Ops 301: Networking and Systems Administration

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Overview

Gain hands-on server and networking skills in this exciting course that follows the journey of the fictional GlobeX Corporation as it grows from a startup to a multinational enterprise with fully-functional network and information systems. As their new administrator, get ready to deploy systems and design new networks in this fast-paced learning environment that mirrors critical on-the-job scenarios designed to prepare you for real-world Ops challenges.

The course integrates practical network and systems administration operations such as network design and troubleshooting, VPN tunneling, firewall configuration, network security, server deployment and configuration, user identity management, scripting & automation, and system health monitoring with professional exercises in change management and project planning in a simulated on-the-job narrative.

This course includes a career coaching curriculum to get you ready for your job search. The course totals 160 hours, including lectures, lab, coworking, and collaborative projects.

Certification Alignment

This course will substantially prepare you for achieving the learning objectives of CompTIA Network+ certification. This course covers significant aspects of all five domains required for Network+.

  • CompTIA Network+
    • 1.0 Networking Fundamentals
    • 2.0 Network Implementations
    • 3.0 Network Operations
    • 4.0 Network Security
    • 5.0 Network Troubleshooting

Students are strongly encouraged to register for the CompTIA Network+ exam during course prework, and take the exam during the final module.

Outcomes

At the end of this course, you will be able to land an entry-level Network Operations Specialist or Systems Administrator job with skills to:

  • Use AI-based tools to accelerate learning and problem-solving
  • Apply lightweight Agile project management methodologies
  • Administer critical IT and network systems
  • Practice identity management in Active Directory (AD)/LDAP protocol
  • Design and deploy a client-server network including a domain controller (DC)
  • Create and push group policy to endpoints
  • Analyze how cloud systems can integrate into on-premise systems
  • Automate OS tasks using scripting languages Bash, Powershell, and Python
  • Design and deploy network infrastructure using the open source pfSense virtual appliance
  • Extend the capabilities of pfSense using packages
  • Troubleshoot challenging network connectivity problems
  • Oversee patch management of Windows endpoints
  • Be prepared for an Ops 401: Cybersecurity Engineering course

Prerequisites

  • Required: Familiarity with algebra concepts.
  • Ops 201: Foundations of Computer Operations: Learn to support technology operations by resolving issues with hardware, software, and virtual or cloud systems.
    • Students with previous experience can test out of this requirement in their application. If you'd like to test straight into this course, please make sure you have experience with all of the topics covered in the Ops 102 and Ops 201 courses.

Prework

Once you are accepted into the course, please complete the Ops 301 Prework.

Topics

How to leverage AI tools

Systems Administration

  • Agile project management
  • Linux and Windows network services, like AD, DHCP, DNS, email, LDAP, web servers
  • LAN connectivity to cloud resources on AWS
  • Identity management
  • IT infrastructure and systems design
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2019
  • Patch management
  • Software administration
  • Virtual machine administration

Networking

  • Router and firewall administration with pfSense
  • Network traffic analysis tools
  • Network access controls
  • Network design
  • Network infrastructure troubleshooting
  • Network service administration (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS)
  • Virtual private network(VPN) client and tunnel

Scripting & Automation

  • Bash
  • OS task automation
  • Powershell
  • Python

Career Transition Services

Changing careers is about more than learning a new skill. In tandem with your Ops education, you will receive powerful career-building strategic training so you can confidently start your job search as soon as (or even before!) you graduate.

Our Career Transition Services provide training, mentoring, leadership, and introductions to industry partners to help you become a more well-rounded professional and a leader in your field. These services, which start in Ops 201 and continue after Ops 401 graduation, involve a series of events, workshops, and assignments that help you think holistically about your new career and take actionable steps towards success.

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Material Requirements

Textbook Requirements

You can find a list of all required textbooks for our Ops and Cybersecurity Program here.

Computer Requirements

Prior to the first day of class, you will need a computer that meets the requirements detailed here in our FAQ.

Ops Lab Kit Requirements

You will also need to purchase an Ops Lab Kit, which will be reused in every Ops course. You won't need to buy any more hardware for later courses, in your job search, or beyond.

Stacked Modules

Concepts in each of our courses are taught using stacked modules, where a new concept is introduced in each class session, building upon what came before it. This is a challenging style that requires persistence, practice, and collaboration, but allows more concepts to be introduced over the length of the course. This method helps students learn and retain more information in a short period of time. Learn more about stacked modules »

Homework Policy

In order to pass the class, students must attain at least 90% of available points.

Professionalism

Punctuality, participation in discussions, completion of assignments, and demonstration of professional courtesy to others are required, in accordance with our Code of Conduct. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class. Passing requires at least 90% attendance. Students should always contact the instructors ahead of time if they are unable to attend all or part of the published class/lab hours.



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