The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite consists of complementary protocols and standards that work together to provide the functionality of the vast majority of modern networks. The Internet Protocol (IP) stands at the heart of this protocol suite, providing logical addressing and packet forwarding between different networks. In this topic, you will start to investigate the characteristics of IP by examining the structure of IPv4 packets, the format of IPv4 addresses, the differences between unicast, broadcast, multicast, and anycast addressing schemes.
Text Lessons:
4.1.2 Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Addressing and Forwarding
4.1.3 Address Resolution Protocol
4.1.4 Unicast and Broadcast Addressing
4.1.5 Multicast and Anycast Addressing
Text and Video Lesson:
4.1.1 IPv4 Datagram Header (4:35 minutes)
Lab/Activity:
4.1.6 Lab: Explore Packets and Frames
4.1.7 Lab: Explore ARP in Wireshark
Quiz/Assessment:
4.1.8 Lesson Review (10 questions)
Topics Discussed:
What headers does IPv4 use for addressing and forwarding?
What is the purpose of using logical network addressing at layer 3?
How does addressing between layer 2 and layer 3 work?
How does a host address multiple destination hosts efficiently?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 4.1: Internet Protocol Basics, and complete the 4.1.6 Lab: Explore Packets and Frames, the 4.1.7 Lab: Explore ARP in Wireshark, and the 10 question 4.1.8 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: February 24th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 25th, 2025
Ethernet switches and network adapters introduce the potential for issues at the Data Link layer and can reveal subtle cabling problems and interference at the Physical layer. Diagnosing and resolving problems gets more complex as you work up through the network stack. You need to assimilate your knowledge of both cabling types and Ethernet framing with awareness of status indicators and commands for network equipment to resolve these issues.
Text Lessons:
3.4.2 Port Status Indicators
3.4.3 Switch Show Commands
3.4.4 Interface Error Counters
3.4.5 MAC Address Table
3.4.6 Network Loop and Broadcast Storm Issues
3.4.7 Power Over Ethernet Issues
Text and Video Lessons:
3.4.1 Hardware Failure Issues (1:08 minutes)
Lab/Activity:
3.4.8 Lab: Troubleshoot Disabled Ports
3.4.9 Lab: Switching Loop
Quiz/Assessment:
3.4.10 Lesson Review (16 questions)
Topics Discussed:
How can you use the physical and logical topology to isolate a problem to a particular area of the network?
What information can you obtain from network device status lights?
Given symptoms of a particular problem, what commands should you use to gather information about an Ethernet switch’s configuration?
What are the symptoms and causes of a network loop?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 3.4: Switch Troubleshooting , and complete the 3.4.8 Lab: Troubleshoot Disabled Ports, the 3.4.9 Lab: Switching Loop and the 16 question 3.4.10 Lesson ReviewExam to complete the Section.
Assigned: February 12th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 13th, 2025
Switch ports have a number of additional configuration parameters that solve common network infrastructure problems, such as making more bandwidth available, supplying power to devices, and building a loop free mesh or partial mesh topology.
Text Lessons:
3.3.3 Spanning Tree Protocol
Text and Video Lessons:
3.3.1 Link Aggregation and NIC Teaming (2:51 minutes)
3.3.2 Maximum Transmission Unit (2:38 minutes)
3.3.4 Spanning Tree Protocol Configuration (2:38 minutes)
3.3.5 Power Over Ethernet (2:34 minutes)
Lab/Activity:
3.3.6 Lab: Configure Port Aggregation
3.3.7 Lab: Enable Jumbo Frame Support
3.3.8 Lab: Configure PoE
Quiz/Assessment:
3.3.9 Lesson Review (15 questions)
Topics Discussed:
What are the benefits of link aggregation?
Why would you consider configuring switches in your network to handle jumbo frames?
What are the options and benefits of integrating PoE devices in your network?
What protocol can be used to prevent looping and broadcast storms in your network, and how does it work?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 3.3: Switch Port Configuration, and complete the 3.3.6 Lab: Configure Port Aggregation, 3.3.7 Lab: Enable Jumbo Frame Support and 3.3.8 Lab: Configure PoE and the 15 question 3.3.9 Lesson ReviewExam to complete the Section.
Assigned: February 10th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 11th, 2025
Most networks use intermediate systems to reduce cabling costs and complexity. In this topic, you will summarize the functions of hub, bridge, and switch appliances working at the Physical and Data Link layers.
A host on a network sends a frame to the hub. Which other devices on the network will see this frame?
A host on a network sends a frame to a switch. Which other devices on the network will see this frame?
What are the similarities and differences between a bridge and a switch?
What are the advantages of using switches instead of hubs?
What is the difference between a managed and an unmanaged switch?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 3.2: Ethernet Switches, and complete the 3.2.7 Lab: Install a Switch in the Rack, 3.2.8 Lab: Secure a Switch, 3.2.9 Lab: Cisco IoS Basics and the 10 question 3.2.10 Lesson ReviewExam to complete the Section.
Assigned: February 7th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 10th, 2025
As a network technician, you will frequently be involved with installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Ethernet network interfaces and transceivers. A network interface is the means by which a node is connected to the media and exchanges data with other network hosts. This involves both a physical connection to the network media and the use of a data link protocol such as Ethernet to perform addressing and framing. Understanding the properties of these components is essential for selecting appropriate products and configuring them correctly.
Text Lessons:
3.1.1 Network Interface Cards
3.1.2 Modular Transceivers
3.1.3 Transceiver Mismatch Issues
3.1.4 Transceiver Signal Strength Issues
3.1.5 Ethernet Frame Format
3.1.6 Media Access Control Address Format
Lab/Activity:
3.1.7 Compare Network Adapters
3.1.8 Lab: Select and Install a Network Adapter
3.1.9 Lab: Connect a Media Converter
Quiz/Assessment:
3.1.10 Lesson Review (15 questions)
Topics Discussed:
What is the function of a transceiver?
At which OSI layers do transceivers and network interfaces operate?
What is Ethernet framing, and how are network interfaces uniquely addressed?
What is the purpose of the cyclic redundancy check (CRC)?
What does the MAC address ff:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff indicate?
What are the symptoms of transceiver issues?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 3.1: Network Interfaces, and complete the 15 question 3.1.10 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: February 5th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 6th, 2025
Applying a layer-by-layer approach to network troubleshooting can greatly assist with isolating symptoms and causes. In this topic, you will investigate some common issues that can affect cabled networks and identify the tools and techniques that can be used to solve problems at the Physical layer.
Text Lessons:
2.6.1 Specification and Limitations
2.6.2 Cable Issues
2.6.3 Cable Category Issues
2.6.4 Cable Testers
2.6.5 Wire Map Testers and Tone Generators
2.6.6 Attenuation and Interference Issues
2.6.7 Crosstalk Issues
2.6.8 Fiber Optic Cable Testing Tools
2.6.9 Cable Troubleshooting Strategies
Lab/Activity:
2.6.10 Lab: Explore Physical Connectivity 1
2.6.11 Lab: Explore Physical Connectivity 2
2.6.12 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 1
2.6.13 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 2
2.6.14 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 3
2.6.15 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 4
Quiz/Assessment:
2.6.16 Lesson Review (15 questions)
Topics Discussed:
How can you distinguish an issue caused by improper cable choice or termination from one caused by environmental factors?
Which tools can you use to diagnose issues with copper and fiber optic cable and connectors?
What is the difference between a regular cable tester and a cable certifier?
Which tool would you use to find the end of a specific cable within a wiring closet?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 2.6 Cable Troubleshooting, and complete the 2.6.10 Lab: Explore Physical Connectivity 1, 2.6.11 Lab: Explore Physical Connectivity 2, 2.6.12 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 1, 2.6.13 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 2, 2.6.14 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 3, 2.6.15 Lab: Troubleshoot Physical Connectivity 4 and the 15 question 2.6.16 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: January 29th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 30th, 2025
Cabling is only one part of physical installation. There are also important considerations around installing switches, routers, access points, and servers within a site. Power, temperature, humidity, and fire risks can all adversely affect the reliability of network services. There are also security and access control factors to account for. While you might not be responsible for site design at this stage in your career, you should be able to explain the importance of these factors when performing maintenance and upgrades.
Text Lessons:
2.5.1 Rack Systems
2.5.2. Humidity and Temperature
2.5.3 Power Management
2.5.4 Fire Suppression
Lab/Activity:
None
Quiz/Assessment:
2.5.5 Lesson Review (10 questions)
Topics Discussed:
How do rack systems ensure density and security?
What considerations must be made for supplying power to run networking equipment?
What are the risks from environmental factors, and how can they be controlled?
Assignment:
Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
Study Lesson 2.5: Physical Installation Factors, and complete the 10 question 2.5.5 Lesson Review Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: January 27th, 2025 Teacher Pacing Due Date: January 28th, 2025
