Learn the core concepts of computer networking, network topologies, and IP addressing to build a strong foundation.

• Day 1 – Introduction to Networking

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  • What is networking and why it matters
  • Network types: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN
  • Overview of network devices (routers, switches, firewalls)

• Day 2 – OSI & TCP/IP Models

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  • OSI 7-layer model explained
  • TCP/IP protocol stack overview
  • Data encapsulation process

• Day 3 – IP Addressing Basics

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  • IPv4 classes and addressing
  • Private vs public IPs
  • Lab: Assigning IP addresses

• Day 4 – Subnetting & CIDR

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  • Subnet masks and CIDR notation
  • Lab: Subnetting exercises

• Day 5 – IPv6 Fundamentals

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  • Structure of IPv6 addresses
  • Benefits and transition from IPv4
  • Lab: Configure IPv6 addresses

• Day 6 – Network Topologies

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  • Star, mesh, bus, and hybrid topologies
  • Choosing the right topology for a network

• Day 7 – Basic Network Design Lab

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  • Build a simple LAN with addressing plan
  • Verify connectivity between devices

Understand Layer 2 networking, configure switches, and segment networks using VLANs.

• Day 8 – Switching Concepts

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  • Layer 2 vs Layer 3 switching
  • MAC address table operations

• Day 9 – Basic Switch Configuration

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  • Initial switch setup
  • Lab: Configure hostname, IP, and passwords

• Day 10 – VLAN Fundamentals

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  • Benefits of VLAN segmentation
  • Lab: Create and assign VLANs

• Day 11 – VLAN Trunking

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  • Access vs trunk ports
  • Lab: Configure VLAN trunks

• Day 12 – Inter-VLAN Routing

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  • Router-on-a-stick setup
  • Lab: Configure inter-VLAN communication

• Day 13 – Spanning Tree Protocol

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  • STP concepts and loop prevention
  • Lab: Verify STP operation
    

• Day 14 – Switching Mini Project

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  • Design a LAN with VLANs and routing
  • Verify inter-VLAN connectivity

Configure static and dynamic routing protocols, DHCP, DNS, and NAT for scalable networks.

• Day 15 – Routing Fundamentals

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  • Static vs dynamic routing
  • Lab: Configure static routes

• Day 16 – Dynamic Routing Protocols

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  • OSPF, RIP, EIGRP overview
  • Lab: Configure OSPF in a multi-router network

• Day 17 – Route Summarization

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  • Benefits of summarization and default routes
  • Lab: Configure summary routes

• Day 18 – DHCP Configuration

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  • Automating IP address assignment
  • Lab: Configure DHCP on routers

• Day 19 – DNS Basics

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  • Name resolution process
  • Lab: Configure a DNS server

• Day 20 – NAT & PAT

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  • Translating private to public IPs
  • Lab: Configure NAT/PAT on routers

• Day 21 – Routing Mini Project

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  • Build a routed network with DHCP and NAT
  • Test connectivity across subnets

Secure networks with ACLs, firewalls, VPNs, and encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

• Day 22 – Network Security Fundamentals

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  • Threats and best practices
  • Security layers and policies

• Day 23 – Access Control Lists (ACLs)

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  • Standard and extended ACLs
  • Lab: Configure ACLs for traffic filtering

• Day 24 – Firewall Concepts

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  • Types of firewalls (stateful vs stateless)
  • Lab: Configure basic firewall rules

• Day 25 – VPN Technologies

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  • Site-to-site and remote access VPNs
  • Lab: Configure a basic IPsec VPN

• Day 26 – Network Encryption

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  • Symmetric vs asymmetric encryption
  • Lab: Secure data with encryption

• Day 27 – Security Mini Project

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  • Secure a network using ACLs and VPN
  • Test firewall and encryption policies

Deploy wireless networks, secure Wi-Fi, and configure WAN connections for enterprise networking.

• Day 28 – Wireless Networking Basics

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  • Wi-Fi standards (802.11) and SSID setup
  • Lab: Configure a wireless network

• Day 29 – Wireless Security

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  • WPA2/WPA3 authentication methods
  • Lab: Secure Wi-Fi with encryption

• Day 30 – WAN Technologies Overview

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  • MPLS, leased lines, broadband
  • VPN as WAN alternative

• Day 31 – QoS Fundamentals

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  • Quality of Service concepts
  • Lab: Configure QoS policies

• Day 32 – WAN Redundancy & Failover

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  • High availability and backup links
  • Lab: Implement WAN redundancy

• Day 33 – Wireless & WAN Mini Project

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  • Design a wireless + WAN network
  • Configure security and QoS

Monitor, analyze, and troubleshoot network performance using tools and structured methodologies.

• Day 34 – Network Monitoring Tools

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  • SNMP, NetFlow, Syslog overview
  • Lab: Configure monitoring on a router

• Day 35 – Troubleshooting Methodologies

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  • Common issues and step-by-step approach
  • Lab: Use ping and traceroute for diagnostics

• Day 36 – Packet Capture & Analysis

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  • Using Wireshark for traffic inspection
  • Lab: Capture and analyze packets

• Day 37 – Performance Optimization

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  • Identifying bottlenecks and tuning configs

• Day 38 – Network Documentation

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  • Creating topology diagrams and configs
  • Lab: Document a sample network

• Day 39 – Troubleshooting Mini Project

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  • Diagnose and fix issues in a lab network

Apply everything learned to build, secure, and troubleshoot a complete network while preparing for job roles.

• Day 40 – Capstone Project Planning

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  • Define network requirements and design architecture

• Day 41 – Building the Network

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  • Configure switches, routers, and IP addressing

• Day 42 – Implementing Security

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  • Apply ACLs, firewalls, and VPNs

• Day 43 – Testing & Troubleshooting

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  • Verify connectivity and fix issues

• Day 44 – Documentation & Optimization

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  • Document network setup and optimize performance

• Day 45 – Final Presentation & Career Prep

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  • Present project
  • Resume building and interview guidance