This module builds your foundation in networking by explaining how devices talk to each other across different layers of the OSI model. You’ll get hands-on with real appliances like routers, switches, and firewalls, learning how they direct and secure data. Cloud networking concepts like VPCs, security groups, and deployment/service models (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS) are introduced in simple, real-world examples. You’ll also explore ports, protocols, and traffic types that drive everyday internet communication. From wired (fiber, coaxial, DAC) to wireless (Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite) media, you’ll understand how connections are made and maintained. By the end, you’ll be able to map IP addressing, subnetting, and topologies used in both small and large networks.

Here, you’ll move from concepts into actually building and configuring networks. You’ll learn how routing works, from static routes to dynamic protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, plus key techniques like NAT and PAT that make the internet function. Switching technologies such as VLANs, spanning tree, and jumbo frames are demystified so you can segment and optimize traffic. You’ll also explore wireless setup; channels, encryption, antennas, and guest networks, ensuring security and performance in real environments. Physical setup skills, like understanding power, environment, and structured cabling, prepare you for real installations. This module bridges the gap between theory and hands-on configuration.

This module is about keeping networks healthy and running. You’ll learn how to create and maintain documentation: rack diagrams, cable maps, and IP address inventories, that IT teams rely on every day. Life-cycle and change management topics cover when to upgrade or retire equipment and how to track changes without disruption. You’ll dive into configuration management to back up and baseline systems and ensure consistency. Monitoring with SNMP, flow data, and logs helps detect problems before they impact users. Disaster recovery planning teaches you strategies like hot/cold sites and RPO/RTO goals. You’ll also work with essential services like DNS, DHCP, NTP, and learn remote management tools like SSH, VPNs, and APIs.

Security is baked into networking today, and this module gives you the essentials. You’ll explore logical protections like encryption, IAM, MFA, and access controls that keep data safe in transit and at rest. Physical security measures like cameras and access locks are covered, along with deception tools like honeypots to catch attackers. You’ll understand common threats: DDoS, ARP spoofing, DNS poisoning, rogue devices, and phishing, and how to detect or stop them. Compliance frameworks like GDPR and PCI DSS are explained in practical terms so you understand why companies follow them. You’ll also learn segmentation strategies for IoT, OT, and guest devices, plus defense tactics like ACLs, NAC, and hardened configurations.

Finally, you’ll master the skill every network professional needs: troubleshooting. You’ll follow a structured approach: identify the problem, test theories, implement fixes, verify, and document. You’ll diagnose cabling problems (signal degradation, mismatched transceivers), hardware issues (PoE, interfaces), and service issues (VLAN misconfigurations, routing table errors). Performance problems like latency, packet loss, and Wi-Fi interference are explained with easy-to-use tools. You’ll practice with analyzers, CLI commands, and testers to track down errors quickly and effectively. This module ensures you graduate not just knowing networking, but knowing how to fix it when it breaks.

Provides troubleshooting and support for network hardware/software.

Manages daily operations, configurations, and security of enterprise networks.

Works alongside senior engineers to configure and optimize network performance.

Monitors large-scale networks and resolves downtime issues.

Handles installation and maintenance of physical and virtual networks.

First line of defense for diagnosing and solving connectivity issues.

This certification validates foundational skills in network administration, including deploying, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting networks.