
Course Overview
The Network System Design course will provide students with an understanding of computer networks and how they operate, as well as a basic understanding of how to manage and maintain computer networks. These skills will provide students with the ability to design, configure, and troubleshoot networks of all sizes.
Students will learn the basics of network design, including how to identify network requirements and determine proper network architecture. They will be instructed on the requirements of network models, as well as be introduced to local area networks. Students will also learn about Internet Protocol and the basics of routing data on a network.
Students will be introduced to wide area networks, including software-defined networks. In addition, students will learn about network security issues and network management, including monitoring and troubleshooting. Lastly, students will learn about network operating systems and their role in connecting computers and facilitating communications.
Objectives
- Understand computer networks and their functions, as well as know how to analyze business and technical goals of a network to effectively meet customer needs.
- Identify requirements to successfully support network users, applications, and devices. They will also understand network architecture and topology, protocols, and services of local and wide area networks.
- Identify principles and operation of equipment like wire and circuits, as well as of standards such as open system interconnection, TCP/IP, and high-speed networking.
- Demonstrate knowledge of security requirements and data protection on a network, as well as the role of security tools such as routers, firewalls, and virtual private networks.
- Understand network operating systems and be able to support computer networks.
For topics in this course, it is helpful for students to be familiar with the basics of computer hardware (desktop and laptop), as well as desktop operating systems.
If students are not familiar with these topics, it is recommended, though not required, that they be introduced to computer hardware and desktop or workstation operating systems before starting this course. That includes examining hardware devices such as motherboards, hard drives, and processing chips and exploring the features and functions of a workstation operating system.
Network System Design Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to Network Design
- Chapter 1: Network Requirements
- Customer Needs and Goals
- Network Design: Network Infrastructure
- Network Design: Physical and Functional Network Requirements
- Project: Designing a Business Network
- Project: Office Planning
- Chapter 2: Network Architecture
- Network Architecture Components – Physical and Functional
- Logical Network Design – Addressing and Routing Protocols
- Network Architecture Models – Topologies and Classifications
- Project: Connecting Physical to Function
- Project: Exploring Higher Math
Unit 2: Networking Models and Local Area Networks
- Chapter 1: TCP/IP and OSI Networking – The Fundamentals
- The Network Reference Models
- The OSI Networking Model
- The TCP/IP Networking Model
- Project: Port Sniffing
- Project: Researching TCP/IP
- Chapter 2: Local Area Networks – Topologies, Transmission Media, and Technologies
- LAN Fundamentals: Media, Topologies, and Protocols
- LAN Technologies: Ethernet
- Wireless LANs and Security
- Project: State Your Case, Argue for Each
- Project: Playing with Wireless
Unit 3: Internet Protocol (IP): Addressing and Routing
- Chapter 1: IP Addressing
- Addressing Fundamentals
- IP Addressing: Classful Addressing
- Subnetting, Supernetting, and Classless Addressing
- Project: IP Address Ranges and Subnetting
- Project: Researching Classless Inter-Domain Routing
- Chapter 2: IP Routing
- Routing Basics
- IP Routing Protocols: Distance Vector Routing
- IP Routing Protocols: Link State Routing
- Project: Routing Tables
- Project: Router Security
Unit 4: Wide Area Networks and Network Security
- Chapter 1: Wide Area Networks
- WAN Concepts
- WAN Technologies
- WAN Configuration
- Project: Connecting to the Internet Backbone
- Project: What Do All These Boxes Look Like?
- Chapter 2: Network Security
- Understanding Network Security
- Network Security Threats
- Network Security Techniques
- Project: Creating a Network Security Policy
- Project: Analyzing Network Security
Unit 5: Network Management and Network Operating System
- Chapter 1: Network Management Strategies and Design
- Network Management Design
- Network Management Architecture
- Network Management Tools and Protocols
- Project: Designing a Network Management Plan
- Project: Using Network Troubleshooting Tools
- Chapter 2: Network Operating Systems
- Network Operating Systems
- The Windows Server
- The Linux Operating System
- Project: Researching Network Operating Systems
- Project: Installing and Using Linux OS