Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Introduction to Networking and the OSI Reference Model

• Introduction to Data Networks
• LAN and WAN
• Application Types and Requirements
• OSI-RM Functions and the Modular Structure of Data Networks

Introduction to LAN Technology and Ethernet Protocols

• The Ethernet Protocol and 10M/100M/1G/10Gbps Ethernet
• Ethernet Media Types (Twisted Pairs, Cable Categories - 5/5e, Fiber Optic Cables and Connectors)
• CSMA/CD Algorithm
• Frame Structure (802.3, 802.3, Ethernet-II, Ethernet-SNAP)
• Common Problems

LAN Switching – Functionality and Operation

• Characteristics and Operation of LAN Bridges
• LAN Switch Operation
• LAN Switching Technology – Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex and Auto-Negotiation
• VLANs (Virtual LAN) and VLAN Tagging
• Spanning Tree Protocols - STP/RSTP/MSTP
• LAG and EtherChannel. LAN Structure and Topologies
• Data Center Switching

WAN Protocols and Services

• The Public Network Structure – Access, Transmission, and Switching.
• Traditional Networks Architecture and Protocols
  • End-to-End Services - Frame Relay (FR), ATM, and Leased Lines
  • Transmission Services – SDH and WDM/DWDM
  • Access Services – xDSL, CATV/DOCSIS
• New 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 Networks and Wi-Fi

Network Architecture – Elements and Network Topologies

The Physical Layer

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

The MAC Layer - Contention Resolution

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

Additional Features

• WiFi Security – WEP, EAP, TLS, TTLS, and 802.11x

WiFi QoS - Contention-Based Access - AIFS, Access Categories, and Contention Windows. Controlled Access - Polling and TXOPs. Controlling Quality of Service - ADDTS, Traffic Streams, and TSPECs.

• Cellular Networks

Introduction

• Frequency Spectrum Re-use
• Call Setup and Management,
• Main Servers - MSC, BSC, BTS, and Terminals
• Handovers and Channels

Standards and Evolution

3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000

Networks Evolution – cdma1 to EVDO/DV and GSM to HSPA and LTE

Introduction to TCP/IP

• The TCP/IP Model and Common Protocols
• Protocol Operation
• Standard Organizations

IPv4 – Protocol and Addressing

• IP Characteristics
• ARP – Address Resolution Protocol
• The IP Frame Structure
• IP Addressing and Address Classes
• Private and Public Addresses
• Subnetting an IP Address Space – VLSM and CIDR
• IP Address Design (Exercise)
• DHCP – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• Multicast and IGMP

IPv6 – Protocol and Addressing

• IPv6 Characteristics and Comparison to IPv4
• Packet Structure and Headers (Brief)
• IPv6 Addresses and Address Categories
• The Auto-configuration Process
• Migration from IPv4

L4 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 and Reliability
• TCP Sliding Window, Slow-Start, and Congestion Avoidance
• Sequence and Acknowledge Numbers
• TCP Maximum Throughput (WS and RTT) Calculation
• Go-Back-N and Selective-Repeat
• TCP Performance Issues

Routing and L3 Switching Basics

• Principles of the Routing Process
• Routing Domains and Areas
• Static and Dynamic Routing
• Distance-Vector and Link-State Protocols
• Routing Metrics
• RIP and OSPF
• BGP – eBGP and iBGP
• L3 Switching
• Static and Dynamic NAT
• HSRP and VRRP
• QoS in IP Networks

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

• Application Requirements and Network Behavior
• Classification and Marking, Policing and Shaping, Queuing, RED/WRED

Network Security Basics and Components

• Network Security Basics, Threats, and Vulnerabilities.
• Secured Network Architecture – FWs, VPNs, NACs, and Security Devices.
• FW Operation – Packet Filtering and Stateful Inspection.
• Security Protocols – Encryption and Authentication
• Encryption Types and Definitions
  • Symmetric-Key Algorithm. Block and Stream Ciphers.
  • Public-Key Cryptography.
  • Hash Functions.
• Authentication Basics
  • Multi-Factor Authentication
  • Tokens and Smart Card Encryption Wireless Encryption Protocols
  • OTP - One Time Passwords

Introduction to Data Networks Design

• Introduction to Network Engineering
  • Requirements Analysis
  • Flow Models
• Architecture (High-Level) Design
  • Component Architecture and the Reference Architecture
  • Architectural Models
  • Systems and Network Architectures
  • Service and Vendor Architecture Choices
• Topology (Low-Level) Design
  • Enterprise Networks Design
  • LAN/WAN Design
  • IP Networks Design
  • Security and Privacy Design
  • Network Management Design
• Network Operations Design