Description

Curriculum

 

 Semester 1: Core Networking Concepts (Weeks 1–16)

Module 1: Network Fundamentals (Weeks 1–4)

• Topics:
  • OSI & TCP/IP models
  • LAN, WAN, WLAN types
  • MAC vs. IP addressing
  • IPv4 & IPv6 basics, subnetting
  • ARP, ICMP, DNS, DHCP intro
• Labs:
  • Subnetting exercises
  • Packet Tracer: simple LAN simulation
  • ICMP and ping/traceroute testing

Module 2: Network Devices & Configuration (Weeks 5–6)

• Topics:
  • Routers, switches, firewalls, APs
  • CLI navigation and configuration
  • Configuration modes, show/debug
• Labs:
  • Initial switch/router config
  • IP addressing and connectivity testing

Module 3: Network Access & VLANs (Weeks 7–9)

• Topics:
  • Ethernet switching
  • VLANs, trunking, DTP
  • CDP, LLDP, EtherChannel
• Labs:
  • VLAN and trunk configuration
  • Dynamic vs. static EtherChannel
  • Switch troubleshooting

Module 4: Spanning Tree & Wireless Basics (Weeks 10–12)

• Topics:
  • STP (PVST+, RSTP)
  • Wireless components: APs, controllers
  • Wireless standards (WPA/WPA2), QoS basics
• Labs:
  • Configure and verify STP
  • Wireless router setup (GUI & CLI)

Midterm Review + Assessment (Weeks 13–14)

Project Week + Recap (Weeks 15–16)

• Build a simulated enterprise LAN
• Include VLANs, trunking, STP, DHCP

Semester 2: Routing, Services, Security & Automation (Weeks 17–32)

Module 5: IP Connectivity & Routing (Weeks 17–20)

• Topics:
  • Routing tables, static routes
  • OSPFv2/v3 basics
  • IPv6 routing
• Labs:
  • Configure static routes
  • OSPF single-area for IPv4 & IPv6

Module 6: IP Services (Weeks 21–23)

• Topics:
  • NAT (Static, PAT)
  • DHCP server/relay
  • NTP, DNS, SNMP, Syslog
• Labs:
  • NAT inside/outside config
  • Configure DHCP on routers

Module 7: Security Fundamentals (Weeks 24–26)

• Topics:
  • Device hardening: SSH, banner, passwords
  • Port security
  • ACLs: standard & extended
  • VPN concepts, wireless security
• Labs:
  • SSH and login security setup
  • IPv4 ACL config for filtering
  • VLAN security config

Module 8: Automation & Programmability (Weeks 27–29)

• Topics:
  • SDN and Cisco DNA Center overview
  • REST APIs: CRUD, JSON basics
  • Network automation tools: Ansible, Python intro
• Labs:
  • Use Postman to explore API basics
  • Simple Python script to configure interfaces (optional)

Final Review + Practice Exams (Weeks 30–31)

Capstone Project & Presentation (Week 32)

• Build a full-network simulation:
  • IP addressing, routing, VLANs, NAT, ACLs
  • Wireless & security features
  • Bonus: Use automation for initial config

 Assessments & Activities

• Weekly Quizzes
• Midterm (Week 14) & Final Exam (Week 31)
• 2 Major Projects (LAN design + Capstone)
• Labs Every Week
• Optional Certification Prep Bootcamp (Post-course)