Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Introduction to Networking and the OSI Reference Model

• Overview of data networks
• Differences between LANs and WANs
• Application types and specific requirements
• OSI Reference Model functions and modular network structure

Introduction to LAN Technology and Ethernet Protocols

• Ethernet protocols and speeds (10M/100M/1G/10Gbps)
• Ethernet media types: twisted pairs, cable categories (Cat 5/5e), and optical fiber with connectors
• The CSMA/CD algorithm
• Frame structures (802.3, Ethernet-II, Ethernet-SNAP)
• Common troubleshooting issues

LAN Switching – Functionality and Operation

• Characteristics and operation of LAN bridges
• Operation of LAN switches
• Switching technologies: Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex and auto-negotiation
• VLANs (Virtual LANs) and tagging mechanisms
• Spanning Tree protocols (STP/RSTP/MSTP)
• Link Aggregation (LAG) and Etherchannel; LAN structures and topologies
• Data Center switching solutions

WAN Protocols and Services

• Public network structure: access, transmission, and switching
• Traditional network architectures and protocols
  • End-to-end services: FR, ATM, and Leased lines
  • Transmission services: SDH and WDM/DWDM
  • Access services: xDSL and Cable TV/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 elements and topologies

The physical layer

• 802.11a/b/g standards
• 802.11n: OFDM and MIMO technologies

The MAC layer and contention resolution

• CSMA/CA, RTS, CTS, and NAV mechanisms
• IEEE 802.11 frame format and addressing

Additional features

• Wi-Fi security: WEP, EAP, TLS, TTLS, and 802.1x

Wi-Fi Quality of Service (QoS): Contention-based access (AIFS, Access Categories, Contention Windows) and controlled access (Polling, TXOPs). QoS management via ADDTS, Traffic Streams, and TSPECs.

• Cellular Networks

Introduction

• Spectrum reuse frequencies
• Call setup and management
• Key network elements: MSC, BSC, BTS, and terminals
• Handovers and channel management

Standards and evolution

3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000

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

Introduction to TCP/IP

• The TCP/IP model and common protocols
• Protocol operations
• Standardizing organizations

IPv4 – Protocol and Addressing

• IP characteristics
• ARP – Address Resolution Protocol
• IP frame structure
• IP addressing and address classes
• Private versus public addresses
• Subnetting IP address spaces: VLSM and CIDR
• IP address design (Practical exercise)
• DHCP – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• Multicast and IGMP

IPv6 – Protocol and Addressing

• IPv6 characteristics and comparison with IPv4
• Packet structure and headers (overview)
• IPv6 addressing and categories
• Auto-configuration process
• Migrating from IPv4

Layer 4 Protocols – TCP and UDP

• Introduction to Layer 4 protocols and well-known ports
• UDP packet structure and operation
• TCP packet structure and operation
• TCP connectivity and reliability
• TCP sliding window, slow-start, and congestion avoidance
• Sequence and acknowledgment numbers
• Calculating maximum TCP throughput (Window Size and RTT)
• Go-back-N and Selective-Repeat mechanisms
• 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
• BGP – eBGP and iBGP
• Layer 3 Switching
• Static and Dynamic NAT
• HSRP and VRRP
• QoS in IP networks

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

• Application requirements and network behavior
• Classification, marking, policing, shaping, queuing, and RED/WRED

Network Security Fundamentals and Components

• Network security basics, threats, and vulnerabilities
• Secure network architecture: Firewalls (FWs), VPNs, NACs, and security devices
• Firewall operation: packet filtering and stateful inspection
• Security protocols: Encryption and authentication
• Types and definitions of encryption
  • Symmetric-key algorithms: 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

• Introduction to Network Engineering
  • Requirements analysis
  • Flow modeling
• High-Level Architectural Design
  • Component architecture and reference architecture
  • Architectural models
  • Systems and network architectures
  • Choosing service and vendor architectures
• Low-Level Topological Design
  • Enterprise network design
  • LAN/WAN design
  • IP network design
  • Security and privacy design
  • Network management design
• Network operations design