Delivery: Online | Est. Length: 16 Seat Hours | Price: $560.00
Course Overview
The NCTI Introduction to Networking: Local Area Networks course takes students into the infrastructure of the modern business environment. While a home network connects a few devices, a business Local Area Network (LAN) requires sophisticated traffic management and robust design.
This course provides a solid understanding of the technologies used to build and maintain these networks, including Ethernet Protocols (Fast, Gigabit, and 10 Gigabit), Virtual LANs (VLANs), and Layer 3 Switching. Students will learn to optimize traffic flow using hubs, switches, and routers, and explore the Network Operating Systems (NOS) that drive the enterprise—Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
Who Should Attend:
- Network Support Technicians
- IT Help Desk Staff
- Broadband Business Installers
- System Administrators
What You Will Learn
Upon completion, students will be able to design a LAN architecture that meets user requirements, isolate traffic for performance (QoS), and support client/server environments.
Core Competencies:
- Physical Media: Compare the characteristics and installation requirements of copper (Coax/Twisted-Pair), fiber-optic, and wireless media.
- Ethernet Evolution: Trace the development of Ethernet standards from legacy speeds to 10 Gigabit Ethernet, understanding frame formats and protocol relationships.
- Traffic Management: Explain the basic approaches to traffic isolation and broadcast containment, including Quality of Service (QoS) and VLAN tagging.
- Switching Logic: Describe the difference between standard switching and Layer 3 Switching, and how to configure switched Ethernet environments.
- Operating Systems: Identify the key features and architectures of the major Network Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux, and Mac OS.
- Server Roles: Differentiate between file servers, print servers, and web servers, and understand the importance of backup/disaster recovery.
Certification and Benefits
Support the Business Enterprise
This course bridges the gap between basic connectivity and professional network administration.
Additional Benefits:
- Industry Recognition: Receive the NCTI Certificate of Graduation.
- Diagnostic Tools: Learn to use binary/hexadecimal numbers and LAN analysis tools to troubleshoot complex network issues.
- Architecture Skills: Gain the ability to assess user needs and design a network topology that scales.
Course Outline
Module 1: LAN Fundamentals and Connectivity
- Network topologies and the OSI Model.
- Connecting Computers: NICs, cable properties, and Wireless LANs (WLAN).
Module 2: Ethernet and Switching
- Ethernet Frame Formats and Standards (Fast/Gigabit/10GbE).
- Advanced Switching: Virtual LANs (VLANs) and Layer 3 switches.
Module 3: Network Software and Operating Systems
- Client/Server fundamentals and Remote Procedure Calls (RPC).
- OS Architecture: Deep dive into Windows, Linux, and Mac OS platforms.
- Server types and disaster prevention.
Module 4: Analysis and Design
- The Network Development Process.
- Analysis Tools: Working with Binary/Hexadecimal and testing LAN performance.