Networking Foundations: Local Area Networks (LANs)

Learn how to set up a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or wireless area network in this Foundations of Networking course.

Introduction

• Learn the basics of LAN media
• What you should know

1. Copper Cable

• Cable types and their characteristics
• Ethernet cabling standards
• Identifying copper connectors
• Terminating a coaxial cable
• Terminating a Cat 5 Ethernet cable
• Punching down keystone jacks and patch panels
• Common faults in copper cabling
• Security limitations of copper cabling

2. Wireless LAN

• Wireless LAN types
• Comparing the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies
• Bridging networks with point-to-point wireless (P2P)
• Securing your network with WPA2
• Authenticating users with 802.1X
• Wireless security shortcomings

3. Fiber Optic Media

• Fiber connectors and cables
• Fiber-optic cable use in LAN applications
• Interfacing with fiber optic cable in WAN applications

Conclusion

• Next steps