Computer Hardware and Network Management
Teacher
Keny White
OVERVIEW
Cybersecurity is important because it protects all categories of data from theft and damage. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of hardware and networking principles within the context of cybersecurity. Students will explore the fundamentals of computer hardware components, network infrastructure, storage & backups and their roles in securing information systems.
Course Objectives
- Understand the fundamentals of computer hardware architecture and its relevance to cybersecurity.
- Understand the fundamental concepts and components of computer networks.
- Learn about different types of network architectures and their characteristics.
- Explore common networking protocols and their roles in data communication.
- Gain proficiency in IP addressing, subnetting, and address resolution protocols.
- Understand the concept of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and their significance in cybersecurity.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical networking scenarios through hands-on lab exercises.
- Understand the fundamentals of storage technologies and their relevance to cybersecurity.
- Learn about backup methodologies, including full, incremental, differential, and snapshot backups.
- Develop skills in monitoring and managing storage systems and backup operations to ensure data availability and integrity.
Course Outline
Introduction to computers, evolution of computers, types of computers.
Computer hardware components, CPU architecture, Motherboard and expansion cards, input and output devices.
Memory (RAM, ROM) types and functions.
Introduction to networking, topologies Types of network – LAN, WAN, Internet, Network topologies,
OSI Model and different layers, Functions and services of layers.
Network devices – routers, switches, hubs, modems, access points, Network Interfaces (NICs) and cables (Ethernet, fiber optic, wireless)
Basics of network protocols and standard, TCP/IP model and OSI model, Common networking protocols (TCP, UDP, IP, HTTP, FTP, DNS).
IPv4 vs. IPv6 addressing, IP addressing schemes (subnetting, CIDR notation), Private vs. public IP addresses.
What is firewall, types of firewalls, Function and features of firewall.
Introduction to VPN technologies, Types of VPN.
Introduction storage & backups, Types of backups,
Storage technologies (DAS, NAS, SAN, Cloud), Introduction to RAID technology and its usage, Types of RAID levels and its benefits.
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the basic principles and components of computer networks.
- Compare and contrast different network architectures and their suitability for various applications.
- Identify and analyze the functions of key networking protocols such as TCP/IP, DHCP, and DNS.
- Demonstrate proficiency in IP addressing, subnetting, and address resolution techniques.
- Configure and troubleshoot routers and switches in LAN and WAN environments.
- Utilize network diagnostic tools to identify and resolve common network issues.
- Explain the concept of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and their role in securing communication over public networks.
- Apply networking concepts and skills to design, implement, and manage robust computer networks effectively.
- Explain the principles and components of storage technologies and their role in cybersecurity.
- Evaluate different storage architectures and select appropriate solutions based on organizational requirements.
- Apply best practices for storage management, backup operations, and disaster recovery to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity in cybersecurity environments.