Networking Basics, 7.5 credits

Main field of study with advanced study

Digital Forensics, First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements. (G1N)

General entry requirements (with the exemption of the requirement in Swedish for those with foreign grades) + English 6, Mathemathics 2a or 2b or 2c. Or: English level 2, Mathematics level 2a or level 2b or level 2c.

The course is part of the Cybersecurity Analyst Course Package (60 credits). It is also offered as a standalone course.

The aim of the course is for students to develop understanding and knowledge of how computer networks are constructed, operated, and troubleshot using, among other things, log file analysis. Students will also develop both practical and theoretical knowledge of production networks.

Following successful completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• explain basic concepts and terminology for production networks
• describe different types of network components and their functionality
• describe various methods and protocols for both small and large local networks

Skills and ability

• calculate and address networks using IP addresses and subnetting
• apply theoretical knowledge to practically build a network and configure routers and switches
• perform basic troubleshooting

Judgement and approach

• evaluate and assess data traffic and log files to identify potentially harmful and anomalous network traffic

The course focuses on basic networking terminology and key concepts such as Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Ethernet, and an introduction to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model. It also covers fundamental principles of network infrastructure, including routers, routing and routing protocols, switches, Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN), and other essential network protocols.

The course includes an introduction to network administration and automation, with practical components such as cabling, configuration of routers and switches, and troubleshooting. These practical exercises are carried out both with physical network equipment and in virtualized environments to provide a broad and applicable understanding of network operation and management.

Teaching consists of lectures, laboratory sessions, and exercises.

Assessment is conducted through a written examination, an individual practical examination and laboratory sessions throughout the course.

If there are special reasons, the examiner may make exceptions from the specified examination format and allow a student to be examined in another way. Special reasons can e.g. be study support for students with disabilities.

Course evaluation is part of the course. This evaluation offers guidance in the future development and planning of the course. Course evaluation is documented and made available to the students.