The IP network is the backbone of every modern custom installation and the number of connected devices is ever growing. It is now crucial that the fundamental design of any home network is robust and well-conceived. It is no longer good enough to just ‘plug it in to any available socket’ come install time!

This course explores modern network topology including traffic flow, infrastructure planning, connectivity options and planned redundancy. During the session, students will be work in groups to develop a robust network that will be stable for an initial and developing list of connected host devices. Wired and wireless connectivity will be included as well as host devices from the AV, computing and mobile world.

Both wired and wireless networks will be considered with consideration for retro-fit and new build properties. Additional subject matter includes power planning, equipment location and rack design, testing strategies, and upgradability.

Key skills you will learn:

• Traffic demands of individual traffic types
• Analysing traffic flow with network tools
• Comparison of network topologies
• Finding and planning trunk routes
• Host planning for wired & wireless networks
• The case for fibre-optic infrastructure
• Optimising wireless service
• Approximating bandwidth needs
• Bandwidth limiting topologies
• Security considerations

Learning outcomes:

• Recognize key network topologies
• Describe key differences between wired & wired networks
• Identify high bandwidth components and routes
• Identify key security weak points
• Perform an approximate bandwidth calculation for a network connection
• Design a simple network layout using approximate predicted bandwidth requirements

Once the basics of IP Networking are understood, there are many options to extend IP networks and create a truly integrated home environment.

This course will advance on from the Residential Networking course, exploring more in depth the skills and knowledge previously gained. Attendees will understand and be able to confidentially install a robust, secure and more complex network.

The course features a mix of classroom and practical exercises using a variety of networking equipment. There will be plenty of time for attendees to ask questions and discuss practical scenarios and enhance individual knowledge.

Key skills you will learn:

• Basic DNS operation
• Remote access including Dynamic DNS
• The Client - Server model
• 'Ports' and 'Services'
• Access to LAN devices from the WAN via Port Forwarding
• Securing remote access using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
• Understanding basic subnets
• Diving Networks using vLANs (Virtual LANs)

Learning outcomes:

• Describe the difference between UDP and TCP (OSI layer 4)
• Identify client, server and mixed mode network devices
• Configure a Dynamic DNS account for remote access to a network
• Setup and test remote access to a LAN device using ports & services
• Configure a VPN service for remote access to a network
• Describe the security implications for different remote access options
• Explain the primary role of the subnet mask

Setup a port-based vLAN within a router

Wireless Residential - Day 2

WiFi connectivity is a key communication method for much of the personal technology we use today. The increasingly crowded WiFi spectrum is busy delivering media, email, VoIP and other services to homeowners and their neighbours! With this in mind, it's essential that technicians fully understand wireless technology to ensure fast, and reliable service to their customers.

This course goes back to basics to understand the fundamental technology behind wireless, and RF (Radio Frequency) transmission as a physical layer in the OSI model. The course will compare wireless to other physical layer types and explores the behaviours of RF considering data speed, frequency and coverage. You will learn the benefits and opportunities of wireless security, and explore how to ensure secure networks and how to expand a wireless network to cover larger areas.

This course assumes a fundamental knowledge of IP networks. Candidates should come armed with a firm understanding of the wired network environment, having successfully completed CEDIA's Residential Networking course.

Key skills you will learn:

• Understanding Wireless as a physical transport media.
• Radio Frequency transmission as part of the Electromagnetic spectrum.
• Controlling and / or maximising wireless coverage using different Antenna types.
• Protecting wireless networks with appropriate security.
• Expanding wireless networks to new areas or adding additional networks.
• Controlling wireless networks with management systems.

Learning outcomes:

• Plan an effective wireless installation in a residential setting.
• Choose appropriate wireless hardware.
• Configure a secure wireless network.
• Document a typical wireless installation.

Test a wireless installation for coverage and speed.

Residential Networking

With the vast majority of subsystems now having the ability to be converged over an IP network, this is arguably the most important topic for smart home technicians.

CEDIA’s Residential Networking course will provide attendees with the foundation for understanding IP (the Internet Protocol). Starting from the ground up, the course will increase attendees IP networking knowledge, and clarify the common network protocols such as TCP, UDP, IP, DHCP, DNS, and NAT. Attendees will also understand the functions of a consumer router in a wired environment and begin basic troubleshooting in a consumer level IP network.

During this course students will carry out hands-on exercises to both test and expand on what the have learned. This course will cover the basic IP Networking knowledge of the curriculum required for the ESC-N certification exam.

Key skills you will learn:

• Understanding the 7 layer OSI Model and how it relates to networking (essential learning).
• Applying the OSI model to residential network setup and testing.
• Recognising and choosing basic network hardware.
• Assigning and documenting IP Addresses - using the right addresses for the right job.
• Basic network troubleshooting.

Learning outcomes:

• Describe the layout of a basic network.
• Explain the difference between network and point-to-point communications.
• Identify typical network hardware.
• Connect & configure a home router, switch, wireless access point & client device.

Test basic Internet and local network connectivity at OSI layer 3.