Course Outline

Section 1: Getting Started – Local Area Networks

In this first chapter we will establish a foundation for the class, discuss local area networks, connect our laptops to the LAN, setup basic parameters, and verify connectivity. You will also install and use a LAN monitor.

A. Ethernet

1. Ethernet defined
2. Ethernet network interface cards (NIC)
3. The ethernet Media Access Control (MAC)

B. Ethernet Cables

1. Category 5 (CAT5) and enhanced CAT5 (CAT5E)
2. CAT6
3. Fiber optic
4. Ethernet distances on various cable types

C. Ethernet Operation

1. Ethernet frames and frame checking with FCS
2. Collisions
3. MAC addresses
4. Broadcasts and multicasts
5. Verifying LAN connectivity with PING

D. Ethernet Components

1. Hubs
2. Switches
3. Routers
   
   

Section 2: Getting Bigger – Wide Area Networks

Next, we will introduce the types of WAN circuits that are very useful as the size of our networks increase. We will connect our LAN to the internet using WAN technology and verify WAN operations with testing.

A. WAN Circuit Types

1. Point-to-point circuit
2. Multipoint circuits
3. Switched circuits

B. Types of Point-to-Point Circuits

1. T-1 and fractional T-1
2. T-3
3. ISDN PRI
4. SONET

C. Multipoint Circuits

1. Frame relay
2. ATM

D. Switched Circuits

1. Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)
2. ISDN BRI

E. Connecting LAN's With WAN's

1. How routers connect
2. Examples of LAN/WAN combinations
   
   

Section 3: Ethernet Switching Configuration Techniques

Take a careful look at the world of Ethernet switching. We'll learn principles of switch operation, how they differ from routers, and some powerful features offered by these devices.

A. Switching Principles

1. Switch learning
2. Why you should use switches instead of hubs
3. Filtering and forwarding
4. Switch broadcast domains

B. Switch Product Features

1. Backbone vs. workgroup switches
2. Stacking
3. Spanning tree features
4. Virtual LAN's
5. Networking VLAN's with 802.1q

C. Switch VLAN Configuration

1. Port-based VLAN configuration techniques
2. MAC-based VLAN configuration
3. Dynamic VLAN membership assignment

D. Switch Spanning Trees

Section 4: Setting Up Networks for TCP/IP

Gaining an understanding of TCP/IP is an important goal of the course. We'll discuss the principles of IP address layout, and then apply these concepts by assigning the basic IP address configuration parameters to our laptops. We will learn about subnetting and the subnet mask, and test the proper use of subnet masking in the lab.

A. The Basics of IP Addressing

1. Address format
2. Classed and unclassed addressing
3. Subnets and subnet masks
4. Public Vs. private addresses

B. IP Operation on a LAN

1. Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
2. Default gateways
3. Allocating IP addresses to LAN computers

C. IP-Based Internets and Intranets

1. Setting up T-1 lines for IP
2. IP addressing on a frame relay
3. Allocating subnets in an internet or intranet

Section 5: Routers, Router Configuration, Level 3 Switching

In this important chapter you'll learn to configure an IP router for basic operation, studying key routing concepts, tables, static vs. dynamic routing, and default routes. In the lab we'll define virtual routers in level 3 switches, then use them to build static and default routes. Use both laptops and routers to look at routing tables, and verify access to local systems and internet.

A. IP Routing Principles

1. How IP routing works
2. Routing tables

B. IP Router Configuration

1. The router management interface
2. Enabling IP in the router
3. Setting up the routing table
4. Adding static routes
5. Configuring and testing

C. Dynamic Routing

1. Why dynamic routing is useful
2. Setting up backup routes
3. The concept of least cost
4. Steps to enable dynamic RIP routing
5. Dynamic routing on a LAN

D. Level 3 Switching

1. Definition of a Level 3 Switch
2. Why Level 3 switching is useful
3. Virtual routers
4. Configuring level 3 switches

E. Building Redundancy and Reliability

1. VLAN's in the spanning tree
2. Redundant backbones, Level 3 Switches
3. Workgroup-to-backbone spanning
4. Integrating L3 switches w/ real routing
   
   

Section 6: Making Things Work - IP-Based System Services

Core network services such as DHCP and DNS are critical to reliable and efficient network function. We will examine these services and learn to configure them. Students will set up and test their own DHCP and DNS servers in the lab.

A. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

1. Principles of DHCP scopes
2. DHCP global values
3. Reservations and why they matter

B. Configuring the Microsoft DHCP Server

1. Defining scopes
2. Filling In global values
3. Reservations and exclusions
4. Authorizing the DHCP server
5. Configuring the DHCP client

C. Other DHCP Configuration Issues

1. Adding the DHCP relay agent
2. Operating redundant DHCP servers

D. Introduction to Domain Name System (DNS)

1. What DNS does
2. Types of DNS queries
3. The internet namespace
4. Zones
5. DNS record types
6. Zone transfers and replication

E. Configuring the Microsoft DNS Server

1. Installing the service
2. Defining the zones
3. Adding records
4. Forward vs. reverse zones
5. Verifying DNS operation

F. Final IP Configuration Steps

1. Required IP configuration parameters
2. Essential parameters for the desktop
3. Essential parameters for the DHCP server
   
   

Section 7: Network Security

A secure network is essential in the workplace. We will study firewalls and how to add robust, reliable security.

A. Network Security Building Blocks

1. Using the IP header for security decisions
2. Level 4 protocols - UDP and TCP
3. Port numbers
4. Well-known ports

B. Principles of Firewalling

1. Firewall positioning - where do you need them?
2. Soft vs. hard firewalls
3. The DMZ network
4. Examples of DMZ-resident services
5. Port Address Translation (PAT)
6. Network Address Translation (NAT)

C. Access Lists (router, firewall, and level 3 switch)

D. Security Configuration in Firewalls and Routers

1. Examples of NAT and PAT configuration
2. Access list configuration
3. XP Service Pack 2 firewall issues
   
   

Section 8: Wireless LANs

Wireless LANs are developing as an important feature of the modern networking landscape. We will look at standards and what’s best choice for you. In the lab, we will set up wireless NIC's and examine security.

A. Introduction to WLAN's

1. WLAN standards: 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g
2. Factors in choosing a wireless technology
3. Wireless performance
4. Voice over wireless LANs

B. WLAN Devices

1. Access point
2. Bridge
3. Wireless NIC
4. Centrino-compatible equipment

C. Configuring Wireless LAN's

1. Setting up and connecting the access point
2. Configuring intrusion protection
3. Encryption definitions
4. Wireless VLANs

D. Wireless LAN Switches

18 HANDS-ON LABS
You must bring your laptop to participate in the labs.

• Lab 1: Connectivity
• Lab 2: LAN monitors & examining Ethernet frame format
• Lab 3, Group Exercise: Deterioration of performance under high collision rates with hubs and switches
• Lab 4: Router connectivity and managing configuration
• Lab 5: Routers, LAN switches, and compatible IP settings
• Lab 6: Setup of various IP subnets and subnet masks
• Lab 7: Restoration from disconnect and ARP entry removal
• Lab 8: Examining and verifying ARP caches on a route
• Lab 9: IP routing tables and configuring routes
• Lab10: Dynamic routing protocol
• Lab11: Configuring VLANs and managing virtual routers
• Lab12: Dynamic MAC-based VLAN membership
• Lab13: Configuring a Microsoft DHCP server
• Lab14: Configure a Microsoft DNS server
• Lab15: Installing soft firewalls
• Lab16: Level 3 access lists on routers
• Lab17: Using/verifying level 4 access lists on firewalls
• Lab18: Secure wireless connectivity for laptops