Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Introduction to networking and the OSI reference model

• Foundations of data networks
• Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs)
• Application types and their specific requirements
• Functions of the OSI-RM and the modular architecture of data networks

Introduction to LAN technology and Ethernet protocols

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

LAN Switching – Functionality and Operation

• Characteristics and operation of LAN bridges
• Operational mechanics of LAN switches
• LAN switching technologies, such as Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex and auto-negotiation
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN tagging
• Spanning Tree Protocols: STP, RSTP, and MSTP
• Link Aggregation Groups (LAG) and Etherchannel; LAN structure and topologies
• Data Center switching concepts

WAN Protocols and Services

• Public network structure, focusing on access, transmission, and switching.
• Traditional network architecture 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, elements, and topologies

The Physical Layer

• 802.11a/b/g standards
• 802.11n with OFDM and MIMO

The MAC Layer - Contention Resolution

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

Additional Features

• WiFi security protocols: WEP, EAP, TLS, TTLS, and 802.11x

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

• Cellular Networks Overview

Introduction

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

Standards and Evolution

3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000 frameworks

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

Introduction to TCP/IP

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

IPv4 – Protocol and Addressing

• Characteristics of IP
• ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
• IP frame structure
• IP addressing and address classes
• Private versus 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 addresses and address categories
• The auto-configuration process
• Migrating 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 mechanisms
• TCP sliding window, slow-start, and congestion avoidance
• Sequence and acknowledgment numbers
• Calculating TCP maximum throughput (WS and RTT)
• Go-back-N and Selective Repeat strategies
• TCP performance challenges

Routing and L3 Switching Basics

• Principles of the routing process
• Routing domains and areas
• Static and dynamic routing methods
• Distance-vector and Link-state protocols
• Routing metrics
• RIP and OSPF protocols
• 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, and RED/WRED

Network Security Basics and Components

• Fundamentals of network security, including threats and vulnerabilities
• Secured network architecture involving Firewalls (FWs), VPNs, NACs, and security devices
• Firewall operation: packet filtering and stateful inspection
• Security protocols: Encryption and Authentication
• Encryption types and definitions:
  • Symmetric-key algorithms, Block and Stream Ciphers
  • Public-key cryptography
  • Hash Functions
• Authentication fundamentals:
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Tokens, Smart Cards, 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 architecture
  • Architectural models
  • Systems and network architectures
  • Service and vendor architecture selection
• Low-Level Topology Design
  • Enterprise network design
  • LAN/WAN design
  • IP network design
  • Security and privacy design
  • Network management design
• Network operations design