Networking Fundamentals (TCP/IP, OSI Model)

Module 1: Networking Concepts Deep Dive

• Network communication models: OSI vs. TCP/IP
• Protocol Data Units (PDUs) per layer
• Encapsulation and de-encapsulation
• Standards bodies: IEEE, IETF, IANA
• Networking reference materials: RFCs

Module 2: Physical Layer (Layer 1)

• Analog vs. digital signalling
• Transmission media: Coaxial, twisted pair, fibre, wireless
• Bandwidth, throughput, and latency concepts
• Multiplexing: TDM, FDM, WDM
• Physical layer devices: Repeaters, hubs, media converters

Module 3: Data Link Layer (Layer 2)

• Ethernet II and 802.3 frame structure
• MAC addressing: Format, types, resolution with ARP
• Switch operation: MAC table, flooding, forwarding
• VLANs: 802.1Q trunking and inter-VLAN routing
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and RSTP

Module 4: Network Layer (Layer 3)

• IP version 4: Header, fragmentation, TTL
• IP version 6: Header, extension headers, address types
• IPv4 to IPv6 transition: Dual stack, tunnelling, NAT64
• Routing concepts: Static vs. dynamic routing
• ICMP: Error reporting and diagnostics

Module 5: IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting

• Classful addressing review
• CIDR and VLSM
• Subnetting calculations: Network, broadcast, host range
• Subnetting practice: /24, /25, /26, /27, /28, /30, /31
• Supernetting and route summarisation

Module 6: IPv6 Addressing

• IPv6 address format and representation
• IPv6 address types: Unicast, multicast, anycast
• EUI-64 interface ID generation
• IPv6 special addresses: Loopback, link-local, unique local
• IPv6 Neighbour Discovery Protocol (NDP)

Module 7: Transport Layer (Layer 4)

• TCP: Segmentation, sequencing, flow control, congestion control
• TCP connection management: 3-way handshake, 4-way termination
• UDP: Datagram structure, use cases
• Port numbers: Well-known, registered, dynamic
• Socket communication: IP + port

Module 8: Application Layer Protocols

• HTTP/1.1, HTTP/2, HTTP/3 (QUIC)
• DNS deep dive: Recursive vs. iterative resolution, DNSSEC
• DHCP: DORA process, options, scopes
• SNMP: v1/v2c/v3, OIDs, MIBs
• NTP: Stratum levels, synchronisation

Module 9: TCP/IP Troubleshooting

• TCP/IP troubleshooting methodology
• Packet analysis with Wireshark: TCP stream, filters
• Common TCP issues: Retransmissions, window size, RST
• DNS troubleshooting with nslookup and dig
• Application-layer troubleshooting

Module 10: Network Address Translation (NAT)

• Static NAT, dynamic NAT, and PAT (NAT overload)
• NAT configuration on Cisco routers
• NAT traversal issues for VPN and VoIP
• CGN (Carrier-Grade NAT) overview
• IPv6 and the end of NAT dependency

Module 11: Wireless and Mobile Networking

• 802.11 frame types: Management, control, data
• CSMA/CA and DCF
• WPA3: SAE and GCMP-256
• Cellular networking: 4G LTE and 5G NR basics
• Mobile IPv6 concepts

Module 12: Capstone Projects

• Subnetting a complex enterprise network from scratch
• Wireshark protocol analysis lab: TCP, DNS, HTTP, DHCP
• Build and troubleshoot a multi-VLAN network in GNS3
• IPv6 addressing and configuration lab
• Certification preparation: CompTIA Network+, CCNA

Experience in the Industry Learn from networking professionals with deep expertise in TCP/IP protocol implementation, network troubleshooting, and enterprise infrastructure design.

Backgrounds at the Top Our instructors have held network engineering roles at ISPs, data centres, and enterprise IT departments, with certifications including CCNP, CompTIA Network+, and Wireshark Certified Network Analyst.

Clear & Effective Teaching Protocol mechanics are explained with Wireshark packet captures, diagrams, and Cisco Packet Tracer/GNS3 labs, making abstract concepts tangible and immediately applicable.

Hands-On Learning Focus Students perform real packet analysis, complete subnetting drills, configure VLANs and spanning tree, and troubleshoot complex multi-layer network problems.

Up-to-Date Knowledge Instructors stay current with HTTP/3, IPv6 deployment trends, Wi-Fi 6E protocol updates, and updated CompTIA Network+ and CCNA exam objectives.