Fundamentals of Networking

This course covers the most important fundamentals of modern networking technology and builds a solid foundation for entering the IT field. It explains network models, routers, switches, firewalls, and Wi-Fi, and covers IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, subnetting, and important network services such as DHCP and DNS. Tools such as ping, traceroute, nslookup, and Wireshark for the systematic analysis of network problems are also covered.

  • Certificates: "Network Technology" Certificate
  • Examination: Praxisbezogene Projektarbeit mit Abschlusspräsentation
  • Teaching Times: Full-time
    Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. (in weeks with public holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:10 p.m.)
  • Language of Instruction: German
  • Duration: 4 Weeks

Network Fundamentals and Concepts (approx. 1 day)

Tasks, Functions, and Requirements of Networks; Traditional Versus Controller-Based Concepts

Active and passive network components, standardization (including IEEE 802.3, TCP/IP suite)

Network topologies (including star, mesh, and hub-and-spoke) as well as physical versus logical structure

Network Types: Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer


Communication Models (approx. 1 day)

Comparison of the OSI and TCP/IP models; layered architecture (layered system)

Process Communication and Protocol Stack (Encapsulation/Decapsulation), Packet-Oriented Data Transmission


TCP/IP Reference Model: Transport and Application Layers (approx. 2 days)

Application Layer and Key Protocols

Transport Layer: TCP vs. UDP, logical port addresses, sockets, multiplexing

TCP Connection Management (Establishment/Termination, Sliding Window, Flow/Error Control), UDP as a Connectionless Protocol

Fundamentals of Transport Security: SSL/TLS, DTLS


Ethernet and Physical Transmission (approx. 2 days)

Transmission Media (Copper, Fiber Optics) and Network Interface Card

Ethernet protocol and frame formats (untagged Ethernet II, tagged/VLAN 802.1q)

MAC address types (unicast, multicast, broadcast) and shared/non-shared media methods

Mapping of network components (routers, switches, firewalls, access points, servers) to the layers of the TCP/IP model


IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting (approx. 4 days)

Functions of IP and Routers/Gateways, Binary–Decimal–Hexadecimal Conversion

IPv4 address structure, headers, address types, public/private address ranges (RFC 1918)

Classful concept and CIDR (concept, terminology)

Subnetting Methods (Increment/Magic Number, FLSM/VLSM) with Detailed Hands-On Exercises

ARP: Purpose and Function


IPv6 Addressing and Subnetting (approx. 2 days)

Address structure, notation, simplification rules, headers, and extension headers

Address types (unicast, anycast, multicast), interface identifier (modified EUI-64)

Neighbor Discovery Protocol (ICMPv6), subnetting exercises

Migration/Coexistence with IPv4: Dual Stack


Configuration, Network Services, and Troubleshooting (approx. 2 days)

Configuration of network parameters on end devices and interfaces

Network Services: DNS, DHCP (DORA principle), NTP, FTP/TFTP, NAT basics

Troubleshooting (ipconfig/ifconfig, ARP/neighbor cache, nslookup) and diagnostic tools (Ping, Traceroute, Wireshark, NAGIOS)


Wireless LAN (approx. 1 day)

Fundamentals (radio waves, shared media) and 802.11 standards, including roaming/fast roaming

SSID, encryption, and standalone versus controller-based access points


Network Security (approx. 1 day)

CIA Triad and typical attack vectors, data loss vectors

Wi-Fi Security Protocols: WPA, WPA2, WPA3


Virtualization and Cloud Networking (approx. 1 day)

Virtualization Components (Servers, VMs, Hypervisors, Container Engines, Containers) and Virtualization vs. Containerization

Network Virtualization (NFV, VLAN, underlay/overlay networks, SDN)

Cloud models (public, private, hybrid), service models, and access to cloud resources


Project work (approx. 3 days)

To consolidate the content learned

Presentation of the project results



Changes are possible, the course content is updated regularly.

Basic computer skills and technical knowledge are recommended.

You have a basic understanding of networking technology and are familiar with key network models, components, and services, as well as IPv4 and IPv6 addressing. You are also confident in using basic diagnostic tools and understand Wi-Fi, virtualization, and cloud networking.

This course is designed for IT beginners as well as for individuals who wish to acquire basic networking skills for roles in IT support, system administration, or for pursuing advanced IT certifications.

A solid foundation in network technology opens up a wide range of entry-level opportunities in IT support, help desk, and system administration. Network skills are in demand at nearly every company, as a stable and secure IT infrastructure forms the foundation for digital work processes. The knowledge you gain also serves as an important foundation for advancing into fields such as network administration, IT infrastructure, cloud computing, or IT security.

Your meaningful certificate provides a detailed insight into the qualifications you have acquired and improves your career prospects.

Didactic concept

Your lecturers are highly qualified both professionally and didactically and will teach you from the first to the last day (no self-study system).

You will learn in effective small groups. The courses usually consist of 6 to 25 participants. The general lessons are supplemented by numerous practical exercises in all course modules. The practice phase is an important part of the course, as it is during this time that you process what you have just learned and gain confidence and routine in its application. The final section of the course involves a project, a case study or a final exam.

 

Virtual classroom alfaview®

Lessons take place using modern alfaview® video technology - either from the comfort of your own home or at our premises at Bildungszentrum. The entire course can see each other face-to-face via alfaview®, communicate with each other in lip-sync voice quality and work on joint projects. Of course, you can also see and talk to your connected trainers live at any time and you will be taught by your lecturers in real time for the entire duration of the course. The lessons are not e-learning, but real live face-to-face lessons via video technology.

 

The courses at alfatraining are funded by Agentur für Arbeit and are certified in accordance with the AZAV approval regulation. When submitting a Bildungsgutscheinor Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein, the entire course costs are usually covered by your funding body.
Funding is also possible via Europäischen Sozialfonds (ESF), Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) or regional funding programs. As a regular soldier, you have the option of attending further training courses via Berufsförderungsdienst (BFD). Companies can also have their employees qualified via funding from Agentur für Arbeit (Qualifizierungschancengesetz).

We will gladly advise you free of charge.

0800 3456-500 Mon. - Fri. from 8 am to 5 pm
free of charge from all German networks.

Contact

We will gladly advise you free of charge. 0800 3456-500 Mon. - Fri. from 8 am to 5 pm free of charge from all German networks.