Network Support Services I Lab

Course Description

EEV0570L — Network Support Services I Lab is the laboratory companion course to EEV0570 — Network Support Services I, the introductory course in the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Network Support Services Career Certificate (CC) / Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) program. As a PSAV laboratory course, it carries 0 college credits, with 60 clock hours as the unit of measurement; successful completion is documented on the student's official PSAV transcript.

The lab provides hands-on practice in the foundational concepts presented in the EEV0570 lecture: computer networking and communications fundamentals, networking terminology, hardware components, Local and Wide Area Networking (LAN/WAN) concepts and design, IP addressing and subnet masking, cabling techniques, network topologies, and the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model of layered network communications. Students work with real networking hardware — switches, routers, structured cabling, patch panels, network interface cards — and develop the practical configuration and troubleshooting skills that distinguish certified network support technicians from purely theoretical learners.

The course is part of the FLDOE Network Support Services framework (CIP 0511090102), a typically 1,050-clock-hour PSAV program structured into seven Occupational Completion Points: OCP-A Information Technology Assistant (150 hours), OCP-B Computer Support Assistant (150 hours), OCP-C Network Support Help Desk Assistant (150 hours), OCP-D Network Support Administrator (150 hours), OCP-E Senior Network Administrator (150 hours), OCP-F Wireless Network Administrator (150 hours), and OCP-G Data Communications Analyst (150 hours). EEV0570 + EEV0570L sit within the early portion of this program at institutions using the EEV course-prefix convention (notably South Florida State College). The program is structured around CompTIA A+ and Network+ industry certifications as the principal credential outcomes, with many institutions also offering Cisco Networking Academy curriculum aligned with the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credential. The course is offered at Florida technical institutions including South Florida State College, Eastern Florida State College, several FLDOE district technical centers, and Robert Morgan Educational Center & Technical College.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Apply laboratory and electrical safety practices, including OSHA general industry standards (29 CFR 1910), electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection when handling internal computer components, and recognition of low-voltage electrical hazards in networking equipment.
• Identify and properly use the physical components of a computer network, including network interface cards (NICs), hubs, switches, routers, modems, wireless access points, and structured cabling components (patch panels, jacks, cable testers).
• Terminate Category 5e/Category 6 twisted-pair Ethernet cabling using appropriate tools (crimping tools, punch-down tools, wire strippers); construct straight-through and crossover patch cables; verify pin-out using a cable tester.
• Apply IP addressing principles, including IPv4 address classes, subnet masking, default gateways, and basic IPv6 address recognition; calculate subnet ranges and host addresses for a given subnet mask.
• Configure basic TCP/IP networking on Windows and Linux client computers, including IP address assignment (static and DHCP), subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server configuration.
• Use command-line networking utilities to verify connectivity and troubleshoot network issues, including ipconfig/ifconfig, ping, tracert/traceroute, nslookup/dig, netstat, and arp.
• Identify the seven layers of the OSI reference model and provide examples of protocols, devices, and data units that operate at each layer; recognize the four-layer TCP/IP model and its mapping to the OSI model.
• Distinguish among common network topologies, including bus, ring, star, mesh, and hybrid topologies; describe the practical advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Distinguish between Local Area Networks (LANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), and Wide Area Networks (WANs), and recognize common WAN technologies (leased lines, MPLS, broadband, cellular).
• Configure basic Ethernet switch operation, including port assignment, MAC-address learning, and basic VLAN concepts (introduced — depth varies by institution).
• Demonstrate workplace and customer-service skills appropriate to entry-level technical support, including documentation of problem reports, professional communication with end users, and adherence to ticket-tracking workflows.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis and the time available within the course, students may also:

• Begin preparation for the CompTIA Network+ industry certification (current version), the foundational vendor-neutral networking credential widely recognized by Florida and national employers.
• Begin preparation for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credential through Cisco Networking Academy curriculum; institutions that are Cisco Academy members typically integrate CCNA content into the EEV0570/0571 course sequence.
• Configure basic operation of a SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) wireless router, including SSID, WPA2/WPA3 security, port forwarding, and DHCP scope configuration.
• Install and configure a Windows Server or Linux server in a virtualized lab environment for file/print sharing exercises.
• Apply fiber-optic cabling fundamentals, including fiber types (multimode and single-mode), connector types (LC, SC, ST), and basic fiber tester use.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Networking Fundamentals — purpose of networks, history of networking, types of networks (LAN, MAN, WAN), networking benefits and challenges.
• Network Hardware Components — network interface cards, hubs, switches, routers, modems, wireless access points, network attached storage (NAS), patch panels, structured cabling.
• Network Cabling Techniques — twisted-pair (UTP/STP), Cat 5e/Cat 6/Cat 6a specifications, fiber-optic basics, coaxial cabling; cable termination using RJ-45 connectors and 110-style punch-down jacks; cable testing.
• Network Topologies — bus, ring, star, mesh, hybrid; physical vs. logical topology distinction.
• OSI Reference Model — the seven layers (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application); protocols, devices, and PDUs operating at each layer.
• TCP/IP Protocol Suite — four-layer TCP/IP model, mapping to OSI model, key protocols (IP, TCP, UDP, ICMP, ARP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH, SMTP).
• IP Addressing and Subnetting — IPv4 address classes (A, B, C), private vs. public addresses, subnet masking, CIDR notation, calculation of subnet ranges and usable host addresses, basic IPv6 address recognition.
• Client-Side TCP/IP Configuration — Windows and Linux IP configuration (static and DHCP), default gateway, DNS server configuration, host file basics.
• Network Troubleshooting Utilities — ipconfig/ifconfig, ping, tracert/traceroute, nslookup/dig, netstat, arp, route; systematic troubleshooting methodology.
• Ethernet and Switching Basics — Ethernet frame structure, MAC addressing, switch operation (MAC-address learning, frame forwarding), basic VLAN concepts.
• Network Security Awareness — basic threats (malware, phishing, unauthorized access), foundational defenses (firewalls, antivirus, password discipline, encryption introduction).
• Customer Service and Documentation — ticket tracking, problem documentation, professional communication, escalation procedures.

Optional Topics

• SOHO Wireless Router Configuration — SSID, WPA2/WPA3, port forwarding, DHCP scope, MAC filtering.
• Server Operating Systems Introduction — Windows Server and Linux server installation in a virtualized environment.
• Fiber-Optic Cabling Fundamentals — fiber types, connectors, splice and cleaver basics, OTDR introduction.
• Cisco Networking Academy Curriculum — at Cisco Academy member institutions, Cisco IT Essentials and CCNA Introduction to Networks content is commonly integrated.
• CompTIA Network+ Examination Preparation — current N10-series examination domains and practice testing.

Resources & Tools

• FLDOE Network Support Services Framework (CIP 0511090102) — the official curriculum framework establishing the seven Occupational Completion Points and standards.
• CompTIA Network+ Study Materials — Mike Meyers, Sybex, Pearson IT Certification, Professor Messer (free video resources).
• Cisco Networking Academy — netacad.com curriculum and labs at Cisco Academy member institutions.
• Networking Hardware — Cisco 2960/3560 switches (or equivalent), Cisco ISR 1900/2900 routers, structured cabling components, patch panels, RJ-45 jacks, Cat 5e/Cat 6 cable, fiber-optic patch cords for demonstration.
• Cabling Tools — RJ-45 crimping tools, 110-punch-down tools, wire strippers, cable testers (Klein, Fluke, or equivalent), tone-and-probe tracers.
• Test Computers — Windows 10/11 client systems and Linux client/server distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS Stream) for hands-on configuration practice.
• Network Simulation Software — Cisco Packet Tracer (free for Networking Academy students), GNS3, EVE-NG; commonly used to supplement physical equipment.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — safety glasses for cable termination work, ESD wrist strap when working inside computer chassis.

Career Pathways

EEV0570L initiates the FLDOE Network Support Services PSAV pathway. Successful completion supports progression into:

• Continued Network Support Services PSAV Program — students continue through subsequent OCPs covering computer support, help-desk operations, network administration, senior administration, wireless administration, and data communications analysis, totaling approximately 1,050 hours.
• Help Desk Support Technician / IT Assistant (SOC 15-1232 / 15-1231) — entry-level positions at Florida-headquartered companies and Florida regional offices of national companies. Florida starting wages typically range from $36,000 to $50,000 annually; the Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Jacksonville metropolitan areas all show strong demand.
• Network Support Specialist / Junior Network Administrator — entry-to-mid-level roles after completing additional OCPs and earning the CompTIA Network+ and CCNA credentials.
• Florida Healthcare IT — major employers include AdventHealth, Orlando Health, BayCare, Tampa General, Memorial Healthcare, Jackson Health, Mayo Clinic Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center; healthcare IT consistently shows above-average wage premiums in Florida.
• Florida Hospitality and Theme Park IT — Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Marriott, Hilton, the cruise industry (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian); these large-facility operations employ extensive networking staff.
• Florida Aerospace and Defense — Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, Boeing, the United Launch Alliance, and Raytheon employ network technicians for both general IT and specialized aerospace network work.
• Florida Public Sector and Education — Florida public colleges and universities, K-12 school district IT, and Florida state and local government agencies provide stable career pathways for network technicians.
• Articulation to A.S./A.A.S. Degrees — clock hours from PSAV Network Support Services programs articulate (subject to institutional agreement) into Network Systems Technology and Computer Information Technology A.S. degrees at Florida public colleges, including Daytona State College's Network Systems Technology A.S. and similar programs at other Florida institutions.

Special Information

Program Type and Credit

EEV0570L is a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) clock-hour course at 60 contact hours (per South Florida State College catalog; lengths may vary slightly at other institutions). PSAV courses do not carry college credit hours; credits=0 reflects this. The companion lecture course EEV0570 also carries 60 contact hours at SFSC, for a combined 120-hour Network Support Services I lecture-and-lab block.

FLDOE Framework Alignment

This course is aligned to the FLDOE Network Support Services curriculum framework (CIP 0511090102). The framework establishes a typically 1,050-hour PSAV program structured into seven Occupational Completion Points. The exact course numbering varies by institution: South Florida State College uses the EEV-prefix scheme (EEV0570, EEV0570L, EEV0571, EEV0571L, EEV0572 etc.), while Robert Morgan Educational Center and other M-DCPS technical colleges use OTA, EEV, and CTS prefixes for the various OCPs. Course title, hour count, and exact content coverage may vary by institution; students should verify with the awarding institution's catalog.

Industry Certifications

The course content prepares students for several industry credentials commonly recognized by Florida and national IT employers:

• CompTIA Network+ (current version) — the foundational vendor-neutral networking credential; many Florida employers and federal contractors require this credential for entry-level networking positions.
• CompTIA A+ (Core 1 and Core 2) — the foundational hardware/operating-systems credential typically held by IT support technicians; often a prerequisite for the Network Support Services program at certain institutions.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) — the foundational vendor-specific credential issued by Cisco Systems; integrated into Cisco Networking Academy member institutions' curricula.
• Microsoft Fundamentals certifications — MS-900 (Microsoft 365 Fundamentals), AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals); entry-level Microsoft credentials commonly held by Florida IT support personnel.

Articulation and Transfer

As a PSAV clock-hour course, EEV0570L does not automatically transfer between institutions as college credit. Articulation agreements at Florida public colleges typically permit PSAV Network Support Services completion to apply toward Network Systems Technology, Computer Information Technology, and Cybersecurity A.S./A.A.S. degree programs. Daytona State College's Network Systems Technology A.S. is a common articulation target.

Military Credit Equivalency

Students with prior military training in information technology, communications, signal, or related Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) classifications may be eligible for military credit equivalency awards toward this course. Particularly relevant MOS classifications include:

• U.S. Army 25B (Information Technology Specialist), 25N (Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer), 25Q (Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer), and 25S (Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer)
• U.S. Navy IT (Information Systems Technician) and CTN (Cryptologic Technician — Networks)
• U.S. Air Force 3D0X1 (Knowledge Operations Management), 3D0X2 (Cyber Systems Operations), 3D1X1 (Client Systems), 3D1X2 (Cyber Transport Systems)
• U.S. Marine Corps 0651 (Cyber Network Operator), 0671 (Data Systems Administrator), 0681 (Information Systems Coordinator)
• U.S. Coast Guard IT (Information Systems Technician)
• U.S. Space Force 5C0X1 (Cyberspace Operations) — newly established Space Force IT specialties

Documentation through the Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript is the basis for evaluation. Military experience involving network installation, IP addressing, switch/router configuration, structured cabling, or help-desk operations maps directly to EEV0570L content. Daytona State College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and the Miami-Dade County technical colleges maintain dedicated military-credit equivalency processes for IT PSAV programs.