Introduction to Networking 1B: Network Oversight
Network Systems Specialist Career Pathway Course Units
Unit 1: Internet Protocol Fundamentals
We have all come to rely on the internet for instant answers to questions, as well as research, education, and entertainment. Exactly how do our devices access the internet, and how does the internet know where to send the requests for data? The answer is by the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the device. IP addressing provides a base for all other network and user services, making it the core of network design, even a network as large as the internet.
Unit 2: Networking Services
How do the words that we enter into a Google search actually travel across the internet? How does your computer know how to “find” another computer when sending data? You’ll learn about how the domain name system resolves computer names to IP addresses, how the dynamic host configuration protocol ensures that each device on a network has a unique address, and how that data actually moves from point A to point B.
Unit 3: Network Design
A company’s computer network is more than likely the most important aspect of its business; it connects devices, provides for secure data storage, and enables employees to work efficiently. For most businesses, it is essential that the network is correctly set up not only to meet their current needs but also with the capability to grow. This introduction to network design brings previously learned concepts together as the elements of design are examined and put into practice.
Unit 4: Network Monitoring
Believe it or not, creating a new network is the easy part! After it is up and running, the challenge becomes maintaining and monitoring the network to ensure that it is working efficiently, and the data is secured. And once people begin using the devices, there will be problems as the devices malfunction, fail, or otherwise do not work properly. Maintenance and monitoring are conducted daily and, in larger networks, might be a network technician’s only responsibility.
Unit 5: Network Troubleshooting
The ability to troubleshoot is an essential skill one needs when working as, or when trying to obtain a job as, a network technician or administrator. Network troubleshooting requires a good methodology and an understanding of connectivity, infrastructure issues, and the tools needed to address them. There are many ways to develop these skills, such as tinkering with your own network at home and volunteering at churches, Boys and Girls Clubs, and recreation centers that have a computer lab. You cannot put a price on practical experience.