Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Overview of Networking Fundamentals and the OSI Reference Model

• Introduction to data networking infrastructure
• Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN)
• Application categories and operational requirements
• Functions of the OSI-Reference Model and modular data network architecture

Overview of LAN Technologies and Ethernet Protocols

• Ethernet protocols and speed standards (10M/100M/1G/10Gbps)
• Ethernet transmission media (twisted-pair cables, Cat5/Cat5e specifications, fiber optic cables, and connectors)
• CSMA/CD access method
• Frame structures (802.3, Ethernet II, Ethernet-SNAP)
• Common network anomalies and troubleshooting

LAN Switching – Functionality and Operational Mechanics

• Characteristics and operation of LAN bridges
• LAN switching mechanics
• Switching technologies – Half/Full Duplex and auto-negotiation
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN tagging mechanisms
• Spanning Tree Protocols – STP, RSTP, and MSTP
• Link Aggregation and EtherChannel. LAN structural topologies
• Data Center switching architectures

WAN Protocols and Services

• Public network infrastructure – 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, 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 Networking and Wi-Fi

Network architecture – components and topological structures

The Physical Layer

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

The MAC Layer - Contention Resolution

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

Additional Wireless Features

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

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

• Cellular Network Infrastructure

Introduction to Cellular Systems

• Spectrum reuse methodologies
• Call setup and management protocols
• Core network elements - MSC, BSC, BTS, and user terminals
• Handover procedures and channel allocation

Standards and Technological Evolution

3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000 standards

Network evolution – cdmaOne to EVDO/CDV and GSM to HSPA and LTE advancements

Introduction to TCP/IP Networking

• The TCP/IP model and associated protocols
• Protocol operational mechanics
• Relevant standard-setting organizations

IPv4 – Protocol Specifications and Addressing

• IP protocol characteristics
• ARP – Address Resolution Protocol
• IP frame structure
• IP addressing schemes and address classes
• Private versus public address spaces
• Subnetting IP address spaces – VLSM and CIDR
• IP address planning (Laboratory Exercise)
• DHCP – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• Multicasting and IGMP

IPv6 – Protocol Specifications and Addressing

• IPv6 characteristics and comparison to IPv4
• Packet structure and headers (overview)
• IPv6 addresses and address types
• The Auto-configuration process
• Migration strategies from IPv4

Layer 4 Protocols – TCP and UDP

• Introduction to Layer 4 protocols and Well-Known ports
• UDP packet structure and operation
• TCP packet structure and operation
• TCP connectivity assurance and reliability mechanisms
• TCP sliding window, slow-start, and congestion avoidance algorithms
• Sequence and acknowledgment numbers
• TCP maximum throughput calculation (Window Size and RTT)
• Go-back-N and Selective-Repeat error correction
• TCP performance considerations

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 – eBGP and iBGP
• Layer 3 Switching capabilities
• Static and Dynamic NAT implementations
• HSRP and VRRP protocols
• Quality of Service (QoS) in IP Networks for government operations

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

• Application requirements and network behavioral impacts
• Traffic classification and marking, Policing and shaping, Queuing mechanisms, RED/WRED

Network Security Fundamentals and Components

• Network security principles, threats, and vulnerabilities.
• Secured network architecture – Firewalls, VPNs, NACs, and security devices.
• Firewall operation – packet filtering and stateful inspection.
• Security protocols – Encryption and Authentication mechanisms
• Encryption types and definitions
  • Symmetric-key algorithms. Block and Stream Ciphers.
  • Public-key cryptography.
  • Hash Functions.
• Authentication fundamentals
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Tokens, Smart Card Encryption, and Wireless encryption protocols
  • OTP - One Time Passwords

Introduction to Data Network Design Methodologies

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