Course Description

In its simplest terms, a network consists of two or more computers that are linked to share resources, exchange files or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites or infrared light beams. The two basic types of networks include: Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) with the Internet being the world’s largest WAN.

Sounds straightforward, right?

As with most technology, it’s a bit more complicated. The complexities lie underneath the surface and represent the heart, brain and soul of the network. Understanding the complexities and what comprises a network, as well as network operation, is what the Digital Signage Network Expert (DSNE) program is all about.

The Digital Signage Network Expert (DSNE) Program:

Explores the characteristics of networks such as size and geography be it a LAN or WAN, the hardware and types of physical links and hardware that connect the network, communication protocols (for example, TCP/IP) and security and access.

Establishes network fundamentals including LANs and WANs, as well as network topology and basic layout and design

It includes a discussion of the different modes in which networks can be connected and explores both the pros and cons of wired and wireless technologies and security.

Covers network communications and terminology.

Includes the importance and impact of network protocols, bandwidth and transfer rates, as well as understanding ports.

Examines what really impacts speed and limiting the transfer of information flow via port and bandwidth throttling.

Examines advanced network infrastructure, security threats and protection. This is accompanied by good security principles for new networks. The DSNE warps it up with an explanation and tutorial on understanding user myopia that can really be and often is the weak link in the chain.

Course Outline

• Introduction
• Definition of a network
• Description of a network’s functions
• Role of a network in digital signage
• Network Architecture
  • LAN
  • WAN
  • Transmission Medium
  • Physical Topology
• Networking Hardware
  • Ethernet
    • Twisted Pair
    • Categories of Cable
    • Shielded VS. Unshielded
    • Plenum VS. Non Plenum
    • Connectors and Jacks
    • Termination
    • Crossover Cable
  • Switch
    • Managed
    • Stacking / Uplink
  • Network Interface Card
    • PCI / PCIe
    • USB
    • Integrated
  • Network Speeds
  • Power over Ethernet
  • Router
    • Broadband router
    • Wireless router
  • Firewall
• Wireless Networking
  • How a wireless network works
  • Wi-Fi Standards
  • Wireless Channels
  • Wireless Access Point
  • Wireless Range Extender
  • Wireless Ethernet Bridge
  • Wireless Reception
• Network Communications
  • Protocols
  • OSI Layers
  • Packet switching networks
  • MAC Addresses
  • IP Addresses
  • IP Address Assignment
    • Dynamic
    • Static
  • Subnets
  • TCP
  • WoL
  • VNC
  • Ports
• Internet Communications
  • Local VS. Public IP addresses
  • DNS
  • HTTP
  • FTP
  • Firewalls and port forwarding
  • Proxies
  • Bandwidth
  • QoS
• Virtual Networking
  • VLAN
  • VPN
• Servers and Domains
  • Server
  • Role of a server
    • Client / server and peer to peer networking
  • Domains
    • Role of a domain in a network
    • Group policies
    • Active Directory
    • Shared resources
• Security
  • Wireless encryption
  • Wireless IP allocation
  • Antivirus
  • Anti-malware / Anti-spyware
  • Updates and patches
• Cellular
  • Hardware
  • Bandwidth
• Troubleshooting