Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Foundations of Networking and the OSI Reference Model

• Overview of data networks
• Differences between LAN and WAN
• Application types and their specific requirements
• Functions of the OSI Reference Model and the modular structure of data networks

LAN Technology Overview and Ethernet Protocols

• Ethene protocol standards and speeds (10M/100M/1G/10Gbps)
• Ethernet media types, including twisted pairs, cable categories (Cat 5/5e), fiber optic cables, and connectors
• CSMA/CD algorithm mechanics
• Frame structure variations (802.3, 802.3, Ethernet-II, Ethernet-SNAP)
• Addressing common operational issues

LAN Switching: Functions and Operational Mechanics

• Characteristics and operation of LAN bridges
• Core functions of LAN switches
• Switching technologies: Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex and auto-negotiation
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) and VLAN tagging techniques
• Spanning Tree protocols (STP/RSTP/MSTP)
• Link Aggregation Groups (LAG) and EtherChannel, along with LAN structure and topologies
• Switching strategies for Data Centers

WAN Protocols and Service Offerings

• Public network architecture, focusing on access transmission and switching
• Legacy Network architectures and protocols
  • End-to-end services such as Frame Relay, ATM, and Leased Lines
  • Transmission services including SDH and WDM/DWDM
  • Access services like xDSL and Cable TV/DOCSIS
• Emerging generation networks
  • End-to-end services, including Carrier Ethernet and MPLS IP-Based services
  • Transmission networks utilizing Carrier Ethernet
  • Access networks featuring advanced xDSL, DOCSIS, and optical technologies

Wireless Networks and Wi-Fi Standards

Network architecture components and topology structures

The Physical Layer

• 802.11a/b/g standards
• 802.11n utilizing OFDM and MIMO technologies

The MAC Layer: Contention Resolution Mechanisms

• CSMA/CA, Request-to-Send (RTS), Clear-to-Send (CTS), and Network Allocation Vector (NAV)
• IEEE 802.11 Frame Format and addressing schemes

Advanced Features

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

Wi-Fi Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, including Contention-Based Access (AIFS, Access Categories, Contention Windows) and Controlled Access (Polling, TXOPs), as well as QoS control via ADDTS, Traffic Streams, and TSPECs.

• Cellular Network Fundamentals

Introduction

• Spectrum frequency reuse strategies
• Call establishment and management processes
• Key infrastructure elements: Mobile Switching Centers (MSC), Base Station Controllers (BSC), Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), and user terminals
• Handover procedures and channel allocation

Standards and Technological Evolution

3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000 frameworks

Network evolution pathways, from cdma1 to EVDO/EV-DO and from GSM to HSPA and LTE

Introduction to the TCP/IP Stack

• The TCP/IP model and its core protocols
• Protocol operational mechanics
• Key standards organizations

IPv4: Protocols and Addressing Schemes

• Key characteristics of IP
• Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
• IP packet structure
• IP addressing schemes and classful addressing
• Distinctions between private and public address spaces
• Subnetting IP address spaces using VLSM and CIDR
• Practical exercise: IP address design
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• Multicast communication and IGMP

IPv6: Protocols and Addressing Schemes

• IPv6 characteristics and comparison with IPv4
• Overview of packet structure and headers
• IPv6 address types and categorization
• The stateless auto-configuration process
• Strategies for migrating from IPv4 to IPv6

Layer 4 Protocols: TCP and UDP

• Overview of Layer 4 protocols and well-known ports
• UDP packet structure and operational logic
• TCP packet structure and operational logic
• Ensuring TCP connectivity and reliability
• TCP sliding window, slow-start algorithm, and congestion avoidance
• Sequence numbers and acknowledgment mechanisms
• Calculating maximum TCP throughput based on Window Size (WS) and Round-Trip Time (RTT)
• Go-Back-N and Selective Repeat mechanisms
• Common TCP performance challenges

Basics of Routing and Layer 3 Switching

• Fundamental principles of the routing process
• Defining routing domains and areas
• Differences between static and dynamic routing
• Distance-vector and Link-state routing protocols
• Routing metrics and selection criteria
• Routing Information Protocol (RIP) and Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
• Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): eBGP and iBGP
• Layer 3 Switching concepts
• Static and Dynamic Network Address Translation (NAT)
• High Availability protocols: HSRP and VRRP
• Implementing Quality of Service in IP Networks

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

• Application requirements vs. network behavior
• Traffic management techniques: Classification, marking, policing, shaping, queuing, and RED/WRED

Fundamentals of Network Security and Core Components

• Basic network security concepts, common threats, and vulnerabilities
• Designing secure network architectures using Firewalls (FWs), VPNs, Network Access Control (NACs), and other security devices
• Firewall operations: packet filtering and stateful inspection
• Security protocols focusing on Encryption and Authentication
• Encryption types and definitions
  • Symmetric-key algorithms, including Block and Stream Ciphers
  • Public-key cryptography principles
  • Hash Functions and their applications
• Foundations of Authentication
  • Multi-factor authentication methods
  • Use of tokens, Smart Card encryption, and Wireless encryption protocols
  • One-Time Passwords (OTP)

Introduction to Data Network Design

• Foundations of Network Engineering
  • Analyzing requirements
  • Developing traffic flow models
• High-Level Architecture Design
  • Component architecture and Reference models
  • Architectural modeling techniques
  • System and network architecture considerations
  • Strategic choices regarding services and vendor solutions
• Low-Level Topology Design
  • Designing enterprise networks
  • Planning LAN and WAN infrastructures
  • Architecting IP networks
  • Integrating security and privacy measures
  • Designing for network manageability
• Designing for network operations