Network Fundamentals

Starting from an explanation of some of the jargon and an introduction to the theoretical background to communications architectures, the course develops an appreciation of the problems encountered in transferring data and possible solutions to them.

Although intended as a stand-alone course to provide a basic understanding to those new to networking and managers whose work requires an overview of the technology, it also provides the necessary background for specialists who require more in depth investigation of the subject areas.

A more in depth investigation of the subject areas can be obtained by attending PLAN courses.

Topics Include:

• Jargon Busting – What is a network
  - Bits,Bytes, Frames & Packets
  - Protocols, Standards & TLAs

• The OSI 7 Layer Model
  - A framework to instill order into a disordered world
  - ‘Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Around’

• The Physical Layer
  - Cables, Interfaces, Connectors & Converters
  - Wireless

• The Data Link Layer (Ethernet)
  - Frames
  - Switches & Broadcasts
  - Real & Virtual Local Area Networks

• The Network Layer (Internet Protocol - IP)
  - The ‘Rocket Powered Mailman’
  - IP Addressing
  - Routers

• Transport and Session Layers
  - Control & Command with TCP
  - Best Endeavors & Chaos Theory with UDP

• Application and Presentation
  - User Focused Services
  - The World Wide Web, email & File Transfer
  - Remote Control - Telnet, VNC
  - Enabling Services
  - DNS, DHCP & RSVP

• Network Troubleshooting
  - Tools for everyone - Ping, Traceroute, netstat and ARP

• Network Management
  - SNMP

• Network Security
  - Proxies, Firewalls, DoS & DMZ