Networking Essentials

Course Description:

Networking technology powers the Internet. Networks make it possible for us to use social media, streaming services like Netflix, ride-hailing services like Uber, and much more. Put simply, networks are critical for every industry, which is why demand for networking skills keeps rising. A strong foundational knowledge of networks can lead to a successful career in IT.

This Networking Essentials course prepares you for the entry-level Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Network certification and entry-level roles such as Network Support Technician, Entry-level Help Desk Technician, or IT Support Specialist. You will learn how networks operate, including the devices, media, and protocols that enable network communication. Develop key skills so you can perform basic troubleshooting, using effective methodologies and help desk best practices.

This course is offered in partnership with Michigan Information Technology Training, LLC. (MITT)

Course Details:

Course Title (District): Networking Essentials
Course Title (NCES SCED) : Network Technology
Course Provider : Michigan Virtual
Content Provided By : Michigan Information Technology Training, LLC
Online Instructor Provided By : Michigan Information Technology Training, LLC
Standards Addressed : Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education
Alignment Document : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DptUWN8Ahwumd4c3-CMs_QPnmnC-IomL3wtKmtdKD98/edit?usp=sharing
Academic Terms : Semester, Trimester, Accelerated
NCES SCED Code : 10101
Subject Area : Information Technology
Course Identifier : Network Technology
Course Level : High School (Secondary)
Available Credit : 0.5
Sequence : 1 of 1

How To Enroll:

Enrollment Website : https://slp.michiganvirtual.org/
Email : [email protected]
Phone : (888) 889-2840

Students and Parents: It is important to work closely with your local school counselor or registrar to follow the school's enrollment procedures. By clicking the "Start Registration Request" button below, you will be able to notify the school of your interest in registering for the online course. However, it is the responsibility of the district or school to review the registration request and approve or deny the request. Please make a note to follow up with your school after submitting a registration request.

Start Registration Request

Additional Course Information:

Additional Cost Description:

None

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to...

  • Explain important concepts in network communication
  • Explain network types, components, and connections
  • Configure mobile devices for wireless access
  • Configure an integrated wireless router and wireless client to connect securely to the internet
  • Explain the importance of standards and protocols in network communications
  • Describe common network media
  • Explain how communication occurs on Ethernet networks
  • Explain the features of an IP address
  • Explain how IPv4 addresses are used in network communication and segmentation
  • Explain features of IPv6 addressing
  • Explain how routers connect networks together
  • Explain how ARP enables communication on a network
  • Create a fully connected LAN
  • Explain how clients access internet services
  • Explain the function of common application layer services
  • Use various tools to test and troubleshoot network connectivity
  • Explain components of a hierarchical network design
  • Explain the characteristics of virtualization and cloud services
  • Calculate numbers between decimal, binary, and hexadecimal systems
  • Explain how Ethernet operates in a switched network
  • Explain how routers use network layer protocols and services to enable end-to-end connectivity
  • Explain how ARP enables communication on a local area network
  • Explain how DNS and DHCP services operate
  • Compare the operations of transport layer protocols in supporting end-to-end communication
  • Build a simple computer network using Cisco devices
  • Use various tools to test network connectivity
  • Explain how physical layer protocols, services, and network media support communications across data networks
  • Explain how media access control in the data link layer supports communication across physical and logical networks
  • Explain how routers use network layer protocols and services to enable end-to-end connectivity
  • Calculate an IPv4 subnetting scheme to efficiently segment a network
  • Implement an IPv6 addressing scheme
  • Describe Cisco routers and switches
  • Troubleshoot basic network connectivity issues
  • Demonstrate effective troubleshooting methodologies and help desk best practices
  • Explain common threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks on end points
  • Configure secure user access on a network

NSQ National Standards for Quality Online Courses

Rating Comments
A1. A course overview and syllabus are included in the online course Fully Met
A2. Minimum computer skills and digital literacy skills expected of the learner are clearly stated.* Fully Met
A3. The instructor’s biographical information and information on how to communicate with the instructor are provided to learners and other stakeholders. Fully Met
A4. Learner expectations and policies are clearly stated and readily accessible within the introductory material of the course. Fully Met
A5. Minimum technology requirements for the course are clearly stated, and information on how to obtain the technologies is provided.* Fully Met
A6. Grading policies and practices are clearly defined in accordance with course content learning expectations. Fully Met
A7. The online course provides a clear description or link to the technical support offered and how to obtain it.* Fully Met
A8. Learners are offered an orientation prior to the start of the online course. Fully Met
Rating Comments
B1. The online course objectives or competencies are measurable and clearly state what the learner will be able to demonstrate as a result of successfully completing the course.* Fully Met
B2. The online course expectations are consistent with course-level objectives or competencies, are representative of the structure of the course, and are clearly stated. Fully Met
B3. The online course content is aligned with accepted state and/or other accepted content standards, where applicable.* Fully Met
B4. Digital literacy and communication skills are incorporated and taught as an integral part of the curriculum.* Fully Met
B5. Supplemental learning resources and related instructional materials are available to support and enrich learning and are aligned to the specific content being delivered.* Fully Met
B6. The online course content and supporting materials reflect a culturally diverse perspective that is free of bias.* Fully Met
B7. The online course materials (e.g., textbooks, primary source documents, OER) that support course content standards are accurate and current. Fully Met
B8. The online course is free of adult content and avoids unnecessary advertisements.* Fully Met
B9. Copyright and licensing status for any third-party content is appropriately cited and easily found. Fully Met
B10. Documentation and other support materials are available to support effective online course facilitation.* Partially Met The course appears to lack teacher resources, including a lack answer keys, scoring guides, or rubrics for instructor graiding of assessments. NOTE: Given the unique nature of the curriculum being provided by a Cisco Netacademy, it is possible that such resources exist for Netacademy resources outside of the LMS, but this has not been verified.
Rating Comments
C1. The online course design includes activities that guide learners toward promoting ownership of their learning and self-monitoring. Fully Met
C2. The online course’s content and learning activities promote the achievement of the stated learning objectives or competencies. Fully Met
C3. The online course is organized by units and lessons that fall into a logical sequence. Fully Met
C4. The online course content is appropriate to the reading level of the intended learners.* Fully Met
C5. The online course design includes introductory assignments or activities to engage learners within the first week of the course. Fully Met
C6. The online course provides learners with multiple learning paths as appropriate, based on learner needs, that engage learners in a variety of ways. Fully Met
C7. The online course provides regular opportunities for learner-learner interaction. Partially Met Learner-to-learner interactions are limited to the introduction discussion board.
C8. The online course design provides opportunities for learner-instructor interaction, including opportunities for regular feedback about learner progress.* Fully Met
C9. Online course instructional materials and resources present content in an effective, engaging, and appropriate manner.* Fully Met
Rating Comments
D1. Learner assessments are linked to stated course, unit, or lesson-level objectives or competencies. Fully Met
D2. Valid course assessments measure learner progress toward mastery of content. Fully Met
D3. Assessment practices provide routine and varied opportunities for self-monitoring and reflection of learning.* Fully Met
D4. Assessment materials provide the learner with the flexibility to demonstrate mastery in a variety of ways.* Fully Met
D5. Rubrics that clearly define expectations for varied levels of proficiency are created and shared with learners.* Not Met No rubrics attached to assignment instructions.
Rating Comments
E1. Online course navigation is logical, consistent, and efficient from the learner’s point of view.* Fully Met
E2. The online course design facilitates readability.* Fully Met
E3. The online course provides accessible course materials and activities to meet the needs of diverse learners.* Partially Met Alt text for images could only be detected in some cases, but not consistently. Videos lacked transcripts. Two of the three videos examined provided closed captioning.
E4. Course multimedia facilitate ease of use.* Fully Met
E5. Vendor accessibility statements are provided for all technologies required in the course.* Fully Met
Rating Comments
F1. Educational tools ensure learner privacy and maintain confidentiality of learner information in accordance with local, state, and national laws for learner data. Fully Met
F2. The online course tools support the learning objectives or competencies.* Fully Met
F3. The online course provides options for the instructor to adapt learning activities to accommodate learners’ needs and preferences.* Fully Met
F4. The course allows instructors to control the release of content.* Partially Met Michigan Virtual provides for flexible pacing and asynchronous delivery of its online course offerings. In order to maximize these opportunities for personalized learner preferences and flexibility concerning frequency or timing of individual learner availability or participation in courses during academic terms, with few exceptions, all course content is made available at all times throughout the term, and generally only midterm or final exams are password protected. Conditional release of content is intentionally avoided or used sparingly within Michigan Virtual course design and instructional delivery models.
F5. The course provides the necessary technical functionality to score and record assessments and calculate earned course points or grades.* Fully Met
Rating Comments
G1. The online course uses multiple methods and sources of input for assessing course effectiveness. Fully Met
G2. The online course is reviewed to ensure that the course is current. Fully Met
G3. The online course is updated on a continuous improvement cycle for effectiveness based on the findings from ongoing reviews. Fully Met

Review Conducted By: Michigan Virtual
Date of Review: 11/21/2024

Topic 1: Build a Home Network

  • Communications in the Connected World
  • Network Components, Types and Connections
  • Wireless and Mobile Networks
  • Build a Home Network

Topic 2: Network Access

  • Communication Principles
  • Network Media
  • The Access Layer

Topic 3: The Internet Protocol

  • The Internet Protocol
  • IPv4 and Network Segmentation
  • IPv6 Addressing Formats and Rules
  • Dynamic addressing with DHCP

Topic 4: Communication Between Networks

  • Gateways to Other Networks
  • The ARP Process
  • Routing Between Networks

Topic 5: Protocols for Specific Tasks

  • TCP and UDP
  • Application Layer Services
  • Networking Testing Utilities

Topic 6: Characteristics of Network Design

  • Network Design
  • Cloud Virtualization
  • Number Systems

Topic 7: Network Addressing

  • Ethernet Switching
  • Network Layer
  • IPv4 Address Structure

Topic 8: ARP, DNS, DHCP and the Transport Layer

  • Address Resolution
  • IP Addressing Services
  • Transport Layer

Topic 9: Configure Cisco Devices

  • Cisco IOS Command Line
  • Build a Small Cisco Network
  • ICMP

Topic 10: Physical, Data Link and Network Layers

  • Physical Layer
  • Data Link Layer
  • Routing at the Network Layer

Topic 11: IP Addressing

  • IPv6 Addressing
  • IPv6 Neighbor Discovery

Topic 12: Troubleshooting Network Issues

  • Cisco Switches and Routers
  • Troubleshoot Common Network Problems

Topic 13: Support and Security

  • Network Support
  • Threats, Vulnerabilities and Attacks
  • Network Security
Term Type Enrollment Opens Enrollment Ends Random Draw Date Enrollment Drop Date Course Starts Course Ends # of Seats Course Fee Potential Additional Costs
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 01/17/2025 01/03/2025 05/23/2025 100 $450
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 01/24/2025 01/10/2025 05/30/2025 100 $450
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 01/31/2025 01/17/2025 06/06/2025 100 $450
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 02/07/2025 01/24/2025 06/13/2025 100 $450
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 02/14/2025 01/31/2025 06/20/2025 100 $450
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 02/21/2025 02/07/2025 06/20/2025 100 $450
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 02/28/2025 02/14/2025 06/20/2025 100 $450
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 03/07/2025 02/21/2025 06/20/2025 100 $450
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 03/14/2025 02/28/2025 06/20/2025 100 $450
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 03/21/2025 03/07/2025 06/20/2025 100 $450
Trimester 03/29/2024 03/28/2025 07/01/2024 03/07/2025 02/21/2025 05/23/2025 100 $450
Trimester 03/29/2024 03/28/2025 07/01/2024 03/14/2025 02/28/2025 05/30/2025 100 $450
Trimester 03/29/2024 03/28/2025 07/01/2024 03/21/2025 03/07/2025 06/06/2025 100 $450
Trimester 03/29/2024 03/28/2025 07/01/2024 03/28/2025 03/14/2025 06/13/2025 100 $450
Trimester 03/29/2024 03/28/2025 07/01/2024 04/04/2025 03/21/2025 06/20/2025 100 $450
Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025 04/01/2025 06/06/2025 05/23/2025 08/01/2025 100 $450
Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025 04/01/2025 06/13/2025 05/30/2025 08/08/2025 100 $450
Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025 04/01/2025 06/20/2025 06/06/2025 08/15/2025 100 $450
Drop Policy Completion Policy Term Type Enrollment Opens Enrollment Ends
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Trimester 03/29/2024 03/28/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Trimester 03/29/2024 03/28/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Trimester 03/29/2024 03/28/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Trimester 03/29/2024 03/28/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Trimester 03/29/2024 03/28/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025
Students can use email or the private message system within the Student Learning Portal to access highly qualified teachers when they need instructor assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside the learning management system. The Instructor Info area of their course may describe additional communication options.

Students will require all of the following:

  • A computer device with either Windows (7 or later), Linux, or Macintosh operating system. NOTE: Chromebook users will need to contact their instructor to request a virtual machine.
  • Ability to download and install Packet Tracer, a stand-alone software program that is required for all Cisco Network Academy courses
  • Ability to download and upload PDF and Packet Tracer (.pka) files
  • An up-to-date Chrome or Firefox web browser with Java (JRE) enabled to access the Packet Tracer testing environment
  • A PDF reader to complete assignments (Recommended: Adobe Reader)
    • All reading guides / labs are fillable PDF files
  • Reliable internet access
  • Access to YouTube as an additional learning resource

Please review the Michigan Virtual Technology Requirements: https://michiganvirtual.org/about/support/knowledge-base/technical-requirements/