Program Title:

Master Network System Administrator

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 administrators, IT specialists, system administrators, and anyone interested in designing, managing, and maintaining robust network infrastructures in modern organizations.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion, learners will be able to:

• Understand and implement industry best practices in network design, management, and troubleshooting.

• Configure and manage network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls.

• Design and optimize LAN, WAN, and wireless networks for performance and reliability.

• Implement security measures to protect network infrastructures from cyber threats.

• Utilize key network monitoring and management tools for performance analysis and troubleshooting.

• Develop and enforce network policies and procedures to ensure compliance and efficient operations.

• Demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills in managing complex network environments.

Course Structure

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

• Video Lectures: Short, engaging lessons delivered by experienced network professionals.

• Readings & Reference Materials: Curated articles, technical documentation, e-books, and industry standards.

• 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 simulating real-world network administration challenges.

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

Detailed Module Breakdown

Module 1: Introduction to Network Administration

Objective: Understand the fundamentals of network administration and the current networking landscape.
Topics Covered: Overview of network administration roles, types of networks, basic networking concepts, and the importance of networks in business.
Activities: Introductory quiz and discussion forum.

Module 2: Network Protocols and Fundamentals

Objective: Master core networking protocols and the principles of data communication.
Topics Covered: OSI and TCP/IP models, IP addressing, subnetting, and essential protocols (TCP, UDP, ICMP).
Activities: Hands-on lab exercises and interactive quizzes on subnetting and protocol usage.

Module 3: Routing and Switching Technologies

Objective: Gain expertise in configuring and managing routers and switches.
Topics Covered: Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), switching technologies (VLANs, STP), and concepts in network segmentation.
Activities: Practical lab using virtual routers/switches and scenario-based assignments.

Module 4: Network Design and Architecture

Objective: Learn to design scalable, efficient, and secure network architectures.
Topics Covered: Principles of network design, topology selection, redundancy, scalability, and performance optimization.
Activities: Case study analysis and design a network architecture assignment.

Module 5: Wireless Networking and Mobile Technologies

Objective: Understand wireless networking standards and technologies.
Topics Covered: Wi-Fi standards, signal propagation, wireless security, and designing wireless networks for various environments.
Activities: Hands-on lab for wireless configuration and troubleshooting exercises.

Module 6: Network Security Fundamentals

Objective: Develop a solid foundation in securing network infrastructures.
Topics Covered: Firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and best practices for network security.
Activities: Lab exercises on configuring basic security settings and a security policy drafting assignment.

Module 7: Network Monitoring and Performance Management

Objective: Learn how to monitor network performance and manage network resources effectively.
Topics Covered: Network monitoring tools, performance metrics (latency, throughput, packet loss), and troubleshooting techniques.
Activities: Practical use of monitoring tools and data analysis tasks.

Module 8: Cloud Networking and Virtualization

Objective: Understand the principles of cloud networking and the role of virtualization in modern IT environments.
Topics Covered: Overview of cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V), and designing hybrid networks.
Activities: Lab exercise on setting up virtual networks and configuring cloud connectivity.

Module 9: Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution

Objective: Enhance skills in diagnosing and resolving network issues.
Topics Covered: Common network problems, diagnostic tools (ping, traceroute, Wireshark), and structured troubleshooting methodologies.
Activities: Troubleshooting scenarios and interactive quizzes.

Module 10: Advanced Network Management and Automation

Objective: Explore advanced techniques for managing networks and automating routine tasks.
Topics Covered: Network automation tools (Ansible, Python scripting), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and advanced configuration management.
Activities: Hands-on lab with scripting exercises and automation case studies.

Module 11: Regulatory Compliance and IT Governance

Objective: Understand the legal, regulatory, and governance aspects of network administration.
Topics Covered: Data protection laws, industry compliance standards (PCI-DSS, HIPAA), and best practices for IT governance.
Activities: Compliance case study and group discussion.

Module 12: Capstone Project

Objective: Apply all learned concepts to design and implement a comprehensive network solution for a simulated enterprise environment.
Activities: Develop a detailed network plan, present your design, and conduct a simulated deployment and troubleshooting exercise.

Certificate

Industry Recognized Certificate of Complition

Teacher

Benjamin Johnson