Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Introduction to Networking and the OSI Reference Model

• Overview of data networks
• Differences and applications of LANs and WANs
• Application types and their specific requirements
• Functions of the OSI-RM and the modular structure of data networks

Introduction to LAN Technology and Ethernet Protocols

• The Ethernet protocol and standards ranging from 10M to 10Gbps
• Ethernet media types, including twisted pairs, cable categories (5/5e), and fiber optic cables with connectors
• The 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
• Core operations of LAN switches
• Switch technologies, specifically Half-Duplex (HD), Full-Duplex (FD), and auto-negotiation
• Virtual Local Area Networks (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 principles

WAN Protocols and Services

• Public network structure, focusing on access, transmission, and switching
• Traditional Network architectures and protocols
• End-to-end services: Frame Relay (FR), ATM, and Leased lines
• Transmission services: SDH and WDM/DWDM
• Access services: xDSL, CaTV/DOCSIS
• Next-generation network architectures
• 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, including key elements and topologies

The Physical Layer

• IEEE 802.11a/b/g standards
• IEEE 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 Features

• Wi-Fi security protocols: WEP, EAP, TLS, TTLS, and 802.11x

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

• Cellular Networks

Introduction

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

Standards and Evolution

3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000 standards

Network evolution: Progression from cdma1 to EVDO/DO and from GSM to HSPA and LTE

Introduction to TCP/IP

• The TCP/IP model and common associated protocols
• Protocol operational mechanics
• Key standardization organizations

IPv4: Protocol and Addressing

• Characteristics of IP
• ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
• Structure of the IP frame
• IP addressing schemes and address classes
• Distinction between private and public addresses
• Subnetting IP address spaces using VLSM and CIDR
• IP address design exercises
• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
• Multicast communication and IGMP

IPv6: Protocol and Addressing

• IPv6 characteristics and comparison with IPv4
• Packet structure and header details
• IPv6 addressing schemes and categories
• The Auto-configuration process
• Strategies for migrating from IPv4

Layer 4 Protocols: TCP and UDP

• Overview of Layer 4 protocols and well-known ports
• UDP packet structure and operational flow
• TCP packet structure and operational flow
• TCP connectivity and reliability mechanisms
• TCP sliding window, slow-start, and congestion avoidance
• Sequence and acknowledgment numbers
• Calculating TCP maximum throughput (Window Size and RTT)
• Go-back-N and Selective Repeat algorithms
• Common TCP performance issues

Routing and L3 Switching Basics

• Principles of the routing process
• Definition of routing domains and areas
• Comparison of static and dynamic routing
• Distance-vector and Link-state protocols
• Routing metrics
• RIP and OSPF protocols
• BGP: eBGP and iBGP
• Layer 3 Switching concepts
• Static and Dynamic NAT
• HSRP and VRRP
• QoS implementation in IP Networks

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

• Application requirements and network behavior analysis
• Techniques for classification, marking, policing, shaping, queuing, and RED/WRED

Network Security Basics and Components

• Fundamentals of network security, identifying threats and vulnerabilities
• Secured network architecture involving Firewalls (FWs), VPNs, NACs, and specialized security devices
• Firewall operation: packet filtering and stateful inspection
• Security protocols focused on Encryption and Authentication
• Types and definitions of Encryption
• Symmetric-key algorithms, including Block and Stream Ciphers
• Public-key cryptography
• Hash Functions
• Authentication fundamentals
• Multi-factor authentication methods
• Tokens, Smart Card Encryption, and Wireless encryption protocols
• OTP (One-Time Passwords)

Introduction to Data Network Design

• Foundations of Network Engineering
• Requirements analysis
• Flow models
• High-Level Architectural Design
• Component architecture and reference architectures
• Architectural models
• Systems and network architecture frameworks
• Choices regarding service and vendor architectures
• Low-Level Topology Design
• Designing Enterprise networks
• LAN and WAN design principles
• IP network design
• Security and privacy considerations in design
• Network management design
• Designing for Network operations