CST 160 - Networking Essentials

1. Demonstrate understanding of the functions of common networking protocols.
   1. Detect the existence of other endpoints or nodes.
   2. Explain how sessions or connections are started and terminated.
   3. Illustrate how messages are formatted.
   4. Explain how corrupted or improperly formatted messages are handled.
   5. Identify commonly used TCP and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) default ports.
   6. Evaluate proper use of MAC and IP address formats, addressing technologies, and addressing schemes.
   7. Explain the purpose and properties of routing.
   8. Compare the characteristics of wired and wireless communication standards.
2. Demonstrate understanding of network media and topologies.
   1. Categorize standard cable types and their properties.
   2. Identify common connector types.
   3. Identify common logical and physical network topologies.
   4. Differentiate between appropriate wiring standards.
   5. Categorize LAN and WAN technology types and properties.
3. Demonstrate understanding of network devices.
   1. Configure, and differentiate between common network devices.
   2. Identify the functions of specialized network devices.
4. Demonstrate understanding of network management.
   1. Explain the function of each layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model.
   2. Identify types of configuration management documentation.
   3. Evaluate a network based on configuration management documentation.
   4. Conduct network monitoring to identify performance and connectivity issues.
   5. Explain different methods and rationales for network performance optimization.
   6. Troubleshoot common connectivity issues and select an appropriate solution.
5. Demonstrate understanding of network tools.
   1. Use command line interface tools and interpret the outputs.
   2. Identify the uses of network hardware tools.
   3. Explain the purpose of network scanners and protocol analyzers.
6. Demonstrate understanding of network security.
   1. Explain the function of hardware and software security devices.
   2. Explain common features of a firewall.
   3. Explain common methods of network access security.
   4. Explain common methods of user authentication.
   5. Explain issues that affect device security.
   6. Identify common security threats.