Fundamentals of Data Communication: Level 2
Course Specifications
Course number: 085977
Software: Microsoft® Windows® XP
Course length: 1.0 day(s)
Course Description
You are familiar with the fundamental concepts of data communication. To have a better understanding of data communication, it is necessary to know about the protocols involved in the transfer of data in a communication network and the security aspects. In this course, you will examine data communication networks and their applications. 
Course Objective: You will examine data communication networks.

Target Student: This course is for beginners, IT managers, or other professionals who would like to have a deeper understanding of data communication networks. Specifically, it is intended for individuals who are preparing for entry-level careers in the telecommunications field, but do not have an academic background in telecommunications studies or technical work experience in the field. They may, however, have some basic knowledge on telecommunications. The information presented in this course will enable those individuals to pursue further specialized training in specific technology areas, with the eventual goal of qualifying for work as a telecommunications technical professional.

Prerequisites: Students preparing to take this course should have gone through the following Element K courses or their equivalent: Introduction to Telecommunication and Fundamentals of Data Communication: Level 1.

Delivery Method: Instructor led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on activities.
Hardware Requirements
You will need a computer for the instructor. Computers are not mandatory for students, but will be helpful for them to browse through the Internet while discussing specific points. The following system requirements are the minimum suggested for this course: 
•	Intel® Pentium® IV processor
•	256 MB RAM
•	4 GB hard disk space
•	CD-ROM or DVD drive
•	VGA or higher video
•	Keyboard and mouse
•	Display system to project the instructor’s computer screen 
•	Internet access
Platform Requirements
•	Microsoft® Windows® XP
Software Requirements
•	This course does not require any specific software to be used in a classroom setup. 
Performance-Based Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 
•	describe the various network protocols used to connect networks. 
•	examine the concepts behind wide area protocols.
•	describe the different types of network operating systems.
•	describe the converged networks used in data communication.
•	explain the need for security over the network and explore the various ways it is done. 
•	describe the basic concepts related to SANs and storage virtualization. 
Course Content
Lesson 1: Network Protocols
Topic 1A: Ethernet
Topic 1B: Internet Protocol (IP)
Topic 1C: Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
Topic 1D: User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
Topic 1E: Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)
Topic 1F: Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)
Topic 1G: Transfer Protocols

Lesson 2: Wide Area Protocols and Technologies
Topic 2A: X.25 Protocol
Topic 2B: Frame Relay Protocol
Topic 2C: Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
Topic 2D: Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
Topic 2E: Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Topic 2F: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)
Topic 2G: Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)
Topic 2H: Digital Network Hierarchies

Lesson 3: Network Operating Systems
Topic 3A: Introduction to the Network Architecture
Topic 3B: Application Layer Services
Topic 3C: Microsoft Network Operating Systems 
Topic 3D: UNIX and Linux Operating Systems

Lesson 4: Converged Networks
Topic 4A: Speech Coding
Topic 4B: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) 
Topic 4C: IP Television (IPTV)

Lesson 5: Network Security
Topic 5A: Network Attacks
Topic 5B: Basic Defense Against Network Attacks 
Topic 5C: Firewalls
Topic 5D: Intrusion-Prevention / Detection Systems
Topic 5E: Data Integrity and Confidentiality
Topic 5F: Security Protocols
Topic 5G: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Lesson 6: Storage Area Networks and Storage Virtualization
Topic 6A: Network Storage and Storage Area Networks
Topic 6B: Server Consolidation and Storage Virtualization