Unit 1: Computers and Software in Networks

This unit will introduce you to the various technologies that are found at the endpoints of a network. It covers two basic elements in a network: hardware platforms and software programs.

   Lessons

Lesson 1 - Types of Computers

Lesson 2 - Internal Computer Components: CPUs, Memory, and Accessory Cards

Lesson 3 - System Software

Lesson 4 - Application Software

Lesson 5 - Management and Utility Software

Lesson 6 - From Applications to the Network

Unit 2: Carrier Signals, Cable Types, and Network Topologies

This unit covers network topology, or the physical configuration of networks. Cabling systems, which connect network components together, are introduced along with common topologies found in today's networks.

   Lessons

Lesson 1 - Communication Signals

Lesson 2 - Cable Types

Lesson 3 - Bus Topology

Lesson 4 - Star Topology

Lesson 5 - Ring Topology

Lesson 6 - Other Topologies and Guidelines

Unit 3: Computer Protocols and Services

This unit introduces an analogy that will help you understand networking technologies. Protocols, or the rules agreed upon for communicating, are covered together with other important concepts necessary for understanding network operation.

   Lessons

Lesson 1 - An Analogy for Understanding Networking Technologies

Lesson 2 - A Simple Protocol

Lesson 3 - Protocol Layers and Services

Lesson 4 - Programs, Processes, and Protocols

Lesson 5 - Protocol Stacks

Lesson 6 - Stacking and Unstacking Protocols

Unit 4: The OSI Model

The seven-layer networking model known as the OSI Model provides a way for computer system vendors to interconnect with each other's product offerings. This unit introduces you to the layers of the model and the major functions of each layer.

   Lessons

Lesson 1 - Introduction to the OSI Model

Lesson 2 - The Application Layer

Lesson 3 - The Presentation Layer

Lesson 4 - The Session Layer

Lesson 5 - The Transport Layer

Lesson 7 - The Data Link Layer

Lesson 8 - The Physical Layer

Unit 5: Network Components

This unit will discuss the various components that are used to implement both Local Area and Wide Area networks. Network components are classified by the layer of the OSI Model that they operate.

   Lessons

Lesson 1 - Repeaters and Hubs

Lesson 2 - Switches

Lesson 3 - Bridges

Lesson 4 - Routers

Lesson 5 - Gateways

Unit 6: Local Area Networks

This unit introduces you to the elements of Local Area Networks, including Ethernet technology, and Network Operating Systems. You will learn the differences between peer-to-peer and client/server operations in LANs.

   Lessons

Lesson 1 - Ethernet LANs

Lesson 2 - Token Ring and FDDI LANs

Lesson 3 - Peer-to-Peer Networking

Lesson 4 - Network Operating Systems

Lesson 5 - Client/Server Networks

Lesson 6 - Information Flow Between Client and Server

Unit 7: Wide Area Networks

This unit introduces you to the common technologies, services, and components used in Wide Area Networks. We will look at how different technologies and services can be used to connect data networks over long distances.

   Lessons

Lesson 1 - WAN Connection Types

Lesson 2 - WAN Point-to-Point Services

Lesson 3 - WAN Switched Services

Lesson 4 - WAN Components

Lesson 5 - Performance Factors

Lesson 6 - Choosing WAN Products and Services

Unit 8: Integrating the Course Elements

This unit will introduce you to internetworking by examining two issues: the problems encountered with network growth and the need to connect separate networks that may have different architectures.

   Lessons

Lesson 1 - A Small Peer-to-Peer Network

Lesson 2 - Network Servers and Services

Lesson 3 - Traffic Isolation in a Network

Lesson 4 - Connectivity to Other Networks

Lesson 5 - Information Flow from Client to Web Server