Business & ICT Training

Computer Networks

Networking Fundamentals, TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi & Network Security

10 Weeks Intermediate GHS 950

Course Overview

This programme provides a thorough grounding in computer networking — from how the internet works at a fundamental level through to designing, configuring, and troubleshooting LAN and WAN environments. Students gain practical skills in IP addressing, routing, switching, wireless networking, and network security.

All exercises use Cisco Packet Tracer (free simulator) and Wireshark

Learning Outcomes

Explain the OSI and TCP/IP models and how data flows through each layer
Configure IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways
Set up and troubleshoot LAN and WAN networks using Cisco Packet Tracer
Configure routers and switches (Cisco IOS basics), routing protocols, and VLANs
Implement network security: firewalls, VPNs, and access control lists
Design and document a multi-segment office network from requirements

Curriculum

Network types (LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN), network topologies, OSI model, TCP/IP model, protocols (HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, DHCP). Exercise: Identify OSI layers for common protocols.

IPv4 address classes, subnetting, CIDR notation, NAT, IPv6 basics, VLSM. Exercise: Calculate subnets for a sample 3-branch Ghanaian company network. Assignment 1: Subnet design exercise.

Ethernet, MAC addresses, ARP, switches vs hubs, VLANs, trunking, Spanning Tree Protocol. Exercise: Configure VLANs and inter-VLAN routing in Packet Tracer.

Static routes, dynamic routing (RIP, OSPF basics), default routes, WAN technologies (fibre, 4G/LTE, VSAT). Exercise: Configure static and dynamic routing in Packet Tracer. Assignment 2: WAN design for a Ghana NGO head office and 2 regional offices.

Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), channels, SSID, WPA3, mesh networks, wireless troubleshooting. Exercise: Configure a wireless router and guest SSID. Quiz: Wireless security.

Firewalls, ACLs, VPN, port security, common attacks (DoS, MITM, ARP spoofing), IDS/IPS basics. Exercise: Configure basic ACLs on a Cisco router.

DHCP, DNS, NTP, SNMP, network monitoring. Diagnostic tools: ping, traceroute, nslookup, Wireshark basics. Exercise: Capture and analyse HTTP traffic with Wireshark. Assignment 3: Network troubleshooting report.

SOHO and SME network design methodology, documentation, network diagrams. Final Project: Design, configure, and document a complete office network in Packet Tracer. Practical exam.

Assessments & Grading

Assessment	Type	Weight
Weekly Quizzes (2) Modules 1, 5	Online quiz	15%
Assignment 1 — Subnet Design Module 2	Written + Packet Tracer	15%
Assignment 2 — WAN Design Module 4	Network diagram + config	20%
Assignment 3 — Troubleshooting Report Module 7	Diagnostic report	15%
Final Project Module 8	Network design + practical exam	35%