Introduction to modern networking concepts and technology. Provides students with the fundamental concepts, technologies, components and issues related to communications and data networks. Topics include network architectures, infrastructures, services, protocols, cyber attacks, adversaries, and defense.
- Networking Basics
Understanding networking fundamentals (e.g., OSI and TCP/IP models, layers, protocols)
Familiarity with IP addressing (IPv4, IPv6, subnetting, and CIDR notation)
Knowledge of network devices and their roles (e.g., routers, switches, hubs, firewalls)
Understanding LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) architectures
Overview of network topologies (e.g., bus, star, mesh, hybrid) - Networking Protocols
Understanding core network protocols (e.g., TCP, UDP, ICMP, HTTP, DNS, FTP, DHCP)
Familiarity with routing protocols (e.g., RIP, OSPF, BGP)
Understanding port numbers and protocols associated with common services (e.g., HTTP on port 80, HTTPS on port 443)
Introduction to IP routing, subnetting, and network addressing schemes - Network Security Fundamentals
Understanding the importance of network security and its goals (confidentiality, integrity, availability)
Overview of network security threats (e.g., DDoS attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS spoofing, malware)
Introduction to firewalls (types of firewalls: packet-filtering, stateful, proxy) and how they protect networks
Understanding VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) for secure communication over insecure networks
Introduction to NAT (Network Address Translation) and its role in network security - Access Control and Authentication
Overview of authentication methods (e.g., password-based, multi-factor authentication)
Understanding access control models (e.g., discretionary access control (DAC), mandatory access control (MAC), role-based access control (RBAC))
Configuring Access Control Lists (ACLs) for controlling network access and permissions
Understanding network access security for remote users (e.g., VPNs, RADIUS, TACACS+) - Intrusion Detection and Prevention
Understanding Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
Familiarity with signature-based vs anomaly-based detection methods
Introduction to network monitoring tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump) for detecting suspicious network activity
Understanding the role of security information and event management (SIEM) in network security