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Learning > Introduction to Network Operations

Introduction to Network Operations

What is the Introduction to Network Operations course?

This is an introductory course targeted at novice/entry level UNIX/Linux users pursuing careers in Network or System Administration. This course provides the necessary skills to progress to more advanced topics in the future.

This course is practically oriented and provides step-by-step guidance on how to configure a UNIX/Linux server and then run a Caching Domain Name System (DNS) server in a virtualized environment. The techniques covered in the course are applicable in real-world environments to set up Internet-ready caching DNS servers.

What are the course objectives?

Learn about and operate a UNIX/Linux operating system in a virtualized environment.
Develop competences in key networking topics: IPv4 and IPv6.
Install third-party software on a UNIX or Linux platform using common software management tools.
Work with the UNIX/Linux shell and become comfortable with the command line interface.
Edit files in UNIX/Linux environments without Graphical User Interfaces (GUI).
Understand the role of the Domain Name System (DNS) in the operation of the Internet.
Build and activate a caching Domain Name System (DNS) server.
Learn about the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and the Request for Comments (RFC) process.

What are the expected outcomes of this course?

Summarize what you have understood about the UNIX/Linux systems – about how they are used, installed, administrated
Demonstrate ability to use file permission commands (chmod) to set specific access rights for different users in a UNIX/Linux environment)
Execute basic file management operations in UNIX/Linux using command-line interface to create and modify file permissions
Manipulate text files using VIM editor to perform specific editing tasks such as search and replace operations
Configure a caching DNS server (BIND or UnBound) and verify its proper operation through testing
Apply network configuration concepts by setting up and testing DNS server responses using dig commands
Analyze the role of DNS in Internet operations and demonstrate understanding through practical implementation

Who should attend this course?

This course does not have prerequisites.

You should attend this course if:

You are a novice/entry-level network engineer or system administrator interested in learning about UNIX/Linux, networking, and DNS.
You are an upcoming network engineer or system administrator from a Research Education Network (REN), Network Operator Group (NOG), university, ccTLD registry, or Internet Service Provider (ISP).

How do I enroll in a course?

How do I access the learning platform as an Internet Society member?

As an Internet Society member, you can log into learning.internetsociety.org with your member login credentials. There is no need to create a new account. If you do not remember your login information, select Forgot Login? to be emailed your username and receive a link to reset your password. Once logged in, you will be able to view the course catalog and select the course you’d like to enroll in.

How do I access the learning platform as a non-member?

Both guests and Internet Society members can access the learning platform. To register as either, click Register on the login box at learning.internetsociety.org. Next, either register as a member or click on the guest registration form to register as a guest. Once you create an account, you can use the credentials you created (username and password) to log into learning.internetsociety.org. Once logged in, you will be able to view the course catalog and enroll in courses.

How do I enroll in a course?

Browse available courses in the course catalog or use the search bar to find the course you would like to enroll in. On each course page, click the “Enroll” button in the top right corner of the page to immediately be added to a course. Once you have successfully been enrolled, you will be able to see the course under “My Courses and Learning Plans”. You will also be able to see information about the course instructor, view the course’s forums, and access any modules that are available. If the course has not yet started, you will not see any modules until the day the course begins.

How do I join the waitlist for a course?

If you are on a course page and the button in the top right corner of the page reads “Enroll (Waiting List)”, this means the course has reached the maximum number of participants able to enroll. You can click the button to join the waitlist for the course and you will be notified if a spot becomes available.

How do I select the right course format?

When browsing the course catalog, you will see multiple versions of the same course available. All courses are available in English, French, and Spanish so first select the right language for you. You can do this by selecting the language of your choice in the left-hand filter in the course catalog or choosing the course that denotes the correct language (EN=English, FR=French, ES=Spanish).

You also have the option to choose the format that will work best for your connection type. All courses have 3 format options: high bandwidth, low bandwidth, and text-based for all connections. You can filter by bandwidth option in the left-hand filter on the course catalog or select the “Additional Information” tab when viewing a course to see which bandwidth connection you have selected.

If you have any questions about which version is best for you, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] to get assistance.

Enroll for the January course

When do I start?

This course lasts four weeks. Registration period opens three weeks prior to the course start date.

Enroll Now

20 January–16 February 2025

Course duration

14 July–10 August 2025

Course duration

06 October–02 November 2025

Course duration

Moderated course

Duration:
4 weeks

Available in
English, French and Spanish

Enroll Now