Network Fundamentals and Infrastructure

This unit establishes foundational knowledge for network administration, covering core concepts, infrastructure components, addressing and protocols, and introductory services and security. Students learn to plan and provision small-to-medium networks, perform basic server/virtualization and OS configuration tasks, and evaluate backup and cloud service options to prepare for advanced administration in later units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze network architectures and infrastructure components (switches, routers, cabling, wireless access points, and Internet connectivity) to develop a basic network plan for a small-to-medium business.
• Apply binary, IP addressing, DHCP, DNS, and ARP knowledge to configure hosts and troubleshoot basic connectivity and name resolution issues.
• Demonstrate installation and initial configuration tasks for server operating systems and virtualization platforms (Windows Server, Linux, Hyper-V, vSphere), including account/permission management and use of command-line and administrative tools (Command Prompt, PowerShell, Cockpit).
• Evaluate security, backup, capacity planning, and cloud service options (including Office 365, Exchange Online, and Teams) and recommend solutions that balance availability, scalability, and data protection.