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.

Read more

Prerequisites

None

Read more

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.

Read more

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 refer

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 Datalink 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.

Wireless LANs

Type of wireless network. WiFi, 802.11b/g/n/ac, 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.

Packet switched network

Packet switching, virtual circuits, Hub & spoke, partial & full mesh, ATM, MPLS, MPLS and routers, Why MPLS? MPLS-TE, MPLS VPN, Internet VPN.

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

  • What are networks?
  • Networks and standards
  • What are networks?
  • The physical layer
  • Bandwidth
  • The Data Link layer
  • Ethernet
  • Ethernet switches
  • Wireless LANs
  • WANS
  • Packet switched network
  • Service provider technologies
  • TCP/IP
  • Routers
  • Applications

Read more

Why choose QA

Dates & Locations

Frequently asked questions

See all of our FAQs

How can I create an account on myQA.com?

There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.

If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".

If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.

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.

We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting (more details in the link below) to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.

Learn more about our Virtual Classrooms.

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.

Learn more about QA’s online courses.

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.

Contact Us

Please contact us for more information