Introduction to Enterprise Network Infrastructure from Pluralsight

This course will cover the basics of all the hardware and associated protocols used to move traffic between nodes on a network.

There is a variety of networking hardware used to distribute network connections to end users. These include switches and routers, however there are other devices like wireless access points, modems, firewalls, load balancers, and gateways, just to name a few. This course, Introduction to Enterprise Network Infrastructure, will introduce you to data networking hardware and describe the associated protocols used for the hardware. Using the OSI model, first, you will examine physical layer technologies, looking at different types of copper and fiber optic connections. Next, you will look at Ethernet, a data link layer protocol, and understand it’s operation, as well as enhancements to ethernet like VLANs and port channel. Additionally, you will examine 802.11 wireless ethernet protocols and concepts. Then, you will move up to layer 3 and examine the role routers and routing protocols play. Finally, you will wrap up by examining other hardware used in networking like firewalls, gateways, load balancers and other devices. By the end of this course, you will have gained a better understanding of the basics of all the hardware and associated protocols used to move traffic between nodes on a network.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Physical Layer Technologies

Ethernet Terms and Concepts

Ethernet Switch Operation

Routing IP Traffic

Wireless Networking

Layer 2 Devices and Services

Other Networked Devices

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers physical layer technologies including copper and fiber optic connections, foundational to computer networking

Provides a comprehensive understanding of Ethernet terminology, concepts, and operations

Examines Ethernet switch operation and explains how switches facilitate data transfer

Introduces routing IP traffic and the role of routers in network connectivity

Explores wireless networking concepts, including 802.11 protocols, for students interested in wireless technologies

Introduces layer 2 devices like switches and bridges and their functions in managing network traffic

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Enterprise Network Infrastructure with these activities:

Review Introduction to Computer Networking by James Kurose

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Reviewing the introductory chapter of Introduction to Computer Networking can refresh or introduce concepts that are essential to this course.

View Computer Networking on Amazon

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Read the first three chapters of the provided book.
Write five notes on topics that are particularly confusing.
Review your notes and create flash cards to help you commit them to memory.

Follow a Tutorial on Physical Layer Networking

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Reinforce your understanding of the physical layer concepts by watching a tutorial.

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Search for and identify a tutorial that covers Physical Layer Networking.
Watch the tutorial and take notes of key concepts.

Practice Identifying OSI Model Layers

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Develop a stronger understanding of the OSI model by identifying its layers.

Browse courses on OSI Model

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Review the OSI model and its layers.
Take an online quiz or practice exercise to identify different layers of the OSI model

Four other activities

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Participate in a Study Group to Discuss Wireless Networking Concepts

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Discuss with peers about wireless networking to improve your understanding.

Browse courses on Wireless Networking

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Find a study group or form one with classmates.
Choose a topic related to wireless networking and prepare a discussion outline.
Lead or participate in a discussion within the study group.

Draw a Diagram of an Enterprise Network Infrastructure

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Creating a diagram of an enterprise network infrastructure will reinforce your knowledge.

Browse courses on Network Infrastructure

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Review the course materials to identify the different components of an enterprise network infrastructure.
Use a drawing tool to create a diagram that represents the network infrastructure.
Label the different components and the connections between them.

Follow an Online Tutorial on Troubleshooting Network Issues

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Enhance your problem-solving skills by going through a troubleshooting tutorial.

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Identify a reputable online tutorial that covers troubleshooting network issues.
Follow the tutorial and take notes of key troubleshooting techniques.
Try applying the techniques you learned to a real-world network issue.

Volunteer at a Local Network Support Group

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Gain valuable practical experience by volunteering at a network support group.

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Find a local network support group or organization.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training provided by the organization.
Provide support to individuals or businesses experiencing network issues, under the guidance of experienced members.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Enterprise Network Infrastructure will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work with a variety of networking hardware and software, and they must have a deep understanding of networking protocols and technologies. This course can help Network Engineers build a foundation in networking, which will help them to be more successful in their careers. For example, the course covers routing protocols, which are used to determine the best path for data to take across a network. This knowledge will help Network Engineers to design and implement efficient and reliable networks.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a computer network. They install, configure, and maintain network hardware and software, and they troubleshoot and resolve network problems. This course can help Network Administrators understand the basics of networking hardware and protocols, which will help them to perform their jobs more effectively. For example, the course covers Ethernet, a data link layer protocol, and its operation, as well as enhancements to Ethernet like VLANs and port channel. This knowledge will help Network Administrators to configure and maintain Ethernet networks.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a computer system. They install, configure, and maintain hardware and software, and they troubleshoot and resolve system problems. This course can help Systems Administrators understand the basics of networking, which will help them to perform their jobs more effectively. For example, the course covers wireless networking, which is becoming increasingly common in businesses. This knowledge will help Systems Administrators to configure and maintain wireless networks.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for protecting computer networks from security threats. They identify vulnerabilities in networks and systems, and they develop and implement security measures to protect against these threats. This course can help Security Analysts understand the basics of networking, which will help them to be more effective in their jobs. For example, the course covers firewalls, which are used to protect networks from unauthorized access. This knowledge will help Security Analysts to configure and maintain firewalls.

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IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing an organization's IT systems. They work with a variety of IT professionals, including network administrators, systems administrators, and security analysts. This course can help IT Managers understand the basics of networking, which will help them to make better decisions about their organization's IT infrastructure. For example, the course covers load balancers, which are used to distribute traffic across multiple servers. This knowledge will help IT Managers to design and implement scalable and reliable networks.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a database. They install, configure, and maintain database software, and they troubleshoot and resolve database problems. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about networking. For example, the course covers network protocols, which are used to transfer data between computers on a network. This knowledge will help Database Administrators to configure and maintain databases that are accessible over a network.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They work with a variety of web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn more about networking. For example, the course covers wireless networking, which is becoming increasingly common in businesses. This knowledge will help Web Developers to design and develop websites that are accessible over wireless networks.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about networking. For example, the course covers routing protocols, which are used to determine the best path for data to take across a network. This knowledge will help Software Engineers to design and develop software applications that can communicate efficiently over a network.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. This course may be useful for Computer Programmers who want to learn more about networking. For example, the course covers Ethernet, a data link layer protocol, and its operation. This knowledge will help Computer Programmers to write and maintain programs that can communicate efficiently over a network.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for computer software and hardware. They work with a variety of technical topics, including networking. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about networking. For example, the course covers wireless networking, which is becoming increasingly common in businesses. This knowledge will help Technical Writers to create documentation that is accurate and up-to-date.

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Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. They help users to troubleshoot and resolve computer problems. This course may be useful for Computer Support Specialists who want to learn more about networking. For example, the course covers network protocols, which are used to transfer data between computers on a network. This knowledge will help Computer Support Specialists to troubleshoot and resolve network problems.

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Network Technician

Network Technicians install and maintain computer networks. They work with a variety of networking hardware and software. This course may be useful for Network Technicians who want to learn more about networking. For example, the course covers routing protocols, which are used to determine the best path for data to take across a network. This knowledge will help Network Technicians to install and maintain networks that are efficient and reliable.

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Help Desk Analyst

Help Desk Analysts provide technical support to computer users. They help users to troubleshoot and resolve computer problems. This course may be useful for Help Desk Analysts who want to learn more about networking. For example, the course covers Ethernet, a data link layer protocol, and its operation. This knowledge will help Help Desk Analysts to troubleshoot and resolve network problems.

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Computer Operator

Computer Operators monitor and control computer systems. They ensure that computer systems are running smoothly and that data is being processed correctly. This course may be useful for Computer Operators who want to learn more about networking. For example, the course covers network protocols, which are used to transfer data between computers on a network. This knowledge will help Computer Operators to monitor and control networks more effectively.

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Data Entry Clerk

Data Entry Clerks enter data into computer systems. They work with a variety of data entry software and hardware. This course is not relevant to Data Entry Clerks.

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