Foundations of Networking and Infrastructure

This unit introduces core concepts and practices for designing, configuring, and maintaining small networks and IT infrastructure. Students will learn basic networking theory, Windows networking and server fundamentals, virtualization and storage concepts, and essential security, backup, and help-desk practices that prepare them for hands-on administration tasks in later units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze common network components, media, and topologies and create a labeled diagram of a small LAN that includes Ethernet, wireless, cabling, and addressing information
• Apply Windows networking skills to configure network connections, enable file and printer sharing, set IP addressing, and join a workstation to an Active Directory domain
• Demonstrate the ability to plan a small business network installation by developing a written plan that specifies server roles (including virtualization and Active Directory organization), disk/storage considerations, addressing scheme, and cloud/hybrid options
• Evaluate and implement basic security and availability controls by configuring firewalls, outlining group policy and software licensing considerations, defining a 3-2-1 backup strategy, and drafting a help-desk charter and troubleshooting workflow