Data Communications Networks - Theory and Practice Training Course

Foundations of Networking and the OSI Reference Model

• Overview of data network concepts
• Distinctions between LANs and WANs
• Analyzing application types and their specific requirements
• Exploring OSI-RM functions and the modular architecture of data networks

Basics of LAN Technology and Ethernet Protocols

• The Ethernet protocol suite, including 10M, 100M, 1G, and 10Gbps standards
• Ethernet media types (Twisted Pairs, cable categories 5/5e, fiber optic cables, and connectors)
• The CSMA/CD algorithm
• Frame structures (802.3, 802.3, Ethernet-2, Ethernet-SNAP)
• Identification and resolution of common issues

LAN Switching: Functionalities and Operational Mechanisms

• Characteristics and operational principles of LAN bridges
• Mechanics of LAN switch operations
• LAN switch technologies: Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex and auto-negotiation
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) and the tagging process
• Spanning Tree protocols: STP, RSTP, and MSTP
• Link Aggregation Groups (LAG) and Etherchannel, along with LAN structures and topologies
• Switching in Data Center environments

WAN Protocols and Service Architectures

• Public network architecture: access transmission and switching
• Conventional network architectures and protocols
  • End-to-end services: Frame Relay, ATM, and Leased lines
  • Transmission services: SDH and WDM/DWDM
  • Access services: xDSL, CATV/DOCSIS
• Next-generation network frameworks
  • 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 Ecosystems

Network architecture components and topological structures

The Physical Layer

• Standards 801.11a/b/g
• 801.11n standards: OFDM and MIMO

MAC Layer and Contention Resolution

• CSMA/CA, RTS, CTS, and NAV mechanisms
• IEEE 802.11 frame formats and addressing schemes

Advanced 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, TXOPs). Management of Quality of Service via ADDTS, Traffic Streams, and TSPECs.

• Cellular Network Fundamentals

Introduction

• Spectrum frequency reuse strategies
• Call setup and management processes
• Core infrastructure components: MSC, BSC, BTS, and user terminals
• Handover mechanisms and channel management

Standards and Evolution

Frameworks including 3GPP, 3GPP2, and IMT-2000

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

Introduction to TCP/IP

• The TCP/IP model and associated standard protocols
• Operational mechanics of core protocols
• Relevant standardization organizations

IPv4: Protocol Mechanics and Addressing Schemes

• Inherent characteristics of IP
• ARP: Address Resolution Protocol
• IP frame architecture
• IP addressing schemes and class-based addressing
• Differentiation between private and public address spaces
• Subnetting IP address spaces using VLSM and CIDR
• Designing IP address structures (Practical Exercise)
• DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
• Multicast operations and IGMP

IPv6: Protocol Mechanics and Addressing Schemes

• IPv6 characteristics and comparative analysis with IPv4
• Packet structures and header formats (overview)
• IPv6 addressing schemes and address categories
• The Auto-configuration process
• Strategies for migration from IPv4

Layer 4 Protocols: TCP and UDP

• Overview of Layer 4 protocols and well-known port assignments
• UDP packet architecture and operational flow
• TCP packet architecture and operational flow
• TCP connectivity mechanisms and reliability features
• TCP sliding window, slow-start, and congestion avoidance algorithms
• Sequence numbers and acknowledgment mechanisms
• Calculating TCP maximum throughput based on Window Size and RTT
• Go-back-N and Selective-Repeat protocols
• Addressing common TCP performance challenges

Essentials of Routing and Layer 3 Switching

• Fundamental principles of the routing process
• Defining routing domains and areas
• Static versus dynamic routing methods
• Distance-vector and Link-state protocol types
• Understanding routing metrics
• Protocols: RIP and OSPF
• BGP: External (eBGP) and Internal (iBGP) implementations
• Layer 3 Switching technologies
• Static and Dynamic NAT implementations
• High Availability: HSRP and VRRP
• Implementing QoS in IP Networks

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

• Aligning application requirements with network behavior
• Techniques for classification, marking, policing, shaping, queuing, and RED/WRED

Network Security Fundamentals and Core Components

• Basics of network security, identifying threats and vulnerabilities
• Secure network architecture: Firewalls (FWs), VPNs, NACs, and dedicated security devices
• Firewall operations: packet filtering and stateful inspection
• Security protocols: Encryption and Authentication frameworks
• Encryption methodologies and definitions
  • Symmetric-key algorithms, including Block and Stream Cyphers
  • Public-key cryptography
  • Hash Functions
• Authentication fundamentals
  • Multi-factor authentication strategies
  • Tokens, Smart Card encryption, and Wireless encryption protocols
  • OTP: One Time Passwords

Introduction to Data Network Design

• Network Engineering Foundations
  • Requirements analysis processes
  • Flow modeling techniques
• High-Level Architectural Design
  • Component architecture and Reference architecture models
  • Various architectural models
  • Systems and network architecture integration
  • Evaluating service and vendor architecture options
• Low-Level Topological Design
  • Designing Enterprise networks
  • LAN/WAN design principles
  • IP network design strategies
  • Security and privacy design considerations
  • Network management design
• Designing for Network Operations