විෂය නිර්දේශය · Syllabus
Full 24-week curriculum
This 24-week, 100% online curriculum is designed for absolute beginners to master the physical and logical infrastructure that connects the modern digital world. Starting from basic computer communication and scaling up to enterprise-level routing, cloud networking, and security, this syllabus equips students with the technical depth required to transition directly into a Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in Network Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology. The course is strictly highly practical and project-based. There are absolutely no written exams. All assessments are evaluated through digital networking blueprints, configuration files, and technical architecture reports submitted online.
Module 1 · Weeks 1-4
Fundamentals of Network Architecture
Understanding how computers communicate and the rules governing digital traffic.
- Week 1Introduction to Networks: Exploring LANs, WANs, PANs, and the physical hardware (cables, switches, routers, access points) that makes them work.
- Week 2The OSI & TCP/IP Models: Breaking down how data is packaged, addressed, and transmitted across different layers of the network.
- Week 3IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing: Learning how to assign IP addresses, understanding MAC addresses, and mastering the fundamentals of subnetting to divide networks efficiently.
- Week 4Network Simulation Basics: Setting up Cisco Packet Tracer (or GNS3) to build and test virtual networks safely on a local machine.
Module 2 · Weeks 5-8
Routing & Switching Technologies
Directing data traffic efficiently within and between different networks.
- Week 5Switch Configuration & VLANs: Logging into network switches to configure Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), separating traffic for better security and performance.
- Week 6Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): Understanding how switches prevent network loops and broadcast storms that can take down an entire business network.
- Week 7Introduction to Routing: Configuring routers to connect different networks. Understanding the difference between static routing and default routes.
- Week 8Dynamic Routing Protocols: Configuring OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) to allow routers to automatically discover and adapt to network changes.
Module 3 · Weeks 9-12
System Administration & Wireless Networking
Managing the servers that support the network and deploying wireless infrastructure.
- Week 9Core Network Services: Understanding and configuring DHCP (to automatically assign IP addresses) and DNS (to translate domain names to IP addresses).
- Week 10Server Administration Fundamentals: Introduction to Windows Server and Linux basics. Setting up Active Directory to manage user accounts and network permissions.
- Week 11Wireless Networking Standards: Understanding Wi-Fi frequencies (2.4GHz vs 5GHz), channels, and IEEE 802.11 standards.
- Week 12Enterprise Wireless Deployment: Configuring wireless access points (WAPs) and Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC) for secure, seamless roaming in a corporate building.
Module 4 · Weeks 13-16
Network Security & Firewall Administration
Locking down the network infrastructure against internal and external cyber threats.
- Week 13Access Control Lists (ACLs): Writing rules on routers to explicitly permit or deny specific traffic (e.g., blocking the marketing department from accessing the IT servers).
- Week 14Firewall Fundamentals: Understanding stateful vs. stateless firewalls. Configuring basic firewall policies to protect the internal network from the public internet.
- Week 15Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Configuring site-to-site and remote-access VPNs to allow employees to securely access the company network from home using encryption (IPsec).
- Week 16Device Hardening & Security Best Practices: Securing the physical network devices (passwords, SSH access, disabling unused ports, and port security).
Module 5 · Weeks 17-20
Cloud Networking & Automation
Modernizing networks by connecting to the cloud and automating repetitive tasks.
- Week 17Cloud Infrastructure Basics: Understanding AWS (Virtual Private Cloud - VPC) and Microsoft Azure networking concepts.
- Week 18Hybrid Cloud Connectivity: How physical office networks connect securely to cloud servers using Direct Connect or Cloud VPNs.
- Week 19Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Moving away from manually configuring individual routers to managing the entire network from a centralized software controller.
- Week 20Network Automation with Python: A beginner's guide to using Python scripts and APIs to automatically backup router configurations and push updates to multiple devices instantly.
Module 6 · Weeks 21-24
Enterprise Design & Capstone Preparation
Bringing all skills together to design, troubleshoot, and document a massive enterprise network.
- Week 21Enterprise Network Design Principles: Understanding the Core, Distribution, and Access layer models for building scalable networks.
- Week 22Advanced Network Troubleshooting: Using command-line tools (ping, traceroute, wire-shark packet analysis) to systematically find and fix broken networks.
- Week 23Capstone Execution: Dedicated time to research, design, configure, and document the final enterprise network project.
- Week 24Final Documentation Assembly: Reviewing, formatting, and submitting the final Capstone technical manual to the digital portal.
Final assessment
Capstone assignment
A comprehensive digital document (System Architecture Blueprint, Configuration Files, and Technical Report) submitted directly to the Examination Council. No live presentation or written exam is required.
To graduate and prove readiness for a BSc degree, students will build a fully functional, simulated enterprise network. The specific industry context, physical building layout, or business scale will be determined by the Trident Campus Examination Council and lecturers prior to Month 6. Students must apply that assigned scenario to one of the following practical tracks:
Track A
The Enterprise Network Deployment
Submit a comprehensive digital simulator file (e.g., Packet Tracer) and a highly detailed technical manual. The student must design and configure a multi-branch corporate network including VLANs, dynamic routing (OSPF), DHCP/DNS services, and wireless controllers customized to the lecturers' scenario.
Track B
The Secure Cloud & Hybrid Infrastructure
Submit a technical blueprint and documentation package detailing how the assigned business will transition to a hybrid cloud environment. The submission must include IP subnetting tables, VPN configuration steps to connect the physical office to a cloud VPC (Virtual Private Cloud), and a strict firewall policy.
Track C
The Network Hardening & Security Audit
The student will receive a pre-configured, vulnerable network simulation from the lecturers based on the assigned scenario. The student must submit the repaired simulation file alongside a professional security audit report detailing the vulnerabilities discovered, the ACLs and firewall rules implemented, and the specific device hardening commands used to secure the infrastructure.
24-week accelerated pathway · 60 credits · assessed online without written examinations
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