Introduction:
In today’s digital world, networks form the backbone of nearly every organization. As businesses rely more on cloud computing, data centers, and the internet of things (IoT), advanced networking concepts are critical for ensuring the security, performance, and scalability of networks. This advanced networking course covers in-depth topics, including network architecture, routing, switching, advanced IP addressing, network security, and network automation. It is designed for professionals looking to deepen their networking knowledge and skills, preparing them for complex networking environments and certifications like CCNP, CompTIA Network+, and others.

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

• Understand advanced network design and architecture principles.
• Implement and troubleshoot advanced routing and switching protocols.
• Configure and manage advanced IP addressing schemes and subnets.
• Design and manage VLANs, VRFs, and network segmentation for security and efficiency.
• Implement and optimize network security strategies and protocols.
• Understand the role of network automation and orchestration in modern networks.
• Gain hands-on experience with network configuration and troubleshooting techniques.

Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for IT professionals who have a basic understanding of networking and wish to deepen their knowledge. It is suitable for:

• Network engineers and administrators.
• IT professionals involved in network management and support.
• Those pursuing certifications like Cisco CCNP or CompTIA Network+.
• Security professionals responsible for network security.
• Anyone interested in mastering advanced networking concepts.

Day 1: Advanced Network Design and Architecture

Morning Session:

• Overview of Advanced Network Design

  • Principles of network design: Scalability, redundancy, availability, and performance.
  • Top-down vs. bottom-up design approaches.
  • Layered network design models: The OSI model, TCP/IP model, and hierarchical design.

• Advanced IP Addressing

  • IPv4 subnetting and supernetting techniques.
  • Introduction to IPv6: Address structure, subnetting, and migration from IPv4 to IPv6.
  • Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) and IP address aggregation.

Afternoon Session:

• Implementing Routing Protocols

  • Advanced Routing Protocols: RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP.
  • Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and its role in large-scale networks.
  • Path vector protocols and route aggregation in BGP.

• Hands-On Lab: Designing and Implementing Routing Protocols

  • Participants will configure OSPF and EIGRP in a simulated environment.
  • Implementing IP routing with advanced IP address schemes (CIDR and IPv6).

Day 2: Advanced Switching and Network Segmentation

Morning Session:

• Advanced Switching Concepts

  • VLANs: Design, implementation, and inter-VLAN routing.
  • Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and its advanced configurations.
  • Port security and Layer 2 security measures.

• Multilayer Switching (MLS) and Quality of Service (QoS)

  • Layer 3 switching vs. Layer 2 switching.
  • Implementing Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize traffic.
  • Managing bandwidth, latency, and jitter in a network environment.

Afternoon Session:

• Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF)

  • VRF concepts and use cases for network segmentation.
  • Configuring and managing VRF instances.
  • Advanced routing techniques with VRF and policy-based routing.

• Hands-On Lab: VLAN Configuration and Inter-VLAN Routing

  • Participants will configure multiple VLANs and set up inter-VLAN routing using Layer 3 switches.
  • Implementing VRF instances for network segmentation and traffic isolation.

Day 3: Network Security and Advanced Protocols

Morning Session:

• Network Security Fundamentals

  • Layered network security: Perimeter security, internal security, and endpoint security.
  • Implementing firewalls, NAT, and VPNs (IPSec, SSL, and MPLS VPN).
  • Network access control: 802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+.

• Advanced IP Security Protocols

  • Configuring and troubleshooting IPsec VPNs.
  • Implementing and securing routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP).
  • Implementing IPsec tunnel protection, GRE tunnels, and dynamic routing over VPNs.

Afternoon Session:

• Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

  • Understanding IDS/IPS technology: Deployment strategies, configuration, and maintenance.
  • Traffic inspection, alert management, and incident response.
  • Securing wireless networks and managing security policies.

• Hands-On Lab: Configuring Network Security

  • Participants will configure VPNs (IPsec/SSL), set up access control lists (ACLs), and implement security protocols (802.1X).
  • Implementing an IDS/IPS for monitoring and managing security threats in a network.

Day 4: Network Automation and Orchestration

Morning Session:

• Introduction to Network Automation

  • The role of automation in network management: Reducing errors, increasing efficiency.
  • Tools for network automation: Python, Ansible, and network management platforms (e.g., Cisco DNA Center).
  • Automating network configurations and updates using scripting.

• Network Orchestration and SDN (Software-Defined Networking)

  • Understanding SDN: Controller, data plane, and control plane separation.
  • Configuring SDN solutions for better network management and scalability.
  • The role of automation in network provisioning and orchestration.

Afternoon Session:

• Implementing Network Automation Tools

  • Introduction to Ansible for automating network device configuration.
  • Using Python scripts for network configuration and monitoring.
  • Integrating SDN solutions into the enterprise network infrastructure.

• Hands-On Lab: Network Automation with Ansible and Python

  • Participants will automate configuration tasks using Ansible and Python.
  • Implementing SDN concepts in a simulated environment with a network controller.

Day 5: Network Troubleshooting and Optimization

Morning Session:

• Network Troubleshooting Methodology

  • Tools and techniques for network troubleshooting: Ping, traceroute, Wireshark, netflow.
  • Layer-by-layer troubleshooting approach: Identifying issues at the physical, data link, network, and transport layers.
  • Analyzing and resolving common network issues: Latency, packet loss, and connectivity problems.

• Optimizing Network Performance

  • Techniques for optimizing bandwidth, improving QoS, and reducing network latency.
  • Managing congestion and ensuring high availability.
  • Troubleshooting routing and switching issues in large-scale networks.

Afternoon Session:

• Hands-On Lab: Advanced Troubleshooting and Network Optimization

  • Participants will simulate network failures and troubleshoot various issues.
  • Using Wireshark and other tools to diagnose network issues and optimize performance.
  • Analyzing and resolving connectivity issues in a multi-router, multi-VLAN environment.

• Final Q&A, Course Review, and Certification Exam

  • Recap of key concepts and best practices covered in the course.
  • Open Q&A session for final clarifications.
  • Certification exam to assess participants’ understanding of advanced networking concepts.
  • Awarding certificates to successful participants.