Introduction:

In today’s connected world, understanding basic networking concepts is crucial for anyone working in technology, business, or even personal tech management. From troubleshooting network issues to understanding how data flows between devices, networking forms the foundation of nearly every IT operation. This 5-day training course provides an accessible introduction to the core principles of computer networking, designed for beginners or those looking to refresh their knowledge.

The course covers key concepts such as network topologies, IP addressing, protocols, and network security, providing a solid foundation to understand how devices communicate within local and wide area networks. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs, and real-world case studies, participants will gain the essential skills required to set up, manage, and troubleshoot basic networks in both personal and professional environments.

Objectives:

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

1. Understand Network Fundamentals:
   • Grasp the basic concepts of computer networking, including data transmission, protocols, and communication methods.
   • Learn about the types of networks (LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN) and their use cases.
2. Learn about Network Topologies:
   • Understand different network topologies (star, bus, ring, mesh) and how they impact network design and performance.
3. Understand IP Addressing and Subnetting:
   • Learn about IP addressing (IPv4 and IPv6), including network addresses, host addresses, and the concept of subnetting.
   • Understand the role of subnet masks and how they help with efficient network routing.
4. Explore Key Networking Protocols:
   • Gain an understanding of the protocols that facilitate communication on the network (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, DHCP, FTP, etc.).
   • Understand the OSI model and its relevance to troubleshooting network issues.
5. Learn Network Devices and Their Functions:
   • Get familiar with essential network devices such as routers, switches, hubs, and access points, and their roles in network communication.
   • Learn how to configure and manage basic network devices.
6. Explore Basic Network Security Concepts:
   • Understand the fundamentals of network security, including firewalls, encryption, and VPNs.
   • Learn about common security threats and best practices for securing networks.
7. Develop Practical Networking Skills:
   • Get hands-on experience setting up and troubleshooting basic networks.
   • Learn to use networking tools like ping, tracert, and netstat to diagnose connectivity and performance issues.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for:

• Aspiring IT Professionals: Individuals looking to start a career in IT support, network administration, or cybersecurity.
• Business Professionals: Managers and staff who need a basic understanding of networking to effectively communicate with IT teams.
• Students and Graduates: Those studying computer science or information technology and seeking a solid foundation in networking.
• Small Business Owners: Entrepreneurs who need to understand networking for setting up and managing their office networks.
• Non-Technical Staff: Individuals in roles where understanding basic networking is important for troubleshooting and collaborating with IT professionals.

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

Day 1: Introduction to Networking and Network Types

• Morning Session:
  • What is Networking? Understanding the basics of data communication and the importance of networks.
  • Network Components: Key hardware and software components that make up a network (servers, clients, cables, routers, switches, etc.).
  • Types of Networks:
    • Local Area Network (LAN)
    • Wide Area Network (WAN)
    • Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
    • Personal Area Network (PAN)
  • Network Architecture: Client-server vs. peer-to-peer.
• Afternoon Session:
  • Introduction to Network Topologies: Star, bus, ring, mesh, and hybrid topologies.
  • Factors Influencing Network Design: Scalability, cost, fault tolerance, and performance.
  • Hands-on Lab: Drawing and discussing basic network topologies.

Day 2: IP Addressing and Subnetting

• Morning Session:
  • IP Addressing Basics: Understanding IPv4 vs. IPv6, private vs. public IP addresses.
  • Classes of IP Addresses: Class A, B, C, D, E.
  • Subnetting: What it is, why it’s needed, and how it helps to optimize IP address allocation and routing.
• Afternoon Session:
  • Subnet Masks: How to calculate subnet masks and subnet size.
  • Subnetting Exercise: How to subnet a network and divide it into subnets.
  • Hands-on Lab: Practice calculating subnets and applying IP addresses.

Day 3: Networking Protocols and the OSI Model

• Morning Session:
  • Introduction to the OSI Model: Understanding the seven layers of the OSI model (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application).
  • The TCP/IP Protocol Suite: Understanding how TCP/IP works at different layers of the OSI model.
  • Common Networking Protocols:
    • TCP/IP, UDP, ICMP
    • HTTP, FTP, DNS, DHCP
    • SMTP, POP3, IMAP
• Afternoon Session:
  • Port Numbers and Protocols: Well-known ports (e.g., HTTP = 80, HTTPS = 443).
  • Network Communication: How protocols enable devices to communicate.
  • Hands-on Lab: Using Wireshark to capture and analyze network traffic.

Day 4: Network Devices and Configuration

• Morning Session:
  • Introduction to Network Devices: Routers, switches, hubs, bridges, access points, and modems.
  • How Routers and Switches Work: Differences between layer 2 (switches) and layer 3 (routers) devices.
  • Configuring Basic Networking Devices: How to set up and configure routers, switches, and wireless access points.
• Afternoon Session:
  • Cabling and Connectivity: Types of cables (Ethernet, fiber optic) and connectors (RJ45, fiber connectors).
  • Hands-on Lab: Setting up a simple LAN with switches, routers, and wireless access points.
  • Practical Configuration Exercise: Configuring static IP addresses and simple router settings.

Day 5: Network Security and Troubleshooting

• Morning Session:
  • Network Security Basics: Firewalls, encryption, VPNs, and basic access control.
  • Common Network Threats: Denial of Service (DoS), Man-in-the-Middle (MitM), phishing, and malware.
  • Securing the Network: Best practices for network security and protecting against threats.
• Afternoon Session:
  • Basic Troubleshooting: Tools for troubleshooting network issues (ping, tracert, netstat).
  • Hands-on Lab: Troubleshooting network connectivity issues using basic networking tools.
  • Final Q&A and Wrap-Up: Review key concepts, discuss any remaining questions, and provide further resources for self-study.

Learning Methods:

• Interactive Lectures: Theoretical and conceptual knowledge delivered in an engaging and practical way.
• Hands-on Labs: Real-world networking scenarios and exercises to practice skills.
• Group Activities: Collaborative problem-solving to simulate team-based networking tasks.
• Case Studies: Real-life examples to illustrate common network configurations and security threats.
• Q&A Sessions: Daily Q&A time for troubleshooting and discussion.