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Introduction to data communications & networking
- Categories:
- Networks and Data Communications Infrastructure and Networking
- Level:
- Fundamentals
- Code:
- TPIDC
- Exam:
- Not Applicable
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. 2025 Wireshark. Networking. IP. Data Comms
Prerequisites
None
What's included
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What is Classroom?
Hands-on, instructor-led training delivered in a QA learning centre
In-person training in a dedicated QA learning centre. Learners benefit from expert-led sessions, collaborative activities, and structured, hands-on workshops in a distraction-free environment. If you can’t attend in person, many classroom courses are also available to attend remotely.
Classroom sessions can be arranged on request. Please contact your account manager to discuss availability in your region
Best for: Individuals and teams who benefit from deep focus, direct interaction, and practical, hands-on learning.
What's included?
3 Days instructor led course
6 month free access to QA learning platform
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Find out more about the course:
Learning outcomes
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.
Course 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
Good to know
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What our customers are saying
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