Overview

A hands on training course introducing the concepts of data communications, moving on to covering both LAN and WAN technology. Quizzes are used extensively to ensure material has sunk in and to maximise learning time. Hands on sessions ensure that by the end of the course delegates have made cables, built LANS and WANS, configured TCP/IP, switches and routers.

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Prerequisites

Delegates will learn how to

By the end of the course delegates will be able to:

  • Use the seven layer model to classify networking buzzwords.
  • Build and troubleshoot Ethernet, LAN/WAN and WiFi networks
  • Explain the difference between switches and routers.
  • Connect networks with routers.
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Outline

What are networks?

What is data communications? What are networks? Types of network, LANs, LAN choices, WANs, WAN choices, PANs, SANs, MANs, connecting networks. Internetworks, the internet, clouds.

Networks and standards

Standards bodies, ISO, ITU, IEEE, IETF, OSI 7 layer reference model, TCP/IP and OSI, ping and the 7 layer model, encapsulation, fragmentation.

The physical layer

Transmission media: Copper, Fibre, RF, UTP, Cat 5/5e/6/7..., RJ45, straight and cross over cables. Coax, Fibre cable & connectors, SFP, MMF, SMF, radio spectrum, frequencies, ranges, noise and electrical distortion, repeaters.

Hands on: Cabling, ping.

Bandwidth

Definition, Bits, bytes, speeds, simplex, half/full duplex, a/symmetrical, aggregation, latency. Calculating bandwidth requirements.

The Data Link layer

Frames, classifications, standards, LAN/WAN layer 2 technologies (Point to point, virtual circuits).

Ethernet

What is Ethernet? 802.3, evolution from CSMA/CD, choosing cables, topologies, NICs, MAC addresses. Ethernet frame format.

Hands on: Analysing Ethernet frames.

Ethernet switches

Connecting multiple devices, switches work at layer 2, Switches vs. hubs, simultaneous conversations, full duplex, MAC address database, how switches work, switch benefits, loops, STP. Console ports.

Hands on: Switches and WireShark, configuring switches, broadcast storms, STP.

VLANS

What are VLANs, why have VLANs.

Hands on The effect of VLANs on network traffic.

Wireless LANs

Type of wireless network. WiFi, 802.11b/g/n/ac, WiFi6, antennae, interference, 802.11 frame format, CSMA/CA, half duplex, Wireless Access Points, security.

Hands on: Building a WiFi network.

WANS

WAN architecture, WAN types, service providers, access equipment, DTE, DCE, core equipment, WANs and the 7 layer model, choosing a WAN.

WAN access

Point to point, multi access, Internet, phone lines, leased lines, xDSL, broadband architecture. DOCSIS, FTTH, PON, SD-WAN. Older technologies (if required): Modems, ISDN, 64k, E1, TDM.

Packet switched networks

Packet switching, virtual circuits, Hub & spoke, partial & full mesh, MPLS, MPLS and routers, Why MPLS? MPLS -TE, MPLS VPN, Internet VPN. Older technologies (if required).

Service provider technologies

Transport plane, SDH, SONET, WDM, CWDM, DWDM, DWDM architectures, OTN.

TCP/IP

Definition, protocols, services, internetworking, the Internet, intranets, IAB, RFCs, IP header, IP addressing, subnet masks, IPv6, TCP, UDP.

Hands on: IP address and subnet mask configuration.

Routers

What are routers? Routers vs switches, when to route and when to switch, default gateways, routing tables, static routes, routing protocols. Firewalls, how firewalls work.

Hands on Router configuration, tracert.

Applications

Clients, servers, web, HTTP, Email, resource sharing, IM, VoIP, Video over IP, terminal emulation, ftp, ssh.

Hands on: telnet

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Why choose QA

Dates & Locations

Need to know

Frequently asked questions

How can I create an account on myQA.com?

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Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.

How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?

Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.

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How do QA’s online courses work?

QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.

All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.

When will I receive my joining instructions?

Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.

When will I receive my certificate?

Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.

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