Introduction

Defining networks, form and function

• Specifying communication requirements
• Supporting QoS
• Classifying networks: LAN, WAN
• Packet
• Circuit
• Wired
• Wireless

Employing protocols and operating systems

• Standardizing data communications
• Dividing tasks with layered protocols

Constructing Networks Using Data Links

Encoding information

• Defining bits, bytes and packets
• Taking advantage of digital encoding

Improving efficiency with error control

• Carrying packets in frames
• Detecting and correcting errors
• Using ACKs and feedback error correction

Deploying Physical Media

Identifying media types and challenges

• Selecting copper cable types, Cat-5e and better
• Benefiting from fiber optics

Employing wireless links

• Utilizing radio frequencies and bands
• Managing interference and noise

Capitalizing on Ethernet

Examining 802 LAN standards

• Forwarding with MAC addresses
• Contrasting shared and switched LANs

Investigating Ethernet operations

• Dissecting Etherswitch operation
• Adding QoS to Ethernet
• Comparing Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching

Harnessing Wi-Fi for User Mobility

Communicating via radio waves

• Types of Wi-Fi networks: a, b, g and n
• Capitalizing on instant infrastructure and mobility

Integrating Wi-Fi operations

• Mitigating the challenges of sharing bandwidth
• Verifying accurate transmission
• Boosting speed and range with 802.11n
• Providing QoS for voice and multimedia

Deploying Access Points (AP)

• Forwarding traffic via the AP
• Utilizing Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs)

Building Internetworks Using TCP/IP and Routers

TCP/IP: A practical protocol suite

• Employing TCP for data and UDP for voice and video
• Distinguishing between hosts and routers
• Maximizing TCP/IP's multiple applications and utilities
• Streamlining data and VoIP traffic

IP addressing and datagrams

• Increasing efficiency with addressing schemes
• Interpreting net-prefixes and subnet masks

How routers operate

• Relaying traffic with NetID and routing tables
• Discovering paths with routing protocols
• Upgrading routers for QoS

Implementing Security Best Practices

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

• Authenticating users
• Enabling VPN encrypted tunnels
• Providing information integrity

Benchmarking risks and deploying countermeasures

• Analyzing threats and security requirements
• Encrypting data
• Adopting digital certificates and signatures

Ensuring LAN security

• Wi-Fi security: WPA, 802.11i, AES
• Isolating workgroups with VLANs

Creating Enterprise Networks

Employing telecom circuits

• Circuit-switching data streams
• E1 and T1 leased lines

Facilitating intersite communications

• Choosing xDSL options
• LAN Extension Services (LES) and Metro-Ethernet
• Integrating teleworkers and branch offices

Selecting scalable networking services

• Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
• Frame Relay
• Enhanced ISP services
• Cloud computing and services