. Network Fundamentals:

Network Components: Routers, switches, firewalls, end devices (PCs, servers, printers), media (cables, wireless).

Network Topologies: point-to-point, point-to-multipoint.

Network Types: LAN, WAN, MAN, WLAN, VPN.

OSI and TCP/IP Models: Understanding the layers and their functions.

IP Addressing: IPv4 and IPv6 addressing schemes, subnetting, VLSM.

Binary and Hexadecimal Number Systems: Conversions and their use in networking.

2. Network Access:

VLANs (Virtual LANs): Segmentation of networks for security and performance.

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): Preventing switching loops.

EtherChannel: Aggregating multiple links for increased bandwidth and redundancy.

Wireless LANs (WLANs): Wireless standards (802.11), security protocols (WPA2/3).

3. IP Connectivity:

Routing Protocols: Static routing, dynamic routing (OSPFv2 and OSPFv3).

Routing Concepts: Path selection, routing tables.

Inter-VLAN Routing: Enabling communication between VLANs.

4. IP Services:

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol): Automatic IP address assignment.

DNS (Domain Name System): Resolving domain names to IP addresses.

NAT (Network Address Translation): Translating private IP addresses to public IP addresses.

NTP (Network Time Protocol): Synchronizing network devices’ clocks.

5. Security Fundamentals:

Security Best Practices: Password policies, access control lists (ACLs), firewalls.

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks): Secure remote access.

Wireless Security Protocols: WPA2/3.