Essentials and Components

• Foundations of network security, identifying threats and vulnerabilities
• Secured network architecture: Firewalls, VPNs, NACs, and other security devices
• Firewall operations: packet filtering and stateful inspection
• Security protocols: Encryption and Authentication
• Encryption types and definitions
  • Symmetric-key algorithms, including Block and Stream Ciphers
  • Public-key cryptography
  • Hash Functions
• Authentication fundamentals
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Tokens, Smart Cards, and Wireless encryption protocols
  • OTP: One-Time Passwords

Introduction to Data Network Design

• Network Engineering Fundamentals
  • Requirements analysis
  • Flow models
• High-Level Architecture Design
  • Component and Reference architecture
  • Architectural models
  • Systems and network architectures
  • Service and vendor architecture decisions
• Low-Level Topology Design
  • Enterprise network design
  • LAN/WAN design
  • IP network design
  • Security and privacy design
  • Network management design
• Network operations design