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IBM

Networking and Storage Essentials

IBM via edX

Overview

Looking to kickstart your IT career with essential networking and storage skills that employers value? This beginner-level course offers a practical introduction to core IT concepts, equipping you to diagnose and support the networking and storage in modern systems with confidence.

You’ll begin with networking fundamentals, exploring cables, topologies, network types, and communication models. You’ll learn how data travels across wired and wireless networks through established protocols and standards. You’ll dive into Wi-Fi setup and configuration, from SSIDs and access points to the evolution of wireless security from WEP to WPA3. Plus, you’ll discover key features of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), including frequency bands and channel planning, along with practical insights into near-field communication (NFC) and its everyday applications.

As you learn, hands-on labs will guide you through device configuration and the use of command-line tools to troubleshoot connectivity issues in Windows environments. You'll also explore memory basics, compare local and cloud storage, and examine file, block, and object storage. Plus, you’ll learn how to choose appropriate storage solutions for different networking scenarios, and get an overview of NVMe performance, PCIe generations, and thermal management techniques.

If you’re looking to build real-world networking and storage skills that boost your resume for IT support success, enroll today.

Syllabus

Course Syllabus

Module 0: Welcome

  • Video: Course Introduction
  • Reading: General Information
  • Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus
  • Reading: Grading Scheme
  • Reading: How to make the most from this course

Module 1: Networking Fundamentals

  • Network Types and Topologies
  • Wired and Wireless Network Connections
  • Cables
  • Reading: New USB Technologies
  • Hands-on Activity: Exploring Cable Types
  • Wireless Connections
  • Introduction to Wireless Technologies
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Network Types
  • Hands-on Activity: Identifying Wireless Network Technologies
  • Summary & Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Introduction to Computing Fundamentals and Operating Systems
  • Graded Quiz: Introduction to Computing Fundamentals and Operating Systems

Module 2: Networking Fundamentals Part II

  • Networking Hardware Devices
  • Reading: Near Field Communication
  • Hands-on Activity: Identifying Networking Hardware Scenario
  • Packets, IP Addressing, DNS, DHCP, and NAT
  • Microsoft Windows Server Lab Environment
  • Hands-on Lab: View and clear DNS Cache
  • Models, Standards, Protocols, and Ports
  • Wireless Networks and Standards
  • Protocol Table
  • Hands-on Lab: Exploring Networking Ports and Protocols
  • (Optional)Hands-on Lab: Ports and Protocols in Windows Defender
  • Summary & Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Networking Fundamentals Part II
  • Graded Quiz: Networking Fundamentals Part II

Module 3: Configuring and Troubleshooting Networks

  • Configuring a Wired SOHO Network
  • Hands-on Activity: Finding Your Router's IP Address
  • Configuring a (wireless) SOHO network
  • Hands-on Activity: Setting Up a SOHO Network
  • Mobile configurations
  • Network Settings in Windows
  • Hands-on Lab: Exploring Windows Network Settings
  • Lab: Configuring Network Settings in Windows
  • Troubleshooting Network Connectivity
  • Networking Troubleshooting with Command Line Utilities
  • Lab: Command Line Utilities
  • Summary & Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Configuring and Troubleshooting Networks
  • Graded Quiz: Configuring and Troubleshooting Networks

Module 4: Storage Types and Network Sharing

  • Types of Local Storage Devices
  • Local Storage with Multiple Drives
  • Troubleshooting Storage Issues
  • Lab: Disk Status and Repair Tools
  • Types of Hosted Storage and Sharing
  • Hands-on Activity: Identifying Storage Types
  • Network Storage Types
  • Reading: NVMe Storage Technologies
  • Cloud-based Storage Devices
  • Lab: Exploring Cloud Storage Options
  • Summary & Highlight
  • Practice Quiz: Internal Computer Components
  • Graded Quiz: Internal Computer Components

Module 5: Final Project and Final Exam

  • Reading: Final Project Overview
  • Lab: Navigating the Draw.io Platform
  • Reading: Final Project: Using Draw.io to Diagram a Home Network
  • Glossary
  • Final Exam: Networking and Storage Fundamentals

Module 6: Course Wrap-Up

  • Video: Course Wrap-Up
  • Reading: Congratulations and Next Steps
  • Reading: Thanks from the Course Team
  • Reading: Course Rating and Feedback

Taught by

Skills Network

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4.5 rating at edX based on 17 ratings

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