Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Fundamentals of Networking and the OSI Reference Model

• Overview of data networks
• Comparing LANs and WANs
• Types of applications and their specific requirements
• OSI Reference Model functions and the modular design of data networks

LAN Technology and Ethernet Protocol Introduction

• Ethernet standards including 10M, 100M, 1G, and 10Gbps speeds
• Ethernet media types, including twisted pairs, cable categories (Cat 5/5e), fiber optic cables, and connectors
• The CSMA/CD algorithm
• Frame structures (802.3, Ethernet-2, Ethernet-SNAP)
• Identifying common network issues

LAN Switching: Functionality and Operation

• Characteristics and operation of LAN bridges
• Mechanisms of LAN switch operation
• Switching technologies, including Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex (HD/FD) and auto-negotiation
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN tagging
• Spanning Tree Protocols (STP/RSTP/MSTP)
• Link Aggregation (LAG) and EtherChannel; LAN structures and topologies
• Switching solutions for Data Centers

WAN Protocols and Services

• Structure of public networks, 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 and Cable TV/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 Networks and Wi-Fi

Network architecture, key elements, and topologies

The Physical Layer

• IEEE 802.11a/b/g standards
• IEEE 802.11n, including OFDM and MIMO technologies

MAC Layer - Contentions 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 via ADDTS, Traffic Streams, and TSPECs.

• Cellular Networks

Introduction

• Spectrum frequency reuse
• Call setup and management processes
• Key servers: MSC, BSC, BTS, and user terminals
• Handover procedures and channel management

Standards and Evolution

3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000 standards

Network evolution: From cdma1 to EVDO/DV and from GSM to HSPA and LTE

Introduction to TCP/IP

• The TCP/IP model and common protocols
• Protocol operations
• Relevant standardizing organizations

IPv4: Protocol and Addressing

• Key characteristics of IP
• ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
• IP frame structure
• IP addressing and address classes
• Distinguishing private and public addresses
• Subnetting IP address spaces using VLSM and CIDR
• IP address design (Practical Exercise)
• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
• Multicast and IGMP

IPv6: Protocol and Addressing

• IPv6 characteristics and comparison with IPv4
• Packet structure and headers (overview)
• IPv6 address formats 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 mechanics
• TCP packet structure and operational mechanics
• TCP connectivity and reliability features
• TCP sliding window, slow-start, and congestion avoidance algorithms
• Sequence and acknowledgment numbers
• Calculating maximum TCP throughput (Window Size and RTT)
• Go-back-N and Selective-Repeat mechanisms
• Common TCP performance challenges

Routing and Layer 3 Switching Fundamentals

• Core 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, including eBGP and iBGP
• Layer 3 Switching
• Static and Dynamic NAT
• HSRP and VRRP
• QoS implementation in IP networks

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

• Application requirements versus network behavior
• Classification and marking, policing and shaping, queuing, and RED/WRED techniques

Basics of Network Security and Components

• Fundamentals of network security, identifying threats and vulnerabilities
• Secured network architectures, including firewalls, VPNs, NACs, and other security devices
• Firewall operations: packet filtering and stateful inspection
• Security protocols focusing 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
  • Tokens, smart cards, encryption, and wireless encryption protocols
  • OTP (One-Time Passwords)

Introduction to Data Network Design

• Introduction to Network Engineering
  • Requirements analysis
  • Flow models
• High-Level Architecture Design
  • Component architecture and reference architectures
  • Architectural models
  • Systems and network architectures
  • Selection of service and vendor architectures
• Low-Level Topology Design
  • Designing enterprise networks
  • Designing LAN/WAN infrastructures
  • Designing IP networks
  • Security and privacy design considerations
  • Network management design
• Designing network operations