ALL STUDENTS MUST START HERE
This is the Level 1 - Network Fundamentals Initial Network Skills Assessment Tests. You must take these tests prior to taking any of the Level 1 courses.
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.
Understanding Ethernet is essential for broadband technicians because it is the foundational Layer 2 technology that underpins most wired network connections, including customer premises equipment, access networks, and backhaul links. A solid grasp of Ethernet framing, MAC addressing, duplex settings, and error conditions enables technicians to quickly identify physical and data link layer issues that directly impact service performance and reliability. 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.
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.
Wireshark is a fundamental tool for broadband technicians because it provides direct visibility into packet-level communications, allowing engineers to move beyond assumptions and observe exactly how networks and applications behave in real time. In broadband environments—where issues can stem from complex interactions between customer devices, access networks, and service provider infrastructure—Wireshark enables technicians to identify root causes such as packet loss, latency, retransmissions, DNS failures, DHCP issues, TCP congestion behavior, and application-layer errors. This Wireshark 101 course is a fast start to using Wireshark for packet capture. Basic configuration and customization of capturing and displaying packet data is covered.
This course will begin the three part Wi-Fi/WLAN components of the certification program beginning with an understanding of the very important Layer 1 Radio operations in a Wi-Fi/WLAN environment. Upon completion, the student will be able to differentiate issues of 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz operation. This course builds a clear understanding of frequency planning for Wi-Fi and develops a solid Layer 1 foundation for: The Layer 2 details of Wi-Fi – the MAC layer and Maintaining and Troubleshooting Wi-Fi.
This course will leverage the knowledge and understanding we gained in the first two parts of the Wi-Fi courses in the certification to manage WLANs, maintain them, and troubleshoot them. We will discuss tools needed to accomplish this effort. We will understand frequency and channel management. We will learn how to deal with interference and number of devices. We will develop and learn a step-by-step troubleshooting best practice for when things go wrong.
In this course we focus on how voice traffic is encapsulated and transported over the Internet. We will learn and examine the control plane protocols of VoIP: SID and SDP where the set up and tear down of calls occurs. We will learn and examine the data plane protocols of VoIP: RTP and RTCP where the encoded voice is actually sent. Lastly, we will discuss some key troubleshooting concepts and tools for VoIP.