Network Science Certification Program Information

FSR / CO Tech Certification Program Course Outlines and Descriptions

Level 1 - Network Fundamentals Track

Here are the course descriptions and outlines of the Network Fundamentals Certification track.

DATA101 - Data Networking 101

Course Description

This course is an introduction to Data Networking principles and concepts.  From understanding the layered model of communications and how TCP/IP fits that model, to understanding how TCP/IP packets are forwarded through the network.  These basics are essential comprehension as to how the Internet and Ethernet technologies work together.

Course Outline

Section 1: The Layered Model of Data Communications

Section 2: The TCP/IP Protocol Stack

Section 3: Destination-Based Forwarding

Section 4: Where Network Elements Get their Addresses

Section 5: Course Summary and Knowledge Assessment

ETH101 - The Basics of Ethernet

Course Description

This course is an introduction to to Ethernet principles and concepts.  From understanding the structure of Ethernet Frames, to understanding how Ethernet behaves, this course provides a solid understanding of Ethernet fundamentals.  

Course Outline

Part 1: Ethernet Introduction

Part 2: Ethernet Local Area Networks

Part 3: Ethernet Frames and Addressing

Part 4: Ethernet Hubs, Bridges and Switches

Part 5: Conclusion and Course Knowledge Assessment

IPV4ADD - IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting

Course Description

This course provides the essential knowledge and skills in handling IPv4 Addressing.  Anyone working with the Internet has to understand the IPv4 Addressing schema, and the history of addressing changes that shape the way we use IPv4 in networks.  From Classful, to Classless, Subnetting and Supernetting, the IPv4 addressing schema can be complex, but in this course we will provide you the tools and skills to quickly conquer this technology so you can put it to use in your daily activities.

Course Outline

Section 1: IPv4 Addressing Background

Section 2: Mastering the IPv4 Network Mask

Section 3: IP Subnet Addressing - Variable Length Subnet Masking

Section 4: IPv4 Addressing Operations

Section 5: Conclusion and Course Knowledge Assessment

WIRESHARK1 - Wireshark Fundamentals

Course Description

This Wireshark 101 course is a fast start to using Wireshark for packet analysis.  Basic configuration and customization of capturing, displaying and environment is covered.

Course Outline

Section 1: Introducing the Wireshark User Interface

Section 2: Using Capture and Display Filters

Section 3: Network Baselines

Section 4: Wireshark Configuration

Section 5: Command Line Functions

Section 6: Conclusion and Course Knowledge Assessment

WIRELESS1 - Wireless 101

Course Description

The concepts learned in this course provide students with a basis for understanding all wireless networks, including Wi-Fi3G and 4G mobile networks. This course describes the components of a radio and the implications of operating in difference frequency bands.

Course Outline

Section 1: Components of a Radio

Section 2: Modulation

Section 3: Antennas Basis and MIMO

Section 4: Propagation

Section 5: Explaining Decibels

Section 6: Frequency Bands 

Section 7: Interference

Section 8: Course Summary and Knowledge Assessment

WIRELESS2 - Mobile Networks

Course Description

If you are a technical person that works for a company that competes with the cellular providers, this course will help you understand the competition.  If your company provides cellular services, you will benefit from understanding those technologies.  This course takes the student through the evolution of cellular mobile networks. It covers  GSM,  GPRS,  UMTS,  HSPA+,  LTE and the latest network evolution LTE Advance. It provides students with an understanding of how the radio air interface has evolved from enabling voice calls, to supporting mobile packet data in excess of gigabits per second. This course also shows the evolution of the core network from a circuit switched network to an all IP based network.

Course Outline

Section 1: Cellular Concepts

Section 2: 2G GSM/EGPRS

Section 3: 3G UMTS/HSPA+

Section 4: 4G LTE/LTE Advanced

Section 5: Evolution to an All IP Network

Section 6: Course Summary and Knowledge Assessment

WIFI1 - How Wi-Fi Works

Course Description

This course describes how a client connects to a Wi-Fi Access Point and sends data. It discusses mechanisms for avoiding collisions in a shared spectrum, for conserving battery power of mobile devices, and for attaining data rates over 1 Gb/s. 

Course Outline

Section 1: Connecting to an Access Point

Section 2: Sending Data

Section 3: 802.11a,b,g,n,ac Physical Layers

Section 4: Course Summary and Knowledge Assessment

WIFI2 - Deploying Wi-Fi Networks

Course Description

This course focuses on the getting the Wi-Fi network up and functioning. It takes you through the key steps in planning the deployment, selecting the frequency channel, and understanding the implications of the default configuration settings. This course will use various APs to demonstrate configurable Wi-Fi features and capabilities.

Course Outline

Section 1: Pre-Deployment Considerations

Section 2: Frequency Planning

Section 3: Configuring an Access Point

Section 4: External Antennas

Section 5: Course Summary and Knowledge Assessment