Intro to Networking & Infrastructure

Hexadigitall Academy (Hexadigitall Technologies)

www.hexadigitall.com

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Course Snapshot

Understand networking basics: how devices connect, protocols, and IT infrastructure.

Welcome to Intro to Networking & Infrastructure! 🎓

This curriculum for Intro to Networking & Infrastructure follows a Bloom-aligned progression from foundational concepts to confident application, with weekly evidence, labs, and portfolio outputs matched to beginner expectations.

Each week advances from comprehension and application toward evaluation and creation, ensuring progressive learning and capstone readiness.

Your success is our priority. Networking is the foundation of every technology career path — cybersecurity, cloud, DevOps, and systems administration all start here. This course is the foundation every IT professional needs. You will graduate with a professionally curated portfolio that demonstrates scope, depth, and delivery quality. You will graduate with a professionally curated portfolio that demonstrates scope, depth, and delivery quality. You will graduate with a professionally curated portfolio that demonstrates scope, depth, and delivery quality. You will graduate with a professionally curated portfolio that demonstrates scope, depth, and delivery quality.

Prerequisites

Project management fundamentals: scope definition, stakeholder communication, and timeline estimation accuracy
Business analysis skills: requirements gathering, user story crafting, and acceptance criteria specification
Process mapping and workflow redesign experience with focus on efficiency and stakeholder value
Familiarity with project management tools (Jira, Asana, Monday) and kanban board optimization

Recommended Complementary Courses

CCNA Networking

Advance from networking fundamentals to Cisco CCNA-level depth: covering OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, and enterprise-grade switching and routing.

Intro to Cloud Computing

Apply your networking knowledge to cloud VPCs, subnets, load balancers, and security groups in the major cloud platforms.

Intro to Cybersecurity

Use your networking foundation to understand how attackers traverse networks and how defenders detect and block them.

Linux Administration & Shell Scripting Pro

Manage the Linux servers and networked systems that your infrastructure knowledge sets the stage for.

Learning Outcomes

Networking concepts and terminology
How the internet works
IP addresses and protocols
Routers, switches, and devices
Introduction to network security

Essential Learning Resources

Project Charter template, WBS examples, and stakeholder analysis worksheets
Risk register, change log, and lessons learned repository templates
ROI calculation models, benefits tracking dashboards, and governance frameworks

Your Learning Roadmap

Foundation

Weeks 1-3

Early Weeks: Project fundamentals, planning, and stakeholder management
Middle Weeks: Execution excellence, risk management, and adaptive strategies
Late Weeks: Delivery validation, lessons learned, and strategic impact

Build

Weeks 4-6

Routers, Switches, and Wireless Access
DHCP, NAT, and Internet Connectivity
Common Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, and SMTP

Integration

Weeks 7-9

Cabling, Physical Infrastructure, and Topology
Basic Firewall Rules and Network Security
Monitoring Connectivity with Ping, Traceroute, and Logs

Capstone

Weeks 10-12

Small Office Network Design and Documentation
Troubleshooting Connectivity and Device Failures
Capstone: Design and Validate a Basic Network

Detailed Weekly Curriculum

Week 1 2 hours/week + labs

Networks, LAN or WAN, and Core Terminology

Identify the principles of Networks, LAN or WAN, and Core Terminology and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Explain Networks, LAN or WAN, and Core Terminology in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Apply trade-offs, risks, and decision points for Networks, LAN or WAN, and Core Terminology, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Document a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for Networks, LAN or WAN, and Core Terminology with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 2 2 hours/week + labs

OSI Model and TCP/IP in Practice

Identify the principles of OSI Model and TCP/IP in Practice and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Explain OSI Model and TCP/IP in Practice in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Apply trade-offs, risks, and decision points for OSI Model and TCP/IP in Practice, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Document a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for OSI Model and TCP/IP in Practice with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 3 2 hours/week + labs

IP Addressing, Subnets, and DNS Basics

Identify the principles of IP Addressing, Subnets, and DNS Basics and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Explain IP Addressing, Subnets, and DNS Basics in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Apply trade-offs, risks, and decision points for IP Addressing, Subnets, and DNS Basics, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Document a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for IP Addressing, Subnets, and DNS Basics with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 4 2 hours/week + labs

Routers, Switches, and Wireless Access

Identify the principles of Routers, Switches, and Wireless Access and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Explain Routers, Switches, and Wireless Access in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Apply trade-offs, risks, and decision points for Routers, Switches, and Wireless Access, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Document a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for Routers, Switches, and Wireless Access with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 5 2 hours/week + labs

DHCP, NAT, and Internet Connectivity

Apply the principles of DHCP, NAT, and Internet Connectivity and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Analyze DHCP, NAT, and Internet Connectivity in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Evaluate trade-offs, risks, and decision points for DHCP, NAT, and Internet Connectivity, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Document a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for DHCP, NAT, and Internet Connectivity with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 6 2 hours/week + labs

Common Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, and SMTP

Apply the principles of Common Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, and SMTP and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Analyze Common Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, and SMTP in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Evaluate trade-offs, risks, and decision points for Common Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, and SMTP, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Document a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for Common Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, and SMTP with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 7 2 hours/week + labs

Cabling, Physical Infrastructure, and Topology

Apply the principles of Cabling, Physical Infrastructure, and Topology and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Analyze Cabling, Physical Infrastructure, and Topology in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Evaluate trade-offs, risks, and decision points for Cabling, Physical Infrastructure, and Topology, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Document a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for Cabling, Physical Infrastructure, and Topology with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 8 2 hours/week + labs

Basic Firewall Rules and Network Security

Apply the principles of Basic Firewall Rules and Network Security and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Analyze Basic Firewall Rules and Network Security in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Evaluate trade-offs, risks, and decision points for Basic Firewall Rules and Network Security, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Document a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for Basic Firewall Rules and Network Security with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 9 2 hours/week + labs

Monitoring Connectivity with Ping, Traceroute, and Logs

Analyze the principles of Monitoring Connectivity with Ping, Traceroute, and Logs and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Evaluate Monitoring Connectivity with Ping, Traceroute, and Logs in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Create trade-offs, risks, and decision points for Monitoring Connectivity with Ping, Traceroute, and Logs, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Defend a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for Monitoring Connectivity with Ping, Traceroute, and Logs with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 10 2 hours/week + labs

Small Office Network Design and Documentation

Analyze the principles of Small Office Network Design and Documentation and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Evaluate Small Office Network Design and Documentation in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Create trade-offs, risks, and decision points for Small Office Network Design and Documentation, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Defend a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for Small Office Network Design and Documentation with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 11 2 hours/week + labs

Troubleshooting Connectivity and Device Failures

Analyze the principles of Troubleshooting Connectivity and Device Failures and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Evaluate Troubleshooting Connectivity and Device Failures in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Create trade-offs, risks, and decision points for Troubleshooting Connectivity and Device Failures, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Defend a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for Troubleshooting Connectivity and Device Failures with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Week 12 2 hours/week + labs

Capstone: Design and Validate a Basic Network

Analyze the principles of Capstone: Design and Validate a Basic Network and link them to course outcomes with scaffolded guidance and beginner-safe checkpoints.
Evaluate Capstone: Design and Validate a Basic Network in a guided scenario using realistic tools, constraints, and quality gates.
Create trade-offs, risks, and decision points for Capstone: Design and Validate a Basic Network, then record rationale for stakeholder review.
Defend a portfolio-ready delivery strategy memo for Capstone: Design and Validate a Basic Network with measurable success criteria and next actions.
Track measurable progress using rubric scores, defect/risk trends, and evidence completeness each week.
Run a short retrospective focused on what to retain, improve, and scale into the following week.
Incorporate peer or mentor feedback and revise the week deliverable to professional publication quality.
Publish the week output into your cumulative portfolio with concise outcome narrative and proof artifacts.

Capstone Projects

Project 1: Foundational Network Build

Configure a basic wired and wireless network with proper addressing, device roles, and verified internet connectivity.

Network topology and addressing diagram
Connectivity and service validation output
Initial security baseline checklist

Project 2: Monitoring and Hardening Upgrade

Enhance the network with firewall controls, monitoring routines, and troubleshooting playbooks for operational stability.

Firewall and rule documentation
Monitoring and diagnostics evidence pack
Incident response and remediation notes

Project 3: Capstone: Small Network Operations Pack

Deliver a complete network design, implementation, and validation package that can be handed over for real-world maintenance.

Final architecture and configuration set
Risk, trade-off, and recovery documentation
Stakeholder presentation and handover guide

Study Tips

Block two weekly hours for stakeholder interviews, requirement refinement, and process flow documentation.
Maintain a project retrospective log capturing what worked, what didn't, and explicit process improvements for subsequent projects.
Conduct weekly status reviews with stakeholder feedback loops, adjusting scope and timeline based on market signals and priority changes.

About This Course

Course Overview

Intro to Networking & Infrastructure is the foundational IT course for every technology career path. The curriculum covers the complete networking stack — physical, data link, network, transport, and application layers — through the practical lens of how real networks are built, maintained, and troubleshot.

Target Career Roles

• IT Support Technician
• Network Administrator (Entry Level)
• Systems Administrator (Trainee)
• Cloud Engineer (Entry Level)
• Help Desk Engineer

Study Tips for Success

Protect consistent weekly practice time and complete hands-on work before moving to the next topic.
Document implementation decisions, trade-offs, and lessons learned after each weekly deliverable.
Review feedback quickly and ship an improved revision within the same week to reinforce retention.
Track measurable progress with checklists, test evidence, and milestone outcomes.