Have ever wondered how devices on computer networks truly communicate? There are specific protocols or rules and standards that every device must follow to access the Internet and to communicate over a network. In this course, you will examine the principles of network communication, how networks are designed and what specifically is being sent and received by different devices when we send pictures, text messages, video or any other data across the network. What exactly is sent and how is it sent are the questions that will be answered in this course.
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At the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain how protocols and standards benefit a global internetwork.
- Describe how the Ethernet Protocol transmits data within a LAN.
- Explain IPv4 addressing and the role subnet masks.
- Use Cisco Packet Tracer to connect hosts to a wireless router in a LAN.
- Use a protocol analyzer or "packet sniffer" to open and examine a data packet that has been transmitted across a network.
- Examine a Windows computer to locate the physical or MAC address used send and receive data.
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Principles of Communications
In this module, you will learn how protocols in computer networks are used to exchange data and information between hosts and devices. You will examine the standards and protocols used to send and receive data in a computer network. At the end of this module, you will examine a Windows computer to locate the physical or MAC address used send and receive data.
WEEK 2
Network Design and Addressing
In this module, you will learn how data frames are created and processed by hosts and switches will be explained. You will also learn what protocols and network designs are needed to transmit data in a network. At the end of this module, you will use a protocol analyzer or "packet sniffer" to open and examine a data packet that has been transmitted across a network.
WEEK 3
Communicating on the Local Area Network
In this module, you will learn why routing is needed and how data is forwarded between different networks. You will also create a simple peer-to-peer network in Packet Tracer and assign IPv4 addresses to the devices in the networks.
WEEK 4
The Internet Protocol (IP)
In this module, you will learn the purpose, structure and function of the IP address in a network. Labs and activities will focus on identifying and testing the various types of IP addresses. You will also be able to explain how different devices process unicast, multicast and broadcast packets.
