This networking training explains how data flows through networks, how IP addresses are assigned and subnets calculated, and how to narrow down connection problems step by step. It is meant for newcomers to IT infrastructure, support staff and administrators who want to understand networks rather than just operate them. You work with switches, VLANs, routing and DNS and use tools such as ping, traceroute and Wireshark.
What you’ll take away.
- Explain the OSI and TCP/IP models and assign protocols to layers
- Divide IPv4 networks into subnets with CIDR and read IPv6 addresses
- Configure switching with VLANs and routing with static routes
- Place DNS, DHCP and NAT and recognise their typical failure patterns
- Narrow down problems systematically with ping, traceroute, nslookup and Wireshark
Your training in detail
- Who is it for?
- Newcomers to IT infrastructure, service desk staff, system administrators and IT apprentices.
- Prerequisites
- General day-to-day IT use at work. No networking knowledge required.
- Format & planning
- Suggested format: 3 to 4 days live online or on site. Scope depends on prior knowledge.
Agenda: from understanding to application
Our independently developed agenda proposal. Focus areas, lab environment and scope are agreed before booking.
Models: OSI layers, TCP/IP, Ethernet frames, MAC addresses and the path of a packet through the network.
IPv4 and IPv6: address classes and private ranges per RFC 1918, CIDR, subnetting and IPv6 address types.
Switching: MAC table, VLANs, 802.1Q trunks, Spanning Tree and link aggregation.
Routing: default gateway, static routes, an overview of OSPF as a dynamic protocol and inter-VLAN routing.
Services: DNS resolution, the DHCP process, NAT, TCP versus UDP, ports and firewall basics.
Troubleshooting: ping, traceroute, arp, nslookup, ip and Wireshark, plus a bottom-up approach from layer 1.
Suggested exercise: in a simulator such as Cisco Packet Tracer, build a company network with three VLANs and a router, plan the subnets and find a deliberately planted fault using the layer model.
Exams, licences & credentials
A related qualification is the Cisco CCNA (exam 200-301). The training is vendor-neutral and not a focused preparation for it unless agreed. Exam fees are only included if confirmed in the offer. Attending alone awards no vendor certification.
Vendor references & review date
Sources checked on 2026-11-03. These sources describe the technology or external exam requirements. They do not imply a partnership with NextNowa.
Your learning content
These objectives describe the training topic. The specific syllabus, duration, dates, trainer and price are agreed before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to calculate subnets in my head?
In daily work calculators help, but you should understand the principle: the prefix decides how many bits are network and how many are host. We practise with examples until /24 to /30 feels natural. For exams such as the CCNA, mental calculation is usual and worth practising.
Is IPv4 knowledge enough or do I need IPv6?
IPv4 remains common inside internal networks, but IPv6 is already active in provider networks, clouds and operating systems. You should be able to read address structure, prefixes and link-local addresses. The training therefore treats IPv6 as a fixed block, not a side topic.
How do I find network faults when I do not know where to start?
Work along the layers: cable and link, then IP configuration and gateway, then name resolution, finally application and firewall. Each step has a tool, such as ping or nslookup. In the training you practise this order on prepared fault scenarios.
Does Computer networking include a certificate?
A related qualification is the Cisco CCNA (exam 200-301). The training is vendor-neutral and not a focused preparation for it unless agreed. Exam fees are only included if confirmed in the offer. Attending alone awards no vendor certification.