Networking and Storage Essentials from edX

Organizations require fast, efficient, and secure networks to compete in today’s global business world. Technical Support professionals are in high demand to meet organizations’ expanding needs and to help maintain and update computer networks to reduce downtime and minimize disruption.

This course is designed for anyone new to networks and storage looking to develop the skills needed to diagnose and repair basic networking and storage problems. You’ll gain extensive knowledge of the fundamentals of networking, including network types, topology models and standards, and the physical setup of a network for wired and wireless connections. You’ll be introduced to the different types of storage devices, STaaS, learn the difference between NAS and SAN and the types of storage gateways to meet the needs of network subscribers, and identify common network storage and network sharing options including local, hosted, and cloud storage.

This course provides multiple hands-on, real-world inspired activities to demonstrate your network and storage expertise, including setting up a SOHO network, exploring cable types, and identifying storage types. This course is ideal for kickstarting an IT Support role, network technician role, or building your base knowledge for system administration.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify and discuss network types and standards.
Determine how to set up wired and wireless connections.

Discuss common network storage types and network sharing options.
Perform basic setup on a mobile device, including security and settings.

Identify and discuss network types and standards.
Determine how to set up wired and wireless connections.
Discuss common network storage types and network sharing options.
Perform basic setup on a mobile device, including security and settings.

Syllabus

Module 1: Networking Fundamentals

Computer Networks: Types and Topologies

Computer Networks: Wired Connections

Computer Networks: Wireless Connections

Hands-on Activity: Identifying Wireless Network Technologies

Computer Networks: Packets, IP Addressing, DNS, DHCP, and NAT

Computer Networks: Models, Standards, Protocols, and Ports

Computer Networks: Networking Hardware Devices

Hands-on Activity: Identifying Networking Hardware Scenario

Module 2: Setting up Wired/Wireless Connections and their Use Cases

Computer Networks: Cables

Hands-on Activity: Exploring Cable Types

Computer Networks: Configuring a Wired SOHO Network

Hands-on Activity: Finding Your Router’s IP Address

Computer Networks: Wireless Networks and Standards

Computer Networks: Configuring a (wireless) SOHO Network

Hands-on Activity: Setting Up a SOHO Network

Computer Networks: Mobile Configurations

Module 3: Storage Types and Network Sharing

Computer Networks: Types of Local Storage Devices

Computer Networks: Local Storage with Multiple Drives

Computer Networks: Types of Hosted Storage and Sharing

Hands-on Activity: Identifying Storage Types

Computer Networks: Network Storage Types

Computer Networks: Cloud-based Storage Devices

Module 4: Final Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores computer networking fundamentals, providing a solid grounding in the field

Taught by Skills Network, which offers industry-standard training

Provides hands-on activities, allowing learners to practice and apply their knowledge

Covers both wired and wireless connections, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of networking

Examines different types of network storage, empowering learners to make informed decisions

Teaches learners to set up SOHO networks, providing practical skills for home or small business environments

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 Networking and Storage Essentials with these activities:

Review Basic Physics and Math

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Revisiting basic physics and math concepts will provide a strong foundation for understanding networking fundamentals.

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Review key concepts in classical mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.
Practice solving basic physics and math problems.

Practice IP Subnetting and Addressing

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Mastering IP subnetting and addressing is crucial for configuring and managing networks.

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Understand the concepts of IP addresses, subnets, and masks.
Practice calculating subnets and assigning IP addresses to devices.
Solve IP subnetting and addressing problems using online tools or practice exercises.

Explore Network Simulation Tools

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Gaining hands-on experience with network simulation tools will enhance your understanding of network configurations and troubleshooting.

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Choose a network simulation tool (e.g., Packet Tracer, GNS3).
Follow tutorials to set up and configure basic network topologies.
Simulate network scenarios to test connectivity and troubleshoot issues.

Four other activities

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Build a Network Diagram for a Small Office

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Creating a network diagram will help you visualize and document a network design, enhancing your understanding of network topologies and configurations.

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Identify the devices and connections in a small office network.
Choose a network diagramming tool (e.g., Visio, Lucidchart).
Create a logical network diagram representing the network layout.
Add relevant details such as IP addresses, subnet masks, and device types.

Assist with Network Support at a Local Community Center

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Volunteering in a real-world network support setting will provide practical experience and enhance your problem-solving abilities.

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Contact local community centers or non-profit organizations that offer network support.
Volunteer to assist with tasks such as network troubleshooting, device setup, and user support.
Observe experienced network professionals and learn from their approaches.

Read 'Computer Networks: A Systems Approach'

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This comprehensive book provides in-depth coverage of networking concepts, protocols, and architectures, further solidifying your foundation.

View Private 5G: A Systems Approach on Amazon

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Read chapters relevant to the course topics.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.

Implement a Basic Network in a Home Lab

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Physically building and configuring a network in a home lab will provide invaluable hands-on experience and reinforce your understanding.

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Gather necessary equipment (e.g., router, switch, cables).
Set up the physical network and configure devices.
Test network connectivity and troubleshoot any issues.
Experiment with different configurations and protocols.

Career center

Learners who complete Networking and Storage Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this role by providing a strong foundation in networking principles and technologies. The course covers topics such as network architecture, routing and switching, and network security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Storage Administrator

Storage Administrators are responsible for the planning, implementation, and maintenance of storage systems. This course would be an excellent way to prepare for this role by providing a comprehensive understanding of storage technologies and concepts. The course covers topics such as storage types, storage architectures, and storage management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Storage Administrator

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer systems. This course would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this role by providing a strong foundation in systems administration concepts and techniques. The course covers topics such as systems administration planning, systems administration implementation, and systems administration maintenance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks, including design, installation, and maintenance. This course would be an excellent way to prepare for this role by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of networking fundamentals, including network types, topologies, and protocols. The course also covers topics such as network security, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical assistance to computer users, ranging from answering questions and resolving problems to installing and maintaining hardware and software. This course would help you get into or advance in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in networking and storage fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network types and standards, configuring wired and wireless connections, and common network storage types and network sharing options. This knowledge would be essential for troubleshooting and resolving network and storage issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

IT Auditor

IT Auditors are responsible for evaluating an organization's IT systems and controls to ensure that they are operating effectively and efficiently. This course would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this role by providing a strong foundation in IT auditing concepts and techniques. The course covers topics such as IT audit planning, IT audit execution, and IT audit reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and manage cloud computing environments. This course would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this role by providing a strong foundation in cloud computing concepts and technologies. The course covers topics such as cloud architecture, cloud services, and cloud security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. This course would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this role by providing a strong foundation in web development concepts and techniques. The course covers topics such as web design, web development, and web security.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course would be an excellent way to prepare for this role by providing a strong foundation in software development concepts and techniques. The course covers topics such as software design, software development, and software testing.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of databases. This course would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this role by providing a strong foundation in database management concepts and technologies. The course covers topics such as database design, database optimization, and database security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course would be an excellent way to prepare for this role by providing a strong foundation in information security principles and technologies. The course covers topics such as information security risk assessment, information security controls, and information security incident response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for testing and evaluating software to ensure that it meets the required standards. This course would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this role by providing a strong foundation in quality assurance concepts and techniques. The course covers topics such as quality assurance planning, quality assurance testing, and quality assurance reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course would be an excellent way to prepare for this role by providing a strong foundation in technical writing principles and techniques. The course covers topics such as technical writing planning, technical writing style, and technical writing tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course would be an excellent way to prepare for this role by providing a strong foundation in data analysis techniques and technologies. The course covers topics such as data collection, data cleaning, and data visualization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course would be an excellent way to prepare for this role by providing a strong foundation in project management principles and techniques. The course covers topics such as project planning, project execution, and project closure.

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