Computer Networking Foundations Online Course

Learn the ins and outs of computer networking, from introductory topics such as networking topology, architecture, and transmission media, to more advanced topics such as hardware components, design and planning, upgrading, basic TCP/IP services and applications, and beyond.

A network is a group of interconnected computers and devices that work together. Networks can range in size from just two devices to millions. They often include printers, hard drives, routers, and modems. Understanding networks is crucial for anyone working with computers, whether at home or in the workplace.

This knowledge is not only valuable for a career in IT, but it can also help solve common computer problems.

Study Goals

• Discuss the history and key developments in networking.
• Describe the main networking models, terminology and standards.
• Explain the different topologies, architectures and transmission media in computer networks.
• Explain the physical components within a network and how individual components connect to each other.
• Evaluate the needs of the organisation and design a logical network.
• Discuss reasons for network upgrade and techniques for managing a network upgrade.
• Explain the importance of network protection to prevent downtime and preserve valuable data.
• Identify and compare various connection options like dial-up connections and dedicated connections.
• Describe the installation process and configurations for networking.
• Describe the TCP/IP suites of utilities generally used by end users.

Detailed Course Outline

This course is made up of a number of lessons or units. Each of these has self assessment questions, a set task (practical homework) and an assignment which you can upload online.

There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Networking Terms, Concepts and Standards

• • What is a network
  • History of networks
  • Network hosts and backbones
  • Access vs core networks
  • Internet backbone
  • What is a host
  • Types of computer networks
  • Local area network (LAN)
  • Wide area network (WAN)
  • Home networking and Wireless local area networks
  • Types of LANs
  • LAN topology
  • Wireless networking (Wi Fi)
  • Hardware for a basic network
  • Network cards
  • Network cable
  • Hubs and switches
  • Routers
  • Network standards
  • ISO

2. Network Topology, Architecture and Transmission Media

• • Physical vs. local topology
  • Design considerations
  • Physical topologies: star, bus, ring, tree, mesh
  • Logical topologies
  • Architecture of a network
  • Transmission media
  • Cost of a network
  • Band width
  • Band use
  • Multiplexing
  • Attenuation
  • Electromagnetic interference

3. Network Components and Hardware

• • Repeater
  • Switch
  • Hub
  • Bridge
  • Router
  • Server
  • Modem
  • Short haul modems
  • Firewall hardware

4. Network Design and Planning

• • Evaluating needs of an organisation
  • Applications
  • Users
  • Network services
  • Security of the network
  • Growth planning
  • Designing a logical network
  • Communicating effectively with clients

5. Network Upgrading and Project Management

• • Why upgrade a network
  • Is it time to upgrade
  • What are the new requirements
  • Planning an upgrade: prioritise, budget, evaluate

6. Network Protection and Maintenance

• • Information security
  • Network attacks
  • Man in the middle attack
  • Replay attack
  • Denial of service attack
  • Distributed denial of service attack
  • Attackers
  • Internal security
  • Password security
  • File and directory permissions
  • Educating users
  • External security
  • Firewalls
  • Intrusion detection systems
  • Security zones
  • Virtual LAN’s

7. Understanding Network Connecting Options

• • Dial up connections
  • DSL connections
  • ADSL connections
  • ADSL+2 connections
  • Cable connections
  • Leased line connections
  • Satellite

8. Installation and Configuration of Network

• • Network installation process
  • Cabling the network
  • Router configuration
  • Server configuration
  • Multiple equipment configuration
  • Testing the configuration

9. Basic TCP/IP Services and Applications

• • TCP/IP suite
  • HTTP
  • SMTP/POP3
  • Telnet
  • FTP
  • DNS
  • NNTP

10. Troubleshooting Tools for TCP/IP Networks

• • Troubleshooting techniques
  • Troubleshooting tools
  • Ping
  • Traceroute
  • NSlookup
  • Hostname

When you have completed the lessons of your course, you will be given the option of taking the optional exam. It’s okay if you don’t want the exam, we still issue your Careerline Certificate. For Advanced Certificates however, the exam is compulsory (per module) and are included in the course fee.