After completing this online course, students should be able to:
1. Master local area network (LAN) knowledge: define LAN and explain the role of IP addresses.
2. Understand data packets and protocols: Explain what data packets are, as well as the basic functions and differences of TCP, IP and UDP protocols.
3. Analyze network processes: Describe network behavior when multiple computers communicate simultaneously, including the concepts of exponential backoff and segmentation.
4. Identify factors that affect network speed: Explain factors that cause network speed to slow down, such as low MTU, low maximum window size, and multiple devices uploading and downloading data simultaneously.
5. Suggest solutions: Suggest possible solutions such as better router usage, switch deployment, and reducing unnecessary network traffic.
These learning outcomes are designed to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of how networks work and be able to diagnose and solve common network problems.