Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Introduction to Networking and the OSI Reference Model

• Overview of data networks
• Comparison of LANs and WANs
• Types of applications and their specific requirements
• Functions of the OSI reference model and the modular architecture of data networks

LAN Technology and Ethernet Protocols

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

LAN Switching: Functionality and Operation

• Characteristics and operation of LAN bridges
• Operational mechanics of LAN switches
• Switching technologies, including Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex modes and auto-negotiation
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN tagging
• Spanning Tree Protocols (STP, RSTP, and MSTP)
• Link Aggregation Groups (LAG) and EtherChannel, along with LAN structure and topologies
• Data center switching solutions

WAN Protocols and Services

• Structure of public networks, covering access, transmission, and switching
• Traditional network architectures and protocols
  • End-to-end services such as Frame Relay (FR), ATM, and leased lines
  • Transmission services including SDH and WDM/DWDM
  • Access services such as xDSL and Cable TV/DOCSIS
• Next-generation networks
  • End-to-end services including Carrier Ethernet and MPLS/IP-based services
  • Transmission networks based on Carrier Ethernet
  • Access networks featuring advanced xDSL, DOCSIS, and optical technologies

Wireless Networks and Wi-Fi

Network architecture, components, and topologies

The Physical Layer

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

MAC Layer: Contention Resolution

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

Additional Features

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

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

• Cellular Networks

Introduction

• Frequency spectrum reuse
• Call setup and management processes
• Key network elements: MSC, BSC, BTS, and terminals
• Handover procedures and channel management

Standards and Evolution

Overview of 3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000 standards

Evolution of cellular networks, 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
• Standards development organizations

IPv4: Protocol and Addressing

• Key characteristics of IP
• ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
• IP frame structure
• IP addressing and address classes
• Distinction between private and public addresses
• Subnetting IP address spaces using 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
• 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 operation
• TCP packet structure and operation
• TCP connectivity and reliability mechanisms
• 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
• Common TCP performance issues

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 protocols
• BGP, including eBGP and iBGP
• Layer 3 switching concepts
• Static and Dynamic NAT
• HSRP and VRRP
• Quality of Service (QoS) in IP networks

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

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

Network Security Fundamentals and Components

• Basic network security concepts, threats, and vulnerabilities
• Secure network architecture, including Firewalls (FWs), VPNs, NACs, and other security devices
• Firewall operations, such as packet filtering and stateful inspection
• Security protocols for encryption and authentication
• Types and definitions of encryption
  • Symmetric-key algorithms, block ciphers, and stream ciphers
  • Public-key cryptography
  • Hash functions
• Authentication fundamentals
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Tokens, smart cards, and wireless encryption protocols
  • One-Time Passwords (OTP)

Introduction to Data Network Design

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