Fundamentals of Networking Technology: A Skills-Based Approach
Fundamentals of Networking Technology:
A Skills-Based Approach
ISBN 978-0-9766304-2-5
Price: $55.00
Course Outline
This 10-module course is designed around a skills-based, practice-before-theory instructional model. Rather than introducing concepts abstractly and deferring application, students engage first in hands-on activities within NetEmulator™, where they build small networks, observe communication processes, and experiment with configurations in a controlled environment. These early experiences foster curiosity and establish cognitive “anchors” that support deeper conceptual understanding.
The underlying pedagogical principle is that practice precedes explanation. By performing authentic networking tasks at the outset, students begin developing practical competencies while simultaneously preparing to engage more effectively with theoretical material. Once the lab activities are completed, subsequent conceptual instruction becomes more concrete, meaningful, and accessible.
Modules
Module 1 – Building and Exploring Network Foundations
Lab 1-1: Exploring the Network Emulator & Learning Network Terminology
Lab 1-2: Packets, Ports, and Pings – Learning Core Network Terms
- What is a network? Devices, media, and purpose
- Fundamental network communication
- Network terminology
Module 2 – Connect, Secure, and Route – Core Devices in Practice
Lab 2.1: Switching Smarter – How Switches Outperform Hubs
Lab 2.2: Deploy Wireless Access Points and Enable Wi-Fi Connectivity
Lab 2.3: Configure and Test a Routed Topology
- Roles of hubs, switches, wireless access points, and routers
- NICs, cables, and ports
- Mastering broadcast domains
Module 3 – Experiencing the Language of Network Protocols
Lab 3.1: Trace a Packet End-to-End – Inspect IP, ICMP, TCP, and UDP Layers
Lab 3.2: Create DNS Records, Configure Clients, and Verify Hostname Connectivity
Lab 3.3: Construct and Analyze a Multi-Arm Star Network
- IP, TCP, UDP, ICMP
- Network Server Protocols: DNS, DHCP, and Web
Module 4 – Tracing and Troubleshooting Data Through the OSI and TCP/IP Models
Lab 4.1: Use DNS and Ping to Reveal the TCP/IP Model in Action
Lab 4.2: Restore End-to-End Connectivity by Testing Each TCP/IP Layer
- OSI vs. TCP/IP conceptual mapping
- Encapsulation and decapsulation
- Data movement through layers
Module 5 – Creating IP Networks: Addressing and Subnetting
Lab 5.1: Configure IPv4 Addresses and Identify Network vs. Host IDs
Lab 5.2: Subnet a Small Network – Choose Masks, Allocate Ranges, and Validate with IPv6 Basics
- IPv4 structure and binary representation
- Subnet masks and network/host IDs
- Basic subnetting and address planning
- Intro to IPv6
Module 6 – Configuring VLANs and Routing on Active Networks
Lab 6.1: Segment and Route Active Networks: VLANs, Inter-VLAN Routing, and Routes
Lab 6.2: Build VLAN Segmentation and Routing Intelligence: MAC Tables to Static and Dynamic Routing
- Switch operation and MAC tables
- VLAN concepts and benefits
- Router operation and routing tables
- Static vs. dynamic routing basics
Module 7 – Deploying Core Network Services: DHCP and Web Protocols
Lab 7.1: Trace TCP Handshakes and Inspect HTTP Traffic
Lab 7.2: Build DNS Records and Activate the Web Server
- Setting Up and Testing DHCP
- Examining Client/Server Protocols
- DHCP and HTTP functions
- Web and Other Server Protocols
Module 8 – Network Troubleshooting
Lab 8.1: Troubleshooting Methodology
Lab 8.2: Troubleshooting DHCP
- The Troubleshooting Methodology
- Real World Approaches to Troubleshooting
Module 9 – Defending Your Network: ACLs and Device Security
Lab 9.1: Implement Router ACLs to Control and Verify Traffic Flow
Lab 9.2: Harden Network Devices and Validate Security Policies
- Router Access Control Lists (ACLs)
- Network Device Security
Module 10 – Network Monitoring and Diagnosis
Lab 10.1 Troubleshoot Connectivity and Examine Network Data Structures
Lab 10.2 Inspect MAC and Routing Tables to Isolate Network Failures
- Using ping and traceroute
- Network Data Structures: Switching Table, Routing Table
Capstone Project –
Building and Securing a Network from Start to Finish
In Challenge Mode, with minimal instructional support, students are required to:
Design a small to medium-sized business (SMB) network topology, correctly cable devices, configure IP addressing and default gateways, and verify both wired and wireless LAN as well as routed connectivity using ARP and ping. Students then implement security by segmenting traffic with VLANs, enabling inter-VLAN routing, deploying core services such as DHCP and DNS, and enforcing access controls using ACLs.
The project concludes with validation of outcomes (who can communicate with whom, by IP and by name) and systematic troubleshooting of failures using packet analysis and a layer-by-layer methodology.
