Week 1-2: Introduction to Computer Networks

Week 1-2: Introduction to Computer Networks

• Lab 1: Basic Networking Concepts
  • Overview of computer networks, protocols, and topologies.
  • Hands-on activity: Identify different types of network topologies (star, bus, ring) using network simulation tools.
• Lab 2: Understanding Network Devices
  • Introduction to routers, switches, hubs, and modems.
  • Hands-on activity: Configure basic settings on a router and switch using network simulation tools.

Week 3-4: IP Addressing and Subnetting

• Lab 3: IPv4 Addressing
  • Concepts of IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways.
  • Hands-on activity: Assign IP addresses to devices and configure subnet masks.
• Lab 4: Subnetting Practice
  • Basics of subnetting and calculating subnet addresses.
  • Hands-on activity: Create subnets for a given network range and assign IP addresses.

Week 5-6: Networking Protocols and Models

• Lab 5: OSI Model Layers
  • Overview of OSI model and its layers.
  • Hands-on activity: Map common network protocols to the OSI layers.
• Lab 6: TCP/IP Model and Packet Analysis
  • Introduction to TCP/IP model and packet structures.
  • Hands-on activity: Use Wireshark to capture and analyze network packets.

Week 7-8: Network Devices and Configuration

• Lab 7: Basic Router and Switch Configuration
  • Configuring IP addresses and basic routing on routers.
  • Hands-on activity: Set up a simple network using routers and switches.
• Lab 8: VLANs and Inter-VLAN Routing
  • Understanding Virtual LANs and configuring VLANs on switches.
  • Hands-on activity: Set up VLANs and configure inter-VLAN routing.

Week 9-10: Wireless Networking

• Lab 9: Wi-Fi Basics
  • Introduction to wireless networking standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax).
  • Hands-on activity: Set up and configure a wireless access point.
• Lab 10: Wireless Security
  • Understanding security protocols (WEP, WPA, WPA2).
  • Hands-on activity: Configure wireless security settings on an access point.

Week 11-12: Network Security

• Lab 11: Firewalls and NAT
  • Basics of network security, firewall configurations, and Network Address Translation (NAT).
  • Hands-on activity: Configure firewall rules and NAT settings.
• Lab 12: Introduction to VPNs
  • Basics of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
  • Hands-on activity: Set up a simple VPN connection.

Week 13-14: Troubleshooting and Maintenance

• Lab 13: Network Troubleshooting Tools
  • Overview of tools like ping, traceroute, and nslookup.
  • Hands-on activity: Use troubleshooting tools to diagnose network issues.
• Lab 14: Network Monitoring
  • Introduction to network monitoring and management tools.
  • Hands-on activity: Set up basic network monitoring with a tool like Nagios or Zabbix.

Week 15-16: Advanced Topics and Review

• Lab 15: Introduction to IPv6
  • Overview of IPv6 addressing and configuration.
  • Hands-on activity: Configure IPv6 addresses and routing.
• Lab 16: Review and Final Project
  • Review of key concepts and lab exercises.
  • Hands-on activity: Implement a network design project incorporating learned concepts.

Additional Tips:

• Pre-Labs: Provide pre-lab reading materials and tutorials to help students prepare for each lab session.
• Post-Labs: Include reflection questions or mini-quizzes to reinforce learning.
• Resources: Utilize network simulation tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 for lab activities.

This outline should give beginners a comprehensive introduction to computer networks through hands-on experience. Adjustments can be made based on the specific needs and pace of the learners.