Course Grade Received: A
Introduction to Networking and Security
This course introduced foundational networking and cybersecurity concepts aligned with industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and Security+. Topics included network architecture, protocols, security principles, and system communication. While primarily theory-based, the course emphasized conceptual understanding of how networks operate and how security controls are applied in real-world environments.
🧠 Cybersecurity Concepts in Practice
This course strengthened my understanding of how networked systems communicate and how security principles are applied across infrastructure. I developed the ability to analyze network behavior, identify potential risks, and understand how protocols and configurations impact security posture.
🛡️ Core Frameworks & Principles
- OSI & TCP/IP models
- Network protocols (TCP, UDP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS)
- Basic network architecture & design
- Security fundamentals (authentication, encryption, access control)
- Defense-in-depth concepts
- Introduction to Network+ / Security+ domains
🔍 Applied Knowledge & Analysis
- Analyzed network communication models and protocol behavior
- Evaluated security risks related to network configurations and data transmission
- Applied foundational security concepts to identify vulnerabilities in networked systems
- Interpreted how authentication, encryption, and access control mechanisms protect data
- Connected theoretical networking concepts to real-world cybersecurity scenarios
🧠 Security Mindset Development
This course reinforced the importance of understanding network fundamentals as a prerequisite for effective cybersecurity, highlighting how misconfigurations and protocol weaknesses can introduce significant risk.
🔗 Course Topics & Coverage
- Network architecture and design
- OSI and TCP/IP models
- Network protocols and communication
- Basic network security concepts
- Authentication and encryption fundamentals
- Risk and vulnerability awareness
🧰 Key Skills & Topics
- Networking Fundamentals
- Network Protocol Analysis
- Security Concepts (Authentication, Encryption)
- Risk Identification
- Network Architecture Understanding
- CompTIA Network+ / Security+ Alignment
Course Material
Milestone Project — Ethernet Network Design Project
Designed a complete Ethernet network infrastructure for a four-level building, including structured cabling, switching architecture, and security implementation. This project simulated a real-world network deployment scenario, requiring both technical design decisions and cost-performance tradeoff analysis.
🔍 Project Highlights
- Designed a hierarchical star topology with centralized equipment room and distributed telecommunications closets
- Planned and calculated 148 network drops across a multi-floor environment
- Implemented Cat6 structured cabling with distance constraints aligned to industry standards
- Designed a fiber backbone (OM3 multimode) for scalability and high-speed interconnects
- Selected and integrated managed PoE switches for network segmentation and device support
- Configured a pfSense firewall (Netgate 6100) for network security, VLAN segmentation, and potential IDS/IPS
- Integrated Wi-Fi 6 access points for modern wireless coverage
- Developed a cost-optimized bill of materials (~$13,591) balancing performance and budget
🧠 Applied Networking & Security Concepts
- Network topology design and hierarchical infrastructure
- Structured cabling standards (Cat6, ANSI/TIA-568 alignment)
- VLAN segmentation and network isolation
- Firewall-based security architecture
- Scalability planning using fiber backbone
- Real-world budgeting and hardware selection
👉 Download Project Report (PDF)
IT Infrastructure: Internet of Things (IoT)
📡 An analysis of IoT’s role in modern IT infrastructure, examining how connected devices extend network attack surfaces, introduce unique authentication and firmware challenges, and require specialized security strategies beyond traditional enterprise controls.
IT-Infrastructure-and-IoT-FD