Network Administrator (NET+)
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₦750,000.00
₦525,000.00
Network Administrator (CompTIA Network+)
This 2-month course is designed to prepare students for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam and cover the core competencies required to succeed as a Network Administrator. It includes weekly assignments, hands-on projects, and a final project to solidify the understanding of networking concepts.
Course Outline
Week 1: Introduction to Networking & Network Fundamentals
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Topics Covered:
- Understanding Networking Concepts
- The OSI Model (Layers 1-4)
- TCP/IP Protocol Suite & IPv4 Addressing
- Types of Networks: LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN
- Networking Devices: Router, Switch, Hub, Access Points, etc.
- Basic Network Topologies (Star, Bus, Mesh)
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Assignments:
- Assignment 1: Identify and explain different network topologies with examples.
- Assignment 2: Create a simple IP addressing scheme (Class C network).
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Hands-on Lab:
- Setting up a simple LAN network using virtual machines (VMware/VirtualBox).
Week 2: Networking Hardware and Cables
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Topics Covered:
- Introduction to Networking Cables (Ethernet, Fiber Optic, etc.)
- Cable Standards (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.)
- Tools for Cable Management and Installation
- Patch Panels, Cable Management Systems
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Assignments:
- Assignment 1: Draw a network topology for a small office, using proper cable types and network devices.
- Assignment 2: Identify and differentiate between fiber optic and copper cables.
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Hands-on Lab:
- Crimping and testing Ethernet cables.
- Simulating cable installations using packet tracer.
Week 3: IP Addressing and Subnetting
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Topics Covered:
- IPv4 Subnetting & CIDR Notation
- Subnetting Practice
- Subnet Masks and their Role in Networks
- Private vs. Public IP Addressing
- NAT and its Use in IP Addressing
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Assignments:
- Assignment 1: Subnet a given network and explain the process.
- Assignment 2: Configure a router with different subnets.
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Hands-on Lab:
- Hands-on subnetting exercises.
- Configuration of subnets on a router.
Week 4: Routing and Switching
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Topics Covered:
- Basic Router and Switch Configuration
- Routing Protocols (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP)
- Switch Operation: MAC Address Table and VLANs
- Configuring VLANs and Inter-VLAN Routing
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Assignments:
- Assignment 1: Create a network using at least 3 VLANs and configure inter-VLAN routing.
- Assignment 2: Describe the role of routing protocols in network design.
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Hands-on Lab:
- Setting up VLANs and testing inter-VLAN routing.
- Basic router and switch configuration.
Week 5: Wireless Networking and Security
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Topics Covered:
- Wi-Fi Standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
- Wireless Security Protocols (WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3)
- Configuring Wireless Networks
- Troubleshooting Wireless Network Issues
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Assignments:
- Assignment 1: Explain the differences between various wireless security protocols.
- Assignment 2: Configure a wireless router with WPA3 security.
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Hands-on Lab:
- Setting up a secure Wi-Fi network.
- Testing signal strength and troubleshooting connectivity.
Week 6: Network Security and Threats
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Topics Covered:
- Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs
- Network Security Protocols (SSL/TLS, IPsec)
- Common Network Attacks (DDoS, MITM, Phishing)
- Implementing Security Policies and Best Practices
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Assignments:
- Assignment 1: Analyze a network security vulnerability and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Assignment 2: Configure a VPN for secure remote access.
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Hands-on Lab:
- Implementing a basic firewall configuration.
- Setting up a VPN for a remote employee.
Week 7: Network Troubleshooting and Management
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Topics Covered:
- Troubleshooting Methodology (PING, Traceroute, nslookup)
- Common Troubleshooting Tools and Techniques
- Network Monitoring and Performance Tools (Wireshark, SolarWinds)
- Logs and Event Management
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Assignments:
- Assignment 1: Perform a network troubleshooting exercise and document the results.
- Assignment 2: Use Wireshark to analyze network traffic.
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Hands-on Lab:
- Network troubleshooting using common tools.
- Simulating a network failure and performing diagnostics.
Week 8: Advanced Topics and Exam Preparation
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Topics Covered:
- Cloud Networking and Virtualization
- SDN (Software-Defined Networking)
- Data Center Technologies
- IPv6 Addressing and Transition Strategies
- Network Automation
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Assignments:
- Assignment 1: Describe the concepts of SDN and how it differs from traditional networking.
- Assignment 2: Explain the advantages of IPv6 over IPv4.
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Final Exam Preparation:
- Review and practice test.
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Hands-on Lab:
- Configuring an SDN-based network using a simulator.
- IPv6 configuration and addressing.
Projects
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Project 1: Network Design and Implementation (Week 1-3)
- Design a network for a medium-sized company.
- Include IP addressing, subnetting, and topology.
- Implement the design on simulation software (Packet Tracer, GNS3, or real devices).
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Project 2: VLAN and Routing Setup (Week 4)
- Create multiple VLANs on a switch and configure inter-VLAN routing.
- Test communication between VLANs.
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Project 3: Wireless Network Setup (Week 5)
- Set up a wireless network with at least 3 devices.
- Configure security and optimize the signal strength.
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Project 4: Implementing Network Security (Week 6)
- Configure a firewall on a router.
- Set up a VPN for secure remote access.
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Project 5: Network Troubleshooting (Week 7)
- Simulate a network failure scenario and use diagnostic tools to identify the issue.
- Provide a detailed report of findings and solutions.
Final Project: Complete Network Design and Deployment (Week 8)
- Project Details:
- Develop and deploy a fully functional network for a small to medium-sized business.
- The network should include the following:
- IP Addressing Scheme
- VLAN Configuration
- Routing Setup (Static/Dynamic)
- Wireless Setup
- Network Security Implementation (Firewall, VPN)
- Troubleshooting Documentation
- Submit a detailed report with network diagrams, configurations, and troubleshooting steps.
Job Opportunities and Average Salary
Job Titles:
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician
Job Opportunities:
- Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Large corporations
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
- Data Centers
- Government and educational institutions
Average Salary (US):
- Entry-level Network Administrator: $55,000 - $65,000 per year
- Mid-level Network Administrator: $70,000 - $85,000 per year
- Senior Network Administrator: $90,000 - $110,000 per year
- Network Engineer: $85,000 - $110,000 per year
Salary levels can vary based on location, experience, certifications, and company size.
Additional Notes
- Certification Path: After completing this course, students will be well-prepared to sit for the CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) exam.
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of computers and internet technologies.
- Learning Resources:
- CompTIA Network+ Study Guide (by Mike Meyers)
- Packet Tracer or GNS3 (network simulation tools)
- Wireshark (network traffic analysis)
This 2-month course is rigorous and hands-on, preparing you for both the certification exam and real-world network administration tasks.