Ethernet networks

Target audience:

This PTT online course is aimed at those responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of Ethernet local area networks.

 

Course prerequisites:

An understanding of the basic principles of operation of Ethernet local area networks. It is recommended that the PTT course "Ethernet fundamentals" is studied before attempting this course.

 

Course objectives:
By the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the advantages, features and operation of a switch in an Ethernet-based local area network.
• describe the role and operation of the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and the advantages of Rapid STP.
• explain how the protocols SPB and TRILL provide several benefits over STP for larger networks.
• explain the basic principles and role of routing in an IP-based network.
• compare the role and capabilities of switches and routers in interconnecting networks.
• describe how devices and data transfer sessions in a local area network (LAN) are identified.
• describe the role and operation of the address resolution protocol (ARP) and network address translation (NAT).
• describe the role and features of the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
• describe the role of a router and a modem between a LAN and a broadband connection with reference to address allocation, address translation and protocol conversion.
• describe and compare the role of a firewall, a proxy server and a DMZ in preventing unauthorised access to a local area network.
• describe the role of the components of a wireless local area network including access points, distribution network and wireless controller.
• compare the characteristics of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi radio frequency bands.
• explain how collisions between transmissions in a WLAN are avoided.
• describe the techniques used to ensure the security of WiFi communications.
• compare the topology and advantages of centralised and distributed control WiFi systems.

 

Approximate study time: 5 hours 

 

Delivery platform requirements:
To access the course, a computer/tablet running a browser such as Chrome, Safari, Edge etc. is required. The device should have an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024x768.