24-Month (2-Year) Advanced Diploma in Computer Networking and Systems Administration (DCNSA)

The Advanced Diploma in Computer Networking and Systems Administration (DCNSA) is essential for individuals looking to build expertise in managing, configuring, and securing computer networks and IT infrastructures. This qualification equips students with in-depth knowledge of network protocols, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and system administration, preparing them for roles such as network administrators, IT support specialists, and system engineers. With the growing reliance on digital connectivity, businesses require professionals who can ensure seamless network operations and safeguard data from cyber threats. The DCNSA also provides a pathway for further certifications like Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, and Microsoft Azure, enhancing career prospects in the ever-evolving IT industry.

Course Duration: 24-Month (2-Year) 
Course Fee: 30,000 Kenyan Shillings
Weekly Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours per day
Course Overview:

24-Month (2-Year) Advanced Diploma in Computer Networking and Systems Administration (DCNSA) course breakdown. The course is divided into 4 with weekly topics assigned. Each unit has a unique course code.

Advanced Diploma in Computer Networking and Systems Administration (DCNSA)

Duration: 24 Months (104 Weeks)
Mode: Theoretical + Practical + Industry Projects

Semester 1: Fundamentals of Computing & Networking

📅 Duration: 26 Weeks

Module 1: Introduction to Computing (DCNSA-101)

• Week 1-2: Fundamentals of Computer Systems
• Week 3-4: Operating System Basics (Windows & Linux)
• Week 5-6: Introduction to Virtualization

Module 2: Networking Essentials (DCNSA-102)

• Week 7-8: Networking Concepts & OSI Model
• Week 9-10: TCP/IP Protocol Suite
• Week 11-12: IP Addressing & Subnetting
• Week 13-14: Network Devices & Topologies

Module 3: System Administration Basics (DCNSA-103)

• Week 15-16: User & Group Management (Windows/Linux)
• Week 17-18: File System Management
• Week 19-20: Network File Sharing (NFS, SMB)

Module 4: Network Security Essentials (DCNSA-104)

• Week 21-22: Basic Cybersecurity Principles
• Week 23-24: Firewalls & Network Security Tools
• Week 25-26: Mid-Semester Exam + Industry Guest Lecture

Semester 2: Advanced Networking & Security

📅 Duration: 26 Weeks

Module 5: Routing & Switching (DCNSA-201)

• Week 27-28: VLANs & Inter-VLAN Routing
• Week 29-30: Static & Dynamic Routing (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP)
• Week 31-32: Switching Protocols (STP, VTP, EtherChannel)

Module 6: Advanced System Administration (DCNSA-202)

• Week 33-34: Windows Server Management
• Week 35-36: Linux Server Administration (Apache, MySQL, SSH)
• Week 37-38: System Performance Tuning

Module 7: Network Security & Threats (DCNSA-203)

• Week 39-40: Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
• Week 41-42: Wireless Network Security
• Week 43-44: Incident Response & Forensics

Module 8: Cloud Computing & Virtualization (DCNSA-204)

• Week 45-46: Introduction to Cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
• Week 47-48: Virtualization Technologies (VMware, Hyper-V)
• Week 49-50: Industry Use Cases + Mid-Year Exam

Semester 3: Enterprise Networking & Server Infrastructure

📅 Duration: 26 Weeks

Module 9: Enterprise Networking (DCNSA-301)

• Week 51-52: MPLS & WAN Technologies
• Week 53-54: VoIP & Unified Communications
• Week 55-56: Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Module 10: Server Infrastructure & Storage (DCNSA-302)

• Week 57-58: Active Directory & Group Policy
• Week 59-60: Network Attached Storage (NAS) & SAN
• Week 61-62: Backup & Disaster Recovery

Module 11: Network Automation & Scripting (DCNSA-303)

• Week 63-64: Python for Network Automation
• Week 65-66: PowerShell & Bash Scripting
• Week 67-68: Automating System Administration Tasks

Module 12: Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing (DCNSA-304)

• Week 69-70: Ethical Hacking Basics
• Week 71-72: Penetration Testing Tools (Metasploit, Wireshark)
• Week 73-74: Vulnerability Assessment

Semester 4: Cloud, Cybersecurity, & Final Projects

📅 Duration: 26 Weeks

Module 13: Cloud Networking & Security (DCNSA-401)

• Week 75-76: Cloud Security Best Practices
• Week 77-78: Kubernetes & Container Networking
• Week 79-80: Zero Trust Architecture

Module 14: IT Project Management (DCNSA-402)

• Week 81-82: Agile & DevOps Practices
• Week 83-84: ITIL & Service Management
• Week 85-86: Industry Case Studies

Module 15: Capstone Project & Internship (DCNSA-403)

• Week 87-90: Real-World Networking & Security Project
• Week 91-94: Internship/Industrial Attachment
• Week 95-98: Project Presentation & Evaluation

Module 16: Certification & Career Preparation (DCNSA-404)

• Week 99-100: CCNA, CompTIA Security+, Linux+ Prep
• Week 101-102: Resume Building & Job Interview Prep
• Week 103-104: Final Exam & Graduation 🎓

Additional Course Features

✅ Certifications Prep: CCNA, CompTIA Security+, AWS, Linux+
✅ Practical Hands-on Labs: Cisco Packet Tracer, VMware, AWS
✅ Industry Internship: 3 Months (Final Semester)