Ethernet networks course

This course provides detailed information about the components, operation, management and security aspects of an Ethernet local area network, introduces the concept and application of virtual private networks and discusses the use of Ethernet in wide area networks ("Carrier Ethernet").

Prerequisites:

A basic understanding of digital communications and the role of data protocols, and an understanding of the basic principles of Ethernet local area networks (LANs).
It is recommended that the PTT online courses SRC: "Data communication principles" and LAA: "Ethernet fundamentals" are studied before attempting this course.

Summary of topics covered:

Operation of a switch inc. "self-learning" facility

Benefits and features of the different types of switch

Role and operation of the Spanning Tree Protocol

Structure of IP packets and concept of network addressing

Basic facilities of a router; advantages of routing compared to switching

Role and operation of Address Resolution Protocol, ARP

Comparison of static and dynamic (DHCP) IP addressing

Role and operation of Network Address Translation (NAT).

Significance of TCP/UDP port numbers

Role and facilities of firewalls and proxy servers; static and dynamic access lists

Interconnection of remote local area networks

Virtual Private Networks (VPN): role of VPN clients, VPN servers and IPsec

Capabilities and role of various "Carrier Ethernet" services including VPLS and Ethernet over SDH.

Testing Ethernet wide area network connections

Role and facilities of the Simple Network Management Protocol, SNMP


Number of modules: 8
Approximate study time: 7 hours

Download and view the LanNet course summary in Adobe PDF format