What You'll Learn
This beginner-friendly networking course focuses on practical skills you'll use daily. Build, configure, and troubleshoot networks from day one.
Key Skills You'll Master
TCP/IP Protocol Suite & OSI Model
Understand network communication layers, protocols (TCP, UDP, HTTP, DNS), and how data flows across networks.
IP Addressing & Subnetting
Master IPv4/IPv6 addressing, CIDR notation, subnet masks, and efficient IP address allocation for business networks.
Routing & Switching Basics
Configure routers and switches, understand routing tables, implement VLANs, and connect multiple network segments.
Network Services Configuration
Set up DHCP, DNS, NAT, and manage network infrastructure services essential for business operations.
Wireless Networking & Security
Deploy Wi-Fi networks, configure access points, implement WPA2/WPA3 encryption, and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
Network Troubleshooting Tools
Use ping, traceroute, ipconfig, Wireshark, and diagnostic commands to identify and resolve network problems.
Course Modules
Module 1: Network Fundamentals & OSI Model
6 Hours- OSI 7-layer model explained
- TCP/IP protocol suite overview
- Network topologies and architectures
- LAN vs WAN concepts
- Network devices: hubs, switches, routers
- Lab: Build basic network diagram
Module 2: IP Addressing & Subnetting
8 Hours- IPv4 addressing structure
- Subnet masks and CIDR notation
- Subnetting calculations and practice
- IPv6 addressing basics
- Public vs private IP addresses
- Lab: Subnet network for organization
Module 3: Switching & VLANs
7 Hours- Switch operation and MAC addresses
- VLAN configuration and benefits
- Trunk ports and 802.1Q tagging
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
- Port security and management
- Lab: Configure VLANs on switches
Module 4: Routing Fundamentals
8 Hours- Routing concepts and routing tables
- Static routing configuration
- Dynamic routing protocols (RIP, OSPF basics)
- Default gateway and inter-VLAN routing
- Route summarization
- Lab: Configure router for multiple networks
Module 5: Network Services (DHCP, DNS, NAT)
6 Hours- DHCP server configuration and scopes
- DNS hierarchy and resolution
- NAT and PAT concepts
- NTP for time synchronization
- SNMP for network monitoring
- Lab: Set up DHCP and DNS servers
Module 6: Wireless Networking
5 Hours- Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
- Wireless access point configuration
- WPA2/WPA3 security implementation
- SSID management and guest networks
- Wireless troubleshooting tools
- Lab: Deploy secure wireless network
Module 7: Network Security Basics
6 Hours- Firewall concepts and ACLs
- Port security on switches
- VPN fundamentals
- Network segmentation best practices
- Common network attacks and mitigation
- Lab: Implement basic firewall rules
Module 8: Network Troubleshooting
6 Hours- Ping, traceroute, ipconfig/ifconfig
- Wireshark packet analysis
- Troubleshooting methodology
- Common connectivity issues
- Documentation and ticketing
- Lab: Diagnose and fix network problems
Hands-On Labs & Projects
Lab 1: Network Diagram Design
Create professional network diagrams using industry-standard tools, plan IP addressing scheme, document network architecture.
Lab 2: IP Subnetting Practice
Subnet networks for enterprise environment, calculate host ranges, create VLSM addressing scheme, optimize IP allocation.
Lab 3: VLAN Configuration
Configure VLANs on Cisco switches, set up trunk ports, test inter-VLAN communication, implement port security.
Lab 4: Router Configuration
Configure Cisco router CLI, set up static routes, implement dynamic routing, connect multiple network segments.
Lab 5: DHCP & DNS Setup
Install and configure DHCP server, create IP scopes and reservations, set up DNS zones, test name resolution.
Lab 6: Wireless Network Deployment
Configure wireless access point, implement WPA3 encryption, create guest network, optimize Wi-Fi coverage.
Lab 7: Firewall & ACL Implementation
Configure basic firewall rules, implement access control lists, block unwanted traffic, secure network perimeter.
Project: Build Complete Enterprise Network
Design and implement full network infrastructure with routers, switches, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, wireless, and security.
Tools & Platforms Required
Note: Cisco Packet Tracer and most tools are free. Virtual lab environment provided.
Who Should Enroll
Career Outcomes
Networking fundamentals open doors to essential IT roles including:
Network Technician
$45K - $65K avg. salary
Network Support Specialist
$50K - $70K avg. salary
Junior Network Administrator
$55K - $75K avg. salary
IT Infrastructure Specialist
$60K - $80K avg. salary