Network Layer Protocols

Synopsis

This course discusses the TCP/IP protocol stack - the driving force behind the Internet. Detailed discussions of layer II protocols (primarily Ethernet), the Internet Protocol (IPv4 and IPv6), Internet Control Messaging Protocol (ICMP), and the routing protocols RIPv2 and OSPF. This course also touches on advanced aspects of networking, such as QoS (Quality of Service) and Multicasting. In essence, this course is a journey up the OSI model - focusing on the Data Link, Network, and Transport layers. Detailed examples with a network analyzer (WireShark) provide students with a comprehensive view of all networking concepts, both basic and advanced. Additional hands on exercises allow the students to get a direct exposure to what goes on in the wire and air.

Target Audience

System administrators, Network administrators, and individuals who need to design or work in IP-based networks

Prerequisites

Objectives

Explain the 7 layers of the OSI model
Describe the basic media types, wired and wireless
Explain in-depth Ethernet framing
Be familiar with the Spanning Tree Protocols (STP) for bridges and switches
Explain IPv4 Addressing, classes and subnets
Design an IPv4 network topology
Explain the advantages and challenges of IPv6
Describe the functionality of ICMP
Explain the differences between TCP and UDP
Explain the basics of routing protocols - distance vector and link state

Exercises

(Optional)

Modules

1.	Introduction
	1 hours

This module refreshes the basic concepts of networking. Focusing on the OSI (7-layer) model, it details the functionality and responsibilities of each layer, and the multiple possible implementations. In particular, we discuss:

Basic networking concepts
The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model
Addressing - Unicast, Multicast and Broadcast
Packets and fragmentation

2.	Layer I: The Physical Layer
	1 hours

Our first step up the OSI ladder is the Physical layer. This module explains the various media: Wired and Wireless, and explains basic concepts such as data encoding, multiplexing, and transmission. Topics include:

Media types: Wired vs. Wireless
Media classification: Private vs. shared
The wireless spectrum
Wired media: Copper-based vs. fiber
Data encoding over wireless: modulation
Data encoding over wired: pulses and Manchester encoding
Media access: Division Multiplexing

3.	Layer II: Data Link - and Ethernet
	2 hours

Climbing up from the Physical, we next tackle the Data Link layer, and its most common implementation - Ethernet. Using Ethereal, we demonstrate common Ethernet implementations. In particular, we discuss:

The role of Data Link: Framing, Checksumming and addressing
Framing and MTU: runts, frames and jumbos
Sample implementations: Frame Relay, ATM, FDDI (brief)
De facto standard: Ethernet
- Ethernet cabling types: nnBaseXX...
- Ethernet speeds: 10, 10/100, Gigabit and multi-Gigabit
- Ethernet frame types: 802.2, 802.3, II and 802.11
- Ethernet enhancements: 802.1p and 802.1q
- Ethernet security: 802.1x

4.	Layer II switching & Bridging
	3 hours

Still in Layer II, we tackle advanced aspects of switching and bridging. This module explains the aspects of Ethernet connectivity:

Topologies: Hubs, Bridges and Switches
Broadcast and collision domains
Bridging/Switching:
- Responsibilities of a bridge/switch
- Learning bridges
- The Spanning Tree Algorithm
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), trunking and tagging

Day 2

5.	Layer III and IP
	2(3) hours

Stepping up from Layer II, we encounter the Network layer. Here, we find the most common implmentation - IPv4, and touch briefly on IPv6.

Layer III responsibilities: Best effort packet routing
IPv4:
- IPv4 addressing scheme
- IPv4 addressing classes
- IPv4 subnetting and network planning
IPv6:
- Addressing the shortcomings of IPv4
- Why IPv6 is better
- .. and why it is not..

6.	IP Packets
	2(4) hours

Delving deeper into IPv4, we explore the IP header, in depth:

IP Header fields
Classes of services, and basic QoS
Handling fragmentation
Checksumming
IP Options
IPv6 headers vs. IPv4 headers
The sidekick: ICMP

7.	Advanced IP tricks
	1(2) hours

This module explores the advanced concepts of IP addressing and routing - including:

IP-in-IP
IP Tunneling
Network Address Translation
Multi Protocol Label Switching
IP Header Compression

8.	IP Routing
	2(4) hours

IP merely provides an address space. The actual work is done by helper protocols. This module explores IP's worker protocols - in charge of the actual routing:

IP routing concepts
Routing Loops
Routing algorithms: Link State vs. Distance Vector
Distance Vector Protocols: RIP and RIPv2
Link State Protocols: OSPFv2
Hybrid Protocols: IGRP/EIGRP
Exterior Protocols: BGP/EGP-4

Day 3

9.	QoS and Multicast
	2 hours

IP routing is "best effort" with no guarantees. Enhancements for Quality of Service (QoS), however, provide an exciting array of options to allow for reliable routing and real-time performance. Additionally, multicasting in IPv4 allows for considerable bandwidth savings. In this module:

QoS Concepts
- Differntiated Services
- Integrated Services & RSVP
Multicast Concepts
- Multicast savings
- IGMP
Multicast Routing
- PIM (DM, SM)
- MOSPF

10.	Transport Layer (I): UDP
	1 hours

This module steps up to the transport layer, and focuses on its simpler implemntation, the User Datagram Protocol:

Transport Layer responsibilities
Implementation: UDP
- Simplicity in design: datagrams
- Unreliable, connection-less and message-oriented
- Uses of UDP

10.	Transport Layer (II): TCP
	4(6) hours

UDP is simple and effective, but unreliable. As a result, the protocol suite is known for its other implementation - TCP. We cover all aspects of TCP, including:

Implementation: TCP
- Reliability via acknowledgment
- Stream-orientation and sequencing
- The Packet structure
- The TCP three way handshake
- Connection Teardown: RST vs. FIN
- TCP Windows
- TCP Options

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