Block 1 of 31

Networking
Foundations

The bedrock. Binary, subnetting, OSI, TCP/IP, Ethernet, IPv4, IPv6, DNS, DHCP, ARP, ICMP and packet analysis. Everything else in the programme builds on what you learn here.

8 Live CCNA-level Block 1 of 31 Foundations

🔢

Labs 1–2

LAN & Encapsulation

Live

📐

Labs 3–4

OSI & TCP/IP Models

Live

🧮

Labs 5–6

Binary & Subnetting

Live

📡

Labs 7–8

ARP, DNS, DHCP & ICMP

Live

Block 1 Labs

Networking Foundations

Binary, Subnetting, Models, Protocols & Packet Analysis

Lab 1

Simple LAN Communication

PC1 ↔ SW1 ↔ PC2. Configure IPs, verify switch ports, test ping, inspect MAC table and ARP. Troubleshoot an injected fault.

Lab 2

Data Encapsulation & De-encapsulation

Trace a packet through PC1 → Router → PC2. See how MAC addresses change at each hop while IP addresses stay end-to-end.

Lab 3

OSI vs TCP/IP Model Comparison

Map real CLI output and packet behaviour to OSI and TCP/IP layers. Understand which layer is responsible for which symptom.

Lab 4

Binary & Subnetting Fundamentals (VLSM)

Convert between binary and decimal, design a VLSM addressing plan, assign IPs and verify inter-subnet communication.

Lab 5

Exploring ARP in a Local Network

Watch ARP resolve IP to MAC in real time. Inspect ARP tables, understand broadcast vs unicast, and clear the ARP cache.

Lab 6

SOHO Ethernet LAN Design

Design and build a small office/home office network. Apply addressing, verify connectivity and understand broadcast domain size.

Lab 7

Multi-Floor Enterprise LAN Design

Connect multiple floors using a flat network. Understand the limitations of a single broadcast domain and why VLANs are needed.

Lab 8

DNS, DHCP & NTP Fundamentals

Configure and verify DNS resolution, DHCP address assignment and NTP synchronisation. Core services every network depends on.

NetworkingFoundations

Networking
Foundations