Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Introduction to Networking and the OSI Reference Model

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

Introduction to LAN Technology and Ethernet Protocols

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

LAN Switching: Functionality and Operations

• Characteristics and operation of LAN bridges
• How LAN switches operate
• Switching technologies – Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex and auto-negotiation
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN tagging
• Spanning Tree protocols - STP/RSTP/MSTP
• Link Aggregation (LAG) and Etherchannel. LAN structure and topologies
• Data Center switching environments

WAN Protocols and Services

• Public network structure – access, transmission, and switching.
• Traditional network architectures and protocols
  • End-to-end services - Frame Relay, 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 – core elements and topologies

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 features

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

Wi-Fi QoS - Contention-Based Access (AIFS, Access Categories, Contention Windows). Controlled Access (Polling and TXOPs). QoS Control mechanisms - ADDTS, Traffic Streams, and TSPECs.

• Cellular Networks

Introduction to cellular concepts

• Frequency spectrum re-use
• Call setup and management processes
• Core network components - MSC, BSC, BTS, and terminals
• Handover procedures and channel management

Standards and evolution

Key standards bodies and frameworks: 3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000

Evolution of networks – from cdma1 to EVDO/DV and from GSM to HSPA and LTE

Introduction to TCP/IP

• The TCP/IP model and commonly used protocols
• Protocol operations and behaviors
• Relevant standardization organizations

IPv4 – Protocol and Addressing

• Key characteristics of IP
• ARP – Address Resolution Protocol
• Structure of IP frames
• IP addressing schemes and address classes
• Differences between private and public addresses
• Subnetting IP address space using VLSM and CIDR
• IP address design (Practical exercise)
• DHCP – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• Multicast operations and IGMP

IPv6 – Protocol and Addressing

• IPv6 characteristics and comparison with IPv4
• Packet structure and header formats (overview)
• IPv6 address types and categories
• The Stateful and Stateless Auto-configuration process
• Strategies for migration from IPv4

Layer 4 Protocols – TCP and UDP

• Introduction to Layer 4 protocols and well-known port numbers
• UDP packet structure and operational behavior
• TCP packet structure and operational behavior
• TCP connectivity mechanisms and reliability features
• TCP sliding window, slow-start, and congestion avoidance algorithms
• Sequence numbers and acknowledgment mechanisms
• Calculating maximum TCP throughput (Window Size and RTT)
• Go-back-N and Selective Repeat mechanisms
• Common TCP performance challenges

Basics of Routing and L3 Switching

• Principles of the routing process
• Defining routing domains and areas
• Differences between static and dynamic routing
• Distance-vector and Link-state protocol types
• Metrics used in routing decisions
• Overview of RIP and OSPF protocols
• BGP concepts – eBGP and iBGP
• Layer 3 Switching fundamentals
• Static and Dynamic NAT configurations
• Gateway redundancy protocols: HSRP and VRRP
• Implementing QoS in IP Networks

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

• Application requirements and expected network behavior
• QoS tools: Classification and marking, Policing and shaping, Queuing, and RED/WRED

Network Security Basics and Components

• Fundamentals of network security, including threats and vulnerabilities.
• Designing secured network architectures – Firewalls (FWs), VPNs, NACs, and dedicated security devices.
• Firewall operations – packet filtering and stateful inspection.
• Security protocols – focusing on Encryption and Authentication
• Types of encryption and definitions
  • Symmetric-key algorithms, including Block and Stream Ciphers.
  • Public-key cryptography concepts.
  • Hash Functions and their applications.
• Authentication fundamentals
  • Multi-factor authentication strategies
  • Use of tokens and Smart Card Encryption, along with wireless encryption protocols
  • OTP - One-Time Passwords

Introduction to Data Network Design

• Introduction to Network Engineering
  • Conducting requirements analysis
  • Developing flow models
• Architecture (High-Level) Design
  • Component architecture and reference architectures
  • Applying architectural models
  • Defining systems and network architectures
  • Selection of service and vendor architectures
• Topology (Low-Level) Design
  • Designing enterprise networks
  • LAN/WAN design considerations
  • IP network design strategies
  • Designing for security and privacy
  • Planning network management structures
• Designing for network operations