Networking
A year-long course geared toward educators teaching high school Networking, this course provides the rigor and relevance expected for top quality networking education. Not only does Networking introduce the breadth of networking concepts and skills, but it also prepares students to verify their technical know-how through the CompTIA Network+ certification.
Labs in Networking are designed for use with the CYBER.ORG Range at no cost to all US K-12 Educators. Networking lays a foundation of understanding network connectivity, network documentation, network activity, hardening techniques, configuring network infrastructure, and a variety of essential networking tools – all the essential knowledge and skills needed to begin a future in the cyber/networking workforce.
Students will explore the foundational concepts of computer networking, including network theory, topologies, and architecture. They will examine how data travels through networks, study the OSI and TCP/IP models, and investigate how devices like routers, switches, and firewalls manage and secure communication.
Students will explore how data moves through a network by examining the OSI model, encapsulation, and the role each layer plays in communication. They will compare copper and fiber optic cabling, learn best practices for installation and troubleshooting, and apply techniques to resolve physical hardware issues in real-world network setups.
Students will learn how IP addressing enables communication across networks by working with IPv4 and IPv6. They will practice subnetting with CIDR and VLSM, assign addresses statically and dynamically, and explore IP-related protocols like ARP, ICMP, and DHCP.
Students will explore the key protocols that make network communication possible, beginning with TCP and UDP at Layer 4 and extending through application protocols like HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and RDP. They will also examine essential network services such as DHCP, SNMP, NTP, and DNS, learning how these systems enable connectivity, automation, and security across modern networks.
Students will explore the core technologies that support efficient and reliable network communication, including static and dynamic routing with protocols like RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP. They will configure VLANs, FHRPs, and NAT to improve network performance and security, and apply troubleshooting techniques using command-line tools to resolve routing and connectivity issues.
Students will explore the components, standards, and best practices that make wireless networking possible, comparing Wi-Fi technologies by speed, frequency, and range. They will troubleshoot wireless performance and security issues using diagnostic tools and finish by configuring advanced switching features, like VLANs, trunking, port security, and STP, to manage and secure enterprise networks.
Students will develop essential skills for maintaining reliable network operations and responding effectively to issues. They will apply structured troubleshooting methods, use monitoring and logging tools like SNMP and SIEM, and practice secure remote management through SSH and RDP.
Students will explore the core components of securing modern networks, learning how tools like firewalls, IDS/IPS systems, and proxies detect and prevent threats. They will analyze common attack types, authentication methods, and physical security measures while examining the impact of IoT devices.
Students will explore how cloud networks are structured and secured through components like VPCs, NSGs, NSLs, and various gateway types. They will compare cloud connectivity options, examine deployment models such as public, private, and hybrid, and analyze service models including SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS to understand how scalability and flexibility shape modern cloud environments.