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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
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2. |
Layer I: The Physical Layer |
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1 hours |
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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
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3. |
Layer II: Data Link - and Ethernet |
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2 hours |
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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
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4. |
Layer II switching & Bridging |
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3 hours |
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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
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Day 2 |
5. |
Layer III and IP |
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2(3) hours |
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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..
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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
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7. |
Advanced IP tricks |
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1(2) hours |
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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
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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
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Day 3 |
9. |
QoS and Multicast |
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2 hours |
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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 Routing
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10. |
Transport Layer (I): UDP |
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1 hours |
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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
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10. |
Transport Layer (II): TCP |
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4(6) hours |
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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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