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AI-generated Certificate in AI-Driven Network Engineering and Security campaign scene

AI-Driven Network Engineering and Security

Duration
6 months
Delivery
Blended
Total learning
496 hours

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities & Progression

  • IT Support Technician
  • Junior Network Engineer
  • Junior Systems Administrator
  • Network Support Technician
  • Windows Server Support Technician
  • Infrastructure Support Assistant

Before you apply

Your programme at a glance

Apply / enquire
Qualification
Certificate (non-NVQ)
Awarding institution
NextGen Campus · Academic Transcript
Duration
Six months (26 weeks; 24 teaching weeks)
Delivery
Blended learning – instructor-led lectures, NextGen LMS laboratories on a virtual network lab platform and a physical capstone
Class schedule
Saturday 1.30 PM – 5.30 PM
Lecture / guided learning
96 hours – instructor-led
LMS laboratory hours
300 hours – Cisco Packet Tracer, EVE-NG/GNS3, automation and telemetry labs via the NextGen LMS
Student Project Book
60 hours – including the Management Module
Modules
16 taught modules + Final Project and Examination (M17)
Entry requirements
G.C.E. O/L with Mathematics and English passes, plus basic computer literacy. No prior networking experience is required.
Next intake
Confirm available batches with admissions

Class schedules follow the syllabus; confirm the batch timetable with admissions.

Complete Programme Map

Course Content Architecture

16 modules across 5 learning phases. Select a module to read its full curriculum.

16Taught modules
5Learning phases
98Syllabus topics
10Career directions
Six months (26 weeks; 24 teaching weeks)Programme duration
NextGen CampusAwarding institution
03 · Hands-on practice
Assemble a PC and install Windows 11Subnetting and addressing plansBuild a Hyper-V host with virtual switchesBuild a domain with DNS, DHCP and an additional DCMigrate a Windows Server 2016/2019 domain to 2022/2025Deploy a VPN server and a filtering web proxyBuild and secure a Cisco branch networkScan and assess lab targets

Guided laboratories, practical activities and a Student Project Book build evidence of your learning.

04 · Project, portfolio & progression
Professional portfolioDocumented laboratories, project evidence and the Management Module
Career directionsIT Support Technician · Junior Network Engineer · Junior Systems Administrator · Network Support Technician · Windows Server Support Technician
Further opportunitiesInfrastructure Support Assistant · Network Operations Centre Technician · Endpoint Administration Assistant · Hybrid Cloud Support Assistant · Network Security Support Technician
DeliveryBlended learning – instructor-led lectures, NextGen LMS laboratories on a virtual network lab platform and a physical capstone
AssessmentContinuous assessment, practical work, final project and Student Project Book
CompletionNextGen Campus qualification and Academic Transcript on successful completion

16 modules · Full syllabus

Complete Curriculum

Explore every phase of the programme, then expand the modules below for the complete syllabus, outcomes and practical work.

Phase 1 — IT Support & Network Foundations

M01IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp8 lecture h · 25 lab h

Build essential IT-support skills through computer hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting, networking, security awareness and customer service. Students learn how to assemble computers, install operating systems, diagnose faults, configure small networks, apply basic security controls and communicate effectively with users.

Syllabus Content

  • Hardware components and assembly
  • Windows and Linux installation
  • Troubleshooting methodology
  • Networking fundamentals and workgroups
  • Security awareness
  • Customer service and ticketing

Learning Outcomes

  • Assemble a computer and install Windows and Linux
  • Diagnose and resolve common hardware and software faults
  • Configure a small workgroup network
  • Apply basic security controls and communicate professionally with users

LMS Laboratories

  • Assemble a PC and install Windows 11
  • Configure a workgroup network with file and printer sharing
  • Resolve help-desk tickets end to end

AI Integration

  • Microsoft Copilot for fault diagnosis and knowledge-base articles

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA A+ (aligned)

M02Introduction to Network Devices and Servers8 lecture h · 25 lab h

Understand the role of routers, switches, firewalls and servers within an organisation. Students explore routing protocols, VLANs, switch stacking, Spanning Tree Protocol, server roles, network topologies and redundant network designs.

Syllabus Content

  • Network devices and server roles
  • IPv4 addressing and subnetting
  • VLANs and switch stacking
  • Spanning Tree Protocol
  • Routing protocols overview
  • Network diagrams, planning, monitoring and server health

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the roles of routers, switches, firewalls and servers
  • Plan IPv4 addressing and subnetting
  • Describe VLANs, stacking, STP and routing protocols
  • Design and document a redundant network topology

LMS Laboratories

  • Subnetting and addressing plans
  • Draw a network diagram with a redundancy plan
  • Set up basic network and server-health monitoring

AI Integration

  • AI-assisted subnetting practice and network documentation

Syllabus alignment: Cisco CCNA 200-301 (aligned)

M07Cisco Router, Switch and Security Configuration4 lecture h · 12.5 lab h

Develop practical Cisco networking skills through router setup, interface configuration, VLANs, trunking, access- control lists, port security, SSH and network-device monitoring. Students learn how to secure Cisco devices while maintaining reliable communication.

Syllabus Content

  • Cisco IOS and router setup
  • Interface configuration
  • VLANs and trunking
  • Access-control lists
  • Port security and SSH
  • Device monitoring (SNMP, Syslog)

Learning Outcomes

  • Configure Cisco routers and switch interfaces
  • Configure VLANs, trunking, ACLs and port security
  • Secure device management with SSH and monitor devices

LMS Laboratories

  • Build and secure a Cisco branch network
  • Apply ACLs and port security

AI Integration

  • AI review of Cisco configurations

Syllabus alignment: Cisco CCNA 200-301 (aligned)

Phase 2 — Windows Server & Virtualisation Infrastructure

M03VMware and Hyper-V Virtualisation4 lecture h · 12.5 lab h

Learn how virtualisation improves hardware usage, flexibility and business continuity. Students gain exposure to VMware ESXi, vCenter Server, Hyper-V, virtual machines, virtual switches, datastores, snapshots, templates, live migration, high availability and disaster recovery.

Syllabus Content

  • Hypervisor types
  • VMware ESXi and vCenter Server
  • Microsoft Hyper-V
  • Virtual switches and datastores
  • Snapshots and templates
  • Live migration, HA and DR

Learning Outcomes

  • Deploy virtual machines on VMware ESXi and Hyper-V
  • Configure virtual switches, datastores, snapshots and templates
  • Explain live migration, high availability and DR

LMS Laboratories

  • Build a Hyper-V host with virtual switches
  • Deploy VMs from templates on ESXi

AI Integration

  • AI-generated PowerShell for Hyper-V administration

Syllabus alignment: AZ-800 (Hyper-V) · VMware (aligned)

M04Microsoft Windows Server Installation and Administration24 lecture h · 75 lab h

Develop practical Windows Server administration skills covering server installation, WDS, WSUS, DHCP, DNS, Active Directory, Remote Desktop Services, Group Policy, file services, print services, monitoring, backup, recovery, security and compliance.

Syllabus Content

  • Server editions, roles and licensing
  • AD DS, DNS, DHCP and additional domain controllers
  • OU architecture and Group Policy (basic and advanced)
  • File and print services
  • WDS and WSUS
  • Remote Desktop Services
  • Monitoring, backup, recovery, security and compliance

Learning Outcomes

  • Install and license Windows Server 2022/2025 and choose server roles
  • Deploy Active Directory, DNS and DHCP with an additional domain controller
  • Design OUs and Group Policy; configure file and print services
  • Deploy WDS and WSUS; configure RDS, monitoring, backup and recovery
  • Apply security and compliance baselines

LMS Laboratories

  • Build a domain with DNS, DHCP and an additional DC
  • Design OUs and Group Policy for a company
  • Deploy WSUS, WDS and Windows Server Backup
  • Integrated all-servers practical

AI Integration

  • AI-generated PowerShell for bulk AD administration; AI-assisted event-log analysis

Syllabus alignment: AZ-800 / AZ-801 Windows Server Hybrid Administrator (pathway)

M05Windows Domain Migration4 lecture h · 12.5 lab h

Learn how to assess an existing Windows domain and prepare a structured migration plan. Students explore migration preparation, required tools, execution, validation, post-migration testing and cleanup procedures.

Syllabus Content

  • Domain assessment
  • Migration preparation and tools
  • FSMO roles and functional levels
  • Execution and validation
  • Post-migration testing and cleanup

Learning Outcomes

  • Assess an existing domain
  • Plan a structured migration with rollback
  • Execute, validate, test and clean up a migration

LMS Laboratories

  • Migrate a Windows Server 2016/2019 domain to 2022/2025
  • Validate and clean up after migration

AI Integration

  • AI-assisted migration checklist and runbook

Syllabus alignment: AZ-801 (pathway)

Phase 3 — Enterprise Services & Security

M06Securing Your Network4 lecture h · 12.5 lab h

Explore network-security principles, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, VPNs, encryption and incident response. Students learn how organisations protect communication, monitor suspicious activity and respond to security incidents.

Syllabus Content

  • Network-security principles
  • Firewalls and web proxy (pfSense/OPNsense with Squid)
  • IDS/IPS (Suricata/Snort)
  • VPN server and encryption
  • Backup server
  • Incident response

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply network-security principles and firewall policy
  • Deploy a VPN server and a web proxy with filtering
  • Configure IDS/IPS monitoring
  • Respond to a network security incident

LMS Laboratories

  • Deploy a VPN server and a filtering web proxy
  • Tune IDS alerts and respond to an incident

AI Integration

  • AI-assisted firewall rule review

Syllabus alignment: CompTIA Security+ (aligned)

M08Kali Linux and Ethical Security Testing4 lecture h · 12.5 lab h

Gain introductory exposure to Kali Linux and ethical-security tools within controlled laboratory environments. Students explore authorised scanning, vulnerability assessment, web-security awareness, password-security auditing and wireless-security concepts while following legal and professional boundaries.

Syllabus Content

  • Kali Linux and lab isolation
  • Authorised scanning (Nmap)
  • Vulnerability assessment
  • Web-security awareness
  • Password-security auditing
  • Wireless-security concepts
  • Computer Crimes Act No. 24 of 2007

Learning Outcomes

  • Use Kali Linux tools in an isolated lab
  • Perform authorised scanning and vulnerability assessment
  • Explain web, password and wireless security risks within legal boundaries

LMS Laboratories

  • Scan and assess lab targets
  • Audit password strength on lab accounts

AI Integration

  • AI-assisted vulnerability triage, verified by the learner

Syllabus alignment: CEH / PenTest+ (introductory)

M09Enterprise Client Monitoring Systems8 lecture h · 25 lab h

Learn how organisations centrally manage computers, software, updates, assets and endpoints. Students gain exposure to Microsoft Configuration Manager and Desktop Central for device discovery, client deployment, patch management, application deployment, reporting and system-health monitoring.

Syllabus Content

  • Microsoft Configuration Manager (current branch)
  • Device discovery and client deployment
  • Patch and application deployment
  • Reporting and system health
  • ManageEngine Endpoint Central ()
  • Enterprise antivirus / endpoint protection server — replaces "Corporate Virus Guard"
  • Co-management with Microsoft Intune (overview)

Learning Outcomes

  • Deploy Microsoft Configuration Manager clients and discover devices
  • Manage patches, applications and reports
  • Use ManageEngine Endpoint Central ()
  • Centrally manage enterprise endpoint protection

LMS Laboratories

  • Deploy Configuration Manager clients and an application
  • Manage patches with Endpoint Central
  • Centrally manage endpoint protection

AI Integration

  • AI-assisted compliance reporting

Syllabus alignment: MD-102 (pathway)

M10Installing and Configuring Microsoft SQL Server4 lecture h · 12.5 lab h

Understand how Microsoft SQL Server supports business applications and organisational data. Students learn SQL Server installation, database creation, server configuration, user permissions, security controls, backup and recovery.

Syllabus Content

  • SQL Server 2022/2025 editions
  • Installation and configuration
  • Database creation
  • Logins, users and permissions
  • Security controls
  • Backup and recovery

Learning Outcomes

  • Install and configure SQL Server 2022/2025
  • Create databases and manage permissions
  • Apply security controls and back up and restore databases

LMS Laboratories

  • Install SQL Server and create a business database
  • Back up and restore a database

AI Integration

  • Copilot-assisted T-SQL, reviewed by the learner

Syllabus alignment: DP-300 (pathway)

Phase 4 — Cloud, Continuity & Professional Practice

M11Managing Cloud Infrastructure with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 3658 lecture h · 25 lab h

Develop foundation skills in cloud computing, Azure resource management, networking, storage, virtual machines, identity, security and compliance. Students also explore Microsoft 365 administration, user management, service health, collaboration tools and cloud-security controls.

Syllabus Content

  • Cloud computing concepts
  • Azure resource management
  • Networking, storage and virtual machines
  • Identity, security and compliance
  • Microsoft 365 administration and service health
  • Exchange Online mailboxes and email security (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
  • Collaboration tools and cloud-security controls
  • Licensing and certification pathways

Learning Outcomes

  • Manage Azure resources, networking, storage and VMs
  • Configure Microsoft Entra identity, security and compliance
  • Administer Microsoft 365 users, service health and collaboration tools

LMS Laboratories

  • Deploy a secured Azure VM and network
  • Administer a Microsoft 365 tenant

AI Integration

  • Copilot in Azure; Microsoft 365 Copilot overview

Syllabus alignment: AZ-900 · AZ-104 (pathway)

M12Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery2 lecture h · 6.25 lab h

Learn how organisations prepare for system failures, cyber incidents and operational disruptions. Students assess continuity requirements, design disaster-recovery solutions, document recovery procedures and test recovery plans.

Syllabus Content

  • Business impact analysis
  • RTO and RPO
  • DR design
  • Recovery procedures
  • Plan testing

Learning Outcomes

  • Assess continuity requirements (RTO/RPO)
  • Design and document a DR solution
  • Test a recovery plan

LMS Laboratories

  • Write and test a DR plan for the lab domain

AI Integration

  • AI-assisted DR plan drafting

Syllabus alignment: ISO 22301 (awareness)

M13Service-Level Agreements and Agreement Scopes2 lecture h · 6.25 lab h

Understand how service-level agreements define responsibilities, performance targets and service expectations. Students learn how to identify key performance indicators, review real-world agreements and prepare professional SLA documents.

Syllabus Content

  • SLA purpose and structure
  • Agreement scopes
  • KPIs and performance targets
  • Reviewing real agreements
  • Writing SLAs

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain SLAs, scopes and responsibilities
  • Identify KPIs
  • Prepare a professional SLA document

LMS Laboratories

  • Prepare an SLA for an IT support service

AI Integration

  • AI-assisted SLA review

Syllabus alignment: ITIL 4 Foundation (aligned)

M14Project Management Fundamentals2 lecture h · 6.25 lab h

Explore project lifecycles, planning, scheduling, risk management and methodologies such as Agile and Waterfall. Students learn how to plan IT projects, assign responsibilities, monitor progress and report project outcomes.

Syllabus Content

  • Project lifecycles
  • Planning and scheduling
  • Risk management
  • Agile and Waterfall
  • Responsibilities and reporting

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain project lifecycles, Agile and Waterfall
  • Plan and schedule an IT project with risks
  • Monitor progress and report outcomes

LMS Laboratories

  • Build a project plan for the final project

AI Integration

  • AI-assisted project planning

Syllabus alignment: PMI CAPM · Agile (aligned)

M15Interview Skills and the IT Job Market2 lecture h · 6.25 lab h

Prepare for employment through CV writing, cover-letter preparation, interview techniques and common technical interview questions. Students also learn job-search strategies, professional networking and employment opportunities in Sri Lanka and overseas.

Syllabus Content

  • CV and cover letters
  • Interview techniques
  • Technical interview questions
  • Job-search strategies and networking
  • Opportunities in Sri Lanka and overseas

Learning Outcomes

  • Write a CV and cover letter
  • Answer common technical interview questions
  • Plan a job search locally and overseas

LMS Laboratories

  • Mock technical interview and CV review

AI Integration

  • AI-assisted CV feedback

Syllabus alignment: Career readiness

Phase 5 — AI for Network & Systems Engineers

M16AI for Network and Systems Engineers8 lecture h · 25 lab h

Introduces AI-assisted network monitoring, troubleshooting, automation, log analysis, PowerShell scripting and technical documentation for modern network and systems engineers.

Syllabus Content

  • AI concepts for IT engineers; prompt engineering for technical tasks
  • Microsoft Copilot, Copilot in Azure, Microsoft 365 Copilot administration overview, Security Copilot overview
  • AI-assisted network monitoring and anomaly detection
  • AI log analysis: Windows event logs, firewall logs, syslog
  • AI-assisted troubleshooting workflows
  • PowerShell automation with AI: generate, review, test, deploy
  • Technical documentation, runbooks and incident reports with AI
  • Responsible AI: verification, data privacy (PDPA No. 9 of 2022), change control

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain how AI assistants and AI features support IT operations, and their limits
  • Use AI to monitor networks, detect anomalies and analyse Windows, firewall and syslog logs
  • Troubleshoot network and server faults with AI assistance and verify every result
  • Automate administration with AI-assisted PowerShell, tested before production
  • Produce runbooks and technical documentation with AI; apply responsible-AI and data-protection rules

LMS Laboratories

  • Analyse server and firewall logs with an AI assistant and verify the findings
  • Troubleshoot a broken lab network with AI help
  • Write, test and correct an AI-generated PowerShell automation script
  • Produce a runbook and incident report with AI and review them for accuracy

AI Integration

  • The dedicated AI module — two full weeks

Syllabus alignment: AI-901 (aligned)

Industry certification alignment is syllabus guidance. External examinations are separate; course completion does not award vendor certification.

Learning outcomes

Skills You Will Develop

  • Provide professional IT support: hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting and small networks.
  • Plan, build, secure and monitor enterprise networks, including Cisco routers and switches.
  • Deploy and administer Windows Server 2022/2025 infrastructure, virtualisation and domain migration.
  • Run enterprise services: SQL Server and centrally managed endpoints, and administer email security in Exchange Online.
  • Secure networks with firewalls, web proxies, VPNs, IDS/IPS and authorised security testing.
  • Manage Azure and Microsoft 365 infrastructure and plan business continuity and disaster recovery.
  • Apply SLAs, project management and professional career skills.
  • Use AI confidently and responsibly for monitoring, log analysis, troubleshooting, PowerShell automation and documentation.
  • Complete, document and present a final enterprise project and pass the final examination.

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

IT Support TechnicianJunior Network EngineerJunior Systems AdministratorNetwork Support TechnicianWindows Server Support TechnicianInfrastructure Support AssistantNetwork Operations Centre TechnicianEndpoint Administration AssistantHybrid Cloud Support AssistantNetwork Security Support Technician

Potential roles to work towards, depending on your practical portfolio, experience and employer requirements. Some roles require further training or certification.

Tools & Platforms

Technologies used

  • Cisco routers and switches
  • Windows Server
  • SQL Server
  • Exchange Online
  • Azure and Microsoft 365
  • PowerShell

Labs & practicals

How you will learn

  • Live online teaching with scheduled on-campus practical sessions
  • LMS module labs with trainer feedback
  • A Student Project Book documenting your learning
  • A final project, presentation and practical assessment

Admission requirements

Before you start

G.C.E. O/L with Mathematics and English passes, plus basic computer literacy. No prior networking experience is required.

You will need a computer and reliable internet for online classes and LMS activities.

NextGen Campus support

Student support

  • Academic guidance from your course coordinator
  • Trainer feedback on LMS laboratory work
  • Project planning and documentation support
  • LMS help for login and technical questions

Put your learning into practice

Projects & assessment

Build and present a final enterprise project, supported by a theory paper, practical examination and Student Project Book.

Continuous assessment
40%
Final examination
20%
Final project
20%
Student Project Book
20%

Complete the required practical work and project submissions. The handbook sets out attendance, pass requirements, grading and re-sit arrangements.

Capstone Project — 40 Hours (Physical)

Final Project and Examination (M17)

The programme concludes with Module 17, Final Project and Examination: Complete a final enterprise project that demonstrates the technical knowledge developed throughout the diploma. Students prepare a project proposal, implement and document the solution, present it to a panel and complete the final examination. The project is built physically over five poya days (9.00 AM – 5.00 PM) at the NextGen Campus Head Office, Nugegoda, each scheduled after the phase it builds on; the final examination (theory and final practical) is held in exam week (week 25).

Capstone Deliverables

  • Approved project proposal and project plan
  • Implemented enterprise network and server infrastructure
  • Enterprise services (SQL Server, endpoint management) and security controls
  • Hybrid cloud integration and DR plan
  • Technical documentation, SLA and AI-assisted monitoring evidence
  • Panel presentation and technical defence

Student Project Book & Management Module

The Student Project Book is a guided professional record developed throughout the course (about 2.5 hours a week). It documents laboratory work, design decisions and project outcomes, and applies the professional-practice modules (M12–M15) to the learner's own final project.

  • MU1 IT Documentation and Change Records Network diagrams, configuration records and change logs
  • MU2 Server Build Documentation Server role, Group Policy and backup documentation
  • MU3 Business Continuity and DR Plan (applies M12) BIA, RTO/RPO and recovery procedures for the final project
  • MU4 SLA Document (applies M13) A professional SLA for the final project's IT service
  • MU5 Project Plan and Report (applies M14) Project plan, risks and progress reporting
  • MU6 CV and Professional Portfolio (applies M15) CV, cover letter and portfolio of course work

Payment Options

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Total course feeLKR 60,000Course tuition
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Installment arrangements

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Registration feeLKR 3,000 (one-time)
  • Lecturer-led learning and guided practical work
  • LMS laboratories and Student Project Book
  • Programme project and assessment

Course tuition and the one-time registration fee are listed separately. Confirm payment dates and installment availability with admissions. External professional certification examination fees are separate unless NextGen Campus specifically states otherwise.

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