Program Title:

Master Network System Engineer

Duration:

Approximately 12 weeks (flexible pacing; each module could be 1-2 weeks depending on student availability)

Format:

100% online (asynchronous lectures, readings, activities, and live or recorded Q&A sessions)

Target Audience:

Aspiring network system engineers, IT specialists, network administrators, telecommunications professionals, and anyone interested in designing, managing, and optimizing robust network infrastructures.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• Understand and apply industry best practices in network system design and management.

• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot essential network components including routers, switches, and wireless systems.

• Design scalable and secure network infrastructures for organizations of various sizes.

• Utilize advanced network monitoring and performance optimization tools.

• Integrate network security measures to protect systems against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

• Leverage automation and virtualization technologies to enhance network efficiency.

• Demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills in real-world network system engineering scenarios.

Course Structure

The program is divided into 12 modules. Each module includes:

• Video Lectures: Concise, engaging lessons delivered by experienced network engineers.

• Readings & Reference Materials: Curated articles, whitepapers, e-books, and official documentation.

• Case Studies & Real-World Scenarios: Practical examples and simulated exercises to illustrate key concepts.

• Interactive Activities & Quizzes: Hands-on labs and assessments to reinforce learning.

• Assignments: Practical tasks that simulate real-world network challenges.

• Discussion Forums: For peer interaction, Q&A, and knowledge sharing.

Detailed Module Breakdown

Module 1: Introduction to Network Systems

Objective: Understand the fundamentals of network system engineering and modern network architectures.
Topics Covered: Overview of network systems, key terminologies, network topologies, and the role of networks in organizational success.
Activities: Introductory quiz and discussion forum.

Module 2: Network Infrastructure & Design Principles

Objective: Learn design methodologies and best practices for building resilient network infrastructures.
Topics Covered: Network planning, design principles, scalability, high availability, and redundancy.
Activities: Case study analysis and a network design exercise.

Module 3: Routing and Switching Fundamentals

Objective: Gain proficiency in routing protocols and switching technologies essential for modern networks.
Topics Covered: IP routing, VLAN configuration, switching technologies, and network segmentation.
Activities: Hands-on lab configuring routers and switches.

Module 4: Network Protocols and Communication

Objective: Understand core communication protocols that underpin network operations.
Topics Covered: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP, and other foundational protocols.
Activities: Practical exercises in protocol configuration and troubleshooting.

Module 5: Network Performance, Monitoring & Optimization

Objective: Learn techniques to monitor, measure, and optimize network performance.
Topics Covered: Network performance metrics, troubleshooting tools, performance optimization strategies, and quality of service (QoS) implementation.
Activities: Simulated network performance analysis and a lab assignment.

Module 6: Wireless and Mobile Networks

Objective: Explore wireless communication technologies and the unique challenges of mobile networking.
Topics Covered: Wi-Fi standards, cellular networks, network mobility, and interference management.
Activities: Lab exercise on wireless network setup and performance tuning.

Module 7: Network Security for Engineers

Objective: Integrate security measures within network design and operation to safeguard data and systems.
Topics Covered: Firewalls, VPNs, access control, secure protocols, and risk assessment techniques.
Activities: Hands-on lab focusing on implementing network security configurations.

Module 8: Virtualization and Cloud Networking

Objective: Understand virtualization technologies and their application in modern network systems.
Topics Covered: Virtual LANs (VLANs), virtual routers, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and cloud integration.
Activities: Lab exercise on configuring virtual networks in a cloud environment.

Module 9: Data Center Technologies & Storage Networking

Objective: Learn to design and manage data center networks and storage systems.
Topics Covered: Data center architectures, Storage Area Networks (SAN), Network Attached Storage (NAS), and high availability solutions.
Activities: Case study analysis and a data center simulation exercise.

Module 10: Network Automation and Programmability

Objective: Introduce automation tools and scripting techniques for efficient network management.
Topics Covered: Network management protocols (SNMP, NetConf), automation with Python, and orchestration tools.
Activities: Practical assignment on developing automation scripts for network tasks.

Module 11: Emerging Technologies in Networking

Objective: Explore cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the networking landscape.
Topics Covered: Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and Network Function Virtualization (NFV).
Activities: Research assignment and group presentation on emerging trends and their implications.

Module 12: Capstone Project

Objective: Apply comprehensive network system engineering knowledge to design, implement, and manage a full-scale network solution.
Activities: Develop and present a detailed network infrastructure project plan for a simulated organization, integrating all key components from the course.

Certificate

Industry Recognized Certificate of Completion

Teacher

Charlotte Brown