Week 2.0 Networking

Overview

This module provides learners with a thorough introduction to computer networking. It equips them with the information needed to fully understand how devices talk to each other, how data moves across networks, and how attackers take advantage of network weaknesses. It begins with Networking Fundamentals, introducing the basic concepts of how networks function, the differences between LANs, WANs, and the Internet, and why networking is critical in today’s digital world.

Learners then explore Network Topologies, which describe how devices are physically or logically arranged within a network. Common topologies such as bus, ring, star, mesh, and hybrid are explained, along with their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world applications. Building on this, the module covers the OSI Model and the TCP/IP Model, breaking down the layers that define how data is packaged, transmitted, routed, and received. Through these models, students learn how network communication is organized—from physical cabling to application-layer protocols—and how troubleshooting often depends on understanding these layers.

The course then moves into the mechanics of addressing, beginning with IP Addressing Basics, where learners study IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, public vs. private addresses, and how devices identify each other on a network. This leads directly into Subnetting, an essential skill for segmenting networks, managing IP ranges, improving performance, and enhancing security through isolation.