This Networking Class is designed as an introductory–intermediate level course, so it would benefit a wide range of people depending on their career stage, job role, and goals. Here’s a breakdown:

Primary Audience

1. Traffic & Transportation Technicians/Engineers

   • Especially those working in vehicle traffic environments, as the outline specifically connects networking to traffic signal systems, controllers, and communications.

   • IMSA members and certification seekers who need a solid foundation in networking before advancing to specialized certifications (Traffic Signal Technician I/II/III, Fiber Optics, NEMA TS-1/TS-2, etc.).

2. IT Support Staff & Network Technicians

   • Individuals starting out in networking support roles in municipalities, utilities, or private companies.

   • Helpdesk or field support staff who troubleshoot connectivity issues, configure hardware, or work with IP addressing and subnets.

3. Field Technicians in Electrical/Communications

   • Workers who install or maintain signal cabinets, controllers, switches, and firewalls in the field.

   • Electricians or low-voltage specialists who want to expand into data networking for traffic systems or roadway technology.

Secondary Audience

1. Students or Apprentices in Networking/Engineering Programs

   • Vocational school or community college students in networking, computer engineering, or transportation technology.

   • Apprentices preparing for certifications (CompTIA Network+, IMSA, Cisco CCNA).

2. Municipal Employees / DOT Staff

   • City, county, and state employees who manage or oversee ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems), roadway lighting, traffic signals, or communications systems.

3. Supervisors and Managers

   • Supervisors who don’t do daily networking but need to understand terminology, capabilities, and troubleshooting so they can manage staff and vendors effectively.

Key Benefits of Taking This Course

• Gain a solid foundation in networking fundamentals (OSI model, hardware, IP addressing, protocols).

• Learn how networking directly applies to traffic systems, field cabinets, switches, and controllers.

• Develop troubleshooting skills that reduce downtime and improve safety in roadway environments.

• Prepare for industry-recognized certifications (IMSA, CompTIA, Cisco, etc.).

• Enhance your value as a cross-trained technician able to handle both electrical and networking aspects of traffic/ITS systems.

Networking Course Schedule

Day 1

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Module 1: Introduction to Networking (Slides 3–32)
Objectives:

• Define a network

• Identify various types of networks

• Identify topologies and various types

• Identify the role of networking in vehicle traffic environments

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Module 2: Hardware and Connections (Slides 33–62)
Objectives:

• Identify various pieces of hardware and their usage in a network

• Identify various types of connections

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM

Module 3: OSI Model (Slides 64–74)
Objectives:

• Identify the purpose of the OSI model

• Identify the hardware associated with each layer of the OSI model

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Module 4: Protocols and Communication (Slides 76–95)
Objectives:

• Identify MAC and IP addresses

• Define dynamic and static IP addresses

• Define protocols

• Identify key protocols and their associated OSI model layer

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Module 5: Configuration and Security (Slides 97–105)
Objectives:

• Set up a simple network

• Set up a managed and unmanaged switch

• Configure wireless networks

• Identify the location of firewalls and other security measures

Day 2

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Module 6: Troubleshooting Part 1 (Slides 107–114)
Objectives:

• Define troubleshooting

• Analyze network traffic

• Identify troubleshooting steps

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Module 7: IP Addressing and Subnetting (Slides 116–128)
Objectives:

• Identify subnets

• Identify supernetting

• Identify CIDR – Class Inter-Domain Routing

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM

Module 8: Network Security and Firewalls (Slides 130–137)
Objectives:

• Identify the best network security practices

• Identify Access Control Lists

• Configure Access Control Lists on a router

• Configure Access Control Lists on a firewall

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Module 9: Troubleshooting Part 2
Objectives:

• Set up a network

• Identify issues within a network

• Identify solutions to issues

By 2:00 PM

Module 10: Assessment

• Review and complete final assessment