Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Introduction to Networking and the OSI Reference Model

• Overview of data networks
• LANs and WANs
• Types of applications and their specific requirements
• OSI Reference Model functions and the modular architecture of data networks

Introduction to LAN Technology and Ethernet Protocols

• Ethernet protocol standards and speeds (10M/100M/1G/10Gbps)
• Ethernet media types (twisted pair, cable categories 5/5e, fiber optic cables and connectors)
• CSMA/CD algorithm
• Frame structures (802.3, Ethernet-II, Ethernet-SNAP)
• Common operational issues

LAN Switching – Functionality and Operation

• Characteristics and operation of LAN bridges
• Internal operation of LAN switches
• LAN switching technologies – Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex and auto-negotiation
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN tagging
• Spanning Tree Protocols (STP/RSTP/MSTP)
• Link Aggregation (LAG) and Etherchannel, including LAN structure and topologies
• Data Center switching

WAN Protocols and Services

• Public network structure – access, transmission, and switching
• Traditional Network architecture 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 – key elements and topologies

The Physical Layer

• 802.11a/b/g
• 802.11n – OFDM and MIMO

The MAC Layer – Contention Resolution

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

Additional Features

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

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

• Cellular Networks

Introduction

• Frequency spectrum reuse
• Call setup and management
• Core network elements – MSC, BSC, BTS, and terminals
• Handovers and channel types

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
• Standardization bodies

IPv4 – Protocol and Addressing

• Characteristics of IP
• ARP – Address Resolution Protocol
• IP frame structure
• IP addressing and address classes
• Private vs. public addresses
• Subnetting IP address space – 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 address types and categories
• The auto-configuration process
• Migration strategies from IPv4

Layer 4 Protocols – TCP and UDP

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

Routing and Layer 3 Switching Basics

• Principles of the routing process
• Routing domains and areas
• Static vs. 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 and marking, policing and shaping, queuing, and RED/WRED

Network Security Basics and Components

• Fundamentals of network security, 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 models
• High-Level Architecture Design
  • Component architecture and reference architectures
  • Architectural models
  • System and network architectures
  • Choices regarding service and vendor architecture
• Low-Level Topology Design
  • Enterprise network design
  • LAN/WAN design
  • IP network design
  • Security and privacy design
  • Network management design
• Network operations design