iti 15 April 2025
Network Technician

ITI Network Technician Trade Syllabus 

The ITI Network Technician trade is a one-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course trains individuals in the installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer networks, including Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and wireless networks. It covers hardware (routers, switches, cables), software (network protocols, security tools), and basic cybersecurity. The syllabus combines theoretical knowledge, practical networking skills, and employability skills to prepare students for roles such as network technicians, system administrators, or IT support specialists in IT companies, telecom firms, or corporate offices, or as entrepreneurs offering networking services.

Course Overview

  • Duration: 1 year (2 semesters, each 6 months)
  • NSQF Level: Level 4
  • Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass with science and mathematics (or equivalent)
  • Objective: To equip trainees with skills to design, implement, and maintain secure and efficient network systems, meeting industry standards.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers networking concepts, hardware, protocols, and security principles.

  • Semester 1
    • Introduction to Networking
      • Overview: types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN), network topologies (star, bus, ring).
      • Roles: network technician, administrator, support specialist in IT/telecom.
      • Safety: handling electrical equipment, cable management, electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions.
    • Computer Fundamentals
      • Hardware: CPU, RAM, storage, motherboards, power supplies.
      • Software: operating systems (Windows, Linux), drivers, utilities.
      • Peripherals: printers, scanners, external drives, their connectivity.
    • Networking Devices
      • Equipment: routers, switches, hubs, access points, modems.
      • Cables: twisted pair (Cat5e, Cat6), coaxial, fiber optic, connectors (RJ45, LC).
      • Standards: TIA/EIA-568, crimping techniques, cable testing.
    • Network Models and Protocols
      • Models: OSI model (7 layers), TCP/IP model, their functions.
      • Protocols: HTTP, FTP, DNS, DHCP, IP, ARP, ICMP, their roles.
      • Addressing: IPv4, IPv6, subnetting, MAC addresses.
    • Operating Systems for Networking
      • Windows: file sharing, user management, command prompt (ipconfig, ping).
      • Linux: basic commands (ifconfig, netstat), file systems, permissions.
      • Tools: remote desktop, SSH, network monitoring software.
    • LAN Setup and Configuration
      • Design: planning LAN layouts, calculating IP ranges, selecting hardware.
      • Configuration: assigning static/dynamic IPs, setting up workgroups.
      • Testing: connectivity checks, bandwidth monitoring, packet analysis.
    • Basic Cybersecurity
      • Threats: malware, phishing, DDoS, unauthorized access.
      • Protection: firewalls, antivirus, password policies, data encryption.
      • Practices: secure configurations, backup strategies, user authentication.
  • Semester 2
    • Wireless Networking
      • Technologies: Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth, RFID.
      • Setup: configuring wireless routers, access points, SSID, encryption (WPA2, WPA3).
      • Troubleshooting: signal interference, channel overlap, range issues.
    • WAN and Internet Connectivity
      • Concepts: ISP connectivity, leased lines, VPNs, cloud networking.
      • Protocols: MPLS, BGP, NAT, PAT, their applications.
      • Tools: configuring gateways, DNS servers, proxy servers.
    • Network Security
      • Techniques: intrusion detection systems (IDS), VPN setup, VLANs.
      • Tools: Wireshark, Nmap, Kali Linux for security audits.
      • Policies: access control lists (ACLs), user privilege management, audit logs.
    • Network Troubleshooting
      • Methods: diagnosing connectivity, latency, packet loss issues.
      • Tools: ping, traceroute, netstat, protocol analyzers.
      • Scenarios: resolving IP conflicts, DNS failures, hardware faults.
    • Server Administration Basics
      • Servers: file servers, web servers, DHCP/DNS servers, their roles.
      • Configuration: installing server OS (Windows Server, Ubuntu Server), setting up services.
      • Management: user accounts, backups, monitoring server health.
    • Cloud and Emerging Technologies
      • Concepts: cloud computing (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), virtualization, SDN.
      • Tools: AWS, Azure basics, VMWare, Hyper-V for virtual networks.
      • Trends: IoT networking, 5G, edge computing in IT infrastructure.
    • Entrepreneurship and Industry Practices
      • Business: starting a networking service, IT consultancy, vendor coordination.
      • Skills: project management, client communication, cost estimation.
      • Certifications: CompTIA Network+, CCNA basics, their importance.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on network setup, configuration, and troubleshooting in lab environments.

  • Semester 1
    • Safety and Equipment Handling
      • Practicing: safe handling of routers, switches, cables, grounding techniques.
      • Setting up: organized wiring, labeling, ESD-safe workstations.
      • Checking: power supply stability, equipment calibration in labs.
    • Computer Assembly and Maintenance
      • Assembling: desktops with CPU, RAM, storage, network cards.
      • Installing: Windows/Linux OS, drivers, network utilities in lab setups.
      • Troubleshooting: hardware failures, OS errors, peripheral connectivity.
    • Cable Preparation and Testing
      • Crimping: creating straight-through, crossover cables using Cat5e/Cat6.
      • Testing: continuity, signal quality using cable testers, fluke meters.
      • Connecting: patch panels, wall jacks, switch ports in mock setups.
    • LAN Configuration
      • Setting up: small LAN with 5-10 computers, switches, routers.
      • Configuring: static/dynamic IPs, DNS, gateway settings in labs.
      • Testing: file sharing, printer access, ping tests for connectivity.
    • Operating System Networking
      • Windows: creating workgroups, sharing folders, mapping drives.
      • Linux: setting up SSH, checking network interfaces, basic scripts.
      • Tools: using command-line tools (ipconfig, ifconfig, netstat) in labs.
    • Basic Security Implementation
      • Configuring: firewalls, antivirus, user passwords in lab systems.
      • Testing: simulating malware scans, access control policies.
      • Backups: creating/restoring data backups, scheduling tasks.
    • Project Work
      • Task: designing and implementing a small LAN for 10 users.
      • Output: configuring IPs, testing connectivity, documenting setup in labs.
      • Report: detailing hardware, configurations, challenges faced.
  • Semester 2
    • Wireless Network Setup
      • Configuring: Wi-Fi routers, access points with SSID, WPA2/3 encryption.
      • Testing: signal strength, speed, coverage using analyzers in labs.
      • Troubleshooting: resolving interference, weak signals, device pairing issues.
    • WAN Simulation
      • Setting up: mock WAN with routers, simulating ISP connectivity.
      • Configuring: NAT, VPN tunnels, DNS resolution in lab setups.
      • Testing: cross-site connectivity, bandwidth allocation, latency checks.
    • Network Security Practice
      • Implementing: VLANs, ACLs on switches/routers in labs.
      • Auditing: scanning networks with Wireshark, Nmap for vulnerabilities.
      • Securing: enabling encryption, two-factor authentication in mock setups.
    • Troubleshooting Exercises
      • Diagnosing: IP conflicts, DNS errors, cable faults in lab networks.
      • Using: ping, traceroute, protocol analyzers for fault isolation.
      • Resolving: reconfiguring devices, replacing faulty hardware in setups.
    • Server Configuration
      • Installing: Windows Server/Linux Server, setting up DHCP/DNS services.
      • Managing: user accounts, group policies, backups in lab servers.
      • Monitoring: checking CPU, memory, network usage with tools.
    • Cloud and Virtualization
      • Creating: virtual machines using VMWare, Hyper-V in labs.
      • Configuring: cloud-based networks with AWS/Azure trial accounts.
      • Testing: virtual LANs, remote access, scalability in mock setups.
    • Project Work
      • Task: setting up a secure network with LAN, wireless, and server services.
      • Output: configuring devices, testing security, presenting in labs.
      • Portfolio: documenting topology, configurations, troubleshooting logs.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Supports networking with relevant concepts.

  • Semester 1: Arithmetic (IP calculations, bandwidth), physics (electricity, signal transmission).
  • Semester 2: Algebra (subnetting, binary conversions), physics (wireless signals, optics).

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on technical drafting for networks.

  • Semester 1: Sketching network topologies, cable layouts, rack diagrams.
  • Semester 2: Drawing LAN/WAN architectures, data center plans, wireless coverage maps.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

  • Semester 1: Communication (reporting issues), basic IT (software tools).
  • Semester 2: Teamwork (collaborating on setups), entrepreneurship (networking services), time management.

Assessment and Certification

  • Examinations: Semester-wise (theory + practical).
  • Certification: National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally.
  • Evaluation: Based on network functionality, security implementation, troubleshooting accuracy, and project work.

Career Opportunities

  • Employment: Network technician, system administrator, IT support specialist in IT firms, telecom, or corporate offices.
  • Self-Employment: Starting a networking consultancy, IT maintenance service, or cybersecurity firm.
  • Further Studies: Diploma in Networking, certifications like CompTIA Network+, CCNA, or B.Sc. in IT.

Note

  • This syllabus aligns with NCVT guidelines but may vary slightly by institution or state.
  • For the latest version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) or local ITI.
  • Source: Adapted from NCVT CTS framework and networking industry standards.

Trade Type

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