Course length: 1 day 

Hardware/software requirements 
None. The course is designed to be taught as a lecture with class participation. No hands-on tasks are involved. 

Course description 
Overview: 
Students will learn what computer networks are and how they are used by examining the various components and their functions. 

Performance-based objectives 
Lesson objectives help students become comfortable with the course, and also provide a means to evaluate learning. 
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 
•    Understand what computer networks are and how they are used. 
•    Identify various network strategies and topologies. 
•    Identify various hardware components of a computer network and understand their functions. 
•    Understand how network software is used to communicate over a network and to use network services. 
•    Define standards and protocols and understand how they are used to communicate on a network. 
•    Understand how data is transmitted over a network. 
•    Identify the OSI model and understand how communication layers interact. 
•    Understand what the Internet is and how to use it. 
•    Identify the basic functions of network management. 
•    Identify future possibilities for computers and computer networks. 

Course content 
Lesson 1: Introduction to networking

• Introduction to networking
• Computer network history
• Benefits of using computer networks
• Network design considerations

Lesson 2: Network strategies and topologies

• Node connecting strategies
• Network computing strategies
• Network coverage
• Network topologies

Lesson 3: Network hardware

• Network hardware components
• Transmission media
• Interface devices
• Internetworking devices

Lesson 4: Network software

• Network operating systems
• Network applications

Lesson 5: Standards and protocols

• Network standards
• Network protocols
• Differences between standards, protocols, and protocol implementations

Lesson 6: Data transmission

• Data transmission
• Signaling
• Switching strategies
• Media access control (MAC)

Lesson 7: Introduction to the OSI model

• An overview of the OSI model
• How network layers communicate

Lesson 8: TCP/IP and the Internet

• TCP/IPthe Internet protocol suite
• The Internet

Lesson 9: Network management

• Functional areas of network management
• Daily network management responsibilities

Lesson 10: The future of networking

• The future of networking
• What next?