Networking technology powers the Internet. Networks make it possible for us to use social media, streaming services like Netflix, ride-hailing services like Uber, and much more. Put simply, networks are critical for every industry, which is why demand for networking skills keeps rising. A strong foundational knowledge of networks can lead to a successful career in IT.
This Networking Essentials course prepares you for the entry-level Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Network certification and entry-level roles such as Network Support Technician, Entry-level Help Desk Technician, or IT Support Specialist. You will learn how networks operate, including the devices, media, and protocols that enable network communication. Develop key skills so you can perform basic troubleshooting, using effective methodologies and help desk best practices.
This course is offered in partnership with Michigan Information Technology Training, LLC. (MITT)
Prerequisites: None
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to...
- Explain important concepts in network communication
- Explain network types, components, and connections
- Configure mobile devices for wireless access
- Configure an integrated wireless router and wireless client to connect securely to the internet
- Explain the importance of standards and protocols in network communications
- Describe common network media
- Explain how communication occurs on Ethernet networks
- Explain the features of an IP address
- Explain how IPv4 addresses are used in network communication and segmentation
- Explain features of IPv6 addressing
- Explain how routers connect networks together
- Explain how ARP enables communication on a network
- Create a fully connected LAN
- Explain how clients access internet services
- Explain the function of common application layer services
- Use various tools to test and troubleshoot network connectivity
- Explain components of a hierarchical network design
- Explain the characteristics of virtualization and cloud services
- Calculate numbers between decimal, binary, and hexadecimal systems
- Explain how Ethernet operates in a switched network
- Explain how routers use network layer protocols and services to enable end-to-end connectivity
- Explain how ARP enables communication on a local area network
- Explain how DNS and DHCP services operate
- Compare the operations of transport layer protocols in supporting end-to-end communication
- Build a simple computer network using Cisco devices
- Use various tools to test network connectivity
- Explain how physical layer protocols, services, and network media support communications across data networks
- Explain how media access control in the data link layer supports communication across physical and logical networks
- Explain how routers use network layer protocols and services to enable end-to-end connectivity
- Calculate an IPv4 subnetting scheme to efficiently segment a network
- Implement an IPv6 addressing scheme
- Describe Cisco routers and switches
- Troubleshoot basic network connectivity issues
- Demonstrate effective troubleshooting methodologies and help desk best practices
- Explain common threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks on end points
- Configure secure user access on a network
Course Outline:
Topic 1: Build a Home Network
Communications in the Connected World
Network Components, Types and Connections
Wireless and Mobile Networks
Build a Home Network
Topic 2: Network Access
Communication Principles
Network Media
The Access Layer
Topic 3: The Internet Protocol
The Internet Protocol
IPv4 and Network Segmentation
IPv6 Addressing Formats and Rules
Dynamic addressing with DHCP
Topic 4: Communication Between Networks
Gateways to Other Networks
The ARP Process
Routing Between Networks
Topic 5: Protocols for Specific Tasks
TCP and UDP
Application Layer Services
Networking Testing Utilities
Topic 6: Characteristics of Network Design
Network Design
Cloud Virtualization
Number Systems
Topic 7: Network Addressing
Ethernet Switching
Network Layer
IPv4 Address Structure
Topic 8: ARP, DNS, DHCP and the Transport Layer
Address Resolution
IP Addressing Services
Transport Layer
Topic 9: Configure Cisco Devices
Cisco IOS Command Line
Build a Small Cisco Network
ICMP
Topic 10: Physical, Data Link and Network Layers
Physical Layer
Data Link Layer
Routing at the Network Layer
Topic 11: IP Addressing
IPv6 Addressing
IPv6 Neighbor Discovery
Topic 12: Troubleshooting Network Issues
Cisco Switches and Routers
Troubleshoot Common Network Problems
Topic 13: Support and Security
Network Support
Threats, Vulnerabilities and Attacks
Network Security
Resources Included: Students will have access to the Cisco Networking Academy (Netacad) curriculum and course resources (Labs, Packet Tracer Activities, Reading Guides, Assessments, etc.). MITT is offering the Cisco Networking Academy Program in an asynchronous e-learning environment to enable students to learn valuable information and skills for increased access to opportunities in the global economy.
Additional Costs: None
Scoring System: Michigan Virtual and MITT do not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue diplomas. A final score out of total points earned will be submitted to your school mentor for conversion to their own letter grading system. Final course score will be based on the following categories approximations: Course Reading Guides (20%); Lab / Packet Tracer Activities (30%); Checkpoint Exams (30%); Final Exam (20%)
Time Commitment: Semester sessions are 18-weeks long: Students must be able to spend 1 or more hours per day in the course to be successful. Summer sessions are 10 weeks long: Students must be able to spend a minimum of 2 or more hours per day, or about 90 hours during the summer, for the student to be successful in any course. Trimester sessions are 12-weeks long: Students must be able to spend 1.5 or more hours per day in the course to be successful.
Technology Requirements: Students will require all of the following:
- A computer device with either Windows (7 or later), Linux, or Macintosh operating system. NOTE: Chromebook users will need to contact their instructor to request a virtual machine.
- Ability to download and install Packet Tracer, a stand-alone software program that is required for all Cisco Network Academy courses
- Ability to download and upload PDF and Packet Tracer (.pka) files
- An up-to-date Chrome or Firefox web browser with Java (JRE) enabled to access the Packet Tracer testing environment
- A PDF reader to complete assignments (Recommended: Adobe Reader)
- All reading guides / labs are fillable PDF files
- Reliable internet access
- Access to YouTube as an additional learning resource
Please review the Michigan Virtual Technology Requirements: https://michiganvirtual.org/about/support/knowledge-base/technical-requirements/
Instructor Support System: For technical issues within your course, contact the Customer Care Center by email at [email protected] or by phone at (888) 889-2840.
Instructor Contact Expectations: Students can use email or the private message system within the Student Learning Portal to access highly qualified teachers when they need instructor assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside the learning management system. The Instructor Info area of their course may describe additional communication options.
Academic Support Available: In addition to access to a highly qualified, Michigan certified teacher, students have access to academic videos and outside resources verified by Michigan Virtual. For technical issues within the course, students can contact the Michigan Virtual Customer Care by email at [email protected] or by phone at (888) 889-2840.
Required Assessment: Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, instructor-graded writing assignments including labs / lab reports, Packet Tracer activities and skill-based assessments.
Technical Skills Needed: Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to:
- Download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
- Download and install software
- Use a messaging service similar to email
- Communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
- Open attachments shared in messages
- Create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
- Edit file share settings in cloud-based applications, such as Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides
- Save a file as a .pdf
- Copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
- Insert images or links into a file or html editor
- Search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
- Work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
- Activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
- Use presentation and graphics programs
- Follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
- Use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
- Create and maintain usernames and passwords
Additional Information: Students who successfully complete each of the courses will receive a certificate of completion. Students also are eligible to sit for the entry-level Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Network certification.
While Michigan Virtual and MITT assist in preparing students for this exam, the certification exam is not part of this course. It is the responsibility of the student or parent to register for the CCST exam. In addition, those taking the exam may need to engage in extra review to fully prepare.
For more information about certification exams, go to: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/community/certifications/book-your-exam