Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Introduction to networking and the OSI reference model

• Overview of data networks
• LAN and WAN concepts
• Types and requirements of applications
• OSI-RM functions and the modular architecture of data networks

Introduction to LAN technology and Ethernet protocols

• Ethernet protocols and 10M/100M/1G/10Gbps Ethernet standards
• Ethernet media types (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 – Functionality and Operation

• Characteristics and operation of LAN bridges
• Functioning of LAN switches
• LAN switch technologies – Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex and auto-negotiation
• VLANs (Virtual LANs) and VLAN tagging
• Spanning Tree protocols - STP/RSTP/MSTP
• LAG and Etherchannel. LAN structure and topologies
• Data Center switching concepts

WAN Protocols and Services

• Public network structure – access transmission and switching.
• Traditional network architecture and protocols
  • End-to-end services - Frame Relay, ATM, and Leased lines
  • Transmission services – SDH and WDM/DWDM
  • Access services – xDSL, 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

The MAC layer - Contention resolution

• CSMA/CA, RTS, CTS, and NAV
• IEEE 802.11 Frame Format and addressing schemes

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 and TXOPs). Managing Quality of Service with ADDTS, Traffic Streams, and TSPECs.

• Cellular Networks

Introduction

• Frequency spectrum reuse
• Call setup and management
• Key servers - MSC, BSC, BTS, and terminals
• Handovers and channel management

Standards and evolution

3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000

Network evolution – from CDMA1 to EVDO/DO and from GSM to HSPA and LTE

Introduction to TCP/IP

• The TCP/IP model and common protocols
• Protocol operations
• Standard-setting organizations

IPv4 – Protocol and Addressing

• IP characteristics
• 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 addresses and address categories
• 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 operation
• TCP packet structure and operation
• TCP connectivity and reliability mechanisms
• TCP sliding window, slow-start, and congestion avoidance
• Sequence and acknowledgment numbers
• Calculating TCP maximum throughput (WS and RTT)
• Go-back-N and Selective Repeat methods
• Common TCP performance issues

Routing and Layer 3 Switching basics

• 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 and marking, Policing and shaping, Queuing, RED/WRED

Network Security Basics and Components

• Fundamentals of network security, threats, and vulnerabilities.
• Secure network architecture – Firewalls, 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 basics
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Tokens, Smart Cards, and encryption for wireless protocols
  • OTP - One-Time Passwords

Introduction to Data Network Design

• Introduction to Network Engineering
  • Requirements analysis
  • Flow models
• Architecture (High-Level) Design
  • Component architecture and reference architectures
  • Architectural models
  • Systems and network architectures
  • Service and vendor architecture choices
• Topology (Low-Level) Design
  • Enterprise network design
  • LAN/WAN design
  • IP network design
  • Security and privacy design
  • Network management design
• Network operations design