🌐 MemoLearning Computer Networks

Network protocols, architecture, security, and modern networking technologies

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Computer Networks Curriculum

14
Core Units
~180
Network Concepts
7
OSI Layers
25+
Protocols
1

Network Fundamentals

Understand basic networking concepts, types, and the evolution of computer networks.

  • What is a computer network
  • Network goals and applications
  • Network types (LAN, WAN, MAN)
  • Network topology types
  • Network hardware components
  • Client-server vs peer-to-peer
  • Network performance metrics
  • Network standards organizations
2

OSI Reference Model

Master the seven-layer OSI model for understanding network communication protocols.

  • OSI model overview
  • Physical layer (Layer 1)
  • Data link layer (Layer 2)
  • Network layer (Layer 3)
  • Transport layer (Layer 4)
  • Session layer (Layer 5)
  • Presentation layer (Layer 6)
  • Application layer (Layer 7)
3

TCP/IP Protocol Suite

Learn the foundation protocols of the Internet and modern networking.

  • TCP/IP model vs OSI model
  • Internet Protocol (IP)
  • Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
  • User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
  • Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
  • Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
  • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
  • Domain Name System (DNS)
4

Physical Layer

Explore transmission media, signals, and physical networking technologies.

  • Transmission media types
  • Twisted pair and coaxial cables
  • Fiber optic communications
  • Wireless transmission
  • Signal encoding techniques
  • Bandwidth and throughput
  • Multiplexing techniques
  • Network interface cards
5

Data Link Layer

Understand frame formatting, error detection, and media access control.

  • Frame structure and formatting
  • Error detection and correction
  • Flow control mechanisms
  • Medium Access Control (MAC)
  • Ethernet protocol
  • Switching and bridging
  • Virtual LANs (VLANs)
  • Wireless LAN protocols
6

Network Layer

Master routing, addressing, and internetworking concepts.

  • IP addressing and subnetting
  • IPv4 vs IPv6
  • Routing algorithms
  • Distance vector routing
  • Link state routing
  • Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
  • Network Address Translation (NAT)
  • Internet Control Message Protocol
7

Transport Layer

Learn end-to-end communication, reliability, and congestion control.

  • Transport layer services
  • TCP connection management
  • TCP flow control
  • TCP congestion control
  • UDP characteristics
  • Port numbers and sockets
  • Multiplexing and demultiplexing
  • Reliable data transfer
8

Application Layer Protocols

Explore high-level protocols that enable network applications and services.

  • HTTP and HTTPS
  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
  • Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)
  • Post Office Protocol (POP)
  • Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)
  • Telnet and SSH
  • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
  • Network Time Protocol (NTP)
9

Network Security

Implement security measures to protect network communications and data.

  • Network security fundamentals
  • Cryptographic protocols
  • Firewalls and intrusion detection
  • Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
  • Wireless security (WPA, WPA2, WPA3)
  • Network authentication
  • Common network attacks
  • Security best practices
10

Wireless Networks

Understand wireless communication technologies and mobile networking.

  • Wireless communication principles
  • WiFi standards (802.11)
  • Bluetooth technology
  • Cellular networks (3G, 4G, 5G)
  • Wireless security challenges
  • Mobile IP and mobility management
  • Ad-hoc networks
  • Internet of Things (IoT) networks
11

Network Management

Learn tools and techniques for monitoring and managing network infrastructure.

  • Network management fundamentals
  • SNMP protocol and MIBs
  • Network monitoring tools
  • Performance monitoring
  • Fault management
  • Configuration management
  • Security management
  • Network documentation
12

Quality of Service (QoS)

Implement traffic management and prioritization for optimal network performance.

  • QoS fundamentals
  • Traffic classification
  • Bandwidth management
  • Packet scheduling algorithms
  • Traffic shaping and policing
  • Differentiated Services (DiffServ)
  • Integrated Services (IntServ)
  • Multimedia networking
13

Network Troubleshooting

Develop skills for diagnosing and resolving network connectivity issues.

  • Troubleshooting methodology
  • Network diagnostic tools
  • Ping and traceroute utilities
  • Packet capture and analysis
  • Network latency and packet loss
  • Common connectivity problems
  • Performance bottleneck identification
  • Documentation and reporting
14

Emerging Network Technologies

Explore cutting-edge networking technologies and future trends.

  • Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
  • Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
  • Cloud networking
  • Edge computing networks
  • 5G and beyond
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Network automation
  • Future networking trends

Unit 1: Network Fundamentals

Understand basic networking concepts, types, and the evolution of computer networks.

What is a Computer Network

Learn the definition and purpose of computer networks as interconnected systems for resource sharing and communication.

Network Goals and Applications

Understand the primary objectives of networking including resource sharing, communication, and distributed computing.

Network Types (LAN, WAN, MAN)

Distinguish between Local Area Networks, Wide Area Networks, and Metropolitan Area Networks by scope and characteristics.

Network Topology Types

Explore physical and logical network topologies including bus, star, ring, mesh, and hybrid configurations.

Network Hardware Components

Identify essential networking hardware including routers, switches, hubs, repeaters, and network interface cards.

Client-Server vs Peer-to-Peer

Compare centralized client-server architectures with distributed peer-to-peer networking models.

Network Performance Metrics

Measure network effectiveness using bandwidth, throughput, latency, jitter, and packet loss metrics.

Network Standards Organizations

Learn about IEEE, ITU, IETF, and other organizations that develop networking standards and protocols.

Unit 2: OSI Reference Model

Master the seven-layer OSI model for understanding network communication protocols.

OSI Model Overview

Understand the purpose and structure of the Open Systems Interconnection reference model for network communication.

Physical Layer (Layer 1)

Learn about electrical, mechanical, and physical aspects of network connections and transmission media.

Data Link Layer (Layer 2)

Master frame formatting, error detection, and media access control for reliable link-level communication.

Network Layer (Layer 3)

Understand routing, addressing, and path determination for end-to-end packet delivery across networks.

Transport Layer (Layer 4)

Learn reliable end-to-end communication, flow control, and error recovery between network endpoints.

Session Layer (Layer 5)

Manage dialog control and session establishment, maintenance, and termination between applications.

Presentation Layer (Layer 6)

Handle data formatting, encryption, compression, and translation for application compatibility.

Application Layer (Layer 7)

Provide network services directly to end-user applications and interface with user programs.

Unit 3: TCP/IP Protocol Suite

Learn the foundation protocols of the Internet and modern networking.

TCP/IP Model vs OSI Model

Compare the four-layer TCP/IP model with the seven-layer OSI model and understand their practical applications.

Internet Protocol (IP)

Master IP addressing, packet structure, and routing fundamentals for network-layer communication.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

Understand reliable, connection-oriented communication with flow control and congestion management.

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

Learn connectionless, unreliable but efficient communication for time-sensitive applications.

Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)

Implement error reporting and network diagnostic capabilities for IP network troubleshooting.

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)

Map logical IP addresses to physical MAC addresses for local network communication.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Automate IP address assignment and network configuration for dynamic network management.

Domain Name System (DNS)

Translate human-readable domain names to IP addresses through hierarchical name resolution.

Unit 4: Physical Layer

Explore transmission media, signals, and physical networking technologies.

Transmission Media Types