Course overview
This course aims to develop foundational knowledge in networking concepts, theories and security. The course will use a bottom-up approach to study computer networks by taking the internet and its protocol stack as primary examples to illustrate fundamental principles of computer networking and network security, including data link layer operation, network layer operation - (routing BGP/ISIS, addressing IPv4 and IPv6), transport layer operation (reliable transport, congestion and flow control, UDP, TCP), application layer architectures and protocols. Students will also build and secure the network of a small to medium-sized network in the lab.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify current technology trends and their impact on the network with consideration of strategic business objectives
- Describe networking models and the role of protocols and standards
- Configure a small to medium-sized network using appropriate hardware and network protocols and secure the networks (including monitoring with Security Onion)
- Apply a comprehensive network configuration scheme to fulfil given requirements
- Develop a security solution for a small to medium-sized network, including the use of firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems and secure wireless protocols