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

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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

Reviews summary

Foundational networking and storage for beginners

According to students, this course provides a solid foundational understanding of networking and storage essentials, making it highly recommended for beginners and those aspiring to entry-level IT support roles. Learners consistently praise the clear explanations of complex topics and the numerous hands-on activities, such as setting up a SOHO network, which significantly help to solidify concepts. While it offers a strong starting point for the uninitiated, some reviewers with prior technical exposure found the content to be too basic or lacking sufficient depth for advanced applications, suggesting it serves best as a comprehensive introduction rather than an in-depth exploration.

Topics are explained clearly and are easy to follow.

"The explanations were clear and easy to follow. Highly recommend for aspiring IT support professionals."

"Really well-structured course. The modules flow logically, and the quizzes test understanding effectively."

"The instructor's explanations were concise and the course materials were well-organized."

"The explanations of DNS and DHCP were particularly clear."

Labs and activities are very useful for learning.

"The hands-on labs were incredibly useful and helped solidify concepts. I especially liked the SOHO network setup."

"The hands-on activities, like exploring cable types, were simple but effective for visualizing the concepts."

"The labs are the highlight. The practical exercises truly helped me grasp difficult concepts."

"I appreciate the focus on practical applications for IT support."

Excellent for those new to IT and networking concepts.

"Excellent course for someone new to IT or networking."

"A solid foundation in networking and storage. For a complete beginner, it's perfect."

"As a complete beginner, this course was a lifesaver. Everything was explained from scratch, making networking and storage less intimidating."

"This course helped me prepare for an entry-level IT position interview."

Pace can be slow for some; activities may lack complexity.

"Some parts felt a bit slow for me as I had prior exposure, but for a complete beginner, it's perfect."

"I found the hands-on parts less challenging than expected. Some concepts... could have been clearer."

"Some activities felt a bit too guided, could use more problem-solving."

"It needs more challenging exercises if you're not a total novice."

May be too basic for those with prior experience.

"It's okay. Good for a very basic introduction, but I was hoping for more depth, especially in advanced networking configurations."

"Too superficial. The course touches on many topics but doesn't go deep enough for practical application beyond the very basics."

"I felt like I needed to search for more information elsewhere to truly grasp the concepts."

"It's truly 'essentials,' so don't expect deep dives."

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.

Browse courses on Physics

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager