Introduction to Computer Networking for Broadcast Engineers

About the Author
Course Description
Table of Contents

SBE Recertification Credit
Enrollment Information

"The Introduction to Computer Networking for Broadcast Engineers interactive course offered through the SBE is a high-value course that seeks, if anything, to reinforce what the broadcast engineer should know, and helps identify weaknesses in our personal knowledge base. I know in my case it did. I look forward to other challenging material offered by SBE University."

-Todd Creamer, SBE Member, Marion, IL

About the Author

This course was written for the SBE by Paul Claxton, CPBE, CBNE. Claxton is a retired US Navy Master Chief Petty Officer and has been an SBE member for more than ten years. He is active in the Society as current and past SBE chapter 131 chairperson and certification chairperson for his chapter. He holds certifications from Novell, Microsoft, CompTIA, and SANS in various computer networking, security, and administration areas and has presented IT subject papers at the NAB's engineering sessions. Currently, he is employed at the American Forces Network Broadcast Center in Riverside, CA, as an IT management specialist and project engineer.

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to give the student an introduction to the fundamental concepts of computer networking. The course will cover computer topologies (both physical and logical), media types, the OSI model, and local area networking. It will cover some legacy material but is primarily about Ethernet, TCP/IP and other current computer networking protocols. Hardware such as switches and routers will be covered and software such as VLAN, VPN, and NAT as well. Some basic troubleshooting, security, and administrative procedures will also be reviewed. The course is meant as an introduction, covering many subjects at a high level in order to assist the broadcaster in passing the Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist exam. There are several quiz questions at the end of each chapter to help the student ensure he/she understands the material.

Introduction
Physical Media: Copper, Wiring Standards Fiber, Optic, RF and Connectors
Physical Network Topologies: Bus, Ring, Star, Mesh, Cellular and Hybrid
Logical Network Topologies: Bus and Ring and Connection Types
The Open Systems Interconnection Model and Data Encapsulation
Introduction to Network Devices: Repeaters, Transceivers, Hubs, Switches, Routers and Spanning Tree Protocol
Ethernet and Network Interface Cards
Internet Protocols (IP), Addressing and Subnetting, and DNS Servers
Routing and Route Discovery, and Network Address Translation
Troubleshooting Procedures, Hardware and Software Tools and Equipment
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Security Principles
Data Backup
Documentation
Glossary

SBE Recertification Credit

The completion of a course through SBE University qualifies for 1 credit, identified under Category I of the Recertification Schedule for SBE Certifications.