01
Network purpose, devices and topologies
Explain, demonstrate and verify **network purpose, devices and topologies** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Network purpose, devices and topologies60 min
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NET-101Intermediate
Networking & systems
Networking & Linux Lab Foundations
Build and support a small local network, understand addressing and safely operate a Linux-first training laboratory.
Part of these pathways
Course outline: enrolment opens after THNF content and assessment review.
What you will be able to do
Clear outcomes. Practical evidence.
- Explain LAN, IP, DNS and DHCP concepts
- Use essential Linux commands safely
- Configure basic file and network services
- Separate student, administration and lab traffic
Course structure
Modules and lessons
02
OSI and TCP/IP models
Explain, demonstrate and verify **osi and tcp/ip models** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- OSI and TCP/IP models60 min
03
Ethernet, switching and wireless basics
Explain, demonstrate and verify **ethernet, switching and wireless basics** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Ethernet, switching and wireless basics60 min
04
IPv4, IPv6 and subnetting
Explain, demonstrate and verify **ipv4, ipv6 and subnetting** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- IPv4, IPv6 and subnetting60 min
05
Core protocols, ports and name resolution
Explain, demonstrate and verify **core protocols, ports and name resolution** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Core protocols, ports and name resolution60 min
06
Routing, NAT and internet access
Explain, demonstrate and verify **routing, nat and internet access** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Routing, NAT and internet access60 min
07
Packet capture and structured troubleshooting
Explain, demonstrate and verify **packet capture and structured troubleshooting** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Packet capture and structured troubleshooting60 min
08
Small-site network capstone
Explain, demonstrate and verify **small-site network capstone** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Small-site network capstone60 min
Access and progression
Know what the course requires.
The required capability matters; the learner does not have to personally own every device.
Who it is for
Aspiring ICT technicians, helpdesk staff and people supporting schools, SMEs or community organisations.
Hardware access
Personal 64-bit computer with 8 GB RAM and 60 GB free, or use the managed lab device at a readiness-approved THNF centre.
Software and practical access
Packet simulator and, for scheduled practicals, a THNF-managed switch/router lab.
Possible progression
Junior ICT, helpdesk, network-support, systems-support or hardware-support trainee.
Progression is not a guarantee of employment or external certification.Sierra Leone context
Refurbished or modest hardware, schools and SMEs, power fluctuation, UPS/surge protection, intermittent connectivity and locally repairable solutions.
Skills in context
Career directions and next steps
These are realistic directions that the skills can support—not promises of employment, job titles or external certification.
- IT support assistant
- Helpdesk technician
- Junior computer-support technician
- Junior network-support technician
- Systems-support assistant
- Cloud-support trainee
- Cybersecurity-support trainee
- Security-operations trainee
- Vulnerability-management assistant
Possible progression pathways
Computer hardware and IT support · Networking, systems and cloud · Cybersecurity