General OSI model Level 5 / TVET English

Computer Network Foundamental

This Level 5 TVET course provides a comprehensive practical and theoretical foundation in computer networking centered around the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) 7-layer reference model. Learners will explore network hardware, protocol mechanics, data encapsulation, addressing schemes, and structured network troubleshooting techniques.

What you will learn:
- Explain the architecture and purpose of the 7-layer OSI reference model.
- Analyze data encapsulation and decapsulation processes across all layers.
- Identify physical media, data link technologies, and network addressing components.
- Compare and contrast Transport layer protocols (TCP and UDP) and their mechanisms.
- Examine Application, Presentation, and Session layer services and protocols.
- Apply structured OSI-based methodologies to diagnose and resolve network faults.

Requirements:
- Basic understanding of computer hardware and operating systems.
- Fundamental computer literacy skills.

This course covers the fundamentals of computer networking structured around the 7-layer OSI model. Students gain practical insights into cabling, Ethernet switching, IP addressing, TCP/UDP transport mechanisms, application protocols, and systematic network troubleshooting strategies tailored for Level 5 TVET qualification standards.

Course Details

Category
General
Level
Level 5 / TVET
Subject
OSI model
Language
English
Status
Published
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Course Curriculum

Define basic networking concepts and topologies. Describe the origin and purpose of the OSI reference model. Differentiate between data encapsulation and decapsulation.

  • Lesson 1.1: Fundamentals of Network Communication
  • Lesson 1.2: Overview of the OSI 7-Layer Model

Identify Layer 1 transmission media and signal types. Explain MAC addressing and Ethernet frame structures at Layer 2. Describe switch operation and collision/broadcast domains.

  • Lesson 2.1: Physical Layer Media and Transmission
  • Lesson 2.2: Data Link Layer framing and MAC Addressing

Explain logical addressing using IPv4 and IPv6. Demonstrate IPv4 subnetting techniques. Understand basic routing principles and ARP.

  • Lesson 3.1: IPv4 Addressing and Subnetting
  • Lesson 3.2: Routing Protocols and ARP

Compare TCP (connection-oriented) and UDP (connectionless) protocols. Explain port numbers and multiplexing. Analyze TCP three-way handshake and flow control mechanisms.

  • Lesson 4.1: TCP vs UDP Protocols
  • Lesson 4.2: Port Numbers and Connection Management

Describe session management and synchronization (Layer 5). Explain data formatting, encryption, and compression (Layer 6). Identify key application layer protocols and services (Layer 7).

  • Lesson 5.1: Session and Presentation Layer Functions
  • Lesson 5.2: Application Layer Protocols and Services

Apply bottom-up, top-down, and divide-and-conquer troubleshooting techniques. Utilize CLI network tools mapped to OSI layers. Analyze captured packets using packet analyzer tools.

  • Lesson 6.1: OSI-Based Troubleshooting Methodologies
  • Lesson 6.2: Diagnostics Tools and Packet Analysis